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Though there are still more than two weeks remaining in the late signing period for college basketball, there’s plenty of buzz that St. Louis (Mo.) Webster Groves point guard Courtney Ramey is close to making a decision.
The key Texas Longhorns target could even decide as soon as Friday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Earlier this month, Ramey released his list of top 10 schools. Since then, he’s narrowed it down to his final four schools, his father told a Louisville radio show — Louisville, Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Texas.
The Cardinals are the new-old contender in Ramey’s recruitment, as he originally committed to Louisville before re-opening his commitment when the FBI scandal broke late last September. Then, new head coach Chris Mack said in early April that the Cardinal weren’t actively recruiting Ramey. A week later, the staff decided to target him, putting Louisville firmly back in the mix.
Given that Louisville has such a strong need for a starting point guard, it’s perplexing that Mack publicly mentioned not recruiting Ramey more than 10 days after he was hired and then reversed course.
In any case, Texas also has a need for another guard with the departures of Jacob Young and Eric Davis Jr. and the possibility that Kerwin Roach II could remain in the NBA Draft.
Head coach Shaka Smart has also been recruiting Ramey for some time and is known for his ability to build relationships with top prospects. He had an in-home visit with Ramey and his family in recent weeks.
Oklahoma State is considered the biggest threat to Texas, as head coach Mike Boynton is in desperate need of talented guards after the Cowboys also suffered departures following last season.
With three of the last four 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions favoring Texas, the Horns seem like the current favorite as Smart attempts to pull off another impressive recruiting coup.
Ramey is a consensus four-star prospect ranked as the No. 40 player nationally, the No. 8 point guard, and the No. 1 player in Missouri, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.