BYU basketball: Arizona swingman Jake Toolson commits to the Cougars

GILBERT, Ariz. — It didn't take Jake Toolson long to decide where he wanted to play college basketball. A little less than a week after being offered by BYU coach Dave Rose, the 6-foot-5 swingman from Highland (Ariz.) High decided to end the recruiting process by informing Rose and his staff that he will sign with the Cougars as part of their 2013-14 signing class.

"BYU is really where I've always wanted to play, so I just decided there was no point to wait it out," Toolson said. "I can't wait to be part of BYU's program and play for coach Rose, who is obviously a great coach who is doing great things at BYU."

Toolson held offers from Arizona State, Utah State and St. Mary's, among others at the time of his commitment. He was offered by BYU the day after Rose and his staff saw him play live last Tuesday.

"They couldn't offer me then, or even talk to me because of NCAA rules, but I knew they were there and I was excited about it," Toolson said. "The very next day coach Rose called me up to offer me and I was very excited about it, obviously."

Toolson has long attended BYU's camps and has become very familiar with the program since he was young. Although he received a lot of interest throughout the process, an offer from BYU was desired above all others.

"Getting that BYU offer was obviously special since I've become so familiar with the program and I've had so much contact with the coaches there," he said. "It's a great fit for me with the goals I have and it's a great system for me. I love how coach Rose coaches and his system."

Toolson is a swingman who can play at either the two guard or small forward positions. He's been noted as a deadeye shooter from 3-point range along with possessing a great mid-range game.

Toolson averages 18 points this season for Highland High, which is located in the Phoenix area. He's very good friends with fellow Phoenix area prospect Payton Dastrup, who has piled up the offers over the past year.

Dastrup is a 6-foot-9 prospect who holds well over 20 offers, including BYU, Utah, Utah State, Florida, Arizona and Arizona State.

"We're very good friends and whenever (Dastrup) is playing when I don't have a game I make sure I go out there to watch him and he does the same," Toolson said. "I'll obviously be trying hard to convince him to sign with BYU now that I'm committed. I'd love to have the opportunity to play with him while at BYU."

Toolson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently planning to play a year before leaving on a mission. He'll join with Orem standout Dalton Nixon and Lone Peak star TJ Haws as part of the 2013-14 signing class.

"The type of players BYU is bringing in definitely helped with my decision to commit," Toolson said. "They're all players I feel I can play with and I'm very excited to get to know each of them better."

Email: bgurney@desnews.com

Twitter: @BrandonCGurney