Colorado basketball coach Ricardo Patton hoped hiring Paul Graham two years ago would open up recruiting opportunities in Texas. That appears to have happened.
Colorado has oral commitments from 6-foot-2 point guard Dwight Thorne of Arlington (Texas) Martin and 6-6 wing forward Dale Vanwright of Houston Bellaire, according to scouting services. Both are expected to sign with CU during the early signing period that begins Nov. 9.
And, according to Rivals.com, the Buffs are in the running for George Odufuwa, a 6-8 power forward from Kimball High School in Dallas. Graham, 54, served as head coach at Kimball for eight seasons.
College coaches can’t discuss recruits until letters of intent are signed, but Patton said recruiting in Texas has become a priority with Graham on his staff. Graham recruited several players from Texas while an assistant at Oklahoma State under Eddie Sutton from 1992-99.
“The state is loaded with talent,” Patton said. “What we’ve noticed is that, typically, the kids that aren’t going to the University of Texas are willing to go out of state.”
Colorado has eight scholarships to give for the 2006-07 season.
Two will be given to players already enrolled at CU. Ryan Dermody, a 6-7 freshman walk-on from Loveland High School, plans to redshirt this season with the understanding that he will receive a scholarship for 2006-07. Considered an outstanding shooter, Dermody gave an oral commitment to Southern Methodist last fall before switching to CU.
Already enrolled is Jermyl Jackson-Wilson, a 6-5, 210-pound forward from Milwaukee who played last season as a freshman at Ohio State. Jackson-Wilson must sit out this season as a transfer and then will have three years of eligibility. He saw limited playing time in 11 games at Ohio State.
“Jermyl didn’t get a chance to show what he can do,” Patton said. “He plays hard and can jump out of the gym.”
Other known CU recruiting targets include 6-9 center-forward Othello Hunter from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla., and 6-5 shooting guard Xavier Silas from Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.
The Buffs will begin their season without 6-9 senior center Julius Ashby, who was ruled academically ineligible for the fall semester.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
