Is Joel Box Having Second Thoughts

After establishing himself as one of the top big men in the junior college ranks this past summer, Joel Box suddenly become one of the more heavily recruited players in the class of 2005.

The 6-foot-8, 250-pound power forward from John Wood (Ill.) Community College had given a verbal commitment to New Mexico before making a name for himself this past summer. With so many new schools calling on Wood, is he still sold on playing for Lobos?

“Joel really had a great summer and high major schools from all over the place definitely took notice,” John Wood coach Brad Hoyt said. “We had St. John’s, Florida State, Ohio State, Kansas State and quite a few others calling on Joel. There were 50 or more Division 1 schools in the gym this summer to watch Joel play.”

Despite the fact that Box is still receiving interest from a number of high major programs, the Illinois native will honor his commitment to New Mexico. Box has built a strong relationship with the Lobo staff, and is not ready to give that up.

“Joel has given a verbal commitment to New Mexico, and he is going to honor that commitment,” Hoyt said. “He took a visit to New Mexico and loved everything about the campus and the coaching staff. Joel is really big on relationships and being comfortable around other people. He has developed a great relationship with the New Mexico coaching staff, so he has decided to stick with his decision.”