Four-star recruit Romeo Weems of New Haven picks DePaul over Michigan State, others

New Haven basketball star Romeo Weems has made his college choice — and it's not the one many expected, at first.

Weems, a 4-star recruit, gave his verbal commitment to DePaul on Tuesday afternoon, making the announcement at New Haven High School.

Weems' announcement was aired live on Instagram.

"(It is) the best decision for my family and carry on my career," Weems said. "I know everybody's gonna ask, 'Why DePaul?' But why not DePaul? When I came to New Haven, (they said) why New Haven? I've always been different. I feel DePaul is rebuilding. When I get there, they're going to keep going and be successful."

The pendulum swung in the Blue Demons' favor seemingly overnight. When Weems announced his final five schools on Saturday, the Spartans were at 100 percent in 247sports' Crystal Ball Predictions. But over the 72 hours before Weems' decision, it was 50-50 between MSU and DePaul.

Weems has long been a Michigan State target, offered by Tom Izzo in February 2017.

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Weems is ranked 37th nationally in the 247sports.com composite rankings, and first in Michigan for the 2010 class.

This past summer, Weems played for USA Basketball's 16-and-under squad. In his junior season at New Haven, Weems averaged 23.5 and 10.8 rebounds per game in headling the Rockets to the Class B state semifinals. They won the state title in 2017.

Follow digital sports producer Phil Friend on Twitter @Phil_Friend.