Well Hoosier fans, the big day is finally here: Emmanuel Negedu is scheduled to be on campus today to visit with IU coach Tom Crean. Ranked No. 40 nationally by Rivals.com for the class of 2008, Negedu had previously committed to Arizona. Now the highest-ranked available player left for next season will take four visits: IU, Memphis, Georgia Tech and Tennessee.
Too bad for Crean that it is currently raining here, so campus is not its usual amazing self. Thankfully for Crean, Negedu is somewhat familiar with campus and Bloomington as he played AAU basketball with Bloomington-based Indiana Elite.
Today is the first visit for the 6ft 6in forward. While his height may not be overwhelming, Negedu may be the most athletic player in the class of 2008. A simple search on YouTube yields several impressive displays of Negedu's ability.
This will also be the first major recruiting battle for Tom Crean as the Hoosier coach. While Negedu is not a 5-star, All-American prospect, the Hoosiers could desperately use him next season as only two scholarship players return after a series of roster changes this off-season. Landing Negedu could be a promising sign of things to come for Crean's recruiting ability.
Stay tuned to the basketblog and the IDS for more coverage.
