Five-star men’s basketball recruit C.J. Leslie verbally committed to N.C. State Wednesday afternoon, ending months of speculation and frustration among Pack fans. Leslie, the 11th-ranked player in the class of 2010 according to Scout.com and the highest-ranked remaining uncommitted player, is the most touted recruit head coach Sidney Lowe has brought on board in his four-year coaching career at State.

The 6-8, 210 lb Word of God Christian Academy forward committed to State after his freshman year but backed out, saying he made the decision too hastily. After fielding offers from the University of Connecticut and the University of Kentucky, Leslie ultimately decided to stay close to home.

“It was really up for grabs,” Leslie told the Raleigh News & Observer. “It was really close with the other two schools. But State was there all the time. It was always in the picture.”

But now, his decision appears to be final. A signing ceremony will take place over the next few days, reportedly close to campus.

Leslie will join a pair of five-star Georgia natives in Ryan Harrow, a point guard who signed with the Pack in October, and shooting guard Lorenzo Brown, who spent the year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. State’s 2010 recruiting class, while small, could be one of the top ten in the country.

In addition, Leslie’s friend Tashawn Mabry, Rocky Mount High School’s all-time leading scorer, may be a few days away from announcing his intention to join Leslie at State.

Former Pack player Julius Hodge was at the forefront of an unofficial Leslie recruitment campaign. He said the addition of a large, athletic playmaker will benefit the team.

“With the crew we already have intact, we have some really good role players, and that is going to relieve the pressures that they have had upon them this season,” Hodge said. “I know one person that is definitely going to love the additions we’re getting is [senior] Tracy Smith. When he has two guys like Ryan and Lorenzo that are going to be able to open up the defense instead of being double teamed every time, he is going to be able to maneuver with guys playing him man-on. He is definitely going to be a