Tyler Lee’s Garret Thibodeaux Commits To Air Force Basketball

Garrett Thibodeaux, East Texas' leading boys basketball recruit in the Class of 2015, has committed to play collegiate basketball at the United States Air Force Academy.

The 6-8 and 225-pound forward announced the news Wednesday evening via his personal Twitter account. He visited Air Force's campus in Colorado Springs, Colo., last week.

"I have committed to play basketball at Air Force Academy!," Thibodeaux wrote to his followers. "Can't wait to be a Falcon!!"

The forward will play his senior season with Tyler Lee. He played for Tyler Bishop Gorman last year and finished the campaign averaging 23.4 points, 16.8 rebounds and about six assists per game.

Thibodeaux is very athletic for a big man. He has a shot he can extend to the 3-point line, excels in driving the lane and has the vertical to pull off dunks. He's a physical defender, especially underneath the basket where he has the length to contest shots from similarly built players.

He will be a welcomed asset for Lee. The Red Raiders will play in a solid basketball district centered around schools from the Garland area of the Metroplex.

Air Force basketball plays in the Mountain West Conference against some very strong competition. Conference rivals New Mexico and San Diego State made the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

The Falcons finished the 2013-2014 season with a 12-18 overall record and a 6-12 mark in league play. The program will begin the upcoming season against Army on Nov. 14 and has signature non-conference games against Colorado and Texas Tech later in the month.

On top of the requirements for intercollegiate basketball, Thibodeaux will go through the rigors of being a cadet and will be on the fast track for a military career upon graduation.

Thibodeaux can sign with the Falcons the week of Nov. 12 through Nov. 19 in the NCAA's early signing period or he can wait until April 15, 2015 to sign in the standard basketball signing period.

Lee will begin its season Nov. 15 at home against Whitehouse.