GU lands another big

Ryan Edwards, a 7-foot, 300-pound center from Glacier High in Kalispell, Mont., has orally committed to Gonzaga’s men’s basketball program.

Edwards joins Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma) forward Lucas Meikle in GU’s 2013 class. Providence transfer Gerard Coleman, a 6-foot-4 wing, will be eligible in 2013 after sitting out next season under NCAA transfer rules.

Asked why he committed to Gonzaga, Edwards said, “The atmosphere, the academics, the whole program in general. Just an awesome school.”

Edwards will join two 7-footers in the program – Kelly Olynyk and 2012 recruit Przemek Karnowski. Edwards averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds as a junior as Glacier won its conference before falling in the semifinals of the Class AA state tournament. Edwards, who earned all-state honors, had 23 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in a semifinal loss to Flathead.

“I think my hook shot is pretty good. I need to work on facing up to the basket,” said Edwards, adding that he’s “working on my conditioning and it’s getting better already.”

Edwards said he received interest from Washington State, Boise State, Montana and Montana State, but he didn’t take any other visits.