Bronson Koenig, a 6-foot-2 combo guard has committed to Wisconsin.

Koenig was also being pursued by North Carolina, Virginia and even Duke expressed interest in the summer. He is the No. 26 player in the class of 2013.

The pursuit of Koenig by Roy Williams made it more difficult for Wisconsin to convince Koenig to stay close to home. Koenig is frequently compared to Kirk Hinrich, who Williams coached at Kansas.

"Wisconsin has raised the bar a little bit and their program is really strong right now," Aquinas coach Rick Schneider said. "That's very attractive to an in-state recruit like Bronson. He feels like this is a great opportunity to play in front of people that know him really well." The Badgers are a formidable basketball team from a national perspective. They don't typically recruit nationally and like many of their Big Ten brethren rely on in-state and regional recruits. For that reason, a decision like Koenig's goes a long way in forming the recruiting perception for future recruits.

"Wisconsin's had a lot of success in the Big Ten, they're a staple in the NCAA Tournament," Schneider said. "Kids want to compete and play in the NCAA every year and Wisconsin's going to provide that for him."

B.J. Stith has given Virginia a verbal commitment as a member of the 2014 class. Stith is the son of former Virginia and NBA player Bryant Stith.

Virginia and Ohio State were also pursuing B.J. Stith.

“He’s a special player,” Bryant said Labor Day afternoon. “You’re talking a 6-4 combo guard. His ball skills are just through the roof. Very good instincts, a very good (shooting) stroke. His game is just going to expand as he gets stronger, and that’s something that’s going to happen naturally.

“You just pray he can play the next 10 to 12 years without any significant injuries so he has a chance to really leave his mark on the game. …

“The one attribute that sets him apart from so many kids his age is his work ethic and attitude. He works so hard to improve. He’s never satisfied. … With those ingredients, he really has a chance to make his own mark and create his own identity. It’s just up to him.”

B.J.'s older brother Brandan is also a top recruit receiving attention from Virginia, but he has yet to make a decision.

Point guard LJ Rose has given a verbal commitment to Baylor University, according to his father.

“We decided after long deliberation that Baylor is the best fit for L.J. right now,” Lynden Rose said.  “I’ve known Scott Drew for 10 years. We’re comfortable (with Baylor) based on the Christian education and values.”

Rose is a top-100 recruit, who has also been considering Georgetown, Virginia and Houston.