Until then, commitments are far from final. Some people think they are, but kids are simply giving verbal handshakes to promise they will attend a certain school. And don't think for a minute that coaches of opposing schools give up recruiting athletes just because they have made commitments. An example is being provided right now at the University of South Carolina, where Dave Odom is pulling out all stops in hopes of luring home-state star Raymond Felton to the Gamecocks. High School committed to North Carolina in March.
Some people feel such tactics are unethical, but that's a matter of opinion.
In reality, an athlete is fair game until his name is on the dotted line. The prospects find, however, that the latter doesn't usually stop. Felton has said he is sticking with his commitment to the Tar Heels and that he has dreamed of playing for them. Meanwhile, UNC fans and coaches will continue to worry, knowing it's not over until he signs. Duke has the edge in quantity so far in recruiting the class of 2002, while Carolina has it in quality.