4-star PF Harry Froling commits to SMU

SMU filled a major need late Monday night when four-star Australian power forward Harry Froling committed to Larry Brown and the Mustangs. He chose SMU over other finalists Arizona, Illinois and Colorado.

The commitment was first reported by CBS Sports and later confirmed by Rivals.com's Alex Kline.

Froling took an official visit to SMU last week and was in attendance when the Mustangs defeated Houston at Moody Coliseum. The SMU fans came prepared for the high-profile visitor, bringing an Australian flag and chanting his name.

Froling fills a gaping hole on an SMU team that will be desperate for size after Markus Kennedy and Jordan Tolbert graduate after this season, with only Ben Moore and Semi Ojeleye returning to the post for SMU. Froling is a skilled big who can stretch the floor out to the 3-point line and should get immediate playing time at SMU.

Froling, who went to the Australia Institute of Sport, is part of a movement from Down Under to the Hilltop. His older sisters Alicia and Keely both play on the SMU women's team, as well as fellow AIS alum Stephanie Collins. The SMU men's team signed guard Tom Wilson this past November.

Froling is the third member of SMU's 2016 class, joining Wilson and three-star point guard Dashawn McDowell.

SMU assistant Tim Jankovich led the charge for SMU's recruitment of both Froling and Wilson, traveling to Australia this fall to meet with them before the season began.