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Published May 10, 2017
Yanni Wetzell commits to Vanderbilt
David Sisk  •  VandySports
Staff Writer

Vanderbilt filled its final available scholarship Wednesday afternoon with a commitment by Yanni Wetzell.

Just after 2:00 p.m. today, he posted on Twitter, "Stoked to announce I've committed to Vanderbilt University to finish off my college career. Pumped to get going."

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com broke the story earlier this morning, but it wasn't made official until around seven hours later.

The newest addition is a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Auckland, New Zealand. He played the past two seasons at DII, St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He was the Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year in 2015-16, averaging 11.7 and 5.6 rebounds per game. Last season, he went for 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Wetzell was an outstanding junior tennis player, but a growth spurt moved him to the basketball court as a senior in high school. Having only played three seasons, he looks like a much more experienced player when one watches his game tapes.

He has good feet, is athletic, and runs the floor well. Wetzell also has developed some nice back to the bucket moves and counters. His tennis background has also aided his hands, as he is able to score with either one.

Wetzell will sit out this coming season, and will be eligible to play in 2018-19. Currently, he weighs 235, and his body will certainly change within the next year of strength and conditioning training. Along with his agility and leaping ability, a bigger version could play the five spot. But with craftiness of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim, along with his ever improving 3-point shot, Wetzell could man the stretch four spot as well.

Two years from now, Vanderbilt's post game will consist of then 6-foot-10 redshirt junior Djery Baptiste, who will play strictly the center position; Clevon Brown, a 6-foot-8 junior, who has the athleticism to perhaps play on the low block, but his face-up game and size makes him better suited for the four; and Matt Ryan, a 6-foot-8 deadly outside shooter who just recently transferred from Notre Dame, and will have to sit out a season as well. Expect Ryan to play some small forward as well. Also, add Ejike Obinna, a rugged 6-foot-9 player to the mix. He will either be a redshirt freshman or sophomore, depending what happens with him the next few months.

Nevertheless, don't expect depth to be an issue in the Vanderbilt program in two years.