Isiah Thomas' first recruit is big.

Not just in size, either.

The new Florida International coach, according to sources close to the situation, received a commitment from rising junior big man Chris Coleman.

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Coleman is considered a high-major player who was being recruited by N.C. State and other BCS schools.

"That's a great get for FIU," one Big East assistant coach said after watching Coleman play at the Reebok Camp in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Coleman is a Buffalo, N.Y., native who spent last season at Mount Zion Academy (N.C.) – the prep school that Tracy McGrady put on the map. Coleman is expected to transfer to a different high school this year – one likely in Florida.

"Biggest thing stands out about him is he's a big kid with mobility, but he has some skill and can score inside and rebound the ball and is fairly aggressive.

"Based off what I've seen, it's a significant pickup for Coach Thomas – especially since he's a high-major player."

Thomas isn't settling for mid-major players since taking over. According to sources, the former NBA star is also making a legitimate run at Brandon Knight – Scout.com's No. 2 player in the Class of 2010.