Top prep Arthur to announce Monday

By Tom Keegan     May 6, 2006

Darrell Arthur, Kansas University’s top basketball recruiting target, will end the suspense Monday with a noon press conference, according to dallaspreps.com.

Arthur, a 6-foot-9 forward from South Oak Cliff High in Dallas, has kept recruiting analysts guessing throughout his long recruitment. Recent developments indicate KU could be emerging as the favorite, although this has been a difficult recruitment to read.

KU’s chances of landing Arthur appeared to take a downturn when LSU freshman Tyrus Thomas declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft, opening a spot in the Tigers’ starting lineup alongside Glen “Big Baby” Davis.

Arthur visited LSU last weekend with fellow McDonald’s All-American and close friend Scottie Reynolds, who was released from his commitment to Oklahoma after coach Kelvin Sampson left to replace Mike Davis at Indiana.

Since the visit, Reynolds, a point guard, has been outspoken about how much he enjoyed it and said that, though he would like to play with Arthur, the two were going to make independent decisions.

Meanwhile, LSU coaches reportedly had not been able to reach Arthur since the visit, not an encouraging sign for the school that reached the Final Four and lost to UCLA.

Arthur also has listed Baylor and Texas as among his favorites, and his mother is believed to favor KU, where Arthur’s cousin Dexton Fields will compete for a starting job at wide receiver for Mark Mangino’s team. Arizona attempted to get involved late, but Arthur never visited the school.

In the final three games of a high school career during which he gained a reputation for taking over games late, Arthur averaged 28 points and 14 rebounds and led his school to a second consecutive state title.

An explosive leaper who runs the floor swiftly, Arthur would fit well with fellow McDonald’s All-American Sherron Collins and returning KU players Russell Robinson, Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush and Julian Wright, all of whom prefer to play an up-tempo style of basketball.

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