N.Y. Prep Star Elisma Commits to Georgia Tech, Shuns UC Irvine

The UC Irvine men’s basketball team apparently lost its top recruit Tuesday when New York City prep star Ed Elisma committed to Georgia Tech.

Elisma, a 6-foot-10, 200-pound center at LaSalle Academy, said he committed to Georgia Tech Coach Bobby Cremins on Tuesday morning and notified Irvine Coach Rod Baker and assistant coach Greg Vetrone of his decision.

Elisma had committed to Irvine coaches last fall but later changed his mind, saying he would make his decision in the spring.

“I just decided that Georgia Tech was where I wanted to go,” said Elisma, who averaged 12.7 points, 16.5 rebounds and 5.8 blocked shots last season. “I called the Irvine coaches and told them where I was going. They were disappointed.”

Georgia Tech officials would not confirm Elisma’s commitment but did say they mailed the player a letter of intent to sign. Elisma said he expects to receive the letter within the next day or two.

Elisma narrowed his choices to Georgia Tech and Irvine in February, eliminating two other finalists, Seton Hall and Pittsburgh. He took his college entrance exam for a third time last month and said Tuesday he hasn’t received the results yet.

Elisma’s decision leaves Irvine with a scholarship available for next year. Sonora guard Chris St. Clair, a Times’ all-county first-team selection, visited the Irvine campus two weeks ago and is considering the Anteaters along with Cal State Fullerton, Boise State and Cal Poly Pomona.

The Anteaters already have signed two junior college players--6-2 guard Chris Brown of Bakersfield College and 6-7 forward Mark Odsather of Bellevue (Wash.) College.