Vanwright headed for the high country

One look was all it took for the No. 123 ranked player in the Rivals150 Dale Vanwright to know where he wanted to go to college. After a visit to the high country, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound small forward from Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas, has decided to play his college ball in the Big 12.

"I committed to the Colorado staff," said Vanwright. "I took an unofficial visit there earlier this year, and I loved everything about Colorado. After the visit, they were my favorite school by far, and I just decided I wanted to commit and concentrate on my summer.

The Colorado staff, who has been avidly recruiting Vanwright since last summer, created a comfort level and confidence level in Vanwright.

"I really felt comfortable with the coaching staff," he said. "They were honest with me all along, and I feel that they can make me a better player and help me get to the next level.

"Also, the campus was great. It reminded me of home, and I felt comfortable with the way it was set up. They were just the perfect fit for me, and they are a Big 12 school which will help me get plenty of exposure."

A versatile wing player who can contribute in all the statistical categories, Vanwright has the size and skill base to be an effective player at Colorado.

"Dale has done a great job of improving the last few years, and I think he's still growing as a player," said Vanwright's AAU coach Rick Nelson of the Houston Elite. "He does a little bit of everything for us. If we need him to get some points or rebounds in the paint, he does it. But he can also step outside and make his jumper or take people off the dribble. He's very strong and a good defender."