Joseph Lopez, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound power forward from South Miami (Fla.) High School, ended his recruitment over the weekend and committed to Pat Kelsey's Winthrop program.

Lopez shined with Gold Coast over the travel season and saw enough from the Big South program to end his recruitment.

"One of the things that got me to want to go there was the head coach. I think he can help build the best parts of my game. I like how he can use me in the system," Lopez said.

"I got along really well with their assistant coaches. They have a lot of experience at working at other Division I schools. Plus, I liked their tradition of having multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament. I love their school, great campus, good people and the players got along. To me, it was the best decision overall from all of the offers that I had."

A hard-playing, effective power forward, Lopez brings a number of qualities to the table. He talked a lot about the future he wants to build for the Eagles when he gets to college.

"Coach Kelsey calls me as a hybrid four. He said I can bring the ball down the floor but also play in the post and score around the basket. I think that's one of my strengths. He said he likes how I rebound and play hard every possession. He said he wants to develop my shot and work on my right hand. He said that I'll be more than a role player but have an impact in the game and within their team."

Lopez said he picked Winthrop over High Point and Sacred Heart but also strongly considered Appalachian State, North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida International and Florida Atlantic.

"I want to bring my team to the state championship," Lopez said. "I feel like I have to be a leader to my team and be an example to all of the other players that we have and I'll do that by playing hard, listening to the coaches and being disciplined."