Sanchez comes to a decision

Only a month ago Michael Sanchez was set on being a member of the 2008 class. But a strong performance this spring with the Arkansas Hawks travel squad had several coaching staffs coming after him. Now the 6-foot-8, 235-pound power forward from Springdale (Ark.) Har-ber High School is back in the 2007 class after giving a verbal pledge on Monday.

Poised to visit Colorado tomorrow and then later Kentucky, Sanchez became convinced Saturday night that staying close to home and playing at Arkansas was the right choice.

"As of one month ago I had my mind made up to go to Findlay Prep, but playing like I've been playing this spring with the Hawks has opened up some doors for me," said Sanchez. "After talking to Coach Pelphrey last night, I realized playing at Arkansas was the best thing for me.

"It's right in my backyard and only ten minutes away. I'll have three years of major playing time in front of me, and I'll have to bust my butt to play this year. But I have a chance for playing time and I love to compete."

Sanchez also was considering Wake Forest, whom he visited earlier in the spring.

Michael Sanchez scouting report:

With a physique ready for the rigors of high-major basketball, Sanchez is nothing short of being a bull in the paint. He relentlessly attacks the rim with all his moves and pursues the ball off the glass. Solid but not overly athletic, Sanchez's greatest strength is drawing contact and getting to the free throw line