6-Foot-11 Center Commits to Play for CS Northridge

Shane O’Doherty, a 6-foot-11 center from Riverside College, has committed to play next season for the men’s basketball team at Cal State Northridge.

O’Doherty averaged 6.3 points and 6.3 rebounds during his sophomore season and moved into the lineup as a full-time starter at midseason.

In his two years at Riverside, O’Doherty averaged 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds.

Junior college players can sign NCAA letters of intent beginning Wednesday.

O’Doherty could give the Matadors a much-needed shot in the arm. Last season, because of injury and eligibility problems, the team’s tallest starter was 6-8 center Peter Micelli, a sophomore.

The Matadors were forced to use a three-guard offense.

“The coaches told me they were using a 6-8 player at the center spot and he is more suited to a forward position,” O’Doherty said in a press release. “So I’m going to be given an opportunity to win a starting spot.”

Riverside finished 28-10 and advanced to the semifinals of the state tournament before losing to Ventura, 104-99. O’Doherty was a redshirt three seasons ago after playing at Riverside Notre Dame High, and he spent the past two years as the backup to center Daniel Lyton. However, Lyton left the team midway through the 1992-93 season and O’Doherty stepped into the starting lineup.

O’Doherty said he also was being recruited by Gonzaga, Southern Utah, UC Irvine, San Diego State and Cal State Long Beach.