High school basketball players and their families started letting college coaches into their homes last week, as the first day of the NCAA Contact Period began on Thursday, Sept. 7. During the period, which runs through Oct. 6, coaches can make in-home visits with recruits. Recruits can also take "official" visits (they get only four) to college campuses.

Coaches, many of whom will be treated to some good home-cooked meals, have to use their time wisely. During this 30-day period, coaches are allowed to contact an athlete no more than 18 days.

After Oct. 6, there is a "quiet period" in which coaches can meet with prospective athletes only on campus. The entire purpose of these "wooing periods" is to get recruits to sign a national letter of intent during the official Nov. 8-15 signing period.

But ask any coach and they'll tell you there's nothing sweeter to their ears than an early verbal commitment.

The most recent verbal commitment came last Thursday, when 6-foot-8 Jawad Williams of St. Edward High (Lakewood, Ohio) announced he'll attend the University of North Carolina in 2001. Maryland and USC were Williams' other top choices, but the teen, who averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals per game last year, decided to join Florida's Jackie Manuel as a Tar Heel freshman.

Still on the Market

Clemson, Florida State and Auburn can breath respective sighs of relief, as 7-footer Marcus Campbell of Westover High (Albany, Ga.) didn't give North Carolina State a verbal commitment while on a visit there last week. Campbell will entertain Wolfpack coaches at his house later this month.

But smooth talking and empty promises will be wasted on Campbell. The teen lives with Westover head hoop coach Willie Boston, who has sent more than 40 players to the college ranks during his 35-year coaching career.

Tennessee, Louisville and Seton Hall are the leaders for Campbell's high school teammate, Greg Tinch, who will work out for Hall coach Tommy Amaker at Westover this week. Still in the hunt for Tinch are North Carolina and Maryland.

Tidbits

Justin Johnson, a 6-foot-1 guard from 71st High (Fayetteville, N.C.) committed recently to the University of Mississippi.

Isaiah Fox, a 6-foot-9 forward at Crossroads High (Crossroads, Calif.), will be highly sought after during the upcoming contact period. Fox visited Cal on Friday and has visits planed to Arizona, Connecticut and Louisville.

Eddie Curry of Thornwood High (South Holland, Ill.) and Tyson Chandler of Dominguez High (Compton, Calf.), arguably the top two seniors in the nation, remain uncommitted. They will undoubtedly see plenty of recruiters over the next two weeks, even though most recruiters believe both players will enter the NBA Draft next year.