Five-star James on the verge of pledge

The big names are quickly coming off the board in the class of 2006. And Damion James, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward from Nacogdoches (Texas) High School, could very well be the next name attached to a high-major program. The five-star prospect will likely make his future college decision next week admist a flurry of in-home visits.

According to Nacogdoches High School head coach Mark Richardson, James will host four schools - Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor and Arizona - for in-home visits next week. Sources have indicated that a verbal commitment from the No. 5 rated junior in the country is coming.

"I talked to him last night and he seems definite on what he wants to do," Richardson said.

The coach did not expound any further on the situation, only saying that a press conference announcing the decision and possibly all of the in-home visits may not happen because James could commit before all of the schools have a chance to come in to visit with James and his family.

"I know he likes (Oklahoma) a lot but you have to remember, we are also talking about a 17-year-old kid here, too," Richardson said.

Oklahoma is believed to the front-runner for his services.

James will be an instant impact player at the college level.

"His game is built a lot better for the college game than for what it is at the high school level," Richardson said. "He's good at so many things. When he gets to college, he's going to have great players surrounding him at all times and that's going to make him even better than what he already is."

James averaged 23 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists as a junior. Richardson said James scored 31 points in a quarter in one game this season.