Romeo Langford committed to Indiana on April 30, 2018. [@JeffRabjohns]
2018 Indiana Mr. Basketball Romeo Langford made his college choice Monday evening, committing to play at Indiana University for head coach Archie Miller next season.
Langford announced his decision at a ceremony held on the gymnasium floor at New Albany High School in front of approximately 3,000 fans — and tens of thousands more online.
When I informed Victor Oladipo, a 2013 IU graduate, of Langford’s decision, he replied simply: “Wow incredible.”
Earlier this month, Oladipo was asked by one of his coaches where Romeo would end up and then had this to say about him: “Oh he’s going to be in the NBA. He’s going to be real good. He’s really talented. Hopefully he makes the right choice.”
Since leaving IU, drafted second overall in 2013, Oladipo receives more cheers than any other former IU player when he shown on the giant video board at Assembly Hall.
Langford is ranked in the top five nationally by most recruiting services. Oladipo, back in 2010, was No. 144 by Rivals. But he worked, elevated his game, and then was named the 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten.
Eric Gordon is one player who can relate to Langford, the highest-ranked IU commit since Gordon in 2007. He was in demand by every program in the country, a McDonald’s All-American, named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2007, and ultimately chose to stay in state.
“Huge. I love it,” Gordon told VigilantSports.com after the announcement.
Gordon, who played just one season in Bloomington and was named the 2008 Big Ten Player of the Year, understands that this is about more than just Langford. It is about “starting a trend” for top players to go to IU and for keeping the top players in state.
Langford made his decision last week and informed his parents of his decision over the weekend. He said after his announcement that he has not yet spoken to coach Miller, but was sure that he was watching.
Congrats @yeahyeah_22! Play hard, stay out of trouble, and enjoy every moment in Bloomington. If you do that then Indiana fans will love you forever!
— Cody Zeller (@CodyZeller) April 30, 2018
Congratulations on your decision to attend Indiana University @yeahyeah_22! I look forward to seeing you lace ‘em up for the cream and crimson!🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ #IUBB
— Calbert Cheaney (@calbertcheaney) April 30, 2018
The NFL Draft was held over the weekend, the Pacers bowed out in the playoffs to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 on Sunday, IndyCars were zooming around the Speedway Monday … and this 18-year-old’s decision was easily the biggest story in the state on Monday.