Ten Most Painful Decommits

Eric Gordon

Some college programs came so close to landing some of the best up-and-coming college talent available, but coaching changes, personnel swaps and just plain player fickleness cost them first-rate recruits. We take a look back at the 10 most painful decommits of the last five recruiting classes. Star recruit Eric Gordon verbally committed to the Bruce Weber-led squad at Illinois in fall 2005. But it wasn't long after the hiring of new Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson that rumors began to swirl that Gordon was turning his attention to the Hoosiers. On Oct. 13, Gordon switched his commitment. On Nov. 8, he signed with Indiana. The one-and-done freshman set IU's scoring record with 669 points and was drafted in 2008 by the Clippers.

Michael Beasley

Assistant Dalonte Hill played a critical role in luring Michael Beasley to an early commitment to Charlotte. But after Hill accepted a position at Kansas State, it wasn't long before Beasley made the move as well. He decommitted on March 30, 2006, and committed to K-State on June 23 of that same year. Beasley led the country in rebounding with 12.4 per game and helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament. He was picked No. 2 overall by the Miami Heat in the 2008 draft.

Marcus Morris

In quite the recruiting back and forth, Marcus Morris and twin brother Markieff initially committed to Memphis in the fall of 2006, then decommitted, then recommitted. Citing their reservations about Memphis' program, the twins decommitted a second time and signed with Kansas.

Markieff Morris

Markieff and Marcus Morris delivered the goods after signing with Kansas instead of Memphis. They helped win three Big 12 regular-season titles and two Big 12 tournament titles. Markieff averaged 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last season while Marcus averaged 17.2 points and 7.6. Both were taken in the 2011 NBA Draft, Markieff to the Rockets and Marcus to the Suns.

DeMarcus Cousins

After first committing to Alabama-Birmingham, top-ranked center DeMarcus Cousins didn't sign a letter of intent with the school because a clause was deleted that said he could be released if UAB's head coach Mike Davis left the program. Cousins then turned his sights to Memphis, but soon decommitted when head coach John Calipari moved to Kentucky. Cousins committed to the Wildcats and signed his letter of intent on April 15, 2009. Cousins left Kentucky after his freshman year and was taken No. 5 overall in the 2010 draft by the Sacramento Kings.

Austin Rivers

Winter Park High star and son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, Austin (right) chose to decommit from the Florida Gators in 2010. Though Rivers flirted with joining North Carolina, he ultimately went with another Tobacco Road resident: Duke.

Terrence Jones

A 6-foot-8 star forward out of Portland, Terrence Jones announced at a news conference his intention of joining the Washington Huskies. But he soon found himself drawn to the John Calipari-led Wildcats and spurned the Huskies in favor of Kentucky.

Gus Gilchrist

Concerns in the wake of Virginia Tech's 2007 school shooting led talented 6-9 forward Gus Gilchrist to decommit from the Hokies. He opted to attend one year of prep school before signing with Maryland, but ultimately asked for a release and transferred to USF.

Josh Selby

Bruce Pearl saw top prospect Josh Selby slip through his fingers when the guard decommited from Tennessee. The decision came just a week after the LeBron James Skills Academy, at which Selby's mother spoke with college hoops heavyweight William Wesley, who has strong ties to Kentucky, Oregon and other top programs. Ultimately, Selby signed with the Jayhawks, playing one year before entering the NBA Draft. He was selected 49th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Luke Babbitt

In February 2007, 6-8 forward Luke Babbitt verbally committed to play for Ohio State. But not long afterward, Babbitt expressed a desire to be closer to his family. He opted for a spot on Nevada's roster and signed his national letter of intent in November of that year. Babbit played two seasons at Nevada, averaging 21.9 ppg during his sophomore year, before entering the 2010 draft. He was picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves.