The following article appeared in another website and was referenced in the Herald Leader. This is a 2009 player.

 

A Long Time Coming

 

Blue Zertuche

TexasHoops.com

 

Coach Billy Gillispie is picking up where he left off here in the state of Texas. He is continuing his recruitment of the state's top players, making GJ Vilarino the first recruit since 1989 to commit to Kentucky. Jeff Brassow from Alief Elsik suited up for the Wildcats nearly 18 years ago (1989-1994), and is hard to believe that with all the talent in Texas that it has been so long. Vilarino is sure to be the beginning of a long list of names from Texas on Gillispe's list.

 

I thought that players couldn't be recruited until the beginning of their junior year (2008's as of today). Is this report inaccurate, or is there a way around this?

If the player initiate the first contact, follow-up information may be sent by the school. Certain times, when players can be observed but no contact, so the term "recruiting", can have various meanings.

 

NCAA has very strict guidelines and the UK Compliance Dept., is second to none.

Thanks STRIKE3. I would not assert that UK has done anything wrong. I am wondering how a kid has "committed" to UK or any other school if they are a sophomore and there was not any way officially for this to happen. Is the commitment just hype or truth?

Thanks STRIKE3. I would not assert that UK has done anything wrong. I am wondering how a kid has "committed" to UK or any other school if they are a sophomore and there was not any way officially for this to happen. Is the commitment just hype or truth?

It's a "verbal" commitment and nothing is binding, by either the Player or University. Either can opt out, as he continues in High School. Once a NLI (National Letter of Intent) is signed, then only way the player can change, is to be "released".

 

A NLI, can't be signed in his Sophomore year and official visits, must be taken when designated and they vary, from Division of play.