One, they may commit because the scholarship will be 'guaranteed' even if major injury occurs over the next two seasons. (Or if their athletic abilities have "peaked" at an early age and they don't improve much with age and time)
Two, they may not commit as sophomores, but they may appreciate MU being their first offer and then maintaining their level of interest over the course of time. How many times have you heard a recruit say something like that... "Marshall has always been there"?
Three, with these offers, Coach D'Antoni is letting everyone know where he stands with "local" talent -- he wants them, and he'll go get them. Who knows, maybe the next Brett Nelson stays home.
By the way, the photo in the original post is NOT Brandon Knapper.