Cyprian Hyde commits to Portland

The first Division 1 commitment in San Diego's 2023 class is on the books, as 6-10 Vista C Cyprian Hyde announced his verbal pledge to the University of Portland.

"I want to announce my commitment to the University of Portland. I thank God, my parents, Gamepoint Nation, Charlie Mercado, Anthony Bolton, Vista High School and Coach Shantay Legans for believing in me since after my freshman year, and coaches Bobby, TJ and Pope. #GoPIlots #WeArePortland," Hyde wrote on Twitter.

Hyde chose Portland over Eastern Washington, which also offered Hyde during his sophomore year, and several other schools that were recruiting him, including Cal Baptist.

He said he chose the West Coast Conference program because of his relationship with Legans, which dates back to when Legans was the head coach at Eastern Washington.

"Coach Legs believed in me since after my freshman year," he said. "We've talked about how I fit into their system, and how they need a big who is loud on defense, rebounds and can shoot."

As a junior, Hyde averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game for Vista in the rugged Coastal North County League. A versatile scoring threat, Hyde can finish in the paint with jump hooks or turnaround shots and can knock down shots from the wing off the catch. Defensively he's worked to improve his shot-blocking and defensive rebounding against bigger bodies, which he showed during the summer playing for Gamepoint Elite.

Hyde commits to a Pilots program under second-year head coach Shantay Legans, who guided the team to a 13-win improvement in year 1 (from 6-15 to 19-15).

He said Portland will get a player who brings it every night.

"I'm going to play hard every night, rebound the ball, I can score in the post and shoot the three," Hyde said.

Hyde said he's working on getting stronger and extending his three point range.

This year, Hyde said his goals are to help lead a revival at Vista, including a league championship and an Open Division playoff berth while averaging 25 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks per game.