RECRUITING: Durango’s Tuss commits to Air Force

It’s not easy to find a basketball player standing 6 feet, 7 inches tall who can shoot the 3-pointer with ease.

And a player with a weighted 4.25 grade-point average — even moreso.

All of which is why Air Force was interested in Durango senior wing Joe Tuss.

Tuss has made an oral commitment to play college basketball for Air Force.

“I’m tremendously happy for him,” Durango coach DeShawn Henry said. “He’s a great kid, a great student. He’s done everything he’s supposed to do, and he’s reaping the benefits.”

Tuss also drew recruiting interest from Eastern Washington and several smaller schools. But he found a good fit with the Falcons after going through various interviews and physicals with academy officials for months, Henry said.

Henry said Tuss likely will begin his college career with Air Force’s prep program.

Tuss is versatile for his size, averaging 18.4 points and 7.0 rebounds through 20 games for the Trailblazers.

“I think his biggest strength is that he can really shoot the ball,” Henry said. “He has great form, great touch.

“We’re just so proud of him. Everyone is proud of him getting accepted to the Air Force Academy.”