Oregon bound, Schafer makes it official

WASILLA -- Ray Schafer has known for more than a month that the University of Oregon is his college of choice.

Everything became official on Wednesday as Schafer signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the university and join the Division I Duck basketball program.

The Wasilla High School standout orally committed with Oregon earlier in the fall.

"Ever since I made my oral commitment I had made up my mind that I am going to Oregon," Schafer said. "There was no maybe about it. It is a great feeling to have signed now."

Schafer had visited several Division I schools on the west coast during the summer before making Oregon his choice. Wasilla's big man made stops at the San Diego State, Gonzaga and Arizona State campuses.

The hard working Schafer has already begun preparing for not only his senior season at Wasilla, but his trek to the next level. Despite being slowed by a knee injury, Schafer has been hitting the gym every morning at 5 a.m. to brush up on his skills. Schafer works for about two hours each morning for more than a month on such things as his ball handling skills.

"It is great to see Ray where he is and what he has gone through to improve," Wasilla head coach Jason Marvel said. "The kid comes in every morning to get better."

The Warrior post player averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per game during his junior campaign, garnering both all-region and all-state honors. Shafer helped lead his team to a Region III championship and the consolation final of the state tournament last season.

Schafer was named honorable mention all-state as a sophomore.

Schafer has been one of the most sought after student-athletes in Alaska this past year.

More than 100 Division I schools contacted Shafer during his junior season.

Oregon went 23-8 overall and won the Pac 10 title with a 14-4 mark. The Ducks advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Oregon has been picked as high as sixth in the 2002-03 pre-season polls.

"I really like their spirit and team unity," Schafer said. "There are some things that you just want to be a part of."