IU Gets Oral Commitment

Indiana got a head start on its recruiting for the Class of 2009 with the oral commitment of 6-7 forward Derek Elston from Tipton High School in Indiana.

Elston is an aggressive rebounder and defender, which should make him a good fit for coach Kelvin Sampson, who emphasizes both aspects in his program.

Elston averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds last year for a 12-10 team. He can’t sign until November of 2008.

Speaking of 2008, Sampson and his staff are still making a big push for 6-11 forward Tyler Zeller of Washington, Ind. Also in the picture are Purdue, North Carolina and Notre Dame. Zeller is expected to make a decision by the November signing period.