Five Things to Watch for During Signing Week

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Five Things to Watch for During Signing Week
by Garrett Tucker, Future150 (8:18 AM CT, Wed November 13, 2013)

Will Tyler Ulis & UK have another top recruiting class?

Garrett Tucker:

Future150 Southeast Analyst. Covering high school basketball across the Southeast.

Nashville, TN (Future150) -- Wednesday begins what could be a very interesting early signing period in college basketball. The signing period ranges from today till next Wednesday. During this time, prospects who are committed have the option of signing and getting their college decisions out of the way.

While the whole week should be interesting, Friday could change the aspect of things with the 2014 class.

Here are five things to watch for heading into Wednesday:

1.) Will Kentucky have yet another No. 1 class?

As of now, John Calipari and Kentucky have a hold on the No. 1 recruiting class in 2014, and the Wildcats have held that position since Calipari took over at Kentucky.

With commitments from Karl Towns (7), Trey Lyles (10), Devin Booker (18), and Tyler Ulis (55), Kentucky once again looks primed to challenge for that top spot. There is still a long way to go, but expect UK to be right in there heading into the spring. However, there is a good chance Kentucky will pass the torch.

2.) Where will Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones end up?

The dynamic duo of Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones announced on Monday night that they would be committing on Friday. So, where will they end up?

They are down to Baylor, Duke, and Kansas, but many expect this to come down to the Blue Devils and Jayhawks. If one of these two land the package deal, they will be in the discussion for the top class in the nation.

3.) Will Stanley Johnson announce his commitment early?

Rumors have been floating around the past week that Stanley Johnson may opt to sign early rather than late as he has always planned. With that being said, it looks like Arizona, Duke, or USC could add another big piece to the puzzle.

It has yet to be confirmed if Johnson will indeed sign, but everything points to him doing so. Arizona head coach Sean Miller said on Tuesday that he expects to sign four or five players this week, so one would believe Johnson is set to make his decision.

If that is so, Arizona is in the driver’s seat with Kentucky nipping at their heels.

4.) Who else will announce?

With eight players remaining uncommitted in the 2014 Top 50, we expect five of those to make decisions.

Along with Johnson, Okafor, and Jones, Cliff Alexander and Justise Winslow are expected to announce their intentions.

Alexander will announce his commitment on Friday between DePaul, Illinois, Kansas, and Memphis. Illinois and DePaul have gained a lot of buzz lately, but do not count out Kansas at this point.

Nothing has been set for Winslow, but coming off his official visit to Stanford, the popular belief is that his recruitment will come to an end too. Arizona, Duke, and Florida seem to be the most logical places if he announces his commitment.

5.) What prospects will not commit this week?

Notice how the question is commit – not sign. We expect several players to commit, but signing a Letter of Intent is always up in the air nowadays.

Anyway, it looks like Myles Turner, Rashad Vaughn, and JaQuan Lyle will hold off to the spring for a decision.

Turner and Vaughn are still in the rather early stages of their respective recruitments, while Lyle is fresh off of opening his recruitment back up from Louisville.

Stanley Johnson could fall into this category, but official word will come to light in the next few days.