Xavier has received signed letters from its five men's basketball recruits, a class that Bob Gibbons has ranked among the nation's top 15. Four of the signees are big men.

        “I think we filled some voids that we had to get filled and ... received five guys who can come in and fit our system,” coach Thad Matta said. “This year there seemed to be a shortage of quality big men. That made us extra pleased with the results of our class.”

        The signees:

        • Dedrick Finn, a 6-foot point guard from Newburgh (Ind.) Castle High, who averaged 20.5 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals last season. “He's a very good athlete who is quick with the ball,” Matta said. “He's a tenacious defender.”

        • Brandon Cole, a 6-7, 225-pound power forward from Richton Park (Ill.) Rich South (19.0 points, 9.0 rebounds). “He is very good around the basket but can also step out and take a guy off the dribble if he needs to,” Matta said.

        • Randy Holbrook, a 6-10, 235-pound center/forward from Odessa (Texas) Junior College (7.0 points, 4.8 rebounds). “He can step out and shoot the 3(-pointer), but with his body, he is able to go inside and bang,” Matta said.

        • Anthony Myles, a 6-9, 235-pound power forward from Olney (Ill.) Central College (11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds). “Anthony gives us some added toughness under the basket and a solid low- post scorer,” Matta said.

        • Angelo Smith, a 6-8, 210-pound forward/center from Indianapolis Lawrence North (11.7 points, 9.7 rebounds). “Angelo is a long athlete who has worked hard developing his 15- to 17-foot jump shot,” Matta said. “He can also score inside and does a nice job on the boards.”

        Future Stars publisher Van Coleman rates Holbrook No.4 and Myles No.17 among junior-college power forwards. Finn is a consensus top-100 prep player.

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