Crawford to announce Thursday

Four-star prospect Chris Crawford was expected to be a late signee, but the 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard from Memphis Sheffield High School has boosted his academics and is now ready to decide between his hometown school and a couple SEC schools.

At 5:00 PM Central time on Thursday at Sheffield High School, Crawford will announce a verbal commitment to either Memphis, Mississippi State or Tennessee.

According to his travel team coach Eric Robinson of the Memphis Magic, Crawford hasn't decided on a school yet.

"He is going to meet with his mom tonight and do the pluses and negatives for each school," said Robinson. "He likes all three schools. He's been on every campus and liked them all. He knows he is a four year player, so he is looking for the school that can offer the best in his major and the most playing time.

"When he got back from Mississippi State this weekend, he told all the coaches that he wanted three days to think it over and then he would announce on Thursday. He said he didn't want them calling or coming to the school but let him think it over by himself."

Crawford, who is the No. 66 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, had a breakout July where he firmly placed himself on the national recruiting map. On the court he answered any questions concerning his game. The question that remained, however was his academics.

According to Coach Robinson, Crawford is now on target to qualify.

"Chris is having a great year academically," said Robinson. "He just needs to improve his test score in a couple areas, and he has his GPA moving up."

Chris Crawford scouting report:

A silky smooth shooter, Crawford is also a clutch shooter from behind the arc. He is well built at 6-foot-4 and has a physical presence to his game beyond being just a shooter. Not an overwhelming athlete, Crawford, however, does have a deceptive burst.