Goodluck Okonoboh Set to Announce

The news broke around 5 PM ET: 2014 F Goodluck Okonoboh will announce his college decision during halftime of the WKU v. ULM game on ESPNU. He will choose between Indiana, Ohio State, and UNLV.

The defensive force recently took an official visit to Ohio State last weekend, then immediately visited UNLV. Tom Crean stopped by to visit Okonoboh the Thursday before the big man departed, likely making one of his final pitch's for IU.

Okonoboh took his first official visit to Indiana back in mid-September, fueling the speculation that the Hoosiers were the favorites. Some even believed a commitment then was possible, but he ultimately kept his recruitment open.

Throughout the process, Indiana has been the favorite to land Goodluck. Suddenly, that is changing. Many are beginning to lean Ohio State or UNLV.

247Sports' Crystal Ball, which fields numerous predictions for each top player, once had Indiana as a heavy favorite. It now appears that the Hoosiers are falling out of the running (http://247sports.com/Player/Goodluck-Okonoboh-15203/PlayerInstitutionPredictions).

Goodluck Okonoboh is a raw athlete with a tremendous defensive game. He has great timing to block and alter shots, and routinely affects opposing players' willingness to drive to the basket. He has enormous potential on offense, but won't score a lot in college. Because of his defense, however, he will immediately have a huge impact wherever he goes.

Ranger's Prediction

Like I said earlier, the Hoosiers have long been considered the favorites to land Okonoboh. Also, Okonoboh has expressed interest in playing with recent IU commit Rob Johnson and IU target Devin Robinson. Freshman Noah Vonleh, a close friend of Okonoboh, has been recruiting him hard as well.

Update 11:18 AM ET: Despite all those positives for IU, most believe Indiana will not land Okonoboh. Evan Daniels tweeted last night that the Hoosiers are a "distant third." N.D. Kendrick tweeted that he's "99.99% certain" Goodluck will not choose Indiana. He also said he's "comfortable saying 100%."

Like many, I thought Okonoboh to IU was a lock. That's changed, however. I don't want to switch my prediction, but I am not confident that Okonoboh will choose Indiana.

UNLV presents the big man the best opportunities for early playing time, and one of his good friends, Khem Birch, transferred to UNLV.

I believe Goodluck Okonoboh will commit to UNLV.

Follow Jeff on Twitter: @All_Hoosiers.

Photo: Kelly Kline/Under Armour