Early Commitments

[kramerbr]

It seems like there have been an abundance of California kids that commit to play basketball for a college or university at a fairly young age (8th or 9th grade).

Here is the latest:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...32/1002/SPORTS

[wilson]

Twenty bucks says this kid never dons a Kentucky uniform.
Remember when Chris Leak "committed" to Wake Forest as an 8th-grader?

[BD80]

It seems like there have been an abundance of California kids that commit to play basketball for a college or university at a fairly young age (8th or 9th grade).

Here is the latest:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...32/1002/SPORTS

What level of recruiting is permitted at that stage (8th grade)? Gotta love how the "word got around." Wonder who sponsors the Indiana Elite team?

"Howard Avery said the courtship of his son by UK happened fast. He traveled to Culver (Ind.) Academy recently to check out the school and while on the visit, Michael was invited to play with the Indiana Elite team last weekend in Akron, Ohio.

In the event, Gillispie watched the younger Avery and word got around that he liked his game. Howard Avery called the UK coach and he offered a scholarship."

Yep, his dad's a lawyer. But does seem to have things in perspective:

“Kentucky has always been one of those dream schools, like Duke and North Carolina,”

[Edouble]

What level of recruiting is permitted at that stage (8th grade)?

Good question. It would appear that the whole enchilada is permitted, as they are offering scholarships.

[gvtucker]

What level of recruiting is permitted at that stage (8th grade)? Gotta love how the "word got around." Wonder who sponsors the Indiana Elite team?

FWIW, Indiana Elite is an adidas team, while Kentucky is a Nike school.

Regarding recruiting of 8th graders, a kid isn't considered a "prospective student-athlete" until he enters the 9th grade, so for all practical purposes there are no recruiting restrictions at all for 8th graders.

[BD80]

FWIW, Indiana Elite is an adidas team, while Kentucky is a Nike school.

Thanks for the info. This kid must be a stud then. Indiana Elite (adidas) was recruiting him and he played well enough in one event against "elite" competition to merit a scholly offer from Billy for 2012. I think Billy will actually keep his word (if he stays at UK).

It does sound like Billy is starting to bring in the recruits.