Ricardo Gathers Commits: How the Power Forward Changes Baylor's 2012 Class

Ricardo Gathers is the No. 35 player in the 2012 college basketball recruiting class, and he recently committed to Scott Drew's Baylor Bears. After also looking at Florida, UNLV, LSU and St. John's (who he formerly committed to), his second recruitment ended with the Bears.

Gathers adds to a class led by center Isaiah Austin, who is one of the best players in the nation. The Bears now have a top five class, and they look ready to keep their team in Top 10 form.

At 6'7" and 240 pounds, Gathers has the body of a football player, but the quickness and skill of a basketball player. He uses this big body and incredible strength to bully anyone in his way, including taller defenders who aren't as strong.

Gathers is also very quick and agile for his size, and he can beat a defender off the dribble or square up and knock down a 15-foot jumper, because of his soft touch. He is also one of the best rebounders in the country.

Gathers is one of the best power forwards in a class that is absolutely stacked with big men.

Gathers joins a class that already boasts No. 3 overall Isaiah Austin, No. 74 L.J. Rose and not to mention, Gary Franklin. He is the third Top 100 recruit the Bears are bringing in, and their second talented big man.

The Bears have found their success from their stellar frontcourt this year, led by Perry Jones III, who will be going to the NBA at the end of the year. Senior Quincy Acy will also be leaving, yet freshman Quincy Miller might be staying. If that is the case then Austin, Gathers and Miller will form one of the best frontcourts in the nation.

Point guard L.J. Rose will also fill the hole that the Bears have in the backcourt. Junior Pierre Jackson has stepped up this year, but fellow junior A.J. Walton has been disappointing. Rose will be able to come in and help the Bears get the ball inside, keeping them as an elite program.

With Gathers completing their frontcourt, the Bears now have six players who could easily start next year. The team will be immediately recognized as one of the best teams in the nation, and they will be able to maintain that ranking.

Look for Baylor to be near the top of the rankings in the country again next year, and if Scott Drew can keep up this recruiting, they could be around for several years.

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