According to ESPN.com and Bill Martin’s tweet, Siena recieved a verbal commitement from St. Mark’s forward Melsahn Basabe last night.

Here’s the most recent evaluation on ESPN.com…

Basabe was aggressive and very productive around the basket today (AAU Nationals). He ran the floor with great urgency and got a couple baskets by simply out running the transition defense to the rim. He was terrific on the glass on both ends. Basabe was difficult to box out as he weaved around weak box outs for tip ins and a crowd pleasing put back dunk. Defensively he snatched balls in and out of his area and promptly delivered a sharp outlet pass to the point guard. In the low post offensively he played strong with a foot in the lane and he has developed a great habit of keeping his hands high to provide the passer a target. Basabe scored on a jump hook over his left shoulder and a couple power drop steps. He must continue to sharpen his back to the basket moves in order to score on taller post players. He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive from the low wing or high post. He wins your over with his relentless pursuit of the ball. Basabe must learn not to gamble for steals on defense and extend his shooting range but he is a good shot blocker with excellent timing away form the ball. He also struggled at times at the free throw line because his follow through was inconsistent, his guide hand is under the ball and he shot flat footed.

– July 2009