Ryle's Justin Doellman steps on Holmes' Brandon Smith as he goes up for a basket last March. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Justin Doellman didn't expect to feel so comfortable so soon. But after his unofficial recruiting visit to Xavier last week, the Ryle High School junior knew where he wanted to play college basketball. That's why the 6-foot-8 forward has orally committed to attend XU and play for the Musketeers in the fall of 2003.

        “Everything was real open until I visited Xavier. When I went there ... everything just felt right, and I thought I fit in there,” Doellman said Tuesday. “Everything (on campus) is real close, the classrooms and the gym. I liked that.”

        Doellman averaged 17 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists last year.

        He led Ryle to its first Kentucky Sweet 16 boys basketball tournament. He was named most valuable player of the 33rd District tournament (19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists for three games) and the Ninth Region tournament (20 points, eight rebounds and four assists for three games).

        “I saw him play last weekend,” said Dave Telep of TheInsidersHoops.com. “Basically his best skill is to come in and be a shooter. He's smart, good passer, good shooter. He will benefit greatly from a college strength and weight program.”

Doellman drives on Dixie Heights Joe Bramlage. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

        He plays power forward and center for Ryle, but Xavier is looking at him as more of a small forward, Ryle coach Nate Niemi said.

        Doellman, an honorable men tion all-state pick, was named Northern Kentucky's Player of the Year by the Enquirer. He was chosen Division I Player of the Year by the Northern Kentucky Coaches Association.

        “He's a 6-8 player who can bring the ball down the floor,” Niemi said. “He passes the ball extremely well, and he shot 44 percent on 3s for the year. I think they see he could possibly get to 6-10. He's still growing. If he can get physically stronger, he's just going to get better.”

        Niemi said other schools looking at Doellman included Western Kentucky, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Kent, Eastern Kentucky and Duquesne.

        Justin Doellman is the second high school junior to commit to XU. Robert Barker, a 6-5 guard from Greensburg (Ind.) High, committed in February.

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