Chasing Vander Blue....
Written by: Jim Ganzer
(http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/Blue1.jpg)
Madison Memorial guard Vander Blue committed to playing college ball for the University of Wisconsin a while back, but a few months ago, following a controversial newspaper article, Blue decided he would re-open his recruitment.
At that point, it was certain that schools from all over the nation would be calling on Blue, as he is not only one of the top players in the state of Wisconsin, but one of the top players in the entire nation. Some have said he is the best guard to come out of the state since former Tosa East and Wisconsin Badger star Devin Harris, now with the New Jersey Nets.
Blue headed out after a couple of extremely quiet months to hit two high profile camps, both Wisconsin and Marquette's Elite Camps, andthen announced his list of finalists which included Wisconsin, UCLA, Arizona, Florida and Marquette .
Over the last two weeks there have been reports all over the internet recruiting sites about college coaches from all over the country heading out to high schools to see players in open gyms, and also heading to their homes for the coveted "in-home visits".
Blue had vowed to put off his recruitment until after he took the ACT, which was a little over a week ago, and he stuck to that promise. While he did take an un-official visit to Wisconsin for the Wisconsin - Michigan State football game, the rest has been silent. No open gyms, no in-home visits..,...some wondered if his recruitment really was open again.
Well, that all changed in the past hour as Blue is participating tonight in an open gym at Madison Memorial. Marquette Head Coach Buzz Williams and Assistant Coaches Greg Gard and Howard Moore from Wisconsin were seen heading in, but there has been no word on other schools attending. I am sure the exact attendance list will all hit the web shortly.
Wisconsin's Bo Ryan has gone head to head with Marquette in recruiting several times, but this is the first for Buzz Williams.
If Blue decides to re-commit to Wisconsin, all will be quiet. If Blue selects Marquette, it will be the most controversial in-state recruitment since Ricky Olson turned on Rick Majerus, and headed to Madison. If Blue decides to go elsewhere, he will be another on the list of "The ones that got away".
Having seen Vander Blue play in a variety of settings, whichever way this one turns out, he will be successful.
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http://community.sportsbubbler.com/blogs/iwbs_sports_blog/archive/2009/09/30/chasing-vander-blue.aspx