The lips were pretty much sealed Sunday, making today’s news conference announcing the college choice of prep basketball standout Darrell Arthur all the more intriguing.

Of everyone in Arthur’s inner circle – Arthur, his mother Sandra, AAU coach Jazzy Hartwell and high school coach James Mays – only Mays was picking up his phone Sunday night. He said that although a news conference – slated for 12:30 p.m. today – was scheduled days ago, Arthur didn’t 100-percent decide on a school at that time.

“It was a deadline for him and his folks,” Mays told the Journal-World. “Whether he’s ready or not, he’s going to do something (today) at 12:30.”

Mays – like everyone else close to Arthur – gave no clues about what the McDonald’s All American might do. A 6-foot-9 forward out of South Oak Cliff High in Dallas, Arthur will choose between Kansas University, Baylor and LSU. Backing up Mays’ comment Sunday, Arthur’s mother, Sandra, said Saturday that even after the news conference was scheduled that Arthur had “not quite” made up his mind.

Arthur and his inner circle have stayed remarkably close to the vest regarding the decision. The mystery has spawned endless speculation on the Internet – there is chatter on message boards linking Arthur to each choice in his final three, including several rumors that Baylor is the pick. However, nothing floating around anywhere has substantial evidence to back it up.

Today’s announcement will end months of heavy recruitment and questions surrounding the future of Arthur, who led South Oak Cliff to two state championships the last two seasons.

Mays, though, said all the attention hasn’t worn Arthur down at all.

“No, it’s not a relief thing,” Mays said. “The kid took his time to go through everything and make his decision. It’s not like it was weighing on him.”

Arthur will make his announcement at the Moorland Family YMCA in south Dallas, where Jazzy Hartwell works.

Log on to kusports.com for news on which school Arthur decides to attend, immediately after it is announced.