2015-16 BYU basketball signing class

PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball coach Dave Rose has announced the signing of three ESPN four-star players in Gavin Baxter, Yoeli Childs and Connor Harding to National Letters of Intent.

“We are so excited about the class we have signed this year,” BYU coach Dave Rose said. “We feel like these three guys have excelled at the high school level and in national AAU competition. I fully expect each of these players to make significant contributions on really good teams in the future. We are grateful as a staff for their trust in us. We feel like our program as a whole improved with them on board.”

Gavin Baxter

6-9, 195, Forward

Provo, Utah / Timpview HS

Plays for Kevin Santiago at Timpview High School
As a junior in 2014-15 averaged 15.5 points and led Timpview to a record of 15-9, 8-4 and a trip to the 4A quarterfinals
Named 4A second-team all-state by the Deseret News in 2015
As a sophomore in 2013-14 averaged 11.4 points and 6.2 rebounds while helping Timpview to a 19-6, 10-2 record and a trip to the 4A quarterfinals
Named 4A third-team all-state by the Deseret News in 2014
Named a four star recruit by ESPN, Scout and Rivals
Ranked No. 21 nationally among small forwards by ESPN
Named the No. 5 recruit in Utah by ESPN
Also recruited by Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA and Utah State
Plays for the Utah Prospects AAU team coached by Tim Davis

BYU coach Dave Rose on Baxter: "Gavin is an extraordinary athlete. He has the ability to play above the rim, but can also step out and be effective on the perimeter. He is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder. He is a big time runner with great hands. He will help us on both ends of the floor. We have watched Gavin from a young age, and identified him early as a player we needed in our program."

Yoeli Childs

6-8, 225, Forward
South Jordan, Utah / Bingham HS

Plays for Jake Schroeder at Bingham High School
As a junior in 2014-15 averaged 16.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists and led Bingham to a record of 20-4, 9-1 and a trip to the 5A quarterfinals
Named 5A first-team all-state by the Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune in 2015
As a sophomore in 2013-14 averaged 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds while helping Bingham to the 5A quarterfinals
Named 5A third-team all-state by the Deseret News in 2014
Named a four star recruit by ESPN and a three star recruit by Scout and Rivals
Ranked No. 16 nationally among centers by ESPN
Named the No. 4 recruit in Utah by ESPN
Also recruited by Oregon, Oregon State and Stanford
Plays for the Utah Prospects AAU team coached by Tim Davis

BYU coach Dave Rose on Childs: “Yoeli is a physical and aggressive player. He can score on the low block and in face up situations. He is a high level rebounder with great hands. We feel like his ability to move his feet and run the floor will fit our up-tempo style perfectly. I have really enjoyed getting to know Yoeli off the court. He is a great player and a great person.”

Connor Harding

6-6, 185, Guard
Pocatello, Idaho / Highland HS

Plays for Chris Frost at Highland High School
As a junior in 2014-15 averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists
Named to the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Idaho Boys Basketball Team First Team
A second-team all-state performer as a sophomore
Named a four star recruit by ESPN and a three star recruit by Scout and Rivals
Ranked No. 27 nationally among shooting guards by ESPN
Named the top recruit in Idaho by ESPN
Also recruited by Arizona State, California, Davidson, Harvard, Idaho State, Oregon State, Stanford, Utah and Utah State
Plays for the Utah Prospects AAU team coached by Tim Davis

BYU coach Dave Rose on Harding: "Connor is a tough kid. He is a fierce competitor. He has the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands and is also a great on the wing. We noticed early his leadership ability and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his teams be successful. He can really shoot the ball and is a great hard nosed defender. We are excited about having Connor in the program."