Saint Mary’s basketball: Gaels snag two international recruits for 2018

While some teams are bust spending almost $100,000 on five-star recruits, others are just sticking to their lane.

Saint Mary’s has quietly picked up a couple of international recruits in the past week. Like their rivals from Spokane, the Gaels have had a reputation of bringing foreigners over to the states and becoming stars.

Saint Mary’s, in particular, have had success, with the notable players including Patty Mills and Matthew Delavadova. This season features another Australian, Jock Landale.

As far as 2018 recruits go, the Gaels have been patient. But now there are a couple of guys not from Australia but nonetheless look to continue to Gael’s quest to conquer the WCC.

The first one comes all the way from New Zealand in Daniel Fotu. Although a two-star prospect, Fotu is a 6’7 wing with high-level athleticism and is considered one of the best Pacific-area prospects in next year’s class.

He hasn’t had much in terms of interest from the states, but if Randy Bennett and his coaching staff finds him an attractive talent, then Fotu will be a guy to look out for in the future.

The other player to mention is Matthias Tass, a 6’10, 220-pound player from Estonia. Although a two-star prospect himself, Tass opened plenty of eyes in the U18 European Championships. Finishing in third place for Estonia, he averaged 18 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks per 40 minutes.

While receiving attention and offers from power conference programs such as Georgia Tech, Stanford, Texas Tech, and Purdue, he ultimately chose to play for the Gaels. A versatile big man who can play with his back facing away from and towards the basket, the hopes will be that he becomes the next Landale.

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With Saint Mary’s set to lose four starters after this season, this class is important for them. In order to be considered in the same class as the Zags, the Gaels will have to consistently make the NCAA tournament. In order to do that, talent is needed.

And whether it’s found in the U.S. or internationally, finding that talent is the goal for any program reaching elite status.