Yannick Atanga reportedly to Santa Clara

Another 2010 recruit to cross off the list.

Yannick Atanga, according to Silver and Blue Sports, has committed to Kerry Keating and Santa Clara.  Atanga is a big-bodied, power forward prospect from Besant Hill, California who had offers from basically every WCC program aside from Gonzaga.  We had a few interviews with Yannick's coach at Besant Hill and our most recent one kind of felt like Gonzaga's interest was falling off as it became clear to Yannick that GU was only prepared to offer one scholarship for 2010.  

Atanga is a very talented prospect with plenty of upside that Gonzaga will have to face for four years.  It is a great get for Keating and the Broncos as he had some high-major interest but he should fit in great with Santa Clara.  

2010 continues to be anyone's best guess as far as Gonzaga recruiting is concerned.  With Atanga off the list, the only guy that is on the radar is Darrell Williams, a juco player that visited a few months ago.  I expected Williams to either be offered and commit or not be offered and never be heard from again so my best guess is that he is also off the radar.  

Gonzaga doesn't need to offer anyone in 2010 with the skill level of the 2011 class but it'd be great to get a player that can impact the frontcourt right away, which is why the juco option looked so appealing.

With Gonzaga recruiting, you just never know and have to expect the unexpected.

Yannick Atanga Links:
Rivals Profile
Parsing the WAC reports his commitment via Silver and Blue Sports
SSF's most recent interview with Yannick's high school coach Randy Bertin