He still needs to be admitted to school, but UMass is the preferred destination of 6-foot-8 forward Luke Cothron.

Cothron, who is ranked among the top 17 power forwards in the country by ESPN, Rivals and Scout, had signed a letter of intent with Auburn. But Cothron didn't meet the NCAA's minimum eligibility requirements and the SEC doesn't allow nonqualifiers.

Story to follow.