Coronado’s Kennedy Koehler commits to UC San Diego

Coronado senior forward Kennedy Koehler made an oral commitment Saturday to play basketball at UC San Diego.

The 6-foot-6-inch standout, who played AAU travel ball this summer for the Las Vegas Knicks, announced his decision via Twitter.

“I am excited to announce that I have committed to the University of California San Diego #gotritons,” Koehler tweeted.

Koehler averaged 17.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals last season in helping the Cougars to their first Sunrise Region title and state runner-up finish.

“I just really wanted a place that showed me the most love and they were there at just about every one of my games in July,” Koehler said. “So I felt that was the place for me to go. It’s a high education school and somewhere I can come out of college having a lot of opportunities. As far as basketball, I feel like it’s a program that I can make an impact right away.”

Koehler, who also had scholarship offers from Air Force, LIU Brooklyn and Siena, also made the All-Southeast League first team as a junior. He’s hoping for an even bigger senior season this winter.

“I definitely thought about (waiting to see about other offers), but I figured UC San Diego is a place where there’s nothing more I can ask for,” Koehler said. “And out of respect for the other coaches, I didn’t want to lead them on when I knew where I wanted to go. I’m just really excited. …

“I’m ready to have a great senior year, and now that I have all that weight off me, I can just focus on my play this year.”