Harrison twins trim list to 3 ahead of October decision

By Tom Hurley & Nick Jones

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Top five recruits Andrew and Aaron Harrison have narrowed their list of prospective destinations for college to three.

The final three on the twins’ list of prospective schools were originally revealed by Reggie Rankin of ESPN, who spoke with their father, Aaron Harrison Sr. on Thursday.

In a Friday interview with the Kernel, Aaron Harrison Sr. confirmed “Maryland, Kentucky, and SMU” as his sons final options.

Rankin described SMU to be “a distant third,” which means it could well be down to a choice between family roots in Maryland and the lure of playing under the 2012 NCAA championship banner at Rupp Arena.

However, the news was disputed by the twins’ father when he claimed that SMU had a legitimate shot to acquire the services of his superstar sons.

“We would have taken (SMU) off the list, but they are definitely a contender.” Harrison Sr. said.

Aaron Harrison Sr. gave some insight as to why Baylor and Villanova didn’t make the final cut.

“Villanova because we just haven’t been able to get to them and it just didn’t work out,” he said. “Baylor because they had an in-home visit and the conversation was very similar to another school we still have on the list, but the other school provided them with the same things they do, but they thought the other school was a better fit.”

Staff from both Maryland and UK have made visits to the Harrison family home in Richmond, Texas during the past week to make their pitch to the young duo, who are both ranked top five in the nation.

Their father said Calipari made the pitch of the schools tradition and recent draft success to his sons.

“He just talked about the past history, of course the facilities, the people, you know the people they’ve put in the draft. Just things like that.”

Reports earlier this week suggested neither Andrew or Aaron will visit Lexington for an official visit before announcing their decision. However, the prospect of attending Maryland’s Midnight Madness even on Oct. 12 is a ‘possibility.’

“They like Coach (Mark) Turgeon. They spent a lot of summers as young kids in Baltimore,” Harrison Sr. said about the ACC school. “Definitely the opportunity to bring a program back, and just being a part of something.”

But, does the draw of an Under Armor sponsorship at Maryland factor into the twins’ final decision?

“No, not at all.” Harrison Sr. said with a laugh.

The question stems from the Harrison’s affiliation with Under Armour via their AAU squad that is sponsored by the highly recognizable brand.

Recent UCLA commit Shabazz Muhammad was long suspected to be taking his talents to Pauley Pavilion due to his squads connection with Adidas, the same brand adorned by the Bruins.

In an exclusive interview with the Kernel on Aug. 20, Aaron Harrison revealed both he and his brother would announce their decision on Oct. 29th, one day after the pair celebrate their 18th birthday.

“October 29th, that’s what they set it for, so if it comes that day it does. If they decide before that, they’ll say it,” Harrison Sr. said.