Rivals had an item a few days ago stating that Marquette may have emerged as the leader for Tarik Black, over Alabama, Florida, Memphis, and Tennessee.

 Jim, do you have anything to report on him, or any of the other recent visitors?

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=65428&season=2010

Let me know if you can't see this.

ike1024:

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=65428&season=2010

Let me know if you can't see this.

I don't pay for an ESPN Insider subscription, so I can't see past the opening page.

The Rivals report I referred to was dated November 3, and it said that MU was "in good shape" for Black.

ESPN has MU as #2 to Memphis, but they haven't updated since October.  Here's what they say about Black:

October, 2009: He is one of the most efficient players in this class, regardless of position. Black understands his role on the floor better than most big men and relishes in the fact he can defend, block shots and control the boards. He has exceptional strength which makes him a demon on either end of the floor defensively with positioning and aggressiveness. He is an exceptional rebounder with fundamental positioning or sliding across the lane to grab boards out of his area. Offensively his skill level is on the rise as he can convert those endless offensive caroms and can on occasion hit a short face-up jumper. He has excellent footwork and understands positioning from an offensive standpoint. Black understands his role in the offense as well as anyone I have seen on the interior. He will not take a bad shot to diffuse an offense and always plays with heart and determination. His recruitment has reached a fever pitch as coach's clamor for a big man with those qualities.

The essence of the Rivals item from November 3 is that Black's high school coach is taking an active role in his recruitment and he has "strong ties" to the MU staff. Black has visited Tennessee and may also visit Alabama, Memphis, and Florida, so there is a long way to go with this one. He would seem to be a great addition, though.

Justin Young had a blurb today saying that, with Memphis getting the commit from Tsafack yesterday that Memphis is likely out and he says "stock your backboards Marquette".

I believe that Black is visiting Florida this weekend and then he will evaluate everything with his mom. They laid out their process early on and have followed it all the way through. Alabama, Florida, Marquette, Tennessee - that is some tough company, but MU has a great shot. I would think a decision may come early next week with him.

I have seen Internet reports that Black is going to announce his decision before the end of the early signing period on Wednesday. Jim, have you heard anything about this and how his trip to Florida went?

Black came back from Florida and headed to the Memphis campus. Committed last night.

Well, that's disappointing, but I guess not too surprising, that he stayed at home.

Don't worry, he'll de-commit after Mempis stinks under its new coach this year!

The problem is MU might struggle as well, so if he de-commits from one program for that reason...  Well, enjoy Florida St. 

Now that Black is off the board who is next in line?  Is there anyone on the radar, or is Buzz going to pull another "where did that guy come from" signing?  Just curious, we could use a big man BAD!!!!

Well - Buzz clearly wants a guard and a big. Preferably a natural PF, but a talented big either way. There are several guards that they are in on, some that could commit as early as today, but who is the priority? Not sure - Buzz keeps it pretty tight, but keep an eye on Ayodeji Egeeyemi. He could be the one. Other possibilities are Kahlil McDonald, Jordaire Jett or even Reggie Smith, but I think Smith waits until Spring. My guess is that Buzz inks a guard today.

As far as the big goes, after Black decided on Memphis, I'm not sure who is next in line. There is Jayvaughn Pinkston - a week ago I am told MU is in the mix, two days later I am told MU has no shot, then I'm told he is committing to Tennessee then hours later he announces he will wait until Spring. Will MU get involved again? Not sure. There are others, but I think Buzz will hold off on the big to see if there is a strong late bloomer or a serious player that emerges in the Juco ranks.

I'd like to see MU add a point guard for next year.

Projecting ahead to next year's roster, with Cubillan and Acker leaving, MU will need a point guard to back up Cadougan or to fill in if he can't return at full strength. With Buycks, DJO, and Blue, the shooting guard spot should be well covered, but I don't think you want any of them having to cover the point too much.

Add a talented power forward and MU would have the deepest and best balanced lineup that it's had in a long time.