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Malik Newman expected to commit to Mississippi State

FIBA U17 World Championships - Dubai

Getty Images

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Malik Newman is expected to commit to Mississippi State at a press conference Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, sources told NBCSports.com.

One coach involved in Newman’s recruitment called it a “done deal.” However both Newman and his father disputed the reports, telling the Clarion-Ledger that no decision has been made at this time.

“When I sit down with my parents, if I think Mississippi State is the right place, then that’s where I’ll pick,” he said. “Like I said, right now I’m down to my final four schools. I don’t really care what the media is saying. I think wherever is the best spot for me is where I’ll pick.”

Newman is a top ten recruit and the top ranked guard in the country, according to Rivals. Draft Express projects him as a top five pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, making his pending arrival in Starkville huge for new Bulldog head coach Ben Howland should this be the case.

CBSSports.com earlier reported that Newman plans on committing to Mississippi State.

Newman’s recruitment has been an interesting one, as the Callaway HS (Jackson, Mississippi) star has already started building his brand. He’s got a sleek website, a nickname (The Machine) and a logo, not to mention that he’s already been a part of at least one documentary during his high school career.

There were six schools in Newman’s final list: Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, NC State and Mississippi State.