Iman Shumpert names three finalists

UPDATED
Citing an article from the Scout.com premium site, the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Hoops report that Iman Shumpert named Georgia Tech, Marquette University and UNC as his three finalists earlier today. The Bullseye Brothers report on the news here. Bradley, Illinois, Notre Dame and Clemson were removed from consideration.

Shumpert is on the Marquette campus today for another unofficial visit. The Golden Eagles are preparing for their trip to Vancouver next month with a short series of NCAA-sanctioned practices. Shumpert is expected to make his decision prior to the start of his senior season.

With 6-4 SG/SF Nick Williams already a solid verbal, Shumpert figures to be Tom Crean's top remaining backcourt priority for the 2008 freshman class. Shumpert burst onto the national scene this spring and summer with a series of breakout performances against some of the nation's best competition. Scout.com ranks Shumpert as the 15th best player in the 2008 class.

If Shumpert decides on MU, the 6-4 combo guard from Oak Park/River Forest would continue the well-regarded tradition of Chicago-area talent migrating to Milwaukee to showcase their talents. Tom Crean currently boasts a roster that includes Chicago-area products Maurice Acker and Jerel McNeal, both of whom followed in the recent footsteps of NBA Champion Dwyane Wade.

This is not the first time Tom Crean has gone head to head with Georgia Tech and North Carolina for talent. Current Golden Eagles star Wesley Matthews chose Marquette over the Ramblin' Wreck just a few years ago. In that same class, UNC's Bobby Frasor cast his lot with Roy Williams and the Tar Heels over MU and Stanford.

Coach Tom Crean currently has two more tenders to offer for the 2008 class.

Here's a video of Shumpert via Midstate Hoops