by Alex Schwartz

According to Scout, Daniel Orton '09 of Bishop McGuinness (OK) has verbally committed to Kentucky. The gifted big man is arguably the best interior defender in the country and is also a superb rebounder. About a week ago, Orton informed me that his list was down to Kentucky and Kansas. With Thomas Robinson '09 of Brewster Academy (NH) pledging his services to the Wildcats just a few days ago, it likely sealed the deal for Orton to go to Kentucky. The big man had previously told me in a July interview that he would decide during the late signing period, but clearly that is no longer the case, as the Athletes First Elite (OK) AAU star has decided that he will head to Lexington. Orton, Jon Hood, and GJ Vilarino are Billy Gillespie's three commitments thus far in the class of 2009, though the Wildcats do have pledges from players in the classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012 already. Once again, Daniel Orton has verbally committed to Kentucky, just as Northstar Basketball predicted he would in both early October and late August.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/.