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2014 guard Chandler Hutchison commits to Boise State

Leon Rice, Derrick Marks

Boise State head coach Leon Rice, left, and guard Derrick Marks watch a one-on-one drill during practice for a first round game of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament, Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in Dayton, Ohio. Boise State is scheduled to play La Salle on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

AP

Boise State head coach Leon Rice has two of the best perimeter players in the Mountain West in Anthony Drmic and Derrick Marks, two players some believe are capable of making the Broncos a contender for the conference title in 2013-14. What’s even better for Boise State fans is the fact that both are juniors, meaning that they’ve got another year of eligibility remaining beyond the upcoming campaign.

But with two guards being seniors (Thomas Bropleh and Jeff Elorriaga) the Broncos have room for some more talent on the perimeter. Saturday night the Boise State program received its first verbal commitment in the 2014 class, as 6-4 guard Chandler Hutchison made his pledge. Like more than a few of the players who have verbally committed to schools this month, Hutchison made his decision after taking his official visit to Boise State.

According to Dave Southorn of the Idaho Statesman, Hutchison chose Boise State over offers from UC Irvine, Santa Clara, San Diego and Saint Mary’s. Hutchison may not be the marksman that Drmic, Elorriaga and Marks have proven themselves to be, but his versatility could potentially be an asset to the program according to his AAU coach.

“Just a ton of upside to him,” said Hutchison’s AAU coach, Perry Webster. “He’s long, rangy and can defend multiple positions. He can really improve as a shooter, and the coaches at Boise State are a great fit for that.”

The good news for Boise State is that with Drmic, Marks and Mikey Thompson all having eligibility remaining when the 2014-15 season rolls around, they can afford to take their time with Hutchison. Boise State brings in freshman Dezmyn Trent this season, a 6-2 guard from Tacoma, Wash. who averaged nearly 27 points per game as a high school senior.

Reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time as a member of the Mountain West last season was an important step for the Boise State program. The question now is whether or not coach Rice’s program can build on that momentum and become a consistent conference contender.

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