 The LSU men's basketball team got an unlikely visit this weekend.
Dallas native Darrell Arthur stopped by Baton Rouge this weekend for an unofficial college visit.
With the departure of Tyrus Thomas, the LSU basketball team has a 6-foot-9-inch hole in its starting five.
Current junior Darnell Lazare and freshman Magnum Rolle are expected to contribute, but landing one of the top-20 recruits in the nation would not hurt.
Arthur's high school coach James Mays said LSU joined the Arthur hunt when Thomas signed away his college eligibility three weeks ago. Phone calls were exchanged between Arthur and the LSU coaching staff, and the Tigers shot up Arthur's list.
"The opportunity seemed to be there," said Mays. "He had an unofficial visit this past weekend."
Mays also said Arthur brings versatility to the forward position.
"Athleticism," Mays said. "He can play like a guard. He can play the perimeter or go into the post."
Arthur stands 6-feet 9-inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. He is listed as the No. 16 overall recruit and No. 3 at power forward by Rivals.com.
In his senior season at Dallas' South Oak Cliff High School, Arthur averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds a contest, leading his team to its second consecutive Texas state championship. Arthur wrapped up his senior year with Parade and McDonald's All-American honors.
Recruiting resource Scout.com evaluated Arthur and even exposed the forward's nickname.
"One of the elite players in his class," according to the Web site. "Can face up and hurt you from the perimeter but is also a force inside. Talented on the defensive end and as well [Arthur] has been a big name on the circuit for three seasons."
Scout.com's evaluation of Arthur said his upside is tremendous and alluded that he may head to the NBA one day.
"Everyone has high expectations for him," according to the Web site. "Athletically he's tough and is competitive at the rim. There's reason to believe he makes money at this game one day."
Mays said Arthur has grown up on and off the court this season and is trying to make the best choice when picking a college.
"He's taking his time and trying to make sure he makes the right decision," Mays said. "It's just the maturation process of any high school kid. Darrell grew up a lot on the court and is continuing to mature off the court."
Arthur is considering two Big 12 schools in Baylor and Kansas, according to Sporting News recruiting editor Andrew Skwara. He has not made an official announcement regarding his future yet, but Skwara said Arthur is headed to Baton Rouge.
"The big man is headed to LSU, a school that wasn't seriously pursuing him until three weeks ago," Skwara said on the Sporting News' Web site. "Baylor and Kansas both made strong pushes, but neither could offer him a guaranteed starting job and a chance to win a national title right away or a chance to play alongside Big Baby."
Mays said Arthur is looking to play early in college but is willing to compete for a starting job.
"He's not a kid who's live or die with his minutes," Mays said. "He doesn't want anything given to him. He likes to compete."
Contact Keith Claverie at kclaverie@lsureveille.com
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