Tennessee Basketball: Jarnell Stokes Upcoming Decision Could Save Vols' Year

It's been a dismal season so far for the Tennessee Volunteers (4-6), but Santa could be bringing them a big Christmas present. 

Five-star recruit Jarnell Stokes, the 11th-best player in the nation according to Rivals.com, is announcing his college plans Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.

He is expected to choose between Tennessee, Memphis, Arkansas, Florida, Connecticut and Kentucky. Many believe he will wind up at Tennessee, Memphis or Florida.  

Stokes graduated from Southwind High School last week and is eligible to join the team of his choosing immediately upon the start of spring classes, a very unusual circumstance for recruiting.  

So, you're telling me that the Vols could potentially have a 5-star recruit and a future NBA star on their roster six games from now? 

Calling this a "big Christmas present" suddenly feels like a vast understatement.

Stokes visited Tennessee's campus for their Dec. 3 game against Pittsburgh and had a great time according to his Twitter page. The Volunteer faithful even painted "The Rock" for him.

Stokes would undoubtedly be the best player on campus if he chose to join the Vols, which he wouldn't be able to say if he joins Memphis or Kentucky. Heck, would he even start at Kentucky?  

The Vols get a much needed advantage due to Stokes' unusual eligibility situation. Memphis and Kentucky have no scholarships available this season, so Stokes would have to pay tuition at either of those places until the fall semester starts.

Judging from the fact that Stokes is a Memphis native, money wouldn't be as much of an issue if he went there, since he could live at home.

Tennessee, Florida and Arkansas are the only teams in the running for Stokes that have a scholarship spot available.  

Tennessee started out the 2011-12 season with promise in hard-fought losses to Duke and Memphis. The Vols have struggled since then in bad losses to Oakland, Charleston and even Austin Peay. This decision by Stokes could not have come at a better time for the Big Orange.  

The fact is that if Stokes wants to make the most immediate impact, he should choose Tennessee. If he wants to win championships, he will choose another team.

If Cuonzo Martin pulls in this recruiting gem, it could be the start of something big in Knoxville.