The Explorers, already excited about the arrival of Aaric Murray this fall, added another big man — this time from the Class of 2010 — when Washington Twp. (N.J.)’s Matt Lopez gave a verbal commitment on Friday.

According to various reports, Lopez is pretty raw. The Inquirer said UNC-Greensboro, James Madison, William and Mary, Buffalo, Old Dominion, Lehigh, Delaware and New Hampshire were among his other suitors. The Northstar Basketball Blog quotes Lopez as saying he regularly works out with “overseas pros.” And NJ.com quotes his high school coach calling him “a work in progress.” From the looks of things, Lopez might redshirt to continue his development.

Now, while it might be easy to sneer at La Salle for getting a kid mostly being recruited by schools from inferior conferences, it’s important to keep in mind that big men have long been in short supply at 20th and Olney. John Giannini has got to start somewhere, and it looks like he’s finally doing that.

Oh, and a hat tip to reader Dan for the heads-up.

Link: Lopez coming to 20th and Olney [The Inquirer]
An interview with Matt Lopez [Northstar Basketball Blog]
More on Lopez [NJ.com]