DeKALB | Twin brothers Keith and Kevin Gray of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy announced their commitment to the NIU men’s basketball team on Monday afternoon.

The 6’7″ forwards are first-year head coach Mark Montgomery’s first commitments. Joe Henricksen, the editor of City/Suburban Hoops Report believes the signings mark an important step for NIU.

“The Grays are just scratching the surface as far as prospects, and it’s a nice get for NIU at this point,” Henricksen said. “Especially at this point before the [spring] signing period when people are starting to reach for prospects.”

In 2010-11, the brothers helped lead Brooks to the Chicago Public League Championship, before finishing third in the 3A State Finals. Keith averaged 15.7 points and 11 rebounds per game in his senior season, while Kevin averaged 11 and 9.7 respectively.

The two played on the floor together most of the time for the Eagles, acting as a power forward-center combination.

Henrickson believes Keith has a good chance to be an elite player in the MAC down the line, and perhaps a solid player for the Huskies in the near future.

“It all depends on the development…but I think Keith has a chance, the way the roster shakes out, to be a contributor as a freshman,” Henricksen said. “He had two of his best games against two of the biggest Chicago teams in Simeon (22 points and 18 rebounds) and Morgan Park (23 and 14).”

Both Keith and Kevin are regarded as coachable prospects by Henricksen. Players that are devoid of egos will no doubt be a big help for Montgomery in his first year in DeKalb.

The twins had been a big target of previous head coach Ricardo Patton, but were recruited mainly by recently retained assistant coach Todd Townsend. The top recruiter under Patton, Townsend has earned a good reputation around Chicago.

“Todd Townsend established a relationship early on,” Henricksen said. “He’s really done wonders in the short time he’s been in DeKalb.”

What may have been the key factor in the Grays choosing NIU was the Huskies’ willingness to offer scholarships to both brothers. Keith and Kevin made their desire to stay together clear throughout the recruiting process.

Upon signing with NIU, the Grays will join already signed point guard Zach Miller of Glenbard East and shooting guard DeAndre Barnette of Liberty Tech (Tenn.) in the Huskies’ 2011 recruiting class.

Montgomery is only three weeks removed from being hired by NIU, but the Huskies are already garnering positive reviews for his work.

“The coaching staff hit the ground running from a recruiting standpoint,” Henricksen said. “To get a kid with the character, quality and the upside of Keith is very important for a new staff, regardless of where they are, but especially this close in proximity to Chicago.”