Utes snag rising big man

6-foot-11 center Jason Washburn was one of the better big men Rivals.com watched in the month of July. More and more coaches were intrigued by the shot blocking center as well, but Washburn ended his burgeoning recruitment with a commitment to the first coach who ever recruited him.

"Utah was where I wanted to go ever since Coach Boylen left Michigan State for Utah," said Washburn, who is from Battle Creek (Mich.) Central High School. "I wanted to wait till after Vegas just to see what would happen."

Things were beginning to happen with high-majors such as LSU, Indiana, Vanderbilt and Penn State, but Washburn but the draw just wasn't enough.

"Coach Boylen was the first coach to ever recruit me," said Washburn. "He saw something special in me three years ago that no one else really saw until this summer. He is a former NBA coach and a good overall man. Watching him on the bench, I could tell he is a tough guy but that he also loves his players.

"He told me he was impressed with my leadership this summer with the Michigan Mustangs. He also loves the way I run the court and the way my jump hook is coming along. His reputation is developing big men, and if anyone can take me to the highest level, it is him."

Washburn is the No. 88 ranked prospect in the Rivals150.

Jason Washburn scouting report:

An extremely mobile big man at 6-foot-11, Washburn plays baseline to baseline with a lot of energy. One of the better shot blockers in the 2008 class, Washburn is coming around offensively. He has the potential to be a big man who can stretch the defense past the three-point line and can also score with his jump hook inside. Continuing to gain strength is the key for Washburn's further development.