Renardo Sidney is expected to commit to UCLA on Sunday.
According to two sources close to the situation, the talented 6-foot-9 Fairfax High (Calif.) standout will choose the Bruins at a 4 p.m. PT news conference at his high school.
The Gambler
 Renardo Sidney was once considered the top prospect in the country. But Jeff Goodman wonders if he's a player coach Ben Howland wants to bet on. |
"He's already committed to UCLA," one source said.
Sidney is a big-time talent who moved from his home in Mississippi to Los Angeles a couple years ago. His recruitment has been all over the map and several sources have told FOXSports.com that he could still ultimately follow Brandon Jennings' path — and opt for the overseas route.
Sidney's father, Renardo Sr., told FOXSports.com recently that his son isn't seriously considering bypassing college.
However, Sidney still hasn't taken the SAT or ACT.
USC was in the mix for a while. So, too, were Virginia and Mississippi State. While all signs indicate that Sidney will commit to the Bruins, sources have told FOXSports.com that he gave USC a verbal pledge in the past — so anything could still happen.
While Sidney's talent is unquestionable, his effort is not. When the versatile big man wants to play, there's few — if any — in the senior class that can match his ability. Scout.com ranked him as the No. 5 player in the Class of 2009 and Rivals.com has him at No. 10 in the nation.
At one point not too long ago, he was a near-unanimous pick as the top player in the class.
If Sidney does end up at UCLA and buys into Ben Howland's hard-nosed approach, he's a guy who could be the top overall pick in the NBA draft at some point with his impressive array of skills for someone his size.
But it'll be interesting to see how Howland and Sidney co-exist.
