Montrell McDonald ready for Big 12

It's been a long time coming for Cowley County C.C. (Kansas) PF Montrell McDonald. But a three year journey, the 2008 prospect has picked Texas Tech as his new home at the Division-I level.

"I've been recruited three times but it was different this time because this time I felt like I had to make the right decision," McDonald explained. "I only have two years left. So this time was actually the most difficult for me."

It came down to Kansas State and Texas Tech for the 6-foot-6, 185-pound forward. After visiting the Wildcats last month and the Red Raiders last weekend, McDonald knew he had to make a decision quickly with it already being a week past signing day.

"I like Tech's facilities are better and I liked the school atmosphere. It's also close to home and it feels like a better school for me. Plus, I wouldn't be going to Tech if I didn't feel like I wasn't going to get any playing time."

Originally from Fort Worth, McDonald is moving out of the state he has lived the last two years in order to come back and only be five hours away from his family.

The Red Raiders coaching staff helped McDonald in making his final decision as well.

"They just told me how much they wanted me and told me I could come in and play there for two year and be a big prospect out of the Big 12. I know that if I come in and work hard at what I can, then they're going to work hard with me to help me become the best player I can be, not only at Tech, but also after I leave Tech."

Another reason McDonald felt favoritism towards Tech was because of the spot on the floor that the coaches told him he'd be at.

"What I really liked about that was that they didn't have a set position for me. They want me to play the one through four and want me to be versatile. That's how I really like playing because I don't like being at a set position."

Feeling like he's not going to be held back, McDonald can finally relax and concentrate on finishing up his academics at Cowley County and moving to Lubbock in June.

"That's a good feeling. I worked hard this year to get recruited like I did and to sign with Texas Tech is a great feeling. I wanted to get recruited in Texas heavily and I didn't and Tech gave me a chance and I'm going to try to make the best of it for these next two years."