Oregon Ducks Recruiting: Jordan Bell visiting Auburn Tigers

The Oregon Ducks best chance at landing an elite prospect in the 2013 class is by securing a commitment from Long Beach Poly power forward Jordan Bell. Set to make his decision on Monday, Bell has one final official visit set this weekend to the Auburn Tigers and will be deciding between Oregon and Auburn. Connecticut might also weigh into his decision, but they likely been eliminated.

At this point in time, Oregon is considered the favorite to land Bell, but it all depends on how this official trip goes for the top ten California recruit. He took his official to Eugene late last month, and things are pretty even overall for the 6’7″, 200 pound PF.

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Ranked just outside of the top 100 by most recruiting services, Bell is one of just three offered prospects to still be on the board. Aaron Gordon is one of the others, and the Ducks will certainly have a harder time landing him over the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona, and Washington. Former Louisville commit Austin Pope is the third (three offers, Utah the only other major one) but is a one-star prospect.

Jordan Bell has also received offers from Nevada, Memphis, USC, Texas, and Washington in his recruitment. One of the reasons why he is so highly rated (top 25 PF in 2013) is because he has an excellent all-around game. Bell is a great rebounder, a solid passer, and he handles the ball as well as any big man in the state. The elite four-star prospect is an insane shot-blocker, but he does have lapses on defense. Offensively, Bell isn’t a good shooter and needs to develop some more consistency on that end.

Overall, Oregon is in a great position to land Bell but so is Auburn. This visit gives the Tigers the last word heading into Monday’s decision, and this is tight race between both teams. If Dana Altman and the Ducks are not able to land the the likely early signee, then Oregon will likely go without a top 125 recruit in the 2013 class unless if they can land Gordon which is going to be an extremely difficult feat for the program.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.