By Zach Eisendrath

The Minnesota men's basketball team has lost out on another recruit the Gophers were thought to be a frontrunner to sign. After being spurned by Krys Faber a few weeks ago, coach Tubby Smith and staff learned tonight that Verdell Jones, a point guard out of Champaign, Illinois, is heading to Indiana to play for new Hoosiers coach Tom Crean.

It appeared Minnesota was in position to sign Jones after he visited two weeks ago and due to the fact that the Hoosiers may be under NCAA sanctions in the next few years. That said, Indiana did offer the most playing time for Jones, who was also considering Kentucky among other schools.

Here is a video of Jones' press conference. I find it very interesting considering the fact that Jones' father was wearing a Minnesota shirt during the announcement, then put on a Hoosiers hat when Jones made his decision public. A Minnesota shirt with a Indiana hat? After all the time Tubby and staff took to recruit this kid, then to see him head to Indiana after one visit with Tom Crean, I'm guessing Gopher fans won't soon forget Jones' decision. His first trip to The Barn should be an interesting one. What do you think?