It's the opening day of the signing period

It is getting towards holiday season but already there is a festive feeling surrounding college basketball programs as the early signing period for recruits began today. Hope is also springing eternal in the hearts and minds of the various fans too with thoughts about a better future or a continuation of the current success.

Of course, how many of these kids will still be attending their respective schools four years hence? Heck, how many will be there for the first day of their initial year considering the pitfall of academics and the movement of head coaches?

But let's not rain on the parade. Here's Chris Murray with what Nevada is up to:

Pack basketball: Nevada expected to sign Bjornstad, Elliott today
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
November 12, 2008

The college basketball early signing period begins today, and the Nevada Wolf Pack is expected to sign a pair of big men to national letters-of-intent.

Steven Bjornstad, a 6-foot-10 center, and Devonte Elliott, a 6-9 combo forward, have verbally committed to play for Nevada and are expected to sign today.

Although Wolf Pack coach Mark Fox cannot comment on the players, per NCAA rules, a pair of recruiting experts said the Wolf Pack is getting a dynamic duo.

"I think it's going to be a heck of a 1-2 punch," said Dave Telep, Scout.com's national recruiting director. "Elliott is a versatile guy who can do a lot of different things on the court. Steven Bjornstad is one of those X-factor guys. People who have seen him really like him. It's safe to say his best basketball is ahead of him. I think this is going a tremendous two-player class..."

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