The Commercial Appeal on Danielle verbals

Memphis Central star Danielle Ballard picks LSU

• By John Varlas
• Posted August 1, 2011 at 4:54 p.m., updated August 1, 2011 at 4:54 p.m.

Danielle Ballard commits to LSU

An unofficial visit to Baton Rouge about a month ago was enough to convince Danielle Ballard that her future lies with LSU.

Ballard, Central High’s star senior guard, confirmed to The Commercial Appeal today that she has verbally committed to play basketball for the Tigers. The 5-9 guard is ranked as the No. 24th-best player in the class of 2012, according to ESPN Hoopgurlz. She said her decision came following an unofficial visit to the campus about a month ago.

“I liked the campus; it’s a beautiful campus,” Ballard said. “And I liked the coaching staff and I fit in with the players.”

Ballard, a Best of the Preps finalist in each of the last two seasons, represents a significant recruiting “get” for new coach Nikki Caldwell, who left UCLA in April after LSU struggled through a sub par — at least by LSU standards — 19-13 season a year ago. Ballard says she’s looking forward to doing what she can to help the Tigers get back in the thick of the SEC title race.

“She (Caldwell) just told me to come and go hard,” Ballard said. “She just told me to take care of me.”

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