Carlton Bragg to Kansas: Jayhawks Land 5-Star Forward Prospect

Standing at the podium on the biggest day of his young life, 5-star power forward Carlton Bragg knew he was selecting the University of Kansas. The KU hat was strategically placed within his grasp, perfect distance for him to bring it in front of the camera as he announced his decision.

One problem: Bragg said Kentucky. The touted recruit's anticipated decision caused hearts in Lawrence and Lexington to leap Thursday, as for a second both fanbases thought they'd landed their next star. Kansas won out seconds later when Bragg corrected himself, but the Vine captured by Drew Franklin will undoubtedly become part of the youngster's Jayhawks legacy.

The Villa Angela St. Joseph High School product's decision came down to Kansas, Kentucky and Illinois but the former two had a noticeable edge. 247Sports' Crystal Ball rankings gave the Jayhawks an 81 percent chance of landing Bragg, pulling ahead with their aggressive recruiting pitch.

"I think Kansas has done a really good job recruiting him," Evan Daniels of Scout.com told Steve Jones of The Courier-Journal. "They had him on campus for an official visit, and I think that went really well. I just think they've been as aggressive pursuing him as any of these guys, and I think there's just a draw there."

Listed at 6'8" and 205 pounds, Bragg is the No. 16 overall prospect in the Class of 2015 on 247Sports' composite rankings. He's considered the sixth-best power forward in a class loaded at that position and is the top prospect in the state of Ohio.

In Bragg, Kansas lands its first top-tier recruit of the 2015 class. The Jayhawks were yet to secure a firm commitment from the class and appeared to be falling behind the likes of Kentucky and Arizona in the prospect arms race. Bragg's commitment should help change the narrative.

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