Charlie Villanueva, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound wing forward from Blair Academy recently completed his fifth and final official visit.
Villanueva was in Lawrence, Kansas visiting the Jayhawks and will make a final decision about his future within the next few days. As it stands right now, he is going to decide between three schools and the NBA.
Villanueva is ranked as the third best player in the class of 2003 and was given five stars by RivalsHoops.com. He is on the verge of making one of the biggest decisions of his life, but the wait is almost over.
“Things went pretty good during my official visit to Kansas,” Villanueva said. “It’s like a family environment and atmosphere, which is something I really like. It’s was great spending time with all the coaches and all the players.”
When Villanueva finally comes to a decision, it is going to be final.
“I’m going to go home this weekend and make a decision about my future,” he said. “I’m going talk with my family and make a decision that’s best for me. If I decide to attend college, I am not going to test the NBA waters.
“I plan on having a final decision about my future on Monday,” he added.
There was concern that Villanueva might declare his intentions to attend college, but also attend some of the NBA camps. If he did not like where he was listed in the draft, there was the opportunity to pull his name out before the deadline expired.
That is not an option for Villanueva. It is either the NBA or college. If he does not feel comfortable about his draft status, his name will not be entered in the draft.
If Villanueva does attend college, three schools stand at the top of his list.
“Kansas, Connecticut and UCLA are the final three schools I’m considering,” he said. “I will probably take an unofficial visit to Connecticut if I don’t attend the NBA. I’m no longer considering Illinois and North Carolina,”
As far as the Kansas Jayhawks go, they have an excellent chance at landing the highly talented prep phenom.
“Oh definitely! Kansas is in great shape with me,” he said. “I’m very familiar with Coach Self and the rest of the staff. We have a great relationship and they’re one of the main reasons I gave a commitment to Illinois."