Malik Story.

The Indianapolis Star and other sources report that IU recently received a commitment from Malik Story, a 6-5 guard from Los Angeles. Story, like four other of Tom Crean's recruits, will join Matt Roth and Tom Pritchard as scholarship newcomers who are eligible to play immediately. Counting former walk-on Kyle Taber, IU now has eight scholarship players for 2008-09. Story, as the article notes, originally committed to USC as a sophomore and changed his mind a few weeks ago. This LA Times blog describes Story as:

one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation back when he was a junior at Artesia.

Story transferred briefly to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia before returning to California. This article suggests that Story was asked to leave Oak Hill for some sort of incident that was "not of a criminal nature." In any event, the Star article certainly indicates a strong family background, so we shall see. The big mystery to me is why he didn't sign with USC in November.

So, here's where that leaves us:

Returning scholarship players: former invited walk-on Kyle Taber (Sr.).

Incoming scholarship players who will be eligible in 2008-09: Tom Pritchard (F/C from Ohio, freshman); Matt Roth (G from Illinois, freshman); Devan Dumes (guard from Decatur Central/Eastern Michigan/Vincennes, junior); Nick Williams (guard from Alabama, former Marquette recruit); Verdell Jones (guard from Illinois); Tijan Jobe (center from Olney Central JC, junior).; Malik Story (guard from California).

Incoming scholarship players who will be eligible in 2009-10: Jeremiah Rivers (guard from Georgetown, two years of eligibility)

Returning walk-ons: Brett Finkelmeier (sophomore guard).

Incoming walk-ons: Daniel Moore (guard from Carmel); Kory Barnett (guard from Rochester); Broderick Lewis (guard from Lafayette Jefferson)

Incoming freshmen, 2009-10: Derek Elston (forward, Tipton); Bobby Capobianco (forward, Ohio); Maurice Creek (guard, Connecticut); Jordan Hulls (guard, Bloomington South).