Michael Gilchrist is part of Kentucky's top-rated recruiting class.
Photo by Steven Worthy
spurning perennial powers Kansas and Kentucky for upstart Alabama was about as much drama as college basketball's spring signing period had to offer.
Wednesday is the last day prospects can sign a letter of intent, unofficially closing the book on the Class of 2011. Undecided players can still latch on with college programs through a financial aid agreement – ala Kentucky's Terrence Jones last year.
The lone remaining mystery is the status of forward
DeAndre Daniels, the No. 19 overall prospect and a one-time Texas verbal commitment. In recent months, the California native has been rumored to be a Duke and Kansas lean, but neither scenario materialized.
According to reports, his decision could come Thursday.
The aforementioned Longhorns were among the winners when it came to coaching-carousel fallout. Rick Barnes picked up New Jersey guard
Sterling Gibbs, who was headed to Maryland until Gary Williams rode into the sunset earlier this month.
Another significant late addition was Indiana signing
Eastern (Louisville, Ky.) guard
Remy Abell, which gave Tom Crean's three-man class just enough juice to enter the Top 25.
Kentucky has had the top class in the bag November when John Calipari locked up four blue-chippers led by No. 1 overall prospect
Anthony Davis and No. 3
Michael Gilchrist. For the third-straight season the nation's top recruiting class is headed to Lexington.
The Wildcats' haul highlights a major influx of talent headed to the SEC. Seven of the top 12 overall prospects and 17 of the top 75 are headed to conference schools.
2011 Top 25 Recruiting Classes
