Analysis: Marquette receives commitment from ’12 C Aaron Durley

2012 power forward Aaron Durley tweeted tonight that he has committed to Buzz Williams and the Marquette Golden Eagles. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound forward from Houston, Tex. is Marquette’s fourth recruit from the class, joining wing Jamal Ferguson, combo guard T.J. Taylor and combo forward Steve Taylor.

Durley chose the Golden Eagles over South Florida, South Alabama and Tennessee-Chattanooga. A year ago, South Florida was also a finalist for power forward Davante Gardner.

Texas A&M, Kansas State and Arizona were beginning to show interest, as well.

With the commitment, the Golden Eagles are now at 13 scholarships for the 2012-2013 season. The three incoming freshman and sophomore T.J. Taylor will replace seniors Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, Jake Thomas will return to walk-on status in 2012 and Marquette has an open scholarship it did not use with the 2011 recruiting class.

Tom Enlund spoke with Durley over the phone earlier tonight, so check out his story for background information and quotes from Durley.

Analysis: So another player from Texas, huh? Sounds good to me.

Assistant coach Aki Collins spoke with MarquetteHoops.com’s John Dodds at media day and said that the team was looking for another commitment before the November signing period but was also keeping its options open for a potential Spring signing.

Well, Durley piqued the coaching staff’s interest enough that he is now on board as the fourth and (probably) final recruit from the 2012 recruiting class. His addition gives Williams the recruiting class he says he attempts to put together each year: a point guard (T.J. Taylor), a center (Durley) and multiple switchables (Steve Taylor, Jamal Ferguson).

Durley’s commitment comes just over a month after 2012 power forward Zach Auguste, who Marquette had been pursuing, committed to Notre Dame.

One week after Auguste’s commitment, Durley made an official visit to Marquette on Sept. 30.

Aaron Durley gives Marquette its fourth recruit in the 2012 recruiting class. (Photo credit: Rivals.com)

Marquette’s recent success with big men, specifically Chris Otule and Davante Gardner, surely weighed heavily in Durley’s decision, something he mentioned in his phone interview with Enlund.

The best part of Durley’s commitment is that he will not be expected to contribute right away, as Chris Otule will be a senior and Davante Gardner a junior. With those two in the fold in the front court, Durley may even be considered for a redshirt, although his huge frame suggests he doesn’t need much more time in the weight room. At the very least, Durley will have time to improve his game before being called upon to produce.

Here’s a scouting report from the TexasHoops Rivals.com website:

Aaron is a big, thick and wide bodied paint player who can set screens and takes up space with his imposing physical stature. He uses his body well in the paint, can seal the defense and call for the ball on the low block and is a nice finisher when he gets the ball in close. He can block out and rebound in his space, has strong hands and moves people on defense. His overall agility and touch will need to improve as he prepares for ball at the next level.

Durley should make his presence felt on defensively more than on the offensive end, but if you ask Chris Otule, that’s all Buzz Williams is looking for in his big men. Anything else is a bonus.