Thad Matta appears to be thinking big. It's mid-August, and Xavier's new men's basketball coach has already secured three commitments for players who'll begin play in the fall of 2002. All are big men.

        The latest is Brandon Cole, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound power forward from Richton Park (Ill.) Rich South who committed Thursday.

        “Xavier is pretty much known for producing great big men, looking at Brian Grant and all the others in the NBA,” Cole said. “I'm looking forward to working with the other (recruits).”

        XU's earlier commitments were from Randy Holbrook, a 6-10, 235-pound center/forward, and Angelo Smith, a 6-8, 210-pound forward. It has two more scholarships to give, likely both to guards.

        Cole averaged 19.5 points and 9.0 rebounds last season, shooting 58 percent from the field. He plays center on his high school team but is versatile enough even to bring the ball upcourt.

        “I've got a nice mid-range jumper,” Cole said. “I'm not the usual big man who sits on the block all day. I've got a lot of moves.”

        XU is stocking replacements in the post for senior Kevin Frey and, possibly, junior David West — who could be tempted to turn pro after this season.

        In the Frey mold, Cole can shoot from outside and play some at small forward.

        Cole had an unofficial visit to XU that ended Wednesday. He also had visited Northern Illinois, and was also considering Purdue, Marquette, Dayton, Tulane and Indiana State.

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