it's been several cycles since the signing period started and I have yet to get a schollie message from a recruit.

it says i'm being considered along with another school, getting positive responses from home visits and calls and such.

he's an intl so there's no FSS to check on things....

when i originally offered i got this

"Family and I very happy to play basket in USA with you coach. Ok me sign now?"

I've got plenty of cash to push him over the edge if i needed, but i'd rather bank it for next year.... how do i know if i'm winning or not if i don't get updates?

You should be fine. Whatever his last message was will indicate how much he likes you. 

But to answer your question, send a letter to get an inexpensive reply. 

Do remember the other coach may be expending some effort and the recruit may send a message while you sleep and then the next period sign with the other school. Or, if it gets to the last signing period he will sign without giving a heads up. 

thanks - all of his letter replies put me in the lead... and his last schollie message was what i wrote above.... the other school had 1 schollie left and 6-7 guys considering him... so i'm hoping one of them just signs with him leaving me as the only suitor...

Ok me sign now? Seriously? That's how the recruit talks because he's from out of the country??? hahaha No stereotypes here...lol

All internationals are barely able to speak english.

I work overnights so he signed before I went to bed. Ended up using the cash