Boys basketball: St Rita's Avery commits to Western Michigan

Updated: October 31, 2011 8:33PM

A.J. Avery, a 6-foot-6 senior forward from St. Rita, has verbally committed to Western Michigan University.

Avery sat out all but three games last season with a broken wrist. He averaged eight points and six rebounds as a sophomore on the varsity.

He’s the second player of the Mustangs hoops team to verbally commit. Guard Tony Hicks announced he will attend Penn in October.

“I really like the style of (Western Michigan) coach (Steve) Hawkins,” said Avery, a graduate of Holy Angels School in Chicago. “He likes to push the ball and play a fast tempo. I really think that suits my style.”

St. Rita coach Gary DeCesare agreed.

“I think A.J. will be a great player in the MAC (Mid-American Conference),” he said. “Western Michigan really wanted him and A.J. really liked the school. It’s a great fit for him.”

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