Red Wolves - IU East

This wide receiver proved quite a catch for the Indiana University East men's basketball program.

Justin Gill, a senior multi-sport standout at Munster (Ind.) High School, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at IU East.

Red Wolves coach Mark Hester announced the signing April 15.

Gill is a 6-6 forward who helped the Munster boys basketball team to a 48-5 combined record over the past two seasons, including two sectional titles and one trip to the Indiana Class 4A Final Four.

Gill averaged 7 points per game as a senior.

IU East's coaches first saw Gill when Munster played in the prestigious Hall of Fame Classic holiday tournament in New Castle. They also liked what they saw on videotape after the season.

"Justin is a great kid who comes from an extremely successful program," Hester said.

"Justin is a glue guy you've got to have. He understands how set screens and play his role offensively. We look for him to shine on the defensive end and in the rebounding department. He's a charge-taker on defense, and that is something this program has been missing."

Gill says his rebounding and defensive skills can help the Red Wolves.

"They look like they'll have a good team and they have a really nice campus," Gill said. "It was really fun playing with their team, and I thought it would be a good fit there."

Gill also played wide receiver for the Munster football team. He earned all-conference and all-area honors. He holds the Mustangs' school record for most receptions in a single game.

Gill is the son of Beverly and Patrick Gill.

He plans to major in sports management.

Gill also considered Tabor College, Colorado Springs University, St. Anselm College and Kansas Wesleyan University.

So, Gill has at least two reasons to smile  - even though he is scheduled to undergo a tonsillectomy this weekend.

He'll get all the ice cream he can eat.

And he secured his spot in the IU East men's basketball program.

Gill is the second player from Northwest Indiana in IU East's 2010 men's basketball recruiting class. Ian Enriquez of Lake Station signed with the Red Wolves in March.

Sean Stevens of Newburgh, Ind., also has signed to play with IU East.