After reporting earlier today that Birmingham, AL 4-star forward Christian Watford was visited by IU Coach Tom Crean Monday night, word comes late tonight that Christian has given the Hoosiers a verbal.

Watford is ranked as the #4 SF in the '09 class by ESPN, and is a consensus 4-star talent by Scout and Rivals. He was also being recruited by UK, UofL, Memphis and Alabama. Chalk this one up as "W" for Tom Crean in the newly rejuvenated recruiting border war between Kentucky, Louisville, and Indiana.

Watford becomes the fifth commitment in what is shaping up to be a very solid 2009 class for the Hoosiers. He joins fellow 4-star talents in SG Maurice Creek and SF Derek Elston, as well as 3-star prospects PF Bobby Capobianco and PG Jordan Hulls.

Indiana University Coach Tom Crean has quite a rebuilding job ahead of him in Bloomington, and he knows it. Crean has raised some eyebrows with some of the commitments he has gained already as well as with some of the big names of the future including IU in the mix.

Last night Coach Crean was expected to visit 2009 Birmingham swingman Christian Watford, rated as #34 overall in his class by rivals. Watford has been IU's primary target as of late, and it seems to be paying off. Watford also lists Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, and Alabama as his favorites.

The Hoosiers were also paid a visit by 2010 big man Alex Gauna over the weekend. Gauna is 6'9", 215 lbs., and rated as the #32 power forward in his class by rivals. He is from Eaton Rapids, Michigan.