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Provo • Playing within walking distance from the Marriott Center, Timpview's stretch forward Gavin Baxter idolized BYU. When he completed his lifelong goal of committing to the Cougars on Monday evening he wasted little time envisioning another objective to accomplish.

"I want to make a statement and get as far as possible with the team — try to go for a national championship, or something," Baxter said. "The group of guys we'll have when I'm going to be there is going to be a special group, so I want to make a run at that."

Baxter is rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals, and in addition to BYU, he maintains offers from UCLA, Arizona State and Utah State. At 6-foot-6, Baxter has the ability to hit from long-range and on the interior with elite athleticism. He averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds last season.

"I couldn't be more happy right now," Baxter said. "It's a dream come true. I can't wait to see what happens. … I grew up a BYU fan, and it fit. It just felt right."

Baxter will serve a two-year LDS Church mission immediately following high school.

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