Elite center recruit, 7-footer Xavion Staton, commits to BYU

This is a huge commitment for BYU head coach Kevin Young, especially considering the competition for Staton. Michigan, UNLV and Stanford were also in the running.

It came down to fit for Staton, though.

“The overall fit is it for me, with its proximity to home and NBA development,” Staton told On3. “Being able to be around an NBA ‘program’ with their staff is important to me. It’s a place where I can enjoy living without having to worry about distractions so I’m able to focus on getting better and have fun doing so.”

Coach Young and his time in the NBA as a top assistant for the Phoenix Suns also played a role in Staton's commitment.

“Coach Kevin Young is really building something up in Provo and him being in the league before coming to BYU plays a part since he knows what it takes to get there," the four-star recruit said. Coach Young’s playstyle at the Suns was exactly how I play. Rim runner, lob threat, defensive versatility, and running the floor. Everything else will come along but he values what I work hard to do and that means a lot in my fit into the program as well.”

Young was at one time the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA. He was an integral part of the coaching staff for the Suns when they went to the NBA Finals a few seasons ago.