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BUFFALO, NY - Head men's basketball coach Reggie Witherspoon has announced that Jason Bird (Ypsilanti, MI/Ypsilanti) a 6-3, 180-pound guard, has chosen the University at Buffalo to continue his academic and athletic pursuits.

Bird led the Braves of Ypsilanti in scoring, assists, rebounds and steals as a senior while earning Ann Arbor News Co-Player of the Year honors for his play on the court. Bird will study business at Buffalo and joins 6-3 guard Turner Battle (Kernersville, NC/East Forsythe) and 6-9 forward Mark Bortz (Commerce Township, MI/Walled Lake) in Witherspoon's recruiting class.

"They were just first class, top of the line," said Bird of UB's coaching staff in the Ann Arbor News. "A lot of programs, you don't get to see the real side of people. It's marketing, trying to sell themselves. When you find genuine people, it's definitely a plus."

Bird averaged over 18 points a game as well as nearly eight assists and eight rebounds per game as he led the Braves to a district title and their first regional championship appearance in over 15 years. He was an All-Mega Conference Red Division selection as a junior and senior, a first-team All-Area selection and a Detroit Free Press All-Metro West selection. His cousin Derrick will play at Auburn this year.

"He's a very good shooter and handles the ball very well," said Witherspoon, who noted that Bird made the transition to point guard as a senior but can play both guard positions. "He comes from a background that he is not afraid of hard work. He's very good going in both directions. He's a lefty that goes right very well. We needed some versatility in the backcourt and we're excited to have him."

Bird chose UB over Eastern Michigan, Akron and Bowling Green. His coach Matt Seidl told the Ann Arbor News, "I think (Buffalo) found themselves a really good player. I've said all along that the Mid-American Conference is a good fit. I think it will be a challenge for him, but he can do well there."