One of the most interesting plot lines from a relatively boring early signing period is the saga of Michael Chandler.
Originally a Louisville commit, Chandler -- a borderline top 25 recruit who may not even be able to get eligible -- gave his pledge to Xavier just three weeks ago. But Brian Snow of Scout.com broke the news in his signing day blog that Chandler, a 6'10" center, was reopening his recruitment and that UConn was the leader.
This wouldn’t be the first top 50 recruit that the Huskies have pulled out of their, um, nowhere. Just last week, Ryan Boatright gave his verbal to Jim Calhoun and UConn. Boatright, who originally committed to USC when he was in eighth grade, had made the decision to go to West Virginia. But the day after he committed, another top 50 point guard -- Jabarie Hinds -- followed suit, resulting in Boatright changing his mind.
What makes Boatright’s decision and Chandler’s potential decision all the more important is that essentially all of the country’s top recruits -- according to Scout, the entire top 25 -- are committed. With UConn’s program headed in the wrong direction, can you imagine what would happen next season with no Boatright or Chandler and Kemba Walker, and potentially even Alex Oriakhi, in the pros?
For Xavier, it is just another setback for a program that hasn’t been able to catch a break these last few weeks. Brad Redford tore his acl, Jamel McLean fractured his orbital, and Justin Martin was ruled ineligible this season. That said, even without Chandler, Xavier still has a recruiting class that is one of the best in the country with 5'9" point guard Darwin “Dee” Davis, 6'8" power forward Jalen Reynolds and 6'4" small forward Dezmine Wells all committed in the class of 2011.
Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @ballinisahabit.