ELDRIDGE: Top forward to visit Kentucky

While several of the top prospects in the 2009 class have already made their decisions, there are still a number of high quality athletes available. One of them is forward, Christian Watford. Watford has interest in several schools at this time, one of which is Kentucky.

"We're going to visit Kentucky," said Ernie Kuyper, Watford's AAU coach. The 6-foot-7 forward has other schools in mind as well. "We're going to visit Kentucky and Louisville. He's already been to UAB and Alabama. He's also visited Memphis. He went to Indiana this weekend," said Kuyper. "Those are the schools recruiting him the heaviest right now."

The Birmingham, Alabama native started his high school career at Clay-Chalkville High School, but has recently chosen to transfer to Shades Valley High, also in Birmingham. For Clay-Chalkville, Watford averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior.

"He's a three-four forward. What's so good about him is that he competes every second of every minute of every game," said Kuyper. "He just has it in him that he's going to compete. He has a killer instinct like a Kobe Bryant," he continued. "He just outworks you and goes after you. He rebounds exceptionally. He needs work on his ball handling, but he's one heck of a player."

That description sounds very much like a Billy Gillispie type recruit. There's a lot of competition to land Watford's services at this point. Watford isn't close to making a decision at this point, however. "He'll be a fall signee, after his five official visits," said Kuyper. "He's looking for the best option for him and his family," Kuyper finished.

Kuyper said that his Watford and his AAU program the M33M Ballers will be traveling to the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions after which he'll decide on other summer plans.

The 6-foot-7, 215 pound Watford is a four-star prospect according to Scout.com and is currently the number six small forward in the country.