New Oklahoma State coach Travis Ford may not be able to comment on his recruiting class, but trust me when I say he's ecstatic about the five players he already has in the fold.

This past weekend was huge for Ford & Co. as they hauled in two top players with verbal commitments from Duncanville (Texas) High's Roger Franklin and one of the nation's top junior college players, Brad Reese.

The duo joins guards Ray Penn and Fred Gulley as well as big man Torin Walker to comprise a class that could arguably rank in the top 10 in the nation.

Franklin's pledge was somewhat shocking in that he had visits set up to UCLA, Oklahoma and Arizona - and was also considering Michigan State.

Reese is athletic and is a big-time shooter who exploded at a junior college event over the summer. He was looking at LSU, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas Tech.

``We didn't leave any stone unturned," Ford said of his recruiting efforts since taking over. ``But the biggest thing when we call kids, all of them say they remember watching Oklahoma State in the winter. It's a place that sticks out when people watch us on TV."

This bodes well for Ford, who takes over a team without any legitimate size at Oklahoma State. A year ago, he didn't have much up front at UMass. However, that pales in comparison to his options down low this year - his first in Stillwater.

``We're going to play identical, if not faster, than we did last year at UMass," Ford said. "But we really have nobody to throw the ball down to. We don't have any options in the post."

In fact, Ford will likely have to go with 6-foot-11 Senegal native Ibrahima Thomas in the middle, who Ford admits wants to be more of a shooting guard than a post player.

While size and rebounding may be an issue, scoring and perimeter player won't be a problem.

Ford inherits a strong guards corps that includes point guard Byron Eaton and wings James Anderson, Obi Muonelo and Terrel Harris. Don't be surprised if all four of them are on the court together early and often.

``I'll put that group against just about anyone offensively, except for North Carolina and a couple other people," Ford said. "But we have to rebound and defend."

Eaton has struggled with weight issues and tipped the scales at 243 pounds shortly after Ford's arrival. He weighed in at 212 late last week.

``He's as good as I've seen in a guard - when he's in shape," Ford said. "He's so strong and can really score. What has kept him back is his weight."

In a five-game stretch last February, Eaton showed his potential. He averaged 20.6 points, dished off 25 assists and made 12-of-16 shots from long distance in five consecutive wins - including victories against Kansas, Texas A&M and Baylor.

``He's good where he's at weight-wise right now, but he's just got to stay there," Ford said.

DEVENDORF CLOSE TO 100 PERCENT

Syracuse assistant coach Mike Hopkins said that senior guard Eric Devendorf, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL, is close to 100 percent.

``One thing he's always been able to do is shoot," Hopkins said. "He looks good. He's still able to go out and make athletic plays. The biggest thing you worry about with injuries like this are the mental aspect, but he's been a mental warrior. He's a kid who has great work ethic."

COMMITMENT CATCH-UP

The rash of commitments continued over the weekend.

- VCU coach Anthony Grant and the Rams staff got their man and top target in Florida Air Academy point guard Ben Eblen. He also considered Stanford and Central Florida and will likely be the heir apparent to Eric Maynor.

- Providence landed Powder Springs McEachern (Ga.) 6-foot-7 forward Kadeem Betts, who spent most of his childhood in New England. The Friars now have three commitments in the senior class - Antoine Allen, Duke Mondy and Betts.

- Kent State new coach Geno Ford received a pledge from Randal Holt, a one-time Cleveland State commit.

- Georgia State coach Rod Barnes hauled in James Vincent, an in-state big man out of Columbus Northside High who didn't play this past summer due to knee injuries.