Finally, A Blue Chip Recruit Goes Smart - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

As noted, Tyreke Evans announced he would attend Memphis (for one year before the almost certain leap to the NBA). What he didn't do is sign a letter of intent (LOI) to attend Memphis.

So it's easy to understand why Evans, the fourth-rated high school basketball player in the country, announced Wednesday he was committing to play at Memphis -- and why he has yet to sign his national letter of intent.

Evans insisted there was nothing secretive about his decisions, explaining he had to head directly from the news conference held at his school, American Christian Academy, to New York and the Jordan Brand All-Star Classic, and that he would sign as soon as he returns Monday.

Sure, because there would be no time in his schedule to sign his name to anything and trust family or friends to fax the LOI.

Evans chose Memphis because of the coach. Not the school. He admitted what everyone knew. He also knows that Calipari's name is coming up for NBA jobs. Yes, Calipari and Memphis have agreed to a new contract that pays him $2.5 million. It isn't a signed contract yet. Plus, everyone knows that coaches contracts tend not to hold up real well when more money is offered.

So, why should Evans put his own name to a binding agreement?
He didn't. Schools can make oral promises to release a player if a coach leaves, but that is hardly the most reliable method.

A LOI is a one-way contract. It binds a player to that school for up to his entire eligibility unless a school releases him or the player wants to play at a lower college division. At the same time, the school is only required to give the scholarship for one-year with the control over renewing it each season.

For years, there has been speculation and hopes that some top-recruit would at least dare to tweak the system by not signing the LOI. Then, at least, he would have more freedom if he wanted out.

In a perverse way, the NBA 1-year restriction out of high school provides a greater opportunity for that. Schools recruit the likely one-and-done players. They really hold a lot more leverage. Would Indiana have rejected Eric Gordon if he said he would show-up, but not sign a LOI? Michael Beasley at K-State?

Tyreke Evans is in that position. He doesn't have to sign his LOI, ever. Memphis will still give one of the best high schoolers in the country his scholarship. And if they took a stand, you know other schools would fall over themselves to do so.

Evans can sit back and wait. He might, ultimately, sign an LOI just to make people happy. He can, however, take his time and make sure Calipari doesn't jump on the NBA coaching carousel in May or June.