And so the saga of the Brothers Henry continues.

With Monday’s news that both Xavier and C.J. Henry plan to visit Kentucky this weekend, the status of both as presumed Jayhawks proved itself premature. Sure, there was conjecture offered from outside sources, speculating on when — not if — the brothers would commit to Kansas. For weeks now, the blogoshphere has proliferated rumors that both would soon be on their way to Lawrence. In fairness, it seemed like a safe assumption.

After John Calipari bolted out of Memphis for Kentucky, it seemed logical that Xavier would opt for Kansas — the bride’s maid in the first go around. Given the family connections and the extent to which coach Self had devoted himself to doggedly pursuing Xavier, the Jayhawks deserved their status as favorite.

But that status is gone now; or at least it ought to be. Where there was once a general assumption that the Henrys would find their way to Kansas, there is now an air of uncertainty. If Xaxier really, truly wanted to commit to Kansas, wouldn’t he have done so already? It’s not as if he’s unfamiliar with the campus, program, or staff. The staff has given him the full Kansas pitch; and clearly, it hasn’t sold him.

The worry now is that the John Calipari pitch — the same one that sold Xavier on commiting to Memphis in the first place — could once again do the trick. Calipari can now sell the prospect of resuscitating a basketball legacy in Lexington and that only strengthens his pitch, which is already one of the most successful in the recruiting world.

If the prospect of losing out on the Xavier Henry sweepstakes twice weren’t bad enough, Kansas fans now have to come to terms with the possibility that none of the other speculated-upon blue-chippers — John Wall, Daniel Orton, and Lance Stephenson — could end up in Lawrence.

It isn’t problematic that Orton is keeping his commitment to Kentucky. With Cole Aldrich returning and plenty of frontline depth, Kansas hardly needs a center.

Wall hasn’t committed yet, but Sherron Collins opted to return for a senior season, which likely killed Kansas’ chances of landing him. But again, as good as Wall is, the Jayhawks are fairly well stocked with backcourt talent already.

The potential spurning of Stephenson (by prioritizing him behind Henry) is another matter. Some would tell you that he should go elsewhere. His perceived arrogance and penchant for self promotion seem to have offended the team-first sensibilites of many Kansas fans. But Stephenson, although his character is called into question, would provide the only thing the Jayhawks might lack next season: a true swingman who can create offensively.

It’s appropriate that all of this drama is playing out at a time when the only certain thing is that Xavier will attend his high-school prom on Friday. The similarities are really quite striking. Kansas had Stephenson all but signed — dinner plans and everything. But then Xavier broke up with his university. Kansas just couldn’t resist taking another shot at the prize prospect. Unfortunately, it looks like Henry might follow his ex to a new school. Not surprisingly, Stephenson feels jilted.

And now, Kansas may have to cancel the dinner reservations, and try and get the deposit back on the tux.

— — Edited by Grant Treaster