The Oakland men’s basketball team picked up its first recruit for the 2010 class when Utica Eisenhower center Corey Petros verbally committed.

The 6-foot-10, 235 pound Petros averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for Eisenhower last year and choose Oakland over several other offers, including Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Detroit Mercy.

“I talked with my parents about it and I thought Oakland was the fit for me out of all the schools,’ Petros said. “I like how the coaches run their offense and I think the system will fit me perfectly. I really like the coaching staff.”

Petros said Oakland being close to home was a bonus, but wasn’t a factor in his decision. He wanted to pick the school that fit him the best.

“I’m glad I made my decision and can move on and enjoy the rest of my summer and my senior year,” Petros said.

Utica Eisenhower coach Brandon Lemley has worked with Petros since he was a freshman and said he thinks Oakland is getting a heck of a player.

“He’s got great hands, great footwork, and a nice touch around the basket,” Lemley said. “He’s still developing and growing. He needs to put on weight and get stronger, but he’s got a huge upside. … He’s only 16. He’s a year younger for his age. He has a whole extra year of development than your typical senior. As he grows into his body, he will continue to develop. He gets better everyday, if he can continue at the pace than it’s good for his future.”

Petros also plays AAU for Team Detroit, which recently won the Reebok Summer Championships in Las Vegas. Petros’ teammates on Team Detroit include Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s Ray McCallum Jr. and Mount Pleasant’s Trey Ziegler.

Petros is a versatile player, who can go inside and also play on the perimeter. Lemley said Petros was shooting 300 3-pointers a day before the AAU season started.

“He ‘s worked hard on his perimeter game,” Lemley said. “He can face up to the basket. He has good handles and can put the ball on the floor. He can be a face-up type player or go in the post if that’s what the defense is giving him.

“I’m very proud of him and his work ethic, and the way he has represented Eisenhower basketball. He’s been a great representative of what we stand for at Eisenhower. Oakland is going to be thrilled when they get him on campus and he can start playing for the Golden Grizzlies.”