JC center says it's 'tied' between 'Bows, Boise

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The recruiting process of 7-foot center Chris Botez is going into overtime.

Botez ended his weekend recruiting visit with the University of Hawai'i basketball team yesterday by saying he was still undecided. He has narrowed his choices to Hawai'i and Boise State.

"It's tied right now," he said.

He visited Boise State prior to visiting Hawai'i. Those are the only two trips he made, although he was also being recruited by DePaul, Oregon State, Texas A&M, UNLV and Utah State.

Botez said he would discuss the situation with his family and then probably make a decision on Wednesday.

Botez averaged 12.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Chemeketa Community College (Ore.) last season. He was a first-team Southern Division selection in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.

"I like to run the floor a lot, but I feel like I can post up, too," said Botez, who is 230 pounds. "Defensively, I feel like I can guard any spot from (small forward) to (center)."

Botez's father, Val Botez, lives in Washington, but he said the proximity to the Boise, Idaho, campus would not necessarily play a role in the decision.

"As a parent, I would like all my kids to be closer to home, but I will never make that decision for any of them," Val Botez said. "He told me he liked Hawai'i, and he told me he liked Boise State. I'm just going to let him choose."

Two other players have already signed letters of intent to play for Hawai'i next season: 6-9 forward Matt Gipson, and 6-4 guard Matt Gibson.

The 'Bows have only one more scholarship to offer, and Botez is the only player currently being recruited for it.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.