Eastern Kentucky coach Jeff Neubauer landed a verbal commitment from 6-foot-8 power forward Eric Stutz (Newburgh, Ind./Castle) on Wednesday.Neubauer's first recruit in the 2011 class, Stutz, chose the Colonels over Bowling Green and other Ohio Valley Conference and Mid American Conference programs.He is a skilled big that can shoot it comfortably behind the 3-point line and brings a European-style to his game. Stutz is a very good passer and handles it well for his size. Plus, he's excellent in pick-and-pop situations because he can shoot it over smaller defenders. Stutz also has some inside rebounding ability and toughness, but he's more comfortable facing the basket and creating matchup problems for the defense. As his body continues to develop and he adds strength to his frame, which includes a 7-1 wingspan, he'll be able to assert himself more around the basket.The Colonels have finished second among NCAA Division I programs each of the last two years in 3-point field goals made (more than 10 per game), making Stutz a perfect fit for Neubauer and his staff. The Colonels have clearly committed themselves to taking and making 3-point shots and Stutz is a huge asset. He will not only get plenty of looks, but he'll also draw bigger defenders away from the basket, clearing the way for his teammates to make plays in the paint. Size and skill like his is hard to get at any level, let alone at a mid-major. This is a great get for Neubauer and his staff.Neubauer is entering his sixth season as head coach in Richmond, Ky. He has tallied at least 10 conference victories in every season and led the Colonels to the 2007 NCAA Tournament, reaching the 20-win plateau for the sixth time in the program's history.