Julius Randle Cuts Duke, UNC; NC State Still In The Mix

Top power forward prospect Julius Randle has cut his list down to six schools, and NC State is among them. The big man is no longer considering Duke or UNC, SO NEENER NEENER, JERKS. Jason Jordan caught up with Randle's mother on Tuesday:

"Julius just wanted to go ahead and cut it down," Kyles said. "Some people may be surprised about the list, but it’s 100 percent his decision and I support him. He’s given it a lot of thought, and we’re happy with his list."

Jordan added on Twitter that Rodney Purvis is a significant reason why State is in the running for Randle. Those two are good friends.

Everyone shocked about Julius Randle dropping Duke & UNC & keeping NC State hasn't been paying attention. Purvis factor is HUGE.

— Jason Jordan (@JayJayUSATODAY) October 2, 2012

So we got that goin' for us, which is nice. Doesn't mean State will be able to beat out Kentucky, of course, but every little connection helps.