For someone who turns 18 Saturday, South Oak Cliff's Darrell Arthur has already accomplished a ton.

The 6-9 senior capped his high school career with his second consecutive Class 4A state title and championship-game MVP performance this month in Austin.

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Player of the Year: SOC's Darrell Arthur

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"I already got what I wanted – my ring," said Arthur, SportsDay's boys basketball player of the year.

Arthur developed from a shy, tall and skinny kid who had loads of potential and went by the nickname "Slim Shady" into one of the Dallas area's best basketball big men. He joins a list that includes Larry Johnson, Chris Bosh and LaMarcus Aldridge. But Arthur is the only Dallas-area McDonald's All-American to lead his team to two straight championships.

Arthur, who plans to leave Saturday for the McDonald's game festivities in San Diego, dominated in the post on offense, rebounding and defense. He played his best in the biggest games. Arthur averaged 28 points and 13.7 rebounds in his final three games – the Region II final and the state tournament games – to end his SOC career in fitting fashion.

"Everybody's happy," Arthur said. "We knew we could do it back-to-back. We were on a mission."

But Arthur's birthday and the quickly approaching NCAA late signing period, which begins April 12, are bringing him into the adult world. He has yet to commit to a college, and fans and media are eager to find out which school he'll choose.

"I know it's probably the most important decision," he said. "I'm thinking about it all the time."

Arthur said Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Baylor and Oklahoma are in the mix. Kansas is the leader. He might take an unofficial visit to Arizona soon. Arthur said he hopes to make a decision by April. Distance could be a factor. He is close to his family. His mom's name, Sandra, is tattooed on his shoulder. His grandmother's name, Ruby, is inscribed on his wrist.

"I'm just looking for a sign," Arthur said. "All the colleges are good colleges. I'm looking at, 'What's the best fit for me? What coach will look out for me like I'm his son?' I need some guidance."

DAVID LEESON II/DMN

Darrell Arthur put his name in the record books with his second state title and championship game MVP award.

Arthur, who said he is academically qualified for college, leans on his mother, AAU coach Jazzy Hartwell and SOC coach James Mays II to help him make decisions.

Arthur said he wants to enjoy college and will stay "as long as it takes," but his goal is to get to the NBA.

As Arthur turns 18, it's time to think about what his future holds. He's already left his legacy at South Oak Cliff.

E-mail khairopoulos@dallasnews.com

Notable: Arthur, a McDonald's All-American, led South Oak Cliff to back-to-back Class 4A titles, and he was named the title-game MVP for the second straight season.

About Arthur: Arthur was a dominating presence in the post on offense and defense. When he wanted to, and he did when it counted, he took over games. Arthur averaged 17.7 points and 10 rebounds.

What you don't know: Arthur got a new tattoo in the middle of his back the weekend before the state tournament. It reads: "King Arthur. Long live the king."

Selected by Staff Writer Kate Hairopoulos in consultation with staff writers and area coaches

Notable: Hill molded a deep team combined from returning players and newcomers from Wilmer-Hutchins into the Class 3A state champion. It was Roosevelt's (28-8) first state title since 1972.

About Hill: Hill, in his ninth year at Roosevelt, coached under J.D. Mayo at Skyline for nine seasons and also coached for current UIL athletic director Charles Breithaupt.

What you don't know: Hill, a three-sport athlete at Athens High, almost quit baseball because he wasn't getting to play. His dad put him in the truck and took him back to the field. He said, "You're going to finish what you started," Hill remembered. "I always go back to that story."

Notable: Roberson, a move-in from Florida, averaged 17.4 points, 7.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals and shot 49.3 percent from the floor as Plano won the Class 5A state title.

About Roberson: Roberson, the title-game MVP, hit big shot after big shot at the state tournament. He scored 24 points in the championship game, a 60-58 overtime win over Kingwood. He should be one of the area's top recruits next season.

What you don't know: Roberson goes by "John John." He said it stems from when he was little and his mom had to call for him twice. "I was hard-headed," he said.

Notable: The Vanderbilt signee averaged 21.5 points for the District 7-5A champions, who advanced to the regional tournament after playing for the state title in 2005.

About Beal: "Dolla" Beal is DeSoto's all-time leading scorer. He was a clutch performer who regularly came through with game-deciding plays.

What you don't know: Beal records rap albums about "cars, girls, clothes, all kinds of stuff," he said. His first was named Instant Classic. He said he has a new solo out named The Predator .

Notable: Davis averaged 18.1 points, 15.3 rebounds, 3.4 blocks and 3.1 assists.

About Davis: Davis has the skills and size to contribute immediately at Texas A&M next season.

What you don't know: Davis said he likes to draw. He also recently read Frankenstein for school and said it was very interesting.

Notable: Fulce averaged 14.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and two blocks and shot 54.2 percent from the floor, boosting Plano to its first Class 5A state title.

About Fulce: Fulce showed just how good he could be in the playoffs after recovering from knee surgery in the middle of the season. He had 26 points and 15 rebounds in the regional final.

What you don't know: "I want to be a storm chaser when I retire from basketball," he said. Fulce said he might study meteorology at Texas A&M.

Notable: Sloan led area 4A players with 21 points per game. He also averaged 8.1 rebounds for a team that advanced to the regional final.

About Sloan: The Texas A&M signee was one of the state's best all-around players. He did it all, from scoring to defense.

What you don't know: Sloan plans on boxing this summer at the Boys Club or YMCA. He has boxed before and wants to get back into it.

Notable: Tennell averaged 19 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 4.2 steals and 3.2 blocks to take Irving to the playoffs.

About Tennell: "Pooh" will play wide receiver at Oklahoma next year.

What you don't know: "I sit on the couch and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all day."