WACO, Texas (AP) — Ricardo Gathers, a 6-foot-8 forward who was one of the Louisiana's top high school players, has signed a national letter of intent with Baylor.

Bears coach Scott Drew said Monday that Gathers has "grown-man strength."

Gathers averaged 22 points, 17 points and 4.1 blocks in 43 games as a senior for Riverside Academy in LaPlace, La. ESPNU ranked Gathers as Louisiana's No. 1 overall prospect.

Baylor, which will return three starters from a team that set a school record with 30 wins last season, has a four-player signing class considered one of the nation's best.

Those signing during the early period last fall were 7-foot center Isaiah Austin from Arlington Prep, guard Lynden Rose from Houston and 6-11 post player Chad Rykhoek from Fort Worth.