I have a hunch we’ll find out in a couple of weeks how much Nike may have to do with this. (My 2-week rule is that I always wait 2 weeks before deciding my opinion on controversial news that isn’t substantively supported by more than rumor.)

That said, it’s very reasonable to see this happening. Nike maintains much of their market edge by being as actively involved in sports affairs as possible. It’s not a stretch to think they’d make suggestions like this in college basketball, where (a) the players may be going pro after only one year, and (b) Nike cannot be held to an agreement should they decide that the kid’s not worth the investment.

It’s a win-win for Nike if they do this. Even if they get caught, it’s not like they’re going to suffer on the market. And even if they steer players around and those players don’t pan out for endorsements, they’ve made programs suffer that are sponsored by Nike’s rivals.

From Selby’s end: if Nike did in fact make this kind of a suggestion to him, then his commitment to Tennessee would naturally be ‘premature’ – he would have made it before knowing what kinds of endorsement deals were available. And by only considering UT and Louisville, he had only considered schools sponsored by Adidas.

Memphis is also sponsored by Nike.

This begs the question, who sponsors USC? I know there is no “one-and-done” nonsense in football, but maybe Adidas could return the favor by whispering in Scroggins’ ear?

Of any schools that have “mixed” sponsorships? Like Adidas in football, but Nike in basketball?

Arkansas, Cincinnati, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCLA, Wisconsin – full list here

Did somebody mention to Selby that, no matter what Nike says today, they’ll decide any potential sponsorship based on his marketability at the time?

It wouldn’t matter if he went to UT or UK; if he’s hot stuff in the NBA, Nike would offer a sponsorship to him.

This whole things stinks to high heaven no matter what the real reason or outcome is. Especially if the Nike thing gains legs, which it most certainly will tomorrow.

I have no 2 week rule Hoop, I overreact quickly and often! :-)

is where it’s good (and easy) to play the “I don’t want a kid like that” character card.

Again, all of the Nike stuff is speculation being speculated by more than just anonymous message board users. But no matter what, this is a huge blow to our recruiting class. We’ve stayed away from other kids for ten months, and by all accounts Selby was an elite kid who would’ve kept us at the top of the SEC or at best, helped us get over the hump towards the Final Four. At this stage of the game it’s impossible to just replace him.

He’ll make Lee Humpree seem like Chris Lofton.

that rumors of Selby’s de-commit first started at a Lebron James Skills Academy – incidentally sponsored by Nike.

There’s a lot of strength behind the rumors at this point; I’ll be interested to see if Nike cares to address this.

offers his take

But, supposedly Oregon was on his list as of yesterday……and there is only one reason for that.

This is pathetic if this is true.

LeBron wore Adidas in high school. That certainly didn’t deter Nike from offering him big bucks.

This whole thing stinks. The NCAA needs to watch out.

I want to meet him. And I want Bruce Pearl to meet him.