Let the collective sigh of relief commence. Cameron Ridley has finally given Texas his letter of intent.

Longhorn fans were left in the unknown about Ridley’s decision when he didn’t sign in the early fall period. However, all the speculation regarding his college of choice ended Wednesday afternoon when Ridley officially signed the papers for Texas at Fort Bend Bush High School.

“I knew for sure I was going to sign with Texas,” Ridley stated. “I’m happy to have that opportunity [to play for Texas].”

In addition to high school basketball, Ridley spent his summers playing in the AAU circuit. Keith White, coach of the AAU Houston Hoopstars, discussed the development he’s seen in Ridley over the last four years.

“He’s a whole different person from the person I met four years ago,” stated White. “Body language, more confident, he’s grown a lot. No doubt.”

Texas could benefit greatly from an already matured freshman. The Longhorns often find failure when their inexperience takes over the game and no one on the team can step up and get it back.

This form of maturation is especially significant since Ridley has played competitive basketball for just over three years. The success that Ridley has found over this span was attributed to his work ethic by all of his coaches.

“He’s going to be a hard-working young man that wants to get better,” Fort Bend Bush head coach Ronnie Courtney said. “The fact that he wants to get better and with the work habits he already has, leads to Texas getting a kid that’s going to develop into a great basketball player.”

Texas will benefit greatly by getting this 6’10” forward. Ridley has been regarded as a true ‘back-to-the-basket player,’ which has become a lost breed in recent years.

The Longhorns have lacked a formidable big man in the post, and that vacancy often leaves Texas susceptible in the paint. Ridley will be able to fill that void and make an immediate contribution on both the offensive and defensive end.

“This year they were missing a big man and got beat on the boards some,” stated Ridley about Texas. “I can help with blocking shots, getting on the boards and scoring as a big man.”

Orangebloods.com contributed to this report