Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
Ann Arbor, MI (Future150) -- Those pesky official visits change everything. In football the push is to get guys on campus. 'Just get him on campus and then we can close him.'
Tonight Syracuse will host Tyus Battle for an official visit. Yes, that Tyus Battle. The one that up until a few hours ago was verbally committed to Michigan. In what was Michigan's biggest recruiting victory in five years Battle selected Michigan over Syracuse, Louisville, and Duke.
Well, basketball recruiting is starting to suffer the same fate as football recruiting. Verbal commitments are no longer as binding as they were just two years ago.
Father Gary Battle intimated his feelings toward Tyus attending college so far from home. In a word he was uneasy. Did he help nudge Tyus away from Michigan verbal?
From interviews Mr. Battle gave following Tyus' verbal commitment the quotes were unique, to say the least.
Did Michigan know this was coming?
Did Syracuse ever stop recruiting Battle? Generally college coaches will back off once a player makes a verbal commitment. Surely, that gentleman's agreement did not exist in this case.
Syracuse was viewed the clubhouse favorite for the last two years. Maybe the coaching staff did not give up so easily. Maybe they did give up, but Battle and his family felt a hurried decision was made in May.
No matter what the course Tyus Battle is now open for recruiting again. He is taking his fourth official visit this weekend and can take one more, if he wants. Michigan, Duke, and Louisville already hosted Battle.
High School Coach Mergin Sina told MLive.com that Battle will not be finishing his high school career with Gill St. Bernard's (NJ).
Calls to Tyus and Gary Battle were not returned immediately.
Unfinished Class
Syracuse is looking to fill five spots with the Class of 2016.
James Banks, Sedee Keita, and Kevin Huerter are all top talents that are giving Cuse strong consideration. Each has an offer to join, but Battle's new availability could alter Huerter's recruitment.
Would Syracuse take two shooting guards in one class? They are bringing in two this year. An argument could be made that Franklin Howard can play the point guard spot. Also, Malachi Richardson might be able to leave after a single season.
These are both if's. As is the potential Battle verbal commitment. Remember nothing is certain until papers are signed (in November most likely). And even then it becomes a loose contract pending a coaching change or NCAA punishment.
The only certainty in this story is that basketball recruiting is starting to resemble the fickle world of college football commitments and flipping.
Evan Daniels of Scout.com broke the news of Battle's decommitment and Cuse official visit Friday morning.
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