Botez Will Sign Late; Chemeketa Update

Chris Botez, a 6-11, 225 pound center from Chemeketa C.C. in Salem, Ore., has opted to sign in the spring.

This comes as little surprise to JUCO Junction, since we reported earlier this fall that Botez appeared headed for a spring decision.

Chemeketa Head Coach David Abderhalden said that Boise State, Hawaii, Oregon State and Pacific have been at the junior college this fall to express an interest in Botez. Others who have called include New Mexico, New Mexico State, DePaul and Wyoming.

"Chris is still going to sign late," Abderhalden said. "But those are the schools that are the most serious about him."

One of the reasons that Botez decided to sign late was to focus on his academics. He could graduate by the summer, but according to Abderhalden, there is little margin for error. Chemeketa didn't start school until late September, so Abderhalden said that by Christmas they should have a firmer idea on Botez's academic timetable.

Another big man has surfaced at Chemeketa this fall. Jason Hartford, a 6-9, 230 pound freshman power forward/center from Tillamook, Ore., is a freshman qualifier who could leave the junior college after just one year.

Aberhalden said he has fielded calls from Lehigh, New Hampshire and Davidson regarding Hartford.

"Jason has grown eight inches over the last four years, so he's a bit of a late bloomer," Abderhalden said.

Hartford has benefited from going head to head in practice everyday with Botez.

We'll keep you posted on both Botez and Hartford as the JUCO regular season approaches. Stay tuned!