Gabriel McCulley

Memphis sleeper emerges to become the 26th member of the Class of 2007 to pledge D1.

Coaches spend a great deal of time finding prospects who fit their style of play. They have their initial targets and then some off the radar players emerge at critical times during their final season and become prospects.

The new Memphis pipline is in full effect.

Gabriel McCulley (Craigmont) will join fellow Bluff City stalwart Randy Culpepper and take his emerging game across the Southeast to El Paso, Texas. The Miners of UTEP, with strong Memphis ties on their staff, believe they have found the proverbial sleeper.

McCulley is a tough player who can really defend and is much better offensively than his high school stats will show. His intensity and work ethic are unquestioned and his best basketball is still yet to be seen.

UTEP under second year coach Tony Barbee will find the 6-5 McCulley a welcome addition to their burgeoning Conference USA roster.

Other commitments and signings that came to out attention:

The final piece of the Liberty Tech puzzle was solved this week as Antwan "Big Boi" Long will stay close to home and play his basketball at Lambuth. The ultimate warrior will once again be forced to prove he belongs at this level, but will once again make believers of anyone who doubts him.

Walter's State of the TJCCAA has inked two Tennessee prepsters, Orlanda Wells (McMinn County) and David Joyner (Sullivan North) have pledged to play for the Coach Carlyle. Wells is an athletic big man who needs court time to polish his skills and Joyner is a tough lefty shooter with a huge heart who will be a fan favorite the moment he steps on the floor.

Another member of the TJCCAA has added another recruit to his stable. Tristan Carter (Jackson Southside) has inked to play for Deron Hines and his Jakcosn State group. Carter is scorer who can be very effective.

Another great week for the Class of 2007, let us see what next week has in store.