When University of Victoria Vikes men's basketball coach Craig Beaucamp was restocking for the 2011-12 Canada West season, he landed three recruits from Ontario - Michael Acheampong, John Woldu and Sean Patrick.

As Beaucamp makes plans for next year, the first recruit is a little closer to Victoria as Kyle Peterson from Edmonton has committed to play at McKinnon Gym.

Peterson is a multi-sport athlete for the Harry Ainlay Titans. He was the quarterback as the Titans won the four-A Alberta high school football title over the Raymond Comets. But, he has opted to play basketball at the university level.

"He's been a proven team member,'' said Beaucamp in a news release. "He can come in, run, jump and compete at this level right away. He's a really good leader and he's proven that on teams he's been on in the past. He brings length and athleticism and he has the potential to step in and help us next year.''

Peterson is a 6-foot-2 combo guard.

"I've been playing basketball since I was four or five,'' said Peterson from Edmonton. "It's always been my dream to pursue basketball. I can play point and wing but I prefer the point guard spot. I like to create shots for teammates and get them open looks and distribute the ball.''

Peterson is the nephew of former NHL player and coach Brent Peterson, who played in the pros for 12 seasons before moving to coaching.

rrauch@timescolonist.com