By ERICK WALKER

The Reporter

Everything is starting to come together for Kentlake big man Jeff Budinich.

Budinich, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound center for the basketball team, recently signed a letter of intent to play next year on scholarship at Montana State University in Bozeman.

A year ago, being able to take his game to the college level was more of an afterthought in Budinich’s mind.

“I was uncoordinated last year,” admits Budinich, who grew two inches and added 35 pounds since last season. “Now, I am quicker. I have more hand-eye coordination. I caught up to my body. My strength has, too.”

Which is a good thing for the Falcons and a not-so-good thing for Budinich’s South Puget Sound League North Division foes.

But the additional weight has not taken away from Budinich’s ability to get up and down the court.

“I’m a guy who floats around,” he said. “I don’t think (other centers) can keep up with me.”

Budinich, 17, chose Montana State over Portland State and Eastern Washington University among others. Having made the decision several weeks before practices began is a relief, Budanich conceded.

“Last year, I had a few college coaches come to my games … and I felt a lot of pressure,” he said. “That pressure’s not going to be there this year.

Budinich averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last year, helping the Falcons earn the South Puget Sound League North Division’s fifth-and-final playoff berth. Kentlake was eliminated in two games at the district tournament, but not before Budinich delivered a season-high 20 points in an 87-75 loss to Kentridge.