Highly recruited basketball star Remi Barry told the Auburn Journal Tuesday he has committed to New Mexico State University.

The 6-7, 200 pound forward from France graduated from Del Oro High last spring and was rated the 28th best high school prospect in the country by ESPN while playing at American Heritage high school in Florida in 2008-09.

He was unable to play for the Golden Eagles after the California Interscholastic Federation would not grant him eligibility. CIF maintained that Barry transferred to Del Oro from Florida for athletic reasons.

Barry’s decision to play for New Mexico State comes as a bit of shock. He was being recruited heavily by basketball powers such as St. John's, UCLA, Washington, Cal, and Colorado to name a few. Barry contends New Mexico State was just a better fit for him.

“I feel really comfortable here,” Barry said from Las Cruces, N.M. on Tuesday. “It is a good community, the school is really nice, and they have a French speaker here who can help interpret for me.

Barry said he told his mom and a few close friends when he first made the decision a few days ago. He said they were instrumental in helping him make his decision, along with coach Marvin Menzies.

“He’s a really good guy,” said Barry. “He tells you everything straight up. He will do everything he can to help you.”

With New Mexico going 22-12 overall in 2009-10, Barry’s athleticism should only add to a program that has been on the rise recently.

Barry plans on majoring in Business Marketing and said that part of his decision to remain in the United States rather than play in Europe rested on the educational benefits.

“Education is very important to me,” Barry said.