Deng Liked Missouri Visit

RivalsHoops.com's No. 2 ranked player in the 2003 class, Luol Deng of Blair Academy in New Jersey, has now taken two official visits. And according to Blair head coach Joe Mantegna, both visits have been terrific for his star player.

Deng, a 6-8 multi-purpose player, took his official visit to Missouri last weekend. "He had a great time," Mantegna said. "He loved the campus. He got along great with the players and coaches. He likes Quin (coach Snyder) a lot."

So it appears Missouri has done what it had to do -- stay right there with the other schools in this tough recruiting race. Mantegna gave us the feeling that Deng will have a tough time in making a decision if his visits continue this way. Deng has already taken an official visit to Virginia, a trip that Luol praised in his interview with Russ Blake last week.

But there are other competitors in this race. Deng has changed his Indiana visit for October 18th, according to head coach Joe Mantegna. "He also wants to take the SAT again," Mantegna said. "He wants to get a higher score."

So Deng won't visit Indiana on October 12th. He will join his friend Charlie Villaneuva on the visit to Bloomington, Indiana.

Deng, who may play the point this year at Blair Academy, is ranked as the second best player in the 2003 class by RivalsHoops.com. He is a terrific player who has a big heart and tremendous courage. Deng is already qualified academically and will be a major impact player on the college level due to his versatility.