We had an idea for a story...

An idea for a story popped into our head and we fleshed it out in preparation for contacting Forest Lake Christian High forward Josh Ritchart. Then before we could do so, Ritchart announced his college choice -- UC Davis -- and there went the article.

For what it's worth, the following is what we prepared:

Okay, you are Josh Ritchart, the rising senior out of Forest Lake Christian High. Grades and academics are no problem -- in fact, they are a major plus working in your favor. Your skills are intriguing, especially your shooting range for someone 6-foot-7 and probably still growing. Your body is a work-in-progress but already rounding towards college-ready form.

Many schools are calling upon you, having cemented in their respective minds that you will be an asset to their program and university as a player, student and individual.

Perennial Western Athletic Conference power Nevada has done a home visit, indicating the seriousness of Coach David Carter in pursuing you. Joey Shaw departs after this season, possibly Luke Babbitt too if he shows the expected advancement NBA scouts envision. Plus, the academic challenges and therefore the roster placements facing forward Devonte Elliott and big guard Jerry Evans are unresolved so you are possibly looking at getting on the court early.

Big West member Pacific is where your brother has transferred (from Cal State East Bay) to and has earned a place on the Tiger men's basketball roster as a 6-foot-3 backcourter. From the contents of its current roster, an opportunity appears for early playing time. Coach Bob Thomason's Tigers have won 20 games in five of the last six seasons.

Another Big West-er, UC Davis is a burgeoning power with Coach Gary Stewart filling his roster with a number of local and regional talents. Davis has the conundrum of three 6-foot-8 guards gracing its roster in Mark Payne, Joe Harden and Adam Malik, plus 6-foot-9 guard-forward Jelani Floyd so it definitely shows Stewart knows what to do with large players who possess all-around skills. Payne and Harden will have only a season of athletic eligibility remaining so time should major minutes will be there for the taking no later than your sophomore season.

Your parents and extended family can come and watch you play at any of these schools. Each one offers the availability of a solid education.

Then there is the Air Force Academy -- an unbeatable education. It is a struggling basketball program and also a commitment that might hinder any plans of playing beyond the collegiate level but service to your country is a major plus in the minds of many.

Each of the suitors will actually work vis-a-vis earning a degree and playing early.

So how do you decide?

Is it, go with the best educational opportunity?

Or give the thumbs up to the the best combination of school and the possibility/probability of winning the conference tourney and playing in the Big Dance?

Some choose to go with the most prestigious, high-level basketball program, period. How about that?

It's a wonderful 'problem' to have but not necessarily an easy call to make, especially for an 18-year-old. Which factors preclude others?