ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Jake Houseknecht didn't have to look far for his opportunity to play Division I basketball.

St. Bonaventure men's basketball head coach Mark Schmidt revealed on Saturday that the Olean High School star has accepted a written offer of admission and has confirmed his enrollment in the Fall 2008 freshman class.

"Jake is an athletic big man that has great skill and tremendous upside," said Schmidt. "The improvement he made from last summer to now is incredible and if he continues to work hard he'll be a legit Atlantic 10 player. Him red shirting next season is as win-win situation for both sides because he will get bigger, stronger and get a chance to experience this level of basketball for a full year heading into 2009-10. He's a great kid and we're really looking forward to having him on the team."

The 6-foot-8 center enjoyed a breakout senior season in which he led the Huskies to a 25-3 overall mark and the New York State Class B title. Along the way, Houseknecht compiled plenty of postseason accolades as he was named to the All-State fifth team, Class B Section 6 first team, Buffalo News All-Western New York second team and Big 30 first team. Already a proven defensive force, Houseknecht's biggest improvement came on the offensive end as he averaged 12 points per game while shooting 55 percent from the floor. He also added seven boards and 5.5 blocks per contest.

Houseknecht impressed the Glen Falls crowd with a fury of two-handed dunks throughout the state tournament en route to being named to the Class B All-Tournament team. Most of those dunks came during his 20-point, 19-rebound and five block effort in the semifinals against Chenango Valley. Houseknecht had 16 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in his final showcase at the Civic Center in the New York State Federation Tournament against eventual-winner NYC-Collegiate.