Another One Bites the Dust?

Well the 2007 recruiting news just got a little more interesting and immediate. Kentucky Sports Report is reporting tonight that Josh Southern has scheduled an announcement for August 22 to determine where he is going to play his college basketball. They say that sources indicate he is down to three schools, Boston College, Kentucky and Tennessee and that the decision will come out at a press conference at his high school on that Tuesday. What does this mean? Well first, the announcement could conceivably give Kentucky a great start to the recruiting campaign. A Southern commitment lines up a solid player who can then give Tubby the backup needed as he goes for the Patterson gusto. In addition, a Southern-Patterson front court would be a future for UK that could look very, very bright. OR, it could be bad. And this is something I worry about. Southern recently took an unofficial visit to Boston College, where it was reported that he had a great time. While he has been to UK, he was planning an official for September and many thought that UK, the only visit scheduled at that time, could lock up a commitment at that time. An early decision does make one wonder and it is hard to spin it as good news. Plus, a rumor has circulated (which I am unsure what the validity of it is) that Southern has a member of his family on the BC staff, a piece of news that is troubling to say the least. Having said that, Tubby has a strong connection with Josh's high school coach and there was a feeling around many recruiting folks that Kentucky was the leader just a couple of weeks ago. But the BC visit is worrisome and with Bruce Pearl's recent success, Tennessee also is a factor. So what will Southern do? I am not sure. We are looking for some scoop on this one and will let folks know if it happens. I do worry if this one falls through however, as the 07 power forward hunt is becoming more and more like a Patterson or bust search....