Meanwhile, Verdell Jones, the 6-4 guard from Champaign (Ill.) Central, who the Gophers are recruiting along with Indiana and others, visited the campus Wednesday. Jones, who was a Illinois Class 3A All-State player, is not being recruited by Illinois for some reason.
That's not really true. Illinois did offer him a scholarship, and he attended some of their games. Jones just made it clear that he wanted to go elsewhere to be on a team with a shot at a championship. That's not far-fetched to through Minnesota in with Indiana and Kentucky, considering the recruiting classes Tubby Smith is putting together. I'm just glad that he views Minnesota as a better program than Illinois, because they seem to have our number lately.
White, the former De La Salle star who now attends Hopkins, called Gophers coach Tubby Smith on Wednesday morning to verbally commit. White, considered a top 50 national recruit, had also attracted interest from UCLA, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Arkansas.
Apparently his commit also may help them land Rodney Williams
Rodney Williams, the state's other top junior, said Wednesday that his AAU teammate's decision has moved the Gophers up on his personal list.
Jones has apparently cut his list to MN, UK, IU and Arizona. It sounds like he will make a decison on Monday. I think he'll end up selecting IU, but who knows. It seems like his best opportunity to play right away.
All I know is that it's just nice to see the Gophers included on such an impressive list of schools.
Eh I would rather move on then sign this guy. He could be good, but if he still hasnt decided what school he wants then he might not be totally into our concept.
As for Royce White.. Im pumped! 6'7" silky smooth plus hes got connections with my boy Rodney Williams Jr. who i've known since I was in 5th grade.
Hey, as many times as this kid seemed to flip-flop, maybe he did choose the maroon and gold, and a couple other teams, before he finally had to stick with a decision.
It's all for the best. He was a completely average recruit, who apparently will get MORE playing time by going to Indiana. Wow, that just says a lot about which way these 2 programs are headed! The future is pretty bright in gopher nation.
