Gaines to sign with Michigan

It appears Nevada's top prep basketball player is about to trade in his black and gold jersey for maize and blue.

Clark's Kevin Gaines, widely considered one of the nation's top five senior point guards, has verbally committed to attend the University of Michigan next year.

"It was the best situation for me," said Gaines, who said he also considered Kentucky, Georgetown, Kansas and St. Louis. "I felt I needed to make the decision as soon as possible before anybody else did."

The 6-4 Gaines, who spent the summer participating in some of the nation's most prestigious basketball camps and tournaments, said he got a good feeling about Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe during their telephone conversations.

"I get along with the coach and his assistants very well," Gaines said. "I understand what they're talking about."

Gaines also said that playing for the Wolverines has been a dream of his for most of his life.

"I've been wanting to go to Michigan for a long time," he said. "Since I've been growing up, I've wanted to go to Michigan and it came true."

Gaines can't officially sign with the Wolverines until November, but the school will reserve a scholarship for the Las Vegan, pending his score on college entrance exams.

"It's basically locked in," said Gaines, the first prep player to commit to Michigan this summer.

Gaines joins a Wolverine team that will lose top guards Louis Bullock and Robbie Reid after the 1998-99 season.

"He's going into a situation where he can start right away," said Mitch Mitchell, coach of Mad Moves, Gaines' summer team. "It's going to be a challenge for him, and he likes challenges."

Gaines, who originally hails from Southern California, moved to Las Vegas before his freshman year at Clark. He averaged more than 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Chargers last season, but his club failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with a 4-8 league record.

This year, Gaines and his Clark teammates will play for new coach Brad Query, who takes over for Gordon Jennings.

During the summer, Gaines distinguished himself at the Nike All-American basketball camp, the adidas Big Time Tournament and in highly publicized pickup games with NBA star Michael Jordan.

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