Chase makes an early commitment

One of the first big-time commitments from the junior college Class of 2006 took place over Labor Day weekend. Sheridan College's Gordon Chase has picked a school.

"Gus committed to Montana over the weekend," Sheridan head coach Joel Davidson told JucoJunction on Tuesday afternoon.

Chase had previously been offered by Montana State and Texas-Pan American. He had also scheduled visits to Liberty and Lamar.

"He is a good kid, one of those kids that just said he would feel it when he was there if it was the right place," Davidson said. "Their staff has just done such a good job throughout the whole process. They were probably the leaders going in (to the visit). When he was up there, he just loved the guys, the coaching staff, the town. He had a really good time and he committed when he was up there."

The Grizzlies made the NCAA tournament last year under first year coach Larry Krystkowiak. Montana fought hard, but fell to top-seeded Washington, 88-77 in the tourney's first round.

"They're definitely a program on the rise," Davidson said. "They had a good recruiting class last year and with Gus coming in, I think they'll be better this year. I think he'll fit in real well at that level."

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Chase, who had at least 15 rebounds on multiple occasions last season, should be able to play the power forward spot in the Big Sky Conference.

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