Sam Webb: Indiana's Byrd likes MSU, but U-M is a sleeper

When Blackhawk Christian (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) shooting guard Russell Byrd first emerged on the recruiting scene back in the spring, the unassuming youngster had no idea just how hectic his basketball life was about to become. He, though, was the only one. The numerous scouts that observed the 6-foot-7, 190-pound sharpshooter drain long-range shot after long-range shot knew immediately it was only a matter of time before the nation's elite programs came calling. By summer's end, Byrd was suddenly one of the most coveted prospects in the Midwest with nearly 15 scholarship offers. In hopes of keeping things manageable, he trimmed his list to five schools in August: Michigan State, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio State. Despite that announcement, the courtship by other programs has not ceased. "Memphis called a couple of weeks... [read full story]