Update on J. Wall and Henry brothers...

Keeping you posted, CollegeCarousel faithful:

The Henry brothers, who are scheduled to visit Kentucky in the upcoming days, are ever so close to making a decision on where they will attend college. The slips and word choices in public make it appear that the brothers are bound for the Big Blue of Kentucky. But is that the truth? CollegeCarousel has dug around and has been contacted by a few people that are in the know with these stars. From a compilation of information provided to us, we're expecting Xavier and CJ Henry to announce their college destination no later than Friday, a week from tomorrow.

Where to? Kansas fans can rejoice - it looks like you're adding two crucial keys to a promising future.

John Wall on the other hand has yet to publically narrow the list he currently holds. Remember, CollegeCarousel has always believed he is bound for Kentucky, but is it so now? Numerous sources have told us that although there has been no "silent verbal," the saga will end with Wall in a Kentucky uniform. When? Now that's the question. North Carolina has been publically eliminated (we said this looong ago) and the choice (publicly) will come down to the Devils of Duke and the Wildcats of Kentucky.

Soon, Kentucky will be able to claim the #1 recruiting class in the land. With Orton likely staying on board (publicly, yes; privately, maybe), Kentucky bluebloods will have something to rejoice about.

Based on Rival's Rankings, Kentucky's recruiting class will look like this:

***** - Wall
***** - Cousins
***** - Orton
**** - Hood

Is there a chance for another addition? We're learning that it's possible, but not quite probable. We'll keep you updated.

Xavier Henry close to a decision?

Xavier Henry, ESPN's #1 ranked prospect, is getting ever so close to a decision about where he will play his college ball. Right now, it appears to be a two-team race with Kentucky and Kansas, with Memphis a distant third.

CollegeCarousel has been informed that through back channels, Henry favors the Wildcats of Kentucky. Although not 100%, many around the Kentucky basketball office that Xavier will be playing for Kentucky, as will his brother, CJ, who will join the team as a walk-on. Henry plans on visiting Lexington shortly after the Jordan game with his brother, and expects to make a decision after that. Coincidence? Not likely. We believe that the visit is to just ensure everything is well.

Although Kansas is pushing hard, CollegeCarousel feels that Kentucky is the leader for his services.

A lot depends on the status of Daniel Orton, who has yet to decommit from the Wildcats.

UPDATE:
Responding to comments on subject:

I think the Orton/Henry "feud" was blown out of proportion. The Orton comment was made in reference to the last remaining Kansas scholarship and if he would be the choice to take it. I now think it is highly unlikely that Orton becomes a Jayhawk.

Stephenson close to committing?

Lance Stephenson, a highly-rated wing player out of the New York area, is closing in on a commitment. Now where to? That's the question. It's down to two, sources close to the situation tell CollegeCarousel. Kansas and Cincinnati will be the next destination for Stephenson. If you're a gambler, put your money on Stephenson to choose Cincinnati.

Where does this put Kansas with another highly-rated guard, Xavier Henry? That's the determining factor. It appears that Bill Self would rather have Henry, but Henry looks less certain on becoming a Jayhawk.

Collins, Aldrich stick with Kansas

Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich, two important pieces to Kansas' probable championship run next season, have decided they want the opportunity to win their second title in three years. Both Collins (junior) and Aldrich (sophomore) have let it be known that they will play with the Jayhawks next season.

What does this mean for Orton?

With a frontline already consisting of Aldrich, and the two Morris twins, and Thomas Quintrell, where does the spot for Orton come in? Add to that, possibly adding Henry (?) or Stephenson to the last remaining scholarship spot and you have a tight bind in Phog Allen land.

This alone helps Kentucky in trying to keep the 5-star big man in a Kentucky uniform for next season. Is it likely? We're not sure. Does this help the Big Blue? Most definately.

Kentucky close to Big Three?

With DeMarcus Cousins already on the Kentucky Bandwagon, where does that leave the other two high-profile recruits currently targeted by Wildcat head coach John Calipari?

Xavier Henry, a 5-star wing player has narrowed his choices to Kansas, Kentucky, and Memphis. Although the main two appear to be Kansas and Kentucky, Xavier has let it be known he wants to play with his brother, who will walk-on at the school of their choosing. However, sources close to the situation are telling CollegeCarousel that Henry will decide within the next week on the school he will attend, and has made it clear that he won't have to visit the school (Kentucky) to make a commitment.

• Henry to Kansas - 40%
• Henry to Kentucky -45%
• Henry to Memphis - 15%
  

John Wall, a 5-star point guard from North Carolina has let it be known through back channels that Duke and Kentucky are his likely suitors and perhaps the place of his next chapter. CollegeCarousel has talked to many people around the situation and news could break this week on the college choice for Wall. Although not confirmed with 100% validity, CollegeCarousel is prepared to declare Kentucky as the college destination of John Wall.

• Wall to Duke - 25%
• Wall to North Carolina - 10%
• Wall to Kentucky - 65%