College Basketball Recruiting: Why a Kaleb Tarczewski Decision Won't Come Easily

Kaleb Tarczewski is one of the most coveted recruits left in the country.  

However, as the month of September draws to a close, only two schools remain in the running for the No. 8 overall player in the 2012 class.

Those schools are Arizona and Kansas.  One of which is already loaded with a top-heavy 2012 class, and the other still has plenty of need for a player like Tarczewski.

As it stands, Arizona has the No. 1 recruiting class for 2012, with commitments from two five-star players and one four-star.  Among those incoming recruits are No. 1-ranked PF Brandon Ashley and No. 9-ranked C Grant Jerrett.  

So, that begs the question: Does Tarczewski add himself to that already deep frontcourt to make them one of the most formidable post presences in 2012?  Or does he make himself the immediate go-to guy down low with a school that's not nearly as deep in that area of the offense?

Kansas picked up a huge commitment from the No. 7-ranked PF Perry Ellis last week, pushing them ahead in the recruiting ranks, but they still have plenty of room for additions.  

Since Tarczewski plays the 5, he would fit right in alongside Ellis.  And since he wouldn't have to battle Ashley or Jerrett for playing time, not to mention that Kansas is significantly lacking depth with the center position, he would likely assume a larger role within the Jayhawk offense, if that's the kind of responsibility he's looking for.

That's the basketball side of his recruitment.  Now for the personal side.

It really depends on what exactly Tarczewski is looking for as a college basketball player.  Of course he wants to win and make a name for himself, but to what extent?  

If he picks Arizona, they will be a legitimate title contender for the 2012-13 season.  His personal stats may not be as high at 'Zona as they would be at Kansas, but it's not like NBA scouts won't notice him winning, and winning, and winning some more.

Of course, if Tarczewski doesn't pick Arizona, it wouldn't be fair to assume that the primary merit for his decision is that he may not get all the touches he would like.  He's the kind of player who places a heavy emphasis on loyalty, and when it comes to loyalty, well, Kansas is in a league of its own with Tarczewski.

Kansas has been recruiting Tarczewski longer than any other school, and that's definitely not gone unnoticed by Tarczewski and his family.  Although Tarczewski is a New Hampshire native, thanks to Bill Self and his coaching staff, he'd no doubt feel right at home in Lawrence, Kansas.  

He's slated to be in attendance for Kansas' Midnight Madness ("Late Night in the Phog") on Oct. 14, where a couple of 2013 KU recruits will be in attendance also.  Then, the following weekend he's expected to attend Arizona's Red and Blue scrimmage in Tucson.

There's a lot to factor in with Tarczewski's decision.  He can't really lose with either program, as both have a lot to offer the seven-footer and will only capitalize on his seemingly endless potential.  

Right now, it appears he's still 50/50 with both schools, and it will be interesting to see what ultimately bridges the gap with where he'll end up.