Oregon Commit Stays Home

Concord (Calif.) De La Salle athlete Jackie Bates committed to Oregon over a month ago but set up a visit to Cal and was planning to take that visit this weekend. After thinking more about it, Bates had a change of heart.

"I called up the Cal coaches on Friday and told them I wouldn't be taking the visit," Bates said. "Oregon is the school for me and that's where I want to play. I had a great time there and really like all the coaches a lot.

"Oregon was the only visit I had taken so I was thinking it might fun to take another trip just for the fun of it but I didn't want to waste anyone's time. Cal has a good thing going right now and is going to have a strong class. They're on the rise and all but I like Oregon, that's where I want to play and I'm excited about my decision still."

Bates was recruited to play corner for the Ducks. His season was cut short this year because of a torn ligament in his foot and he'll have surgery to repair the ligament in two weeks.