Former Brown basketball coach Craig Robinson has swooped into New Jersey and squired away one of that state’s top prospects for his new program at Oregon State.

Robinson has gained a verbal commitment from Devon Collier, a 6-foot-8 forward at St. Anthony’s High in Jersey City, N.J. Collier’s other finalists were Providence, Seton Hall and St. John’s. Collier was PC’s main focus on the recruiting trail over the last month.

After returning from his official visit to Oregon State last month, Collier told the Zagsblog.com that he felt comfortable with Robinson.

“[Robinson] is a cool person. He’s fun to talk to. He has a good sense of humor. He’s smart. It’s not because he’s the President’s brother-in-law. He’s a good person, in general. The staff that’s around him, they’re good, too.”

After missing out on Collier, expect the Friars to land three players in the early signing period next week. They are highly rated guard Gerard Coleman of Boston, forward Ron Giplaye of Delaware and shooter Joseph Young of Houston.