Ryan Spangler makes it three in 2011

As we reported earlier this evening, Ryan Spangler decided to commit to Gonzaga while he was on his official visit this past weekend.  Spangler's commitment is the third in 2011, as guards Kyle Dranginis and Gary Bell Jr. had already given their verbal to Mark Few and Co.

Ryan had recently narrowed his college choices down to Colorado and the Zags after his visit to Boulder but Spokane obviously treated him right and the 6'8'' forward decided to end his recruitment.  As we have documented on the site, Ryan is a dual sport athlete as he is currently the star quarterback on Bridge Creek High School.  Many had thought Ryan would opt for a collegiate football career but the youngster decided to pursue basketball and the Zags quickly gobbled him up.

From what we have gathered about Ryan, he seems to be made in that "classic Zag" mold.  He might not always be the best player on the court but he is rarely outworked by his opposition.  Averaging somewhere around 26 points and 18 boards a game, it is obvious that Ryan has a tremendous skill set and we have heard that his athletic ability is seriously underrated.  Not only can he hit the mid-range jumper in space, but he can also put it on the deck and get to the rim. 

If everything else remains constant, Mark Few has just reached his scholarship limit for the 2011 class. Since many expect Elias Harris to depart for the NBA after this season, the smart money is on the Zags adding one more in this class.  Kevin Pangos appears to be the guy the staff wants but and he recently narrowed his list to Gonzaga, Virginia, and Notre Dame.  Pangos would give the Zags a very solid 2011 class and one they can definitely build on moving forward.

For more on Ryan Spangler please click here for our interview with Scott Wright of The Oklahoman.