Signing Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the first day that recruits for the 2010-2011 season can sign their National Letters of Intent (NLI hereafter) in what's apparently referred to as the Regular Period, which remains open May 19, 2010.  The NLI is essentially an agreement between a school and a student-athlete recruit... It locks the recruiting process for the student-athlete in question, putting an end to calls and contact with coaching from other schools (though a lot of people suspect that such contact continues in certain cases and with certain coaches).  The school is then obligated to award a scholarship to that player for at least one year, and the coaches can now publicly comment on the player in question.  The NCAA has a website explaining the process here.  But in simple terms, the NLI is the method by which a recruit becomes "official" before he actually enrolls at the school. 

Bradley, in particular, has three (of the maximum thirteen) scholarships open for the 2010-2011 season, and has one verbal commitment to date.  A "verbal" happens when a player releases that they have selected a school-- a school can mention that they have offered a scholarship to a player, but cannot comment on players who have verballed.  A verbal is completely non-binding in the eyes of the NCAA (and many of its member institutions), though fans tend to look unfavorably on players who verbally commit but don't end up at the school in question... Even if it's not all that uncommon.

Bradley's verbal came from (great name here) Walter Lemon, a 6'2" shooting guard out of the Chicago Public League.  This seems to be a strong commitment and was announced just about three weeks ago so I think Bradley will receive an NLI from him tomorrow. 

Then there's the question of the never ending John Wilkins saga... As usual the rumors rampant on this player who once signed an NLI to Bradley, but did not qualify academically.  He's apparently completed his education at his Juco in Iowa, which would make him a qualified sophomore at the Division I level... And he's recently visited Iowa State, Indiana, and evil illinois state.  I have no idea where this kid is going.  I'd be happy if he ended up a Brave, and absolutely furious if he ended up at isu.  Otherwise, I'm not sure I care anymore... Current rumors have him waiting into the middle of the signing period before making his decision.  If I were in Coach Les' shoes, and Wilkins was making me wait this long, I'd sign someone else. 

Other than that, Bradley NEEDS a big man.  Hopefully we'll get one tomorrow.  I'd be absolutely ecstatic if we finish tomorrow with Lemon, Wilkins, and a big.  Either way, I'm sure I'll be letting you know.