Bears Add a Big Piece With the Commitment of 7'3 Center Connor Vanover

7-3/210 2018 Findlay Prep center Connor Vanover joins the 2018 Cal recruiting class at the start of the spring signing period with his commitment this morning, filling a big front court need for the Bears.

Vanover will join 6-8/225 Lincoln (Stockton, CA) High School forward Andre Kelly as front court replacements for forward Marcus Lee and center Kingsley Okoroh, who are graduating next month. Also in the 2018 class are 6-7/205 SF Jacobi Gordon and 6-4/215 wing Matt Bradley.

Vanover's addition could be a key element in boosting Cal's chances with longtime target 6-10/215 Prolific Prep PF Jordan Brown, who has made it clear that frontcourt depth surrounding him is a key element to his recruitment.

 As for where he fits in at Cal, Vanover told Bear Insider's Eric McDonough last week: “My belief is that I would fit in as the 5-man of the team.  I haven’t met any of the teammates, or any of the other coaches, so I’m not 100% sure, but what I believe is that I would be the 5-man … and I’d be the guy holding down in the post but also stretch it out and shoot.  Just be the staple and the backbone for the 5-man.” 

With a frame that could certainly use more pounds and strength, Vanover knows he's got hit work cut out for him in the offseason and in years to come.

"No matter where I go, we’re going to work on speed, strength and conditioning a lot, said Vanover last week.  "I think this year (at Findlay Prep) I’ve definitely gotten a lot faster, but I also need to build up strength to be able to battle down low with a lot of guys.   And also the speed a little bit more.  That first quick step for guarding people on the outside and being able to get that step to get that extra inch to block that shot and get that rebound.”

As a senior after transferring to Findlay Prep, Vanover averaged 8.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game backing up All-American, Oregon-bound center Bol Bol after averaging 14.8 ppg., 9.4 rpg. and 3.2 bpg at Arkansas Christian as a 2nd team All-State player.

Vanover was originally committed to play for Tubby Smith at Memphis but decommitted after Smith's recent ouster.

Prior to Cal's offer, Vanover also had offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Villanova and SMU.