We’ll see if they stay this united in another year.

A package deal exists, O.J. Mayo says, that could change the face of Big East basketball.

One team will win a three-player jackpot whose drawing is less than 18 months away, and that team will immediately become a contender.

Mayo, the No. 1-rated sophomore prospect in the nation, and teammates Bill Walker (No. 5) and Keenan Ellis (No. 11) are a package deal. The three juniors-to-be at North College Hill High (Cincinnati) changed their entire recruitment with a Three Musketeers mindset.

It’s all for one, and one for all. And that’s the Catch-22: A coach can have all of them or none. There is no middle ground.

Mayo has already been touted as the next big star. He’s the recruit to pursue. Obviously he’d e the focal point. Still, it’s not like the others are slouches. The issues are need, ego and control. Many coaches are wary of offering 2 guys just to get 1, it should narrow the field a bit on who will take 3-for-1.

I give the kids credit for gaming the system. If they really want to keep playing together and remain teammates this is a way to do it. Still, they are only going to be high school juniors. There is still plenty of time for their own egos and interests to split this.