UT-Chattanooga has found itself in the top tier of the Southern Conference standings in recent years. Under new head coach Lamont Paris, the Mocs will look to stay at the top, and the program took a big step towards that on Tuesday afternoon.

2018 Chicago (IL) Curie point guard Maurice Commander announced his pledge to Chattanooga via Twitter. This is a significant pickup for the Mocs and Commander could be a cornerstone for the program for the next few years.

"I chose UT-Chattanooga because deep down inside, I knew I can trust Coach [Lamont] Paris and the staff," Commander told HoopSeen.com. "Also, it was the fact they believed in me from the jump. I know for a fact that I could go to war with this coaching staff."

Commander, a 5-foot-10 floor general, was one of the most impressive players on the Powerade Platform circuit this season. He performed very well in Nashville at the end of May. A tough and seasoned lefty, Commander is very good off the bounce, where he can hit shots and play in the pick-and-roll. He should make an early impact at Chattanooga.

In May, Commander only had one scholarship offer. However, after a strong summer, he became one of the top point guard targets for mid-major programs across the country. Commander chose Chattanooga over scholarship offers from UC-Davis, Youngstown State, Wofford, Murray State, and Missouri State, among others.

Commander joins Donovann Toatley in the Mocs' 2018 recruiting class.