Phoenix star guard Jerryd Bayless is back on Arizona's 2007-08 basketball roster, and this time, he says it's for good.
Bayless, a national top-10 prospect from St. Mary's High School, announced Wednesday he has recommitted to the Wildcats after deciding in early June to consider other schools. He originally committed in November 2005.
Bayless, who is scheduled to sign a binding letter of intent to attend Arizona, along with four other recruits in November, was unavailable for comment. But he said in a statement released through St. Mary's that the UA staff was "tremendous in supporting me through a very intense time in my young life.''
Often, UA coach Lute Olson no longer recruits players who waver on their commitments. But he kept the door open for Bayless this time.
Bayless, likewise, said immediately upon his decommitment that he still was heavily considering the UA.
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"I think both parties showed the dedication to each other,'' said David Lopez, Bayless' coach at St. Mary's. "I told Jerryd, 'You don't divorce somebody and remarry right away.' But they both had patience and worked it out.''
Lopez and Bayless' brother, Justin, said Jerryd considered several other schools. Texas and Washington were two of the most-mentioned targets.
Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar coached Bayless this summer on Team USA's under-18 team.
But Bayless, who averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 assists for Team USA, said in his statement that the experience of playing away from home made him realize he wanted to play as close to home as possible.
"I understand that my decision to decommit was a bit unusual," Bayless said in his statement, "but through my summer experience, and the knowledge that I have gained both in basketball and about myself, I feel extremely comfortable that Tucson is the place for me.
"Arizona is a quality program. I love Coach Olson and his staff, the current players, and players they have signed are fantastic. The fans are fabulous, and it is well-respected academically. It is the best scenario for me and I'm excited to be headed down I-10 to play for one of the best programs in the country."
Lopez said he noticed Bayless' change of thinking upon his return, suggesting the two talk when school started this week. When they did, Bayless quickly told him where he was leaning.
"He was pretty convinced — no, not pretty — really convinced," Lopez said. "He was in San Antonio for 3 1/2 weeks, and there he came to the realization of what he wanted to do,'' Lopez said. "Sometimes home is where the heart is."
Bayless may complete a well-rounded 2007 class that also includes wing forward Jamelle Horne of San Diego. The Wildcats have other commitments from guard Laval Lucas-Perry, forward Zane Johnson and center Alex Jacobson.
The Wildcats have only four definite openings for 2007, but they are expecting wing forward Marcus Williams to leave for the NBA after this season. Arizona could add a sixth player for 2007, if it expects to lose another player via the NBA or by transfer.
Arizona still is under consideration by top-five small forward Kyle Singler o f Oregon, top-20 power forward J.J. Hickson of Georgia and top-25 center Solomon Alibi of Florida.
Name, position, height, home
● Jerryd Bayless G 6-3 Phoenix
● Jamelle Horne F 6-7 San Diego
● Alex Jacobson C 7-1 Santa Ana, Calif.
● Zane Johnson F 6-6 Phoenix
● Laval Lucas-Perry G 6-2 Flint, Mich.
