wesley doesn't commit

socalogo.gif (8739 bytes)
SoCalHoops Recruiting News

MAJOR CORRECTION: Wesley Stokes
Has NOT Committed--(Oct. 22, 1999)

We reported yesterday, based on several other sources, including published reports from sources we considered to be very reliable (including the guys over at Recruiting USA, who like the rest of us, from time to time evidently make mistakes, just proving that they are human too), that Wesley Stokes (5'-11" Sr. PG) from Long Beach Poly, had committed to Missouri earlier this week. Well, evidently that was wrong. Wesley has not committed anywhere, at least not yet.

We received a telephone call this morning from Long Beach Poly varsity boys' basketball head coach Ron Palmer, who informed us that these reports that Wesley has committed to any school as of this date, are simply incorrect.

"Wesley has not committed to any school yet," coach Palmer told us. "Unfortunately, as a result of the various reports that he committed to Missouri, we've had to field a number of telephone calls here at the school, and while it's been confusing, Wesley has definitely not committed to Missouri, or anywhere else for that matter."

"There are some personal, family circumstances, involving Wesley's mother, who unfortunately suffered a stroke last week. Her medical condition may well affect his ultimate choice of where he attends school," Coach Palmer told us. "While her condition seems to be improving, Wesley is aware of the fact that her condition may affect which school he selects. Right now, until more is known, he will not make a decision. "

Coach Palmer was even more specific about the news that Wesley had not yet committed: "He's still considering all of the schools who have been recruiting him, including Oregon State, Missouri, and USC, and several others. Unfortunately as a result of this family emergency, Wesley had to cancel one of his official visits last weekend, but he has not committed to any school yet. The reason he canceled the visit had nothing to do with committing to any school," Coach Palmer said.

We regret the error in reporting the erroneous verbal committment, and apologize to Wesley and his family for any inconvenience or confusion it may have caused.

We also want to extend our wishes to Wesley and his family for a speedy and full recovery for his mother, and wish them our best during this difficult time. As Coach Palmer told us, "Wesley's family is the Poly family, and we are all with him during this very difficult personal time to give him all the support we can."