Minnesota contacts Boucher

With Mo Walker and Elliott Eliason graduating, Minnesota badly needs to reload at center. The staff will search the country for junior college big men, and the first name to surface is Northwest College sophomore Chris Boucher.

Boucher has already had a journey on the court, attending Alma Academy in Quebec for a postgraduate year, then enrolling at New Mexico Junior College as a freshman before transferring to Northwest College for his last year of junior college. He transferred to Northwest College in part because of their playing style.

"Chris played with a teammate in New Mexico. They went there kind of as a package deal, but it didn't really work out. His friend wanted to leave, so they stuck together and left," Northwest College head coach Brian Erickson told Gopher Illustrated. "Their choice in Northwest was because of playing style. They played in a lot of structured halfcourt sets at New Mexico, and we're a little bit more free-flowing and high-tempo."

A fast-paced system is something that Boucher may be looking for at the next level, as well.

"I'd say up-tempo and pick-and-roll are my favorites, but I can be comfortable in any system," Boucher said.

His coach agrees, noting his value during full-court pressure.

"I think he's capable of any playing style, but with his motor, I think it's best for him to look at some of the teams that can press. You know he's 6'10 and can move. You make a move and he's that guy on the ball ready to trap somebody. We've never really had a high tempo system here, but now with him we've been able to do it because he's a big that can run the floor both ways."

Boucher believes he's having a good season, and will stay focused on the season for now. His recruitment can wait.

"I think this is one of the best seasons in my life. I have more of a chance to show what I'm capable of doing," he explained. "I've actually (had) a lot (of schools come in). It' hard to say who is recruiting me the hardest. I'm also thinking a lot about the season, so I didn't really start looking at that yet. I'll take visits probably in March or after my season."

One school that's shown a lot of interest is TCU, who visited him on January 13. It was the third time Horned Frogs assistant Chris Tifft has been in to see him.

"The visit was okay, just came and talk about the TCU program and the head coach," Boucher said.

A handful of other high-majors have expressed major interest as well.

"Oklahoma State's been in a couple times. They offered him early and wanted to get him on a visit, but I don't know how comfortable I am saying he still has an offer, but they did offer at one time. His recruitment was pretty big early. We talked to Kansas, Penn State, Oregon.

"Right now, Minnesota, Arizona State, Washington State, TCU, and East Carolina in the last week have been calling. Southern Miss called this afternoon," Erickson said. "Idaho State and Montana have offered him. Utah State has offered, and maybe a couple more mid or low majors. TCU's probably the biggest offer right now."

The Gophers have been in touch with Boucher since early December.

"Just talking about the program and they needs," Boucher said, when asked what he's heard from Minnesota.

"We've been talking probably about once a week for the past month. They haven't officially offered, but they've talked about coming out to a game," Erickson added.

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Scouting Report

Brian Erickson, Northwest College head coach: "Really good defensively, he moves so well running the floor. He's just a shot changer, shot blocker. Right now, I think he's averaging four and a half blocks per game for us. He really protects the middle, but he's so agile that he's capable of getting from point A to point B to make those blocks. He can be on the wing and then be able to get to the paint pretty quick. He was 6'1 when he was a sophomore in high school and back then he was a guard. He actually didn't start playing basketball until about four or five years ago. He grew about nine inches. He's very good from the perimeter and can shoot it will. Attacks from the dribble. High motor and active is the best way to explain him."

Brian Lohrey, New Mexico JC assistant: "Chris is ultra long, really athletic for his size, can shoot the three, and has a natural ability to block shots. I think he averaged like four blocked shots per game for us. He's a great kid that works hard. He can run the floor like a deer. I think he's a very competitive kid also. He's a good pick-and-pop guy."