IUBB Recruit News

Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Narrows List to Three, Will Visit IU

Today, four-star 2014 PG Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn out of Kansas cut his to three: Indiana, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Reports are that he will take an official visit to IU September 20-21.

Nairn is ranked 61 nationally by Rivals and 71 by 247Sports. The 5'10" point guard will commit this fall, and is considered an Oklahoma lean by 247Sport's Crystal Ball.

Whitehead Updates

2014 G Isaiah Whitehead reportedly hadn't heard from Indiana until Friday, one day after James Blackmon's de-commitment. Justin Albers tweeted that Whitehead got the offer directly from Tom Crean, their conversation lasted nearly an hour, and it was the first time the two had spoke. Whitehead said the pitch made to him is "Replace Blackmon."

Isaiah Whitehead will visit Indiana this fall and will likely commit in November. He will also visit Syracuse, Miami, Arizona, and UCLA. At the moment, the number one recruit from the state of New York is considered a Cuse lean, but IU's offer has shaken up his recruitment. It's also been reported that he and Ja'Quan Newton may be a package deal. Newton recently committed to Miami.

Although Crean got in on Whitehead late, Indiana appears "most definitely" in the picture to land him. Whitehead on IU: "Indiana is a legendary program with a great coach in coach Crean."

Note: Crean will continue to recruit Blackmon, but it appears that Whitehead will be a higher priority than JBJ. Blackmon reportedly may take an official visit to Indiana for Hoosier Hysteria, as well.

Indiana Offers a 5-star Guard

Per his twitter, Indiana has offered 5-star guard Isaiah Whitehead. He tweeted, "Just Got Offered By Indiana. #BLESSED" This comes after a somewhat shocking de-commit from guard James Blackmon.

Rivals ranks Whitehead number 17 nationally, while ESPN ranks him 35th and 247 Sports has him at 22.

Hoosier Nation should know Whitehead's college decision soon, as he has said he will commit "probably like September."

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com's scouting report on Whitehead:

"Smooth, versatile combo guard who is very advanced for his age. Shows a good feel for the game and the ability to do a bit of everything with the ball. Has a very promising future..."

No one is sure of the likelihood of IU landing Whitehead, but BtownBanners will update as new information arises.

James Blackmon Likely Headed to Kentucky

One day after de-committing from Indiana and stating he doesn't doubt he will go to IU, all indications point to James Blackmon likely ending up in Lexington. A national scouting director told Chip Miller, "If an when Cal offers, JB will be going to Kentucky."

Blackmon is reportedly "intrigued" by the possibility of following his father's footsteps at Kentucky. Blackmon Jr. himself says he isn't sure if UK has offered, but will "for sure" take a visit.

Crean will reportedly continue to recruit Blackmon, but seems to be searching elsewhere for a shooting guard (see Isaiah Whitehead and Robert Johnson).