Lutheran's Jordan Salley to Montana State

Salley, who averaged more than 16 points per game before injuring his ACL during the 2008-09 season, said the deciding factor was the Bobcats' continuing commitment to him.

"The one thing was after I got hurt, they still wanted me," the 6-foot-6 forward said.

"They showed they were still committed to me. (Other schools), after I got hurt, wanted to wait.

"I think it's a good opportunity for me. I've never been (to Montana), so it will definitely be a different experience, but one I'm looking forward to."

Montana State, which competes in the Big Sky Conference, appears to be an up-and-coming program after going 15-14 and finishing a solid fourth in league play last season.

Salley, considered one of the top players in the CIF-Southern Section before his injury, is expected to be a good addition to the program after averaging 16.5 points and 11 rebounds per game during the 2008-09 season.

"He was destined (to play Division I)," La Verne Lutheran coach Eric Cooper said.

"He could have signed with (a major Division I school), but with what has happened, he needed to move forward, and when you come back from an injury, several teams backed away. Montana