by Alex Schwartz

Two schools on oppostie ends of the country got major new year's presents from top-notch recruits. One of the top shooting guards in the class of 2012 pledged on new year's eve and one of the best big men in 2011 committed on the first day of the year.

According to multiple reports, Katin Reinhardt of Mater Dei (CA) popped to the USC Trojans on the final day of 2010. The 6'4 class of 2012 shooting guard and New Jersey native had a phenomenal showing at the City of Palms in leading his team to a third place finish.

Reinhardt is the second verbal commitment in the junior class for Kevin O'Neill and Co. The sharpshooter joins Larry Lewis of Arcadia (AZ) in the Trojans' class.

Just hours after Reinhardt made his commitment, Michael Chandler became the first player to commit in the year 2011. The 6'10 center from Lawrence North (IN) pulled the trigger for the third time, deciding on Central Florida.

The #52 ranked player in the NBE Post-Summer Class of 2011 Top 150, Chandler's pledge to UCF is his third verbal commitment. The big man was originally committed to Louisville, but reopened his recruitment and eventually settled on Xavier. He opted not to sign with the Musketeers in November and once again opened up his recruitment. Central Florida then seemingly came out of nowhere to get a visit, and ultimately a commitment from the fourth ranked center in the senior class.

Chandler is the fourth member of UCF's 2011 recruiting class, the third of whom is a ranked prospect. He joins #118 ranked Rod Days of Sagemont School (FL), #133 ranked Wayne Martin of Providence School (FL), and Kasey Wilson of North Port (FL).

Even before getting a pledge from Chandler, Central Florida had the number three ranked non-BCS recruiting class. By adding Chandler, UCF now has the best haul of all schools not in one of the "big six" conferences. Previously, UCF was the only non-BCS with a commitment from two ranked prospects and has now increased that number to three. There are still no other non-BCS schools with more than one ranked commit.

Not only is Donnie Jones brining in the best class from outside a BCS conference, his haul is the best in the state of Florida. The Knights have beaten Florida, Miami, and South Florida on the hardwood this season and, as things stand now, have better recruiting classes than all three plus Florida State. The C-USA school's quartet is also in line for a top 25 national ranking when the updated list is released.

Note- photo on left is of Reinhardt and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/; photo on right is of Chandler and is from http://blogs.courier-journal.com/jodydemling/