Wayne Tinkle

Wayne Tinkle is introduced as Oregon State University's new men's basketball head coach Wednesday at Gill Coliseum by athletic director Bob DeCarolis. Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

(LC- Stephanie Yao Long | The Oregonian)

Drew Eubanks, a 6-foot-10 post out of Reynolds High School, has become the first high schooler to join the Wayne Tinkle era at Oregon State University, as he committed to the Beavers on Tuesday afternoon.

"I committed like 30 minutes ago. I got off the phone with coach Tinkle and told him that I wanted to commit now," Eubanks said at around 4:15 p.m. ""He's really excited. I was their first recruit for the new coaching staff."

Eubanks' stock has risen dramatically over the past several months, as a strong showing in the Nike EPBL led to offers from Oregon State, Portland, San Diego, Washington and Washington State, but the Reynolds High School star said he didn't enjoy the attention.

"I'm relieved. Recruiting, I was jealous of other people before I started getting recruited," he said. "Once I started getting recruited it got annoying after awhile. It's a good problem to have. I'm just glad it's over and that I'm going to Oregon State."

What makes his commitment even more exciting is that Eubanks believes he may be just the first domino to fall.

The big man is one of four prospects who are expected to take an official visit to Corvallis this week, joining four-star athletes Tres Tinkle and Stephen Thompson Jr. and three-star Derrick Bruce.

On an unofficial visit this summer, Tinkle, Thompson Jr. and Eubanks played together against some of the current college players and won.

Eubanks said his commitment was, in part, a response to vibes he's been getting that Tinkle and Thompson Jr. will soon be joining the Beavers' family.

After all, both Tinkle and Thompson Jr. are sons of current coaches on staff.

"I think it is going to be crucial that they come. They are really talented, really good players," Eubanks said. "I'm confident that they'll go (to Oregon State). From what I've heard it sounds like they are going to go, but that's their decision to make."

Last season, Eubanks averaged a double-double and "one or two blocks" a game, he said.

Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle has told The Oregonian that in-state recruiting would be a big part of the rebuilding process, so landing ESPN's top-ranked Oregon prospect for the Class of 2015 clearly falls in line with his unofficial mission statement.

Former Beavers coach Craig Robinson was criticized for his lack of in-state commitments, never getting one of his in-state signees to suit up for Oregon State.

Eubanks will also walk on to the baseball program.

-- Andrew Nemec | @AndrewNemec