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THE HOOPSCOOP Online
Published by The HOOP SCOOP, Inc., P.O. Box 37122, Louisville, KY 40233 Editor & Publisher Clark Francis Email Address: clark@hoopscooponline.com Phone (502) 493-0043 Fax (502) 493-0440 All rights reserved - Copyright 1999

Hot Recruiting Information available for other months June 1998 July 1998 August 1998 September 1998 October 1998 November 1998 December 1998 January 1999 February 1999 March 1999 April 1999 May 1999 June 1999

Friday, April 30, 1999

Our source yesterday morning was right on the money about Mike Bradley and Ryan Hogan both transferring. Yesterday afternoon the University of Kentucky announced that both have been given their official release, which means they are free to talk to other schools. However, a lot of people haven't picked up on the fact that Bradley's transfer may be a strong indicator that Jamaal Magloire will likely return. If you will recall, previously we thought that Magloire was leaning towards declaring for the NBA draft, but after several workouts with NBA teams, he's been told that he will likely go in the 18-20 range of the first round. However, if he waits another year, he will likely be a lottery pick. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if he makes the same mistake Nazr Mohammed made a year ago or whether he returns for his senior season. Our guess is that we will be back! And as long as we're on the subject of transfers, we're also hearing that Todd Tackett may transfer from Kentucky this spring (perhaps to Marshall), but right now that only speculation.

Our Mid-South Editor Jim Rothman tells us that 6'7 Alonzo Lane from Canton (H.S.) MS has finally decided on a school. If you will recall, he committed to Mississippi State several different times, but later reneged on each occasion. More recently people in the know thought Lane would probably end up at Ole Miss, but that didn't happen either. Instead, Lane signed with Arkansas, which is a major surprise! And apparently it was messy in the end - Lane was reported to have postponed his decision several times due threatening phone calls.

Having in lived in Louisville, KY most of my life, you'd better have a pretty darn good reason to get me out of town the weekend of the Kentucky Derby. Well, Bill Hensley, who is the tournament director of the Spiece Run 'N Slam All-Star Classic in West Lafayette, IN, which will be begin tonight at 6:00 PM and run through Sunday afternoon, has done exactly that each of the last three years. As a matter of fact, except for the adidas ABCD and NIKE All-American camps in July, nobody runs a better event or has more talent at their event all year around. And forget about the Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Game and/or the Indiana State High School Tournament, whose attendance has dwindled to next to nothing since they adopted class basketball two years ago. This is the biggest basketball weekend of the year in Indiana! It's also a great way to get a head start on the summer camp season. Hensley has 64 teams in the Seniors-To-Be Division, 48 Teams in the Juniors-To-Be Division, and 24 teams in the Sophomores to be Division. He also had to turn away another 40-plus teams, because he only had access to nine sites and 25 courts. Pool play starts tomorrow night at 7:00 PM and runs through 11:30 PM. Then the endurance contest for scouts begins Saturday morning, as pool play resumes at 8:00 AM and runs through 5:00 PM. That's when we go back to our hotel room and provide you with some highlights and watch the Derby on television. Then, at 7:00 PM the playoffs begin. Once again we'll probably get out of the gym at close to midnight and return at 8:00 AM Sunday morning, because the winners bracket games all begin bright and early at that time. And we'll be there again all day until the championship is decided sometime late Sunday afternoon. Then that night we'll post all the highlights right here in the Members Section. The 16 different pools in the Seniors-To-Be Division will include: 1A) Spiece Believers I; 1B) Friends of Hoop-Black; 1C) St. Louis Mustangs; 1D) Championship Sports; 2A) Salt Lake Metro; 2B) Spiece North Stars; 2C) Tallahassee Wildcats; 2D) Rocktown; 3A) Massachusetts Wildcats; 3B) D.B.S. Icons; 3C) Team Illinois Hawks; 3D) Los Angeles Rockfish; 4A) Cincinnati AAU #1; 4B) S.Y.F. Players; 4C) Howard-Pulley-Blue; 4D) Gateway Basketball; 5A) Tiffany's; 5B) Minnesota Magic Heat; 5C) Boo Williams Summer League; 5D) Northern Cincy AAU; 6A) Camp Exposure Spirit; 6B) Howard Pulley-Black; 6C) Alabama Ice; 6D) Bray Center Nike; 7A) Arizona Blue; 7B) Martin Brothers Select; 7C) Illinois Warrior-A-Butler; 7D) Evansville AAU; 8A) Illinois Warriors-B-Butler; 8B) 4-D Stars; 8C) Sam Rines Team Philly; 8D) Georgia Hawks; 9A) Playground Warriors; 9B) Illinois Warriors B-Ball Club; 9C) Grand Rapids Storm; 9D) Illinois Fire; 10A) Team Kansas Strykers-Berry; 10B) The Challenge; 10C) Bloomington Red; 10D) Columbus Basketball Club; 11A) Cincinnati AAU #2; 11B) Waterloo Wildhawks; 11C) Albany City Rocks; 11D) Bloomington Blaze; 12A) All-Ohio; 12B) Double Pump; 12C) St. Louis Eagles; 12D) Georgia Stars; 13A) Houston Hoops; 13B) Team Texas; 13C) Friends of Hoop-Orange; 13D) Arizona Black; 14A) Spiece South Stars; 14B) Chicago Demons; 14C) Peterson Engineering; 14D) Tim Thomas Playaz; 15A) Cincinnati AAU #3; 15B) Learning Exchange Wildcats; 15C) Michigan Mustangs; 15D) Houston Super Stars; 16A) Metro East Warriors; 16B) Score More Athletic Club; 16C) Spiece Believers 2; and 16D) Indiana Select.

The latest word on Morgan Wootten is that he will eventually retire during the off-season, although I would not bet money on the date. We have heard from three sources that Joe Wootten will take 6'2 sophomore Billy Edelin to Falls Church (Bishop O'Connell) VA next year. One of the sources goes so far as to say that Edelin, 6'9 Soph Jordan Collins, and 6'8 Frosh Travis Garrison will all be playing for O'Connell next year. The Garrison kid is special - the best young kid in the DeMatha program. The younger Wootten also is expected to get the best 8th grader in Northern Virginia. This kid was supposedly good enough to play varsity for DeMatha next year like Keith Bogans did as a freshman, Wootten could be very competitive in a hurry if he gets these kids, but probably cannot win the league because there are no complementary players to these studs presently at O'Connell. Also many people question Wootten's actual ability to coach and O'Connell is on the complete other side of town. I cannot imagining these folks leaving, unless Wootten's legandary father is retiring. We do have one source who says Morgan will coach two more years. Morgan supposedly is interested in coaching again only because he wants to secure the record for all-time wins. As long as we're talking about players in the the DC area, the Washington Post is reporting that 6'7 Soph Levi Watkins from Laurel (St. Vincent Pallotti) MD will play his junior year for former Stu Vetter assistant Kevin Sutton at Rockville (Montrose Christian) MD. This will be Watkins third high school in three years and it cold have been four. He played at Frederick (Thomas Johnson) MD his freshman year. He had planned to play his sophomore year for Vetter and Sutton at Frederick (Prospect Hall) MD before the Damien Wilkins incident eventually ended Vetter's tenure at the Hall. Also Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim apparently has been talking to the Washington Wizards and George Washington signed 5'8 Bernard Barrow of Kilgore (JC) TX. Barrow was named all conference in the Texas Eastern Conference and led the league with 8.9 assists.

Thursday, April 29, 1999

We talked to Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME head coach Max Good this morning and he does not confirm that he is taking an assistant coaching job at UNLV. He does confirm that he has been offered jobs at both UNLV and Rhode Island, but also leaves open the possibility that he could remain at Maine Central Institute. Remember, Good is 57 years old and he's built MCI into what is arguably the premier high school and/or prep school program in the nation in recent years. He's also got Caron Butler and Avery Queen both returning next year and he hasn't even started recruiting for next year. As a result, we think it's going to be a tough to leave and if he does, deciding between UNLV and Rhode Island could be even more difficult.

Jeff Picoro, who has a sports talk radio-show in Northern Kentucky, is reporting that Mike Bradley and Tayshaun Prince are both transferring from the University of Kentucky and it may happen as soon as today. However, our sources tell us that Picoro is only half right. The word we're getting is that if Bradley transfers, Jamaal Magloire, who has been talking about declaring hardship for the NBA draft, will stay. If Bradley does transfer the early favorites may be Ohio State, Massachusetts, and Virginia. As for Prince, our sources tell us it would be a major surprise if he leaves. Instead, we hear it's Ryan Hogan. Also of note to Kentucky fans, the Wildcats have lost out on 6'7 Anthony Evans from Neosho County (JC) KS, who has signed the University of Georgia. Georgia also has given 7'1 Nathan Popp from Lexington (Catholic) KY, who was signed by the old regime last fall, his release. Popp will have to sit out next year as a transfer, but that shouldn't be a problem, because he was planning on red-shirting anyway. Apparently Popp wasn't confortable with the new head coach Jim Harrick, despite the fact Harrick retained assistant coaches Michael Hunt and Reggie Rankin.

Several days ago we reported that Duke was making a last ditch effort to get 6'6 LaVell Blanchard from Pioneer (Ann Arbor) MI, who ranks #8 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, and this was true. However, we now have confirmed that he has told the Duke coaching staff that nobody else can get involved. As a result, it looks like a two race race between Michigan and Virginia. California also still has a shot, but it's a long shot. However, don't look for an official announcement until Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 9th. Our New York Editor Ron Naclerio tells us that 6'2 Luis Flores from New York (Norman Thomas) NY has picked Rutgers over George Washington and he also predicts that 6'8 Uke Agbai from Briarwood (Archbishop Molloy) NY will sign with Boston College. Speaking of Boston College, our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin tells us that the Eagles have signed 6'10 Erik Witt from Germany. Rubin also tells us that 6'7 Mike Tompson from New Zealand via Brigham Young, who has just returned from a mission, is transferring to Rutgers. He'll take Billy Collins' scholarship. According to Rubin, Collins is transferring to Boston University.

Wednesday, April 28, 1999

Our Mid-South Correspondent Jim Rothman tells us that 6'3 Courtney Trask from Baton Rouge (Parkview Baptist) LA, who ranks #140 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, will commit later today to the University of Memphis. This is will give Memphis recruits in the class, because 6'10 Earl Barron from Clarksdale (H.S.) MS, 6'6 Immanuel McElroy from Tyler (JC) TX, and 6'6 Shannon Foreman from Northwest Mississippi (JC) MS are already in the fold. Our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin is reporting that Drexel has finally gotten 5'11 Ashley Howard from Drexel Hill (Monsignor Bonner) PA and 6'5 Josh Graham from Flemingsburg (Fleming County) KY, who is ranked #12 in the state of Kentucky, has signed with Virginia Commonwealth. Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports, is reporting that 6'3 Paul McPherson from Kennedy-King (JC) IL, who ranks as the #1 junior college player in the nation by Phil Henzel, has signed with DePaul. This is huge, because DePaul's class, which was ranked #22 nationally last fall when they signed 6'11 Steve Hunter from Maywood (Proviso East) IL, 6'8 John Oden from Phoenix (Carl Hayden) AZ, 6'2 George Baker from Lexington (Dunbar) KY, and 6'2 Joe Tulley from Rockford (Boylan) IL, could move as high as top 10 this spring. I am reporting that 6'7 Soph Samuel Nadeau, who ranks as the #16 sophomore in the nation, is transferring from Newark (East Side) NJ and that he will likely end up at that basketball factory in Virginia - Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA. We are also confirming that Louisville finally receieved the National letter-of-intent this morning from 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI.

Dave Schultz of the HOOP SCOOP is reporting that Princeton has gotten two excellent commitments from 6'8 Cameron Carr from West Linn (H.S.) OR, who ranks #259 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, and 6'3 Kyle Wente from Effingham (St. Anthony) IL, who is such a big sleeper that Roy and Harv Schmidt of the Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye Report don't even have him ranked on their list of seniors in the state of Illinois. However, Schultz tells us that Wente averaged 26 ppg and was the MVP in a Christmas Tournament in Illinois back in December. Schultz also tells us that 6'6 Spencer Golger from Rancho Santa Margarita (Santa Margarita) CA committed in the fall to Princeton under the early admissions program, but they are still working out the financial aid package and, as a result, he is still be recruited by a number of schools out West. However, we still think Princeton will get him in the end. Schultz also tells us that it looks like 5'11 Soph Tony Tate from Jersey City (St. Anthony) NJ won't be bailing out on the legendary Bob Hurley, Sr after all. "There is no way that Tate will transfer to Marist High School in Bayonne, NJ," says Schultz. "And I don't see him transferring to Elizabeth St. Patrick, because they're probably going to get 5'9 Michael Nardi from Souel Middle School in Linden, NJ. He's only in 8th grade, but we met him two weeks ago and the word is that he'll be the next Bobby Hurley. So unless he wants to transfer to Paterson Catholic or move, there aren't a lot of other choices."

Two weeks ago we thought 6'2 Luis Flores from New York (Norman Thomas) NY, who ranks #11 in New York City by Ron Naclerio and #211 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, was a near lock for Manhattan. However, it appears that the schools that were recruiting him - Manhattan, Canisius, Hofstra, Drexel, and Duquesne - aren't good enough for him. Instead, now it looks like a two horse race between Rutgers and George Washington. However, we predict he will transfer to one of the schools on his original list when he finds out he's not good enough to be more than a good role player in the Big East. However, Rutgers coach Kevin Bannon apparently is willing to take a chance on keeping him happy, because Rutgers has bailed out on 6'4 Trey Ferguson from Hoover (H.S.) AL, despite the fact Ferguson was on campus last weekend.

The list for 6'8 Uka Agbai from Briarwood (Archbishop Molloy) NY includes Boston College, William & Mary, Iona, Siena, Columbia, Rider, but Rider got a commitment last week from 6'10 Robert Reed from Bayonne (Marist) NJ and they had 6'9 Adam Chubb from Harrisburg (Susquenhanna Township) PA in for a visit this past weekend. So we suspect Rider is out! Rider also has a commitment from 6'3 Alwyn Curtis from Troy (Redemption) NY. Long Island University has a commitment from 6'6 JaJa Bey from Cheshire (Academy) CT, 6'3 Feron McGee from Neptune (H.S.) NJ plans to go to prep school at Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT, and 6'11 Kevin Garrity from Edison (Wardlaw-Hartridge) NJ is planning to go to a 5th year of high school at either Princeton (Hun) NJ and Solebury (Prep) PA.

Tuesday, April 27, 1999

Patrick Jira of the Recruiting Beat tells us that 6'1 Jabrahn Ike from Minneapolis (St. Anthony) MN, who was being recruited by Penn State, Clemson, and Seton Hall, has elected to go the junior college route. He's signed with Southeastern (JC) IA. Jira also tells us that 6'6 Marcus Jefferson from Fitchburg (Notre Dame) MA will likely commit to Providence later this week and that 6'6 Derick Payne from Washington (Coolidge) DC is talking about attending prep school at Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME. This isn't the first time Payne has talked about going to MCI. A year ago Maine Central Institute head coach Max Good decided not to take Payne, because he needed too many hours to be able to graduate in just one year. It's not 100% yet, but Jira is right when he predicts that 5'9 Rashon Burno from Elizabeth (St.Patrick) NJ, who is one of the best unsigned point guards still available, will be going to prep school next year at Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT.

Seton Hall has gotten a commitment from 6'7 Kevin Wilkins from Tallahassee (JC) FL and today Duke is expected to sign 5'11 Andre Buckner from Hopkinsville (University Heights) KY. This is a huge story, because it's not very often that the Blue Devils sign the #81 ranked player in any state. As a matter of fact, Buckner only got three votes for the Louisville Courier-Journal's all-state team in Kentucky and the only other offer he had was by a junior college. Also very interesting is the fact that Western Kentucky head coach Dennis Felton was the guy who signed Buckner's older brother, Greg Buckner, at Clemson. However, Felton has no interest in the younger Buckner. That ought to tell you something right there. We also have confirmed that West Virginia has gotten 6'5 Keith Kincade from Compton (Dominguez) CA, Fairleigh Dickinson has landed 6'5 Keith Martin from Lackewanne (JC) PA, and 7'1 Jared Houston is transferring from William & Mary to Penn State. We reported a while ago that 6'11 Eric Williams was transferring from Syracuse and it looks like he will pick either Iona or Providence. James Madison has gotten 6'3 Mickey Dennis from North Dakota-Williston (JC) ND, who ranks among junior college players by #181 by Phil Henzel.

We have not confirmed that the University of Louisville has received the national letter-of-intent from 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, but on WLKY Channel-32 in Louisville this morning Cardinals head coach Denny Crum did say that he talked with Gaines' mother at 5:15 AM this morning and that her son has signed the national letter and that she planned to fax it to Louisville today. We also have not confirmed that 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO has signed with Missouri. He was supposed to make an official announcement yesterday, but the press conference was cancelled and no announcement has been forthcoming. As a result, were are still listing Rush as undecided between Missouri and UCLA. Also last night we heard that 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS had made up his mind and a commitment to Alabama would be forthcoming as soon as yesterday or today. However, as of 7:40 P.M. tonight nothing had been announced. Based on past history, why are we not surprised that all three of these guys continue to beat around the bush?

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that Buckeyes junior Scoonie Penn had a press conference today and announced that he will return to Ohio State for his senior season next year. Alabama is waiting on 6'5 Antonio Jackson, but if they don't get him, look for the Crimson Tide to get 6'3 Derrick Zimmerman from Monroe (Gossman) LA, although Mississippi State, Tulane, LSU, Texas, Villanova, and Arkansas are all among the schools still on his list. As expected, Toledo has gotten a commitment from 6'2 Rory Jones from Casper (JC) WY and the may also get 6'5 Teddy Maizeroi from Bridgton (Academy) ME. We have an unconfirmed report that Duke is trying to get involved with 6'6 LaVell Blanchard from Ann Arbor (Pioneer) MI, who ranks #9 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. If this is true, it would provide even further confirmation that Corey Maggette plans to declare hardship for the NBA draft.

Frank Burlison of the Orange County Register is reporting that 6'11 Kosta Charissis from Greece took official visits to USC over the weekend and Miami-FL yesterday and he is expected to decide between the two in the near future. Burlison also is reporting that Southern Cal is one of the leaders for 6'9 Ajmal Basit, who is transferring from the University of Massachusetts, and that 6'2 Marlon Parmer from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA is expected to pick USC, Michigan, or UNLV later this week. What's the latest on whether UCLA point guard Baron Davis will declare hardship for the NBA draft? Burlison thinks is gone, but other sources on the West Coast aren't so sure. We'll see soon enough, because the deadline to enter your name into the NBA draft is May 16th.

Our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin tells us that Duquesne head coach Darelle Porter has stolen one in 6'3 Kevin Forney from Philadelphia (Christian) PA, who ranks #2 among prep school and 5th year players in the Philadelphia Area. "It's always tough to get quality players out of Philly," says Rubin. "Forney will provide Duquesne with instant offense, because he can score from anywhere on the court. He's also a good athlete and a better than average defender, but he needs to become more team oriented."

Monday, April 26, 1999

It's hasn't been officially announced yet, but the HOOP SCOOP has now confirmed that 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS, who ranks among the top five junior college players in the nation, will commit to the University of Alabama. This is huge for the Crimon Tide, because it elevates their recruiting class into the #2 position nationally behind Duke and ahead of Florida and Cincinnati. If you will recall, Alabama's recruiting class, which includes 6'7 Rod Grizzard from Birmingham (Central Park Christian) AL, 6'8 Erwin Dudley from Uniontown (R.C. Hatch) AL, 6'9 Kenny Walker from Jacksonville (Wolfson) FL, 6'2 Terrance Meade from Scottsboro (H.S.) AL was ranked #12 nationally last fall and it moved into a tie for second with Cincinnati with the addition of 6'5 Schea Cotton from Long Beach City (JC) CA two weeks ago. Then it dropped back to third when Florida last week got 6'7 Donnell Harvey from Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA, who ranks as the #1 senior in the nation by the HOOP SCOOP. Now with the addition of Jackson, Alabama's move back up to #2 and the Crimson Tide's recruiting class could actually move ahead of Duke, if they sign 6'9 Marcus Haislip from Lewisburg (Marshall County) TN. Right now Haislip's list includes Alabama, Tennessee, Memphis, and Kentucky, which is where he's been the last several days making an official visit. Getting back to Jackson, Alabama makes perfect sense, because Louisville now has a commitment from 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI and Mississippi State got a commitment a week ago from 6'2 Jason Pryor from Gulf Coast (JC) FL and Greedy Daniels is transferring from Memphis to Mississippi State. If you're thinking Pryor committed earlier to LSU, you're right! But apparently he didn't sign the national letter-of-intent with the Tigers. However, most people don't know it yet, because Mississippi State has a habit of keeping their commitments under wraps. Remember, nobody knew that 6'5 Jamario Moon from Rockford (Coosa Central) AL committed to Alabama until January, even though he signed a national letter-of-intent in November. Also, the commitments by 6'5 Ontario Harper from Winchendon (School) MA and 7'1 Raynell Brewer from Mississippi Gulf Coast (JC) MS were very slow to be reported.

U.A.B. also got a major commitment today from 6'5 Marcus Kimbrough from Pensacola (JC) FL, who sat out this past year, but was one of the best junior college players in the nation the year before. Some scouts didn't like Kimbrough in high school, because he was really an undersized power forward, but he's great in transition, has a great body and surprising athleticism, which should allow him to instantly become one of the better rebounders in Conference USA next year. We have confirmed that 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO committed to Missouri last Friday, but we have yet to hear whether he has signed a national letter-of-intent. The same is true with 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, who committed to Louisville on Saturday. It's not official yet, but the word we're getting is that 6'7 Alesander Pavlovich from Severn (Archbishop Spalding) MD will commit later this week to La Salle. Towson State has a commitment from 6'1 Brian Allen from Cape May Court House (Middle Township) NJ, Florida International is getting 6'8 Cisse Abdeckodre from Philadelphia (Christian) PA, and 6'6 Jim Roban from Dixie (JC) UT has gone to San Diego State. We also are looking for 5'11 Ashley Howard from Drexel Hill (Monsignor Bonner) PA to commit to Drexel. Ronnie Griffin, the 6'9 power forward who left Eastern Kentucky in January, has surfaced at Tallahassee (JC) FL and the word is that he's really got his act together. Hopefully it's true this time, because he's running out of time.

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that the word in Chicago is that 6'10 Leon Smith from Chicago (Martin Luther King) IL plans to declare hardship for the NBA draft. We reported a week ago that we thought Duke's Corey Maggette would probably return to Duke next season, but now we are retracting that prediction. The word we're getting from a number of different sources is that he's not going to class, he's been spending a lot of time in Chicago, IL (which is where he's from), and he may have already gotten something from an agent. If Maggette follows Elton Brand and William Avery into the NBA draft in June and Chris Burgess transfers, the Blue Devils would be in serious trouble, except for the fact they have the #1 recruiting class in the nation waiting in the wings. Speaking of Duke's recruiting, we continue to get reports that Duke has offered 5'10 Andre Buckner from Hopkinsville (University Heights) KY, who averaged 13 ppg and five assists per game. Unfortunately, he's not the sleeper that his brother, Greg Buckner, was when he signed with Clemson. Instead, the younger brother ranks no higher than #81 in the state by our Kentucky Editor Larry Kihnley. He's a great athlete, but he's more of a wing forward than a point guard, which is what the Duke needs. Apparently the Blue Devils were caught off guard when Avery announced that he's going pro and there simply aren't any point guards left available. Duke wanted to get involved with 6'1 Rick Jones from Georgetown (Scott County) KY and 6'2 Sean Harrington from Elgin (H.S.) IL, but they were too late. Remember, Avery announced his decision about the same time that Jones committed to Vanderbilt and Harrington committed to Illinois. The word we're getting is that Duke wants somebody who can at least bring the ball up the court if something happens to 6'2 Jason Williams from Metuchen (St. Joseph) NJ, because he'll be only guy who can do that in the program next year. However, Kihnley tells us that Buckner is not even close to being the answer. As a matter of fact, to our knowledge, Buckner has no other Division I offers. He wasn't all state and he wasn't one of the 35 players invited to play in the Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Game tryout.

We continue to hear talk about 6'11 Samuel Dalembert from Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ not honoring his commitment to Seton Hall - remember he committed to the Pirates in the fall, but has yet to sign a national letter-of-intent. But when we asked him if he was thinking about going someplace else at the Derby Classic Saturday night, he was surprised. He said he was going to Seton Hall. Speaking of players from St. Patrick High School at Seton Hall, our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio tells us that he's heard rumors about Shaheen Holloway transferring, despite the fact he's a junior and only has one year of college eligibility left. The schools Naclerio mentioned were DePaul and Kansas, but what about New Mexico for both Holloway and Dalembert? What's the connection? The word we're getting is that Danny Waedleton, who is an assistant coach at St. Patrick, may become a graduate assistant at New Mexico. And remember, New Mexico head coach Fran Fraschilla did a great job of recruiting both Dalembert and Al Harrington when he was at St. John's a year ago. As a matter of fact, St. Patrick head coach Kevin Boyle tells us that the Red Storm probably would have gotten Dalembert, if Fraschilla was still at St. John's. Boyle also tells us that the chances of Holloway and Dalembert both ending up at New Mexico with Waedleton are slim and none.

Sunday, April 25, 1999

The Louisville Courier-Journal is reporting that 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, who ranks #45 nationally and who can play either guard spot, has picked the University of Louisville over Maryland and that "he sign the national letter-of-intent after returns home, possibly as soon as today." Actually our sources, who are very close to the Louisville program, tell us that he plans to sign with Louisville at his high school tomorrow. However, don't edge it in , stone just yet.  Remember, this is the kid who told folks who run the Capital Classic that he was planning on making an announcement regarding his college decision in conjunction with their game. Then, a week later, he told the Maryland coaching staff that he was going to sign with Maryland. At least now, if he changes his mind again, everybody will know that he has reneged. Louisville also appears to be going right down to the wire with 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS, who ranks among the top five junior college players in the nation. Neither Gaines or Jackson are the talented pure point guard that Louisville has been looking for, but they are both big guards who would interchangeable at both the one and the two spots. And, if you will recall, this worked pretty well for the Cardinals in the late '70s and early '80s when they had players like Rick Wilson, Darrell Griffith, Jerry Eaves, Lancaster Gordon and Milt Wagner.

The Purple beat the White 138-132 last night in the GTE Wireless Derby Festival Basketball Classic last night at Freedom Hall, thanks to the efforts of 6'7 Travis Watson and 6'6 Ronald Slay, both from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, who combined for 41 points and 32 rebounds. Slay also won the Slam Dunk Contest and Watson took home game MVP honors, but the player who impressed us the most was 6'7 Derek Smith from Ft. Thomas (Highlands) KY.  He had 21 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, as he reinforced why we already rank him as the #1 player in the senior class in Kentucky. Actually we have him ranked too low.  We need to move him into our top 50 nationally and Kentucky freshman Tayshaun Prince had better up his game dramatically in the future or run the risk of getting beat out by this guy. Smith, who also finished second in the 3-point shooting contest and showed surprising quickness and finesse for somebody his size, is that good. Obviously, this explains why Wildcats head coach Tubby Smith is willing to let him join the basketball team after football season is over. Keeping the game close for the White All-Stars was 6'6 Casey Jacobsen from Glendora (H.S.) CA, who was the leading scorer in the game with 28 points. He's not a great athlete, but he's a great basketball player due to his expectional skills, tremendous understanding of the game, and great outside shooting. Also playing well for the White Team were 6'5 Jamal Crawford from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA and 6'8 Benjamin Eze Ndubiusi from Nigeria via Toronto, ON, who had 10 points, eight rebounds, and did a great defensive job on 6'10 Marvin Stone in the first half. Speaking of Stone, he has great moves to the basket and has amazing skills for somebody his size. Although he showed flashes, Stone only had 12 points and 10 rebounds. However, the sky is the limit, because, like they say, you can't teach size. His nickname is "Tree," but he's more like a mountain. Among the surprises were 6'10 Robertas Javtokas from Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) OH, who is surprisingly mobile and none mechanical for player originally from Eastern European. He doesn't overpower you, but he's good on the boards, blocks shots, and passes extremely well for somebody his size. The stats for the Derby Classic can be found by clicking on Coverage.

Saturday, April 24, 1999

If you can believe what we've heard at the Derby Classic practices last night and today in Louisville, KY, the University of Louisville could be on the verge of a big recruiting class. We've already mentioned that 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI has been hinting that he may make an announcement this weekend while he's in town for the game. He even went to far as to mention to us that he might announce his decision tonight at the game during the player introductions, but since he isn't playing in the game due to the two all-star game rule (he's already played in two game this spring and is being held out to ensure his NCAA eligibility next year), we doubt if he will get any kind of introduction. Instead, maybe he'll do it on radio. However, he also hinted that he was going to Maryland two weeks ago when he was at the Capital Classic in Washington, DC. So who really knows. Our guess is that if he picks Louisville, he'll do it today.  If he leaves town without making a commitment, the pendulum would likely swing back to Maryland. While Gaines isn't saying where he's going, 6'7 Mikeal Hadiri from Chicago (Lincoln Park) IL and 6'8 Ben Eze Ndubuisi from Nigeria via Toronto, ON both told us last night that they're going to Louisville. However, we aren't ready to announce either of these as verbal commitments, because neither knew who we were and we suspect both simply thought they were talking to fans. As a result, they may have been telling us what we wanted to hear. Ndubuisi also mentioned that he really likes Michigan and that Miami-FL, Houston, UCLA, Georgia Tech, and Kentucky are also among the many schools that have been recruiting him. While Ndubuisi isn't ready to be the #1 player in the NBA draft, he does have tremendous potential and incredible quickness and athleticism around the basket. He also has great hands and is very explosive going to the basket. He does need a year or two of college, but down the road he has the talent and potential to be a top five pick in the NBA draft. We obviously didn't get to see the other two Nigerians - 7'0 Uche Okafor and 6'11 Muhamed Lesage - who are also in town to make an unofficial visit to Louisville and watch their teammate in the game, but Louisville is in the picture for both. Okafor says that he's considering Auburn, UCLA, Ohio State, Houston, Tennessee, and Louisville. Lesage likes Houston, Auburn, and Louisville. However, the inquiry sign is still up, as sources tell us that the NCAA is investigating the recruitment of all three Nigerians. Also, getting the necessary score and clearance by the NCAA Clearing House to be eligible at a four-year school are other questions that have yet to be answered. Louisville also appears to be in the final five now, along with Valparaiso, Arizona, Utah, and Tulane, for 6'10 Robertas Javtockas from Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) OH and the Cardinals may now be the co-favorite, along with Alabama, for 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS, who ranks among the top five junior college players in the nation. If Louisville gets Jackson, Gaines, and Ndubuisi, their recruiting class would not only be a top 10 class in the nation and, as a result, their program would take a major step toward moving back into the elite teams in college basketball. However, if they only get Hadiri and one of the other two Nigerians to go along 6'8 Joe Sykes from Radcliff (North Hardin) KY and 6'1 Rashad Brooks from Cecil (JC) MD, who have already signed, the program could be in big trouble. In otherwords, it's make or break time for the Cardinals!

Several days ago we got a list of the top 300 junior college players from Phil Henzel, who has been covering JUCO's for years, and there are a number of interesting things worth pointing out. First, 6'5 Schea Cotton from Long Beach City (JC) CA, who recently signed with Alabama, didn't even make the list. He should easily be among the top 10 and probably the top five. Speaking of the top five or 10, guess who the #1 player is? We liked 6'3 Paul McPherson from Kennedy-King (JC) IL in high school, because he was incredible in transition and has few peers in any dunking contest, but we doubt he's improved his handling skills and outside shooting enough to be the #1 junior college player in the nation. But after that, the list is pretty good. The rest of the top dozen in order includes 6'5 Terry Black from Indian Hills (JC) IA, 7'3 Aleksandar Radojevic from Barton County (JC) KS, 6'2 Jamaal Tinsley from Mt. San Jacinto (JC) CA, 6'1 Trent Whiting from Snow (JC) UT, 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS, 6'2 Kenny Dye from Connors State (JC) OK, 6'6 Rob Griffin from Southeastern (JC) IA, 6'9 Marcus Griffin from Lincoln (JC) IL, 6'4 Michael Hicks from Bacone (JC) OK, and 6'11 Kimani Ffriend from Gulf Coast (JC) FL, and 6'9 Rudy Williams from Dixie (JC) UT.  As is stands now McPherson, Jackson, and Dye are still available, but everybody else has signed or committed. Black is going to Baylor, Radojevic signed early with Ohio State. Tinsley is heading to Iowa State and Whiting picked Utah a week ago. Rob Griffin is bound for Iowa, while Marcus Griffin has re-signed with Illinois. Hicks is the guy they will build the program around at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Ffriend is going to Nebraska and Williams is a steal for Long Beach State. We also found interesting the fact that Iowa State signed three players who rank among Henzel's top 30 in Tinsley at #4, 6'4 Richard Evans from Kilgore (JC) TX at #17, and 6'0 Thomas Watkins from Mesa (JC) AZ at #26. We were also kind of surprised that 6'5 James Zimmerman from Indian Hills (JC) IA was ranked no higher than #96, but UNC-Charlotte's other junior college signee - 6'8 Kenkay Singletary from Cuesta (JC) CA ranks #21. Also of interest - 6'4 Lamont Roland from Barton County (JC) KS was ranked #18. That's about right! Kentucky recruit 6'10 Nate Knight from Utah Valley (JC) UT is #31. That's too high! And Virgina recruit 6'8 Stephane Don Don from Collins County (JC) TX ranks #164. That's way too low! And Louisville recruit 6'1 Rashad Brooks from Cecil (JC) MD ranks no higher than #139 nationally. We haven't seen Brooks and really don't know where Brooks ranks, but we find it interesting!

Friday, April 23, 1999

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that there is a major recruiting battle going on between Iowa and Iowa State for 6'3 Jeff Horner from Mason City (H.S.) IA. Horner's father, Bob Horner, says that his son is much further advanced than another one of his former players, Dean Oliver, was at the same stage. Horner took an unofficial visit to Iowa State in March and he was at the University of Iowa last weekend. This is really important, because just like Oliver, who committed Iowa as a sophomore in high school, Horner is on the verge of making the earliest commitments ever - right now he's just a freshman in high school. Our prediction is that he will announce for Iowa sometime within the next several days.

The original list for 6'8 Ryan Humphrey included Kentucky, UCLA, and North Carolina, but now it looks like he wants to be more of a big fish in a smaller pound. He visited Pittsburgh last weekend, which makes sense, because his brother played football there and he considered the Panthers the first time around. However, the word we're getting is that his visit didn't go well, so we'd be surprised if he goes there. He visits Notre Dame this weekend and that might be the perfect place for him, because they have a hard time recruiting players with his size, skills, and athleticism. He also plans to visit Virginia, which also would be a great choice, because he could be the final piece to their puzzle, along with 6'6 LaVell Blanchard from Ann Arbor (Pioneer) MI, who ranks #9 nationally among seniors by the HOOP SCOOP. Speaking of Blanchard, we think it is still too close to call between Michigan and Virginia. California is the long shot, but Michigan State definitely has no shot, despite the fact that Blanchard and Spartans All-American Mateen Cleaves are cousins. Our source, who is very close to the program, tells us that the Spartans stopped recruiting him a long time ago, because they don't need anybody else at that position and if they got involved now and somehow got the kid, it would create a civil war in the state of Michigan.

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that Toledo has gotten the two expected commitments from 6'8 Delvar Barrett from Bridgton (Academy) MI and 6'0 Javon Clark from Detroit (Cass Tech) MI. Johnson also is looking for Toledo to get another player originally from the state of Michigan - 6'2 Rory Jones from Casper (JC) WY - and he is confirming that Doug Davis from Michigan State is transferring to Miami of Ohio. Florida State appears to be done recruiting, because they now have a commitment from 6'10 Nigel Dixon from Orlando (Edgewater) FL. Like 7'0 David Anderson, who recently transferred to Florida State from Brigham Young, Dixon is best described as a project. However, if Dixon ever drops about 50 lbs. and gets in shape, John Reinke, who publishes the Pony Tails Scouting Service in Florida, thinks he could be pro. "You just can't teach somebody to be that big," says Reinke. "He's absolutely huge and he has great hands and great footwork.  And I don't use the word 'great' very often. He's unstoppable in the half-court. He could be Shaquille O'Neal if he ever gets in shape. But right now he's closer to 400 than 350 lbs., so getting up and down the court is obviously a big problem. The question is how hard will he be willing to work get in shape and reach his potential?"

We talked with Bobby Jacobs, who is the President and CEO of Slam Dunk to the Beach, and he tells us that he may have more McDonald's All Americans in his tournament than the McDonald All American Game. Jacobs tells us that the lineup for the Slam Dunk to the Beach tournament includes Philadelphia (Roman Catholic) PA, Fresno (Washington Union) CA, Louisville (Ballard) KY, Fayetteville (71st) NC, Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ, Sugar Land (Willowridge) TX, Columbia (Keenan) SC, and Tuscon (Santa Rita) AZ. Just in this bracket alone we're talking about three of the top four juniors in the nation in 6'5 Jr DeShawn Stevenson from Fresno (Washington Union) CA, 6'9 Jr Eddie Griffin from Philadelphia (Roman Catholic) PA, and 6'5 Jr Jerome Harper from Columbia (Keenan) SC, as well as two of the top 10 sophomores in 5'11 Soph Terrance Ford from Sugar Land (Willowridge) TX and 6'9 Soph Brandon Benders from Louisville (Ballard) KY. The National Power Series, which will include Bayonne (Marist) NJ, Tulsa (Booker T. Washington) OK, Salt Lake City (Brighton) UT, and Baltimore (Dunbar) MD, is also loaded. And so is the rest of the tournament. More on that later!

But the tournament that might have the National Player of the Year for the third consecutive season is the NationsBank City of Palms Classic. In 1998 it was 6'8 Al Harrington from Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ and this past season it was 6'7 Donnell Harvey from Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA. And Donnie Wilkie, who is the tournament director for the City of Palms Classic, thinks 6'7 Jr Gerald Wallace from Childersburg (H.S.) AL, who currenty ranks #11 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP among juniors, will explode onto the national scene this summer. Wilkie even goes so far as to predict that Wallace will be one of the leading candidates for National Player of the Year honors next year. Wilkie also may have another major surprise up his sleeve when he adds the last team to his field. But otherwise the field is already set with Louisville (Ballard) KY, Childersburg (H.S) AL, Slidell (Salmen) CA, Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA, Denver (East) CO, Williamsport (H.S.) PA, Boston (English) MA, Lilburn (Berkmar) GA, Miami (South Miami) FL, Boca Raton (Pope John Paul VI) FL, Brandon (H.S.) FL, Miami (Northwest Christian) FL, Ft. Lauderdale (Dillard) FL, Ft. Myers (Cypress Lake) FL, and Immokalee (H.S.) FL.

Butler County (JC) KS head coach Steve Eck talked to the HOOP SCOOP's Chris Johnson today and he told us that he has not, as of yet, taken an assistant coaching position at Missouri-Kansas City nor have any of his players signed with the Kangaroos.  We already know that Alabama and Mississippi State are the final two for 6'5 Antonio Jackson, so Johnson didn't ask Eck about that. Instead, Johnson asked Eck about his other two other high Division I recruits - 6'7 Frosh Michael Jackson and 6'6 Marcus Golson, who has two and a half years of eligibility remaining. Eck says both players have officially visited Missouri-KC, but have not made any other official visits. Jackson is the more intriguing of the two because he has three years of eligibility remaining and has come on like gainbusters under Eck's tutelage since enrolling at Butler County two years ago. Also showing interest in Jackson, who was only one of two freshman to make the first team NJCAA All-American Team, are Oklahoma State and Syracuse. However, we wouldn't be surprised if Golson and Jackson both returned to Butler County for another year, along with Eck, because both have another year of junior college eligibility available. And waiting another year might prove to be the right move for Eck as well, because the Wichita State job could come open next spring if head coach Randy Smithson doesn't get it done next season. And if that happens, what kind of shot do you think Eck would have at getting the head coaching job at Wichita State? Pretty good! We've been told that Eck's father owns half of Wichita.

Thursday, April 22, 1999

South Carolina got a huge commitment yesterday from 6'7 Ivan Howell from Hopkins (Lower Richland) SC, who ranks #63 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP after we saw him last winter dominate at Slam Dunk to the Beach. Howell is big time athlete who can beat you from inside, outside, and from mid-range, which is a lost art in this day and age. Although we haven't confirmed whether Howell has made it academically, this also could be the deciding factor in getting Howell's younger brother, 6'9 Jr Rolando Howell, who ranks as #22 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP and has a tremendous upside. With the addition of Howell, South Carolina now has a little bit of everything in this recruiting class. They recently landed two good big guys in 6'10 Marijonas Petrvicious from New Hampton (Prep) NH and 6'11 Trevor Harvey from Freeport (Catholic) Bahamas. And last fall they got a super talent in 6'8 Chuck Eidson from Summerville (Pinewood) SC, one of the best 3-pointer shooters we saw last summer in 6'6 Travis Kraft from Mayville (Mayville CG) ND, and 6'7 Calvin Clemmons from Charlotte (Olympic) NC, who is one of the best players in North Carolina. As a result, the Gamecocks class has a shot at being ranked among our top 10 recruiting classes nationally. As a result, all the Eddie Fogler haters will certainly be disappointed, because South Carolina should be one of the most improved teams in the nation next year.

We are still looking for Missouri to get all "3 K's - 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO, 6'5 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, 6'5 Josh Kroenke from New Hampton (Prep) NH - and the first one could become official as soon as tomorrow. Apparently Rush really likes new head coach Quin Snyder and following his brother to UCLA is now something he is not interested in doing. With Kroenke, we still think it's only a matter of time before he picks Missouri. As for Kapono, who ranks #13 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, we talked with his high school coach Wayne Merino today and he thinks Kapono is still a long way away from making a decision. Right now the official party line is that it's a three horse race among Missouri, Utah, and Arizona. Stay tuned! While the younger Rush appears to he heading to Missouri, the word we're getting is that the older Rush, Jaron Rush, will remain at UCLA.

Speaking of UCLA's recruiting class, the Bruins have not signed a single player in this recruiting class, although 6'7 Brandon Brooks from Honolulu (Punahou) HI, who is ranked by Dave Krider in the USA Today as the #1 player in Hawaii, has signed an athletic scholarship for polo at UCLA. Instead, we look for UCLA to bring in a transfer our two. Among the names we've been hearing are Luke Recker, Adam Harrington, and Ryan Humphrey, but Tracy Pierson of the Bruin Report Online Web Site has added a new name to the list. Apparently 5'10 Victor Williams is leaving Illinois State and UCLA is one of the schools being mentioned, because Williams and UCLA point guard Earl Watson were good friends and played AAU ball together while in high school in Kansas City. Pierson also is reporting that Humphrey wants to go someplace where he can step in and be the star, which is why Notre Dame and Pittsburgh are at the top of his list. And finally somebody has come up with the name of the mystery player from Czech Republic that UCLA has been mentioned with for the last year. According to Pierson, his name is 6'10 Stan Zuzak, but no other details are provided. As long as we're talking about transfers, Travis Reed has announced he's leaving UCLA for Long Beach State.

It had been reported earlier by Ron Briscoe that the University of Kentucky had gotten a commitment from 6'7 Anthony Evans from Neosho County (JC) UT, but it hasn't happened yet and might not happen, unless Jamaal Magloire opts for the NBA (he has until May 16th to make up his mind). Evans, who has said he'd be more likely not to come to Kentucky if he knows that Magloire plans to be back next year, has a visit scheduled to Georgia this weekend and also has Tennessee and Arizona State on his list. Instead, the HOOP SCOOP has now confirmed that 6'10 Nate Knight from Utah Valley (JC) UT, who ranks #31 among junior college players nationally by Phil Henzel, has made it official for the University of Kentucky. We also have confirmed that Byron Mouton, who transferrring from Tulane, will be in Lexington, KY this weekend and that he realizes that he made a mistake the first time around and, as a result, he wants to go to Kentucky in the worst way.

Another one we're following closely is the situation involving 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, who ranks #45 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Today in an interview with Tony Crews of WHAS Radio, Gaines said that he almost signed with Maryland last week after playing in the Capital Classic, but now is hinting that he plans to sign with Louisville within the next few days. However, based on the last two weeks, who knows what this kid is going to do next. If that weren't enough, Gaines and 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI played in an AAU all-star game, as well as the Capital Classic this spring and there are questions about whether he has already met the two game all-star game limit. As a result, the people running the Derby Classic are holding him out of practice and the game, but he will remain in Louisville to attend the game at his own expense. Williams has returned home.

Tonight we talked with Michael Byrnes, who is the head coach at Winchendon (School) MA, and he confirms that 6'10 Ivan Kartelo did sign with Notre Dame on Monday, but he also tells us that he was not offered an assistant coaching position at Notre Dame by new head coach Matt Doherty. As a result, we expect Byrnes to remain at Winchendon and continue be one of the dominant high programs in the nation. Byrnes also tells us that another one of his players 6'10 Abraham Keita, who ranks among our top 100 nationally, will visit St. John's next weekend and then decide between the Red Storm and Temple. Another one of his players 6'4 Bruce Seals has signed with Manhattan and 7'3 Bruno Sundov, who was drafted last June, was recently called up to play with the Dallas Mavericks.

Wednesday, April 21, 1999

Dave Schultz of the HOOP SCOOP tells us that 5'11 Soph Tony Tate from Jersey City (St. Anthony) NJ is transferring. Apparently he's gotten into Bob Hurley's doghouse and the legendary coach is encouraging Tate to look elsewhere. This is big, because Tate not only ranks #19 nationally in the sophomore class by the HOOP SCOOP, but he was also the leading scorer for St. Anthony last year and was supposed to be Hurley's next great player. Rumor has it that Tate will transfer to Bayonne (Marist) NJ, but Paterson (Catholic) NJ and Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ are also be mentioned. We're also hearing that Hurley's other young guard - 5'10 Elijah Ingram, who ranks #19 nationally in the freshman class by the HOOP SCOOP - may be leaving St. Anthony, but right now we are reporting that only as rumor. Schultz also tells us that 6'10 Robert Reed from Bayonne (Marist) NJ has committed to Rider and that Rutgers will get a visit next week from 6'4 Trey Ferguson from Hoover (H.S.) AL. You know, he's the guy who committed to Indiana last fall, but recently reneged on "The General." Rutgers was also supposed to have 6'3 Derrick Zimmerman from Monroe (Gossman) LA and 6'4 Courtney Trask from Baton Rouge (Parkview Baptist) LA in for visits, but that's been cancelled. Could Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY head coach Gary Decesare get hired by Jerry Degregorio at Rhode Island? That's what's Schultz has heard. He's also heard that Florida State is out for 6'10 Mark McCarroll from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY. As a result, the final two for McCarroll are Villanova and Syracuse. Our prediction is Syracuse and don't be surprised if it happens as soon as today. Hofstra now appears to be the leader for 6'3 Kevin Bell from New York (Rice) NY, but he's still waiting on Villanova. The way it looks now, it may be a long wait!

We have confirmed that 6'7 Donnell Harvey from Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA, who is ranked as the #1 senior in the nation by the HOOP SCOOP, as expected, did announce for the University of Florida today. The HOOP SCOOP has confirmed that 6'11 Ivan Kartelo from Winchendon (School) MA has picked Notre Dame. This comes as no surprise, because the head coach at Winchendon, Mike Byrnes, has been looking for a job and recently he was hired by new Irish head coach Matt Doherty. We also have unconfirmed reports that 6'5 Keith Kincade from Compton (Dominguez) CA, who we have ranked #131 nationally, has committed to West Virginia. The final two for 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS, who ranks as one of the top five junior college players in the nation, are Mississippi State and Alabama. Catholic University of America, which is a Division III school in Washington, DC have a steal in 6'7 Matt Hilleary from Manassas (Seton) VA and 5'11 Will Partin from Louisville (Ballard) KY, who was the MVP in the state Kentucky State Tournament last month, has committed to Missouri-Rolla (Division II). South Florida now appears to be the leader for 6'11 Kris Hunter, who is transferring from Virginia.

Jason Parker, the 6'8 center from Charlotte (West Charlotte) NC, who signed last week with North Carolina, scored 30 points and hit 14-16 field goals en route to MVP honors in the the Dada All-Star Classic (formerly the Eddie Jones All-Star Game), which was held this Sunday at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. "He reminds you of Elton Brand," says Phil Gatton, who is runs the game along with Dinos Triginos. "But Parker has a better mid-range game than Brand and he doesn't take everything to the basket. Unlike Brand, he'll make a move to the basket and then pull back and it the open shot." Also playing well for the U.S. All-Stars was 6'10 Leon Smith from Chicago (Martin Luther King) IL, who complemented Parker with 28 points. However, the hero of the day was 6'2 Demetrius Hunter from Las Vegas (Cheyenne) NV, who scored 16 points and hit what proved to be the game winning shot with 13 second left to give the U.S. All-Stars a 156-154 victory over the West Coast All-Stars. Joel Francisco, the Editor & Publisher of Southern California's Finest Scouting Service, also thought 7'0 Josh Moore from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT and 6''3 Kirk Hinrich from Sioux City (West) IA played well for the U.S. Team, but was disappointed in 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI, despite the fact Williams scored 14 points. Francisco was also impressed with the outside shooting by 6'7 Chris Ogden from Seminole (H.S.) TX. The West All-Stars were led by 6'8 Justin Davis from Alameda (St. Joseph) CA and 6'4 Keith Gaines from Las Vegas (Clark) NV, who combined for 51 points. Davis did all the dirty work inside, but he also surprised a lot of people with his improved perimeter shooting. As a result, his value goes way up. Francisco also tells us that 6'8 Andrew Gooden from El Cerrito (H.S.) CA, 6'5 Jamaal Crawford from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, 6'4 Tito Maddox from Compton (H.S.) CA all played well enough to get a special mention. The best matchup of the day was between Gaines and 6'2 Marlon Parmer from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA. "For two or three minutes it was a war - an all out battle," says Triginos. "You don't see two guys go at it like that very often in an all-star."

Tuesday, April 20, 1999

Whenever we hear about a player who we haven't seen, especially from a coach, a parent, a street agent, or anybody else who might have a hidden agenda, we have learned to be skeptical, at least until proven otherwise. Or when non-basketball people start touting a player as the next Michael Jordan or Pete Maravich, we usually don't jump on the bandwagon. A good example is 6'2 Jr Tamir Goodman from Baltimore (Talmudical) MD, who committed this winter to Maryland during his junior year in high school. He put up incredible numbers and has been called a "Jewish Jordan," so it wasn't surprising when I got calls from people wanting to know why Goodman wasn't ranked among the top juniors nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Well, Goodman finally faced some serious competition this spring and the early returns aren't pretty. One knowledgable fan recently emailed me telling that Goodman can not play in the ACC. "You will see that for yourself. Gary Williams never saw him play until after he offered him a scholarship. Goodman went 0-21 the first half at Cole Fieldhouse. The fans were screaming at Williams. Things like, 'no wonder you can't ever beat Duke and no wonder you can't get past the sweet 16.' Williams stormed off the court at half time and was screaming at Goodman's coach. 'He doesn't even play a lick of defense.' Which is true, because he couldn't cover you and me. Goodman finished the game 4-41 from the field." Our New York Editor Ron Naclerio also saw Goodman last week at IS8 and offers a little bit of hope. "He's not a top 100 player and he isn't ready to play in the ACC or the Big East, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the higher level of competition night in and night out," says Naclerio. "He doesn't know how to deal with the incredible quickness at the big time level and he has trouble getting his shot. However, given time he's capable of making the adjustment. How hard does he want to work?  How well does he understand the game? I'll have to see him some more evaluate all that." Another good example of our sight unseen skepticism are the three Nigerians - 6'9 Benjamin Eze Ndubuis, 6'11 Muhamed Lasege, and 7'0 Uche Okafor - who were billed as the greatest thing since sliced bread last week in the Louisville Courier-Journal by their handler in Canada. We still hear conflicting reports on Lasege and Okafor, but several college coaches who have seen Eze Ndubuis tell us he's great! And we're not talking about being a top 20 player in the nation if he were ranked with the high school seniors. We're talking about a player that some feel would have been the #1 player in the NBA draft last year. And apparently we'll get to see whether he can live up to that billing in the Derby Classic All Star Game this weekend in Louisville, KY, because the word is all three have obtained visas. Eze Ndubuis will play in the game and Lasege and Okafor will both on campus at Louisville this weekend to make an unofficial visit and watch Eze Ndubuis play.

It looks like all the rumors about the legendary Morgan Wootten retiring as the head coach at Hyattsville (DeMatha) MD may be true after all, because yesterday his son, Joe Wootten was named as the new head coach at Arlington (Bishop O'Connell) MD. According to Josh Barr in article published in the Washington Post this morning, "Wootten said last night he is considering retirement because his son Joe, one of his assistants for the past three years, was hired yesterday as the O'Connell's boys head coach." The article quotes Wootten saying, "'I am re-evaluating, no question. Different circumstances make you think different ways.'" Other sources tell us that Wootten's son took the job at Bishop O'Connell in Arlington, because they refused to even consider him as the next coach as DeMatha. This is the first time that Morgan Wootten has publicly acknowledged that he is considering hanging up the whistle. If this happens, it will be open season on DeMatha's next two stars - 6'3 Soph Billy Edelin and 6'10 Soph Jordan Collins. Our prediction is that Mr. Edelin will move his son if Morgan retires. The O'Connell job is not a great job because it sits in an area not deep in talent, but there is a subway system blocks away. The younger Wootten will work hard in a pressure-free environment for a few years, while DeMatha junior varsity coach Tom Burke or Potomac (Bullis Prep) MD head coach Mike Hibbs, who previously was at DeMatha, tries to live up to Morgan's reputation without that much talent. DeMatha supposedly had locked up the top 8th grader in the area and the kid is from Virginia. Joe Wootten was influential in his recruitment and the kid might be steered to O'Connell. With his son gone, there really is no reason for the legendary coach to continue coaching at DeMatha. There is also speculation that the rumor in the Washington Post on Sunday that Joe Wootten was up for the O'Connell job was planted as a last second power play by Morgan Wootten to get principal John Moylan to give the job to his son. Moylan refused to budge and Joe Wootten accepted the job at O'Connell yesterday. "I hate to see this go down this way," says one of our sources. "I wish Morgan would have announced he was retiring at the end of the season so people could have gotten the proper sendoff. The whole situation reads as Morgan leaves bitter that the administration at DeMatha refused to back his wishes after 43 years as coach, 39 of them as the top program in DC."

Our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin is reporting that Ron Anderson, who recently announced that he was transferring from N.C. State, will enroll at Duquesne. Rubin also tells us that 6'8 Victor Carter from Harlengen (Military) TX is heading to La Salle and 6'5 Greg McCleary from Philadelphia (West Central) PA, who is also an excellent student, has picked Lafayette over Bucknell, Colgate, and Duquesne. Rubin also thinks that 6'11 Ivan Kartelo from Winchendon (School) MA will sign with Notre Dame. "It's between Notre Dame and Boston College," says Rubin. "But Boston College appears to be fading. I think it may happen as soon as tomorrow." Speaking of players from Winchendon (School) MA, 7'1 Bruno Sundov, who was drafted a year ago by the Dallas Mavericks, was called up within the last several days. Just think, he'been transformed from being a good high school player into a NBA player in just a month. When we saw him at the NIKE Hoop Summit, March 28th, in Tampa, FL, we thought he had good offensive skills and liked his potential, but questioned whether he was ready to make an immediate impact at the college level. Physically, he's so thin!

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson told us last week that Florida State and Georgia were both getting visits from 6'9 Arturas Javtokas from Western Nebraska (JC) NE, but also added that he's already a done deal for Clemson. It looks like Johnson was right, because we have now confirmed that Javtokas has committed to Clemson. Johnson also tells us that the University of Washington has gotten a commitment from 6'11 David Dixon from Tyler (JC) TX. "He's kind of a project, but when you are that big and strong a lot of schools will take a chance," says Johnson. We told you a month ago that Youngstown State head coach Dan Peters might resign and take an assistant coaching position at Cincinnati. Well, it has happened and it makes more sense than you might think, because Peters was an assistant under Bob Huggins at Akron and Youngstown State is the toughest job in Mid-Continent Conference. Barry Baun, a sports writer for the New York Post, is reporting that St. John's may be on the verge of early two commitments from 6'11 Jr Mohamed Diakite from Rockville (Montrose Christian) MD and 6'8 Jeff McMillan from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT. McMillan is on our 5th year list, but he is academically way behind, so he plans to return to prep school for another year. As a result, he will get recruited as part of the same recruiting class as Diakite in the year 2000. Joel Francisco of Southern California's Finest has 6'9 Frosh DeAngelo Collins from Tustin (H.S.) CA ranked as the #1 freshman in California, but now he needs to make several adjustments. It appears that Collins is two years behind academically, so we'll be listing him as a senior next year. Also, he's had a number of off the court problems and, as a result, he is transferring to Inglewood (H.S.) CA. Howwever, he's a tremendous talent and could be a great catch for the right prep school or junior college. Everybody thought that 6'1 Danny Walker from Compton (JC) CA was now a done deal for the University of Texas, but it is nice to see that he honored the commitment he made to Nebraska in January after all. The HOOP SCOOP has confirmed that Walker has signed with Nebraska.

Monday, April 19, 1999

Telling you that 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME is going to Cincinnati, 6'9 Carlos Boozer from Juneau (Douglas) AK is going to Duke, 6'9 Jason Parker from Charlotte (West Charlotte) NC is going to North Carolina, 6'7 Donnell Harvey from Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA is going to Florida, and 6'6 LaVell Blanchard is going to Michigan is like stating the obvious today. But if you go back to Sunday, March 28th, when we made these predictions, we were out on a limb. And there is nothing like going out on a limb and being right! Johnson has gone to Cincinnati, Boozer has gone to Duke, Parker has gone to North Carolina, and now Harvey will announce for Florida on Wednesday. This is not only huge for Florida, but also for the balance of power in college basketball in general. The addition of Harvey moves the Gators recruiting class into the #2 position nationally this year. And if you combine Florida's current recruiting class with last year's class that finished ranked #8 nationally and included Ted Dupay, Mike Miller, Ladarius Halton, and Udonis Haslem, no school in the nation has recruited better during the last two recruiting years. Harvey, who ranks as the #1 high school player in the nation by the HOOP SCOOP, is the perfect complement to what Florida already has - a never ending supply of perimeter players who can shoot the lights out and run you out of the gym. When they miss, the smart money says Harvey will get the rebound. As a matter of fact, Harvey might be the best rebounder this side of Dennis Rodman and fortunately he doesn't have Rodman's attitude. Instead, he's a great kid! Add him to 6'2 Brett Nelson from St. Albans (H.S.) WV, 6'9 Matt Bonner from Concord (H.S.) NH, 6'9 Sylbrin Robinson from Chatham (Hargrave Military) VA, and 6'3 Justin Hamilton from Sarasota (Booker) FL and the Gators are well on the towards becoming one of the powers - right up there with the Duke's and Kentucky's - in college basketball. And they may not be done yet. Don't be surprised if Luke Recker, who announced that he is transferring from Indiana last week, winds up at Florida. Getting back to Blanchard, he's the only thing that is preventing us from going five for five on pur predictions from three weeks ago. We still think Michigan will get Blanchard, but Virginia has rebounded well after assistant coach Bobby Gonzalez took the head coaching job at Manhattan. Virginia head coach Pete Gillen moved assistant coach Tommy Herrion up and he has done a great job in the last month. As a result, we have to make the Cavaliers the co-favorite.

We are now getting reports that 6'4 Trey Ferguson from Hoover (H.S.) AL, who had committed to Indiana last fall, but was planning on attending prep school next year before showing up in Bloomington, IN the following year, has reneged on the Hoosiers. The anti-Bob Knight crowd will tell you that the bottom is starting to fall out at Indiana, but we're not sure it's time for Hoosier fans to start panicking just yet. If you will recall, Luke Recker announced last week that he was leaving, but if I read one more article that claims it was Recker's life long dream to play at Indiana, I might have to scream. Recker did announce for Indiana before his junior year of high school, but our sources tell us that Recker would have committed to Purdue or anybody else who offered on the day. At that point he was just a babe in the woods. Apparently Knight totally caught him off guard. Remember, in recent years Knight has pushed most of the in-state players to commit very early. A good example was 5'10 Jason Gardner from Indianapolis (North Central) IN, who Knight offered a scholarship to as a sophomore. However, Gardner wasn't interested and from that point on we knew that Indiana's changes were slim and none. Another good example is 5'10 Jr Brody Boyd from Dugger (Union) IN, who ranks as the #3 junior in the state by Jim Kasberg of the HOOP SCOOP. Indiana is still on his list, but he's already told them no, he won't commit early three times. And if new Iowa head coach Steve Alford comes calling, his bags are already packed. Getting back to Recker, Kasberg tells us that his top five schools are Arizona, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia Tech, and Iowa. Kasberg also thinks Iowa is a legitimate contender, because Recker's father lives within minutes of the University of Iowa campus. This is important, because normally he would have to sit out two years if he transfers to another school in the Big 10. However, if he pays his own way, he would only have to sit out one year. Obviously, paying in-state tuiton, because his father is resident of the state, and getting free room and board would make this a lot more plausible.

It looks like Manhattan may have stolen one in 6'6 Jared Johnson from Cheshire (Academy) CT and we still think they are right there with 6'2 Luis Flores from New York (Norman Thomas) NY, although Rutgers is trying to make it interesting at the 11th hour. We also have confirmed that 6'8 Maurice Pitts from Chicago (Hales Franciscan) IL, who ranks among the 25 seniors in the state of Illinois,  has committed with Hampton University. This is now confirmed - Kris Hunter is transferring from Virginia. As a result, we are now predicting that the Cavaliers will get 6'8 Stephane Don Don Collins County (JC) TX, who is much better than most people realize. Assuming that Don Don commits tomorrow, Virginia will still have one scholarship left and the guy who would move this recruiting class into the #2 position ahead of Florida and behind Duke is 6'6 LaVell Blanchard from Ann Arbor (Pioneer) MI, who ranks as the #9 player nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Stay tuned!

We also are confirming reports that 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI has committed or is on the verge of committing to N.C. State. Also several months ago we reported that 6'8 DeAndre Hulett from College of the Sequoias (JC) CA, who was one of the top junior college players in the nation this year, was leaning towards declaring hardship for the NBA draft this spring, but now it looks like he realizes he needs more time develop his skills and mature as person,before making that huge leap. As a result, it looks like he will be back. Also, we are now hearing that Corey Maggette will be back at Duke. However, we are hearing more and more that Chris Burgess will be gone - either on a mission or to UCLA, Utah, or Missouri.

The Kentucky All-Stars were chosen yesterday after two days of tryouts at Georgetown College. Heading the list of players picked were three players - 6'4 Duane King, 5'11 Kevin Paschel, and 6'1 Michael Griffith - from Louisville (Pleasure Ridge Park) KY. This is a major accomplishment in itself, because last time a school at three players on the Kentucky All Star team was in 1977 when Ballard's Jeff Lamp, Lee Raker, and Norman Miller all made the team. Also named to the team were 6'6 Derek Smith from Ft. Thomas (Highlands) KY, 6'2 George Baker from Lexington (Dunbar) KY, 6'1 Rick Jones from Georgetown (Scott County) KY, 6'6 Chris Shumate from Louisville (Male) KY, 6'8 Darrell Arbaugh from Ashland (Paul Blazer) KY, 6'5 Josh Graham from Flemingsburg (Fleming County) KY, 6'3 A.W. Hamilton from Georgetown (Scott County) KY, 6'3 Kenneal Jenkins from Richmond (Madison Central) KY, 6'3 J.R. Reynolds from Greenville (Muhlenberg North) KY, 6'9 Joe Sykes from Ratcliff (North Hardin) KY, 6'8 Jon Bentley from Hazard (H.S.) KY. This group will represent the Kentucky All Star against the Indiana All Stars in the 58th Annual Kentucky-Indiana All Star Games, which will be held on June 19th in Indianapolis, IN and June 26th in Frankfort, KY.

We have now confirmed that Western Kentucky has signed 6'2 Mike Wells from Elkton (Todd County Central) KY and that the Hilltoppers are also taking 6'8 Caleb Holcomb from Bowling Green (H.S.) KY as a walk-on. We also have confirmed that University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith wants 6'6 Derek Smith from Ft. Thomas (Highlands) KY to play basketball, so we plan to count Smith with the Wildcats recruiting class this spring.  Remember, Smith is the best football prospect,except for Dennis Johnson (another football at Kentucky who could play basketball) in the state since Tim Couch, who was taken two days ago as the #1 player in the NFL draft. Alabama-Birmingham has offered 6'5 Josh Graham from Flemingsburg (Fleming County) KY, but he's still waiting on Louisville. We predict it may be a long wait. We understand that 6'4 Chris Shumate from Louisville (Male) KY has made it official for Murray State and the Racers are also expected to get 5'11 Kevin Paschel from Louisville (Pleasure Ridge Park) KY, although Louisville and Manhattan entered the picture late last week and now Georgia is calling. But the best rumor of all is that 6'10 Soph Tony Keys from Russellville (H.S.) KY has transferred or is transferring to Georgetown (Scott County) KY. So far this is unconfirmed, but remember 6'1 Rick Jones transferred from Corbin (H.S.) KY to Scott County two years ago and 6'5 Jr Scott Hundley transferred from Lexington (Dunbar) KY to Scott County last year. If Keys does end up at Scott County, it would be the third straight year the Cardinals have had one of the top two or three players the state transfer to their school. How do they do this?  Easy when the kids' parents suddenly get a job at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, KY.

Sunday,  April 18, 1999

Three weeks ago we reported that the surprise team for 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS might just be the University of Missouri-Kansas City. We also told you that Butler County (JC) KS head coach Steve Eck might be part of the package. Well, Bill Ellis, who publishes the Alabama High School Sports Tickets, tells us that it's close to happening. "I understand that Jackson's father summoned him home to Huntsville to have a 'long talk' with him about this Missouri-KC turn of events, says Ellis. "The elder Jackson was reported in the Huntsville Times as being very unhappy with his son's consideration of the Missouri-KC." And Eck may not get hired at Missouri-KC, unless they get a signature from Jackson. "He may or may not sign with Missouri-KC, but has not done so yet," says Ellis. "I still expect him to ink with Bama." Right now it looks like a two horse race between Alabama and Mississippi State, but Louisville and Oklahoma State both appear to be making a late push. As a matter of fact, the Cowboys still have a coaching position open and there has already been talk about Eck packaging himself with Jackson.

Jerry Gale of SoCalHoops is reporting that 5'11 Ronald Jackson from Compton (Dominguez) CA will commit to Michigan State next week and 6'5 Joe Shipp from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA has committed to the University of California. "He'll sign a letter of intent next week," says Gale.  He also tells us that 6'2 Marlon Parmer from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA enjoyed his trip to Michigan, but did not commit. "He is still down to three schools, Michigan, UNLV, and USC. Marlon will make an announcement on April 29 at the banquet before the WSS (Warehouse Shoe Sale) Scholastic Hoops Jam, yet another SoCal All-Star game which will take place on April 30." If that weren't enough, Gale expects 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO to make an announcment next week. "Rush was at UCLA today for the Dada Classic and told us that he still hasn't made up his mind. For what it's worth, we spent some time with him, brother JaRon Rush and Earl Watson before the game. Earl told us everything is "ok" at UCLA. JaRon didn't say and we didn't ask, but at least he's still on campus." The HOOP SCOOP plans to have report on the Dada All-Star Classic later tomorrow on this page, but Gale tells us that lots of pro scouts (about eight) came over to Pauley from the Desert Hoops Classic in Phoenix to check out 6'10 Leon Smith from from Martin Luther King in Chicago. "He had flashes of brilliance, mixed in with some just ok play, but a number of pro scouts told us that 'he's worth taking a chance on if he comes out in the draft.' Of course my view is that he could benefit from a year or two of college, but unless DePaul or Fresno State have him locked up, I'd expect him to announce for the draft."

Hunting Park beat H.B.A. Waterview, 60-57, in the championship game of the 39th Annual Albert C. Donofrio Basketball Classic in Conshohocken, PA, thanks to the efforts of 6'1 Jermaine Robinson and 6'8 Tahric Gosley, both from Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA. Robinson, who was named MVP for his team, had 22 points and six steals. Gosley had 11 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks. The MVP for the the losing team was 6'4 Khalid Brey from Philadelphia (Central) PA, but our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin thought that award should have gone to 5'7 Jr Marcus Green from Norristown (H.S.) PA, who five assists, and three steals in the championship game. The biggest story of the week might have been the poor performance by 6'2 Soph Dajuan Wagner from Camden (H.S.) NJ, who only hit 12-38 field goals in the game when his team was eliminated from the tournament. However, all the heat that Wagner has taken for his poor performance might not be justified, because he was trying to impress his father, Milt Wagner, who hasn't seen him play very often due to his own pro career in France. As a matter of fact, Rubin tells us that Wagner was hurt and probably won't have even played if his father hadn't been there. That was a week ago Friday and it's too bad his team was eliminated so early, because the place was packed both times Wagner played. It was also packed for both of Eddie Griffin's games. Griffin is the 6'8 junior power forward from Philadelphia (Roman Catholic) PA, who is ranked among the top five juniors nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Griffin was also named to the all-tournament team, along with Wagner, Robinson, Green, Brey, 5'9 Alex Ramos from Horsham (Hatboro-Horsham) PA, 6'6 Steve Sanders from Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA, 6'4 Michael Morandais from Burlington (Life Center) NJ, 6'5 Tim Whitworth from Philadelphia (Chestnut Hill) PA, 6'4 Doug Fairfax from Haverford (School) PA, 6'3 Kevin Forney from Philadelphia (Christian) PA, 6'6 Calvin Johnson from Philadelphia (Ben Franklin) PA, 6'5 Jr Kurt Bergmann from Fairless Hills (Pennsbury) PA, 6'4 Tim Benoit from Roselle (Catholic) NJ, 6'7 Marcus Rosser from Philadelphia (University City) PA, and 6'4 Greg Jefferson from Troy (Redemption) NY. Speaking of Jefferson, he told Rubin that he plans to sign with Temple, which right now is a scoop. He's not a prime time player, but he is a defensive specialist with good athleticism and a tough demeanor. As a result, Rubin thinks he could fit in well with the Owls. Rubin also wants to mentioned three other players who didn't make the all-tournament, but who played well enough to be strongly considered for that honor. They were Gosley, 5'11 Ashley Howard from Drexel Hill (Bonner) PA, and 6'8 Jr Keith Burton from Orange (H.S.) NJ. Burton is especially noteworthy, because he didn't play organized ball for the first two-and-a-half years of his high school career and, as a result, not many people know about him. "He's a legit top 50 player in the junior class nationally," says Rubin. "He's tough inside on the boards, but he can also step outside and beat with his 3-point range." Rubin also notes that Green won the Little Big Man Award and Johnson won the the sportsmanship award.

Saturday, April 17, 1999

We have now confirmed that the University of Illinois has beaten DePaul for 6'3 Sean Harrington from Elgin (H.S.) IL, who is ranked #105 nationally and #6 in Illinois by the HOOP SCOOP.. New Manhattan head coach Bobby Gonzalez hasn't wasted any time getting it done. The Jaspers have already signed 6'5 Bruce Seals from Winchendon (School) MA and they are close on 6'2 Luis Flores from New York (Norman Thomas) NY, who is ranked #11 in New York City by Ron Naclerio. And Manhattan also appears to be trying to make a late run at 5'11 Kevin Paschel from Louisville (Pleasure Ridge Park) KY, who was so impressive recently (he was the MVP in two all-stars games) that the University of Louisville is talking about offering him a scholarship, if they don't get 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI. Shamar Herron, a 6'9, 250 lbs. banger, is leaving Ohio State. Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that Detroit, Eastern Kentucky, Marquette, Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo are all possibilities, but Stephen Bell, the Editor & Publisher of The Bank, thinks Eastern Michigan will be the likely choice. Also, we were glad to see former Marquette head coach Mike Deane get the Lamar job yesterday. Deane is a great bench coach, a relentless worker, and a straight shooter. You can bet that he'll get it done at Lamar and soon be back at the big time level.

Do you remember 6'8 Tim Washington from Washington (Archbishop Carroll) DC via Winchendon (School) MA? He signed with Eastern Carolina a year ago, but now is back in the Washington, DC area and he recently signed with American University, although nobody knows it yet. Remember where you heard it first! American University also may get 6'2 Darren Kelly from Brown McKie (JC) KS, although Kelly is visiting Rutgers this weekend and that could change if the Scarlet Knights offer. We are also hearing that Troy Weaver, who is the head coach of Team Assault, may get an assistant coaching position at New Mexico and if he does, look for him to bring with him 6'2 Greg Lomax, who currently isn't in school right now, but who is the best available point guard in the DC area. If this doesn't materalize, American University just might steal Lomax as well. We haven't confirmed this, but the Recruiting Beat is reporting that 6'7 Omar Weaver from Washington (Coolidge) DC has transferred to Compton (H.S.) CA. Miami-FL appears to be the early favorite for 6'3 Jr David Hawkins from Washington (Archbishop Carroll) DC, but Villanova, Florida State, Syracuse, Connecticut, Clemson, and LaSalle are also on his list. But perhaps the biggest story in this area involves Mike Glick, who has resigned as the head coach at St. Vincent (Pallotti) MD, and 6'8 Soph Levi Watkins, who will likely be the subject of major recruiting battle this spring. Where Watkins will end up is anybody's guess, but it could really elevate the school he transfers to, because he's one of the top sophomores in the area, as a well as a top 40 sophomore nationally according to the HOOP SCOOP.

Friday, April 16, 1999

Our Philadelphia Editor Allen Rubin reports that 6'6 Antonio Lappergard from Largo (H.S.) MD has reneged on the commitment he made last fall to Monmouth. Apparently he didn't sign a national letter-of-intent and now has decided he wants to go to a higher level school, which explains why he is able to sign with Virginia Commonwealth. We have gotten a report from SoCalHoops, about Kentucky getting involved with 6'3 Marcus Moore from Compton (Dominguez) CA, who ranks only #32 in California by the HOOP SCOOP, but who was a late addition to the Dada All-Star Classic, which will be held at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion on Sunday, April 18th. The speculation is that Kentucky might be showing interest so they can bridge the gap between Tayshaun Prince, who they signed a year ago out of Dominguez, and 7'0 Soph Tyson Chandler from Compton (Dominguez) CA, who is ranked as one of the top five players nationally in that loaded sophomore class. But a great performance by Moore in the all-star game could make his value go way up. Apparently USC is also recruiting Moore, but the players the Trojans are really going after are 6'2 Marlon Parmer from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA and 6'5 Joe Shipp from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA. Parmer's also considering Michigan and Utah, while Shipp also has Maryland, California, and Georgia Tech at the top of his list. Speaking of Shipp, J.C. Clemons, a beat writer for the Atlanta Constitution, tells us that Shipp is visiting Georgia Tech this weekend. Clemons also tells us that he has a source who thinks Georgia Tech may be close to getting 6'10 Benjamin Eze Ndubuis from Toronto, ON and that head coach Bobby Cremins is also recruiting the other two Nigerians in Toronto - 6'11 Muhamed Lasege, and 7'0 Uche Okafor. Yesterday Louisville was the leader. Today Georgia Tech is the favorite. Who will it be tomorrow? Do you get the feeling that Slavko Duric, a businessmen in Canada who appears to be the person running the recruitment of all three players, is telling everybody what they want to hear?

We are now getting reports that 6'7 Shon Coleman from Indian Hills (JC) IA has cancelled his visit to Kentucky this weekend and apparently will decide whether to use his final visit to go to Louisville or Georgia. However, it does look like 6'7 Anthony Evans from Neosho County (JC) KS will be in Lexington, KY this weekend. We also hearing that Evans, who also is still considering Georgia, Tennessee, and Arizona State, is on the verge of making a verbal commitment to the Wildcats. The word is that unless something unforeseen goes wrong on the official visit, it's a done deal. We also are still waiting on 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, who is expected to pick either Maryland or Louisville, but it seems to go on and on and on. We also continue to hear rumors that Luke Recker might not be the only player who wants out at Indiana. The word is that Dane Fife is also considering transferring, but Michigan is not the only school we're hearing. Would you believe that San Diego State is a possibility? Remember, Steve Fisher and Brian Dutcher were at Michigan when the Wolverines recruited him the first time around.

We reported that a month ago that 6'9 Rudy Williams from Dixie (JC) UT, who ranks as one of the top 10 junior college players in the nation, would likely sign with Long Beach State. Well, it happened this morning. We also are expecting Long Beach State to get his teammate 6'6 Jim Roban from Dixie (JC) UT. He'll visit Memphis this weekend and Long Beach State next week. San Diego State and UNLV are also on his list. Tulsa leads Southern Utah, Texas, and Texas Tech for 6'5 Fred House from Dixie (JC) UT and Fairleigh Dickinson leads UT-Pan American and Rider for 5'10 Khalid Coursey from Dixie (JC) UT. The latest list for the Pepperdine job includes David Lipsomb head coach Don Meyer, Pepperdine assistant coach Randy Bennett, former Vanderbilt head coach Jan Van Breda Kolff, Viola head coach Dave Holmquist, and UCLA assistants Jim Saia and Michael Holton.

One school that isn't recruiting the three Nigerians - 6'10 Benjamin Eze Ndubuis, 6'11 Muhamed Lasege, and 7'0 Uche Okafor - is UCLA, because the Bruins can't recruit anybody unless they are academically qualified. And like every other school that is involved, UCLA can't get a transcript. There are also questions about whether they will ever get visas to get into the country, which reminds me of our International Editor Chris Johnson's original comments about these three big guys who are currently residing in Toronto. "Getting them eligible at a four year college in the United States may be more complicated than either Watergate or all the scandals involving Bill Clinton," says Johnson. As for UCLA, we now have confirmed that nobody plans to transfer (at least until the end of the current semester), but we still think it is too close to call on whether Baron Davis will declare hardship for the NBA draft. Does anybody know if he's going to class? That would be a sure-fire sign that he's leaving. We are still getting reports that UCLA is the leader for 6'7 Ryan Humphrey and they are in a lot better shape than most people realize on 6'5 Adam Harrington, who is transferring from N.C. State. They are also still waiting on 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO.

Thursday, April 15, 1999

Everybody talks about the McDonald's All American Game, but Dinos Trigonis and Phil Gatton are building the Dada All-Star Classic (formerly the Eddie Jones All-Star Game), which will be held this Sunday at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion at 5:00 PM, into one of the premier all-star games in the nation. The U.S. All-Stars will feature 6'8 Jason Parker from Charlotte (West) NC, 6'7 Travis Watson from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'10 Leon Smith from Chicago (Martin Luther King) IL, 7'1 Josh Moore from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT, 6'7 Chris Ogden from Seminole (H.S.) TX, 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI, 6'5 Josh Kroenke from New Hampton (Prep) NH, 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO, 6'4 Marcus Moore from Compton (Dominguez) CA, 6'3 John Cox from Philadelphia (Engineering & Science) PA, 6'3 Kirk Hinrich from Sioux City (West) IA, 6'2 Demetrius Hunter from Las Vegas (Cheyenne) NV, and 6'2 Marlon Parmer from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA. The West All-Star will feature 6'4 Keith Gaines from Las Vegas (Clark) NV, 6'5 Jamaal Crawford from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, 6'4 Tito Maddox from Compton (H.S.) CA, 6'11 Curtis Borchardt from Redmond (Eastlake) WA, 6'9 Andrew Gooden from El Cerrito (H.S.) CA, 6'8 Justin Davis from Alameda (St. Joseph) CA, 6'8 Donnell Knight from Tempe (Corona Del Sol) AZ, 6'5 Keith Kincade from Compton (Dominguez) CA, 6'5 Brian Wethers from Murrieta Valley (Murrieta) CA, 6'9 Chris Osborne from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, 6'5 Joe Shipp from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA, 6'3 Gilbert Arenas from Van Nuys (Grant) CA, and 6'1 Julius Barnes from Rowland Heights (Rowland) CA.

When you put as much information out you're bound to make mistake or miss on something once in a while, but finding out that 6'9 Jason Parker from Charlotte (West Charlotte) NC signed with North Carolina two days after the fact isn't good. That's why I tell my people to never assume that I already have something - call me anyway. I'm also amazed that I never got an email or a call from any of our subscribers, who are usually a great source of information and often tip us off when something is going down. Another thing we missed on was Duke's William Avery being a McDonald's All-American. Apparently Avery, who announced earlier today that he plans to enter his name into the NBA draft, should have been. But after checking with the folks at Sports America, which runs the game, earlier this week, we found out that he was not named to the team two years ago when he was a high school senior. Speaking of Duke players going early to the NBA, it was Elton Brand yesterday, Avry today, and perhaps Corey Maggette in the near future. We think it is likely, but not 100% yet. We are also told that our information about Maggette meeting with the Bulls and being offered $8.5 million was incorrect, although we have confirmed that he was back in Chicago, IL (which is where he is from) recently. The second source is better than our original source, but we are not ready to retract it just yet. Why, because we believe that our original source has credibility and our second source may have a hidden agenda. However, if our second source wants to go on record, then it becomes a different story.

The two Lithuanians - 6'8 Donatas Zavackas and 6'11 Robertas Javtokas - both from Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) OH are expected to make their first official on-campus visits this weekend to Valparaiso, according to Chris Johnson, our Ohio and International Editor. Zavackas will also visit Clemson next week, followed by West Virginia and Pittsburgh soon after. Utah also is still in the hunt and may get the fifth and final visit. Javtokas will also make official visits Arizona, Tulane, Utah, and UNC-Charlotte. He also plans to make an unofficial visit to Louisville, while in town next weekend for the Derby Classic. Javtokas' his older brother - 6'9 Arturas Javtokas from Western Nebraska (JC) NE - is also currently going through the recruiting process. He is scheduled to take official visits to Florida State and Georgia, but Johnson believes he's a lock for Clemson. Speaking of players from Lithuania, Johnson also tells us that 6'5 Nerijus Puida from Weatherford (JC) TX has signed with Hawaii.

Our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio has now confirmed that Rhode Island interim head coach Jerry Degregorio has been named the head coach on a permament basis. The press conferenece will be tomorrow afternoon. As a result, we think the odds of Lamar Odom staying at Rhode Island and playing another year of college basketball just increased dramatically. However, we are now hearing that Kentucky's 6'10 Jamaal Magloire will follow in the footsteps of Nahz Mohammed and declare for the NBA draft a year earlier, which may explain why Kentucky has been so actively looking for another big man. Among the likely candidates are 6'7 Anthony Evans from Neosho County (JC) KS, 6'7 Shon Coleman from Indian Hills (JC) IA, and 6'9 Nate Knight from Utah Valley (JC) UT. Kentucky is also recruiting three Nigerians - 6'9 Benjamin Eze Ndubuisi, 6'11 Muhamed Lasege, and 7'0 Uche Okafor - who are currently living in Toronto, Canada. So are a number of other schools including UCLA, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, Michigan, and Syracuse, but Louisville may be the leader, thanks to all the foreign contacts that Louisville assistant coach Vince Taylor brought to the program when he was hired a year ago. "They are strongly leaning toward the University of Louisville," is what Slavko Duric, a businessmen in Canada who appears to be the person running the recruitment of all three players, told the Louisville Courier-Journal. In article that appeared this morning by Ashley McGeachy, she also quoted Duric saying, "Louisville probably will land at least two of them. Which two I don't know, but the common denominator is Ben."  However, Louisville head coach Denny Crum shouldn't count his chickens before they hatch. Remember, last weekend these players were supposed to play on a team in the Solon Cage Classic, but the team didn't show because they couldn't get visas into the United States. Also there are academic questions, which remain unanswered. When you start inquiring into their grades and transcripts, several sources have told us that you can't get any straight answers. "It's almost like they don't want to understand you. Like you suddenly started speaking a foreign language." Another source thinks that Duric may be just using these players to get wined and dined. But in the end, they will all turn professional and never play a day of college. Others question whether they are good enough. Ezendubuisi appears to be good enough to step into any college program and make an immediate impact, but the reports Lasege and Okafor very widely depending upon who you talk to. However, we may find out in a week, because there is talk that Lasege and Okafor may be added to the rosters of the Derby Classic Game, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th. Ezendubuisi is already on the roster to play in the game, but it isn't 100% certain that he will obtain a visa.

Also of particular interest is the situation involving 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI. Last night we had a very reliable source who told us that Gaines had finally picked Maryland over Louisville, but so far we have heard nothing more to confirm this. However, we do know that Louisville told 5'11 Kevin Paschel from Louisville (Pleasure Ridge Park) KY today that they will him the scholarship they had earmarked for Gaines, if Gaines picks Maryland. But we still think Paschel will sign with Murray State. We also think the Racers will get 6'4 Chris Shumate from Louisville (Male) KY. Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that Purdue is on the verge of getting a commitment today from 6'9 Adam Wetzel from Keokuka (H.S.) IA. Apparently, Wetzel committed to Dayton earlier in the month, but was at Purdue for an official visit the last several days. We also have confirmed that 6'11 Trevor Harvey from Freeport (Catholic) Bahamas has committed to South Carolina and the University of Utah has landed one of the top junior college players in the nation in 6'2 Trent Whiting from Snow (JC) UT, who now appears to be the heir apparent to Andre Miller at point guard for the Utes.

Wednesday, April 14, 1999

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson has been busy keeping up with recent signings and he tells us that 6'3 Aaron Abrams from Vista (Rancho Buena Vista) CA has not gone to San Jose State, as was earlier reported. Instead, Abrams has signed with Wyoming. Kent appears to have a steal in 6'0 Blake Johnson from Jamestown (JC) NY. Ryan McDermott originally signed with Arizona State several years ago, but this 6'9 power forward instead went the professional baseball route, at least until recently when he was involved in a car accident that apparently has effected his pitching arm. So he's coming back to basketball and he's an absolute steal of New Mexico State. If you will recall, he was borderline top 100 player as a senior in high school. Georgetown has gotten 6'5 Jason Burns from Las Vegas (Durango) NV, who ranks #382 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Xavier is still looking for a big man and 6'9, 245 lbs. Marcus Mason from Santa Monica (JC) CA is visiting this weekend. Mason's other schools are Fresno State, Auburn, Oregon, and Hawaii. Dayton signed 6'3 Nucleus Smith from Pontiac (Northern) MI. Baylor gets 6'2 Demetreis Sims from McLennan (JC) TX, 6'3 Lamont Frazier from Lon Morris (JC) TX has committed to Arizona, and 6'9 Henry Williams from Mobile (LeFlore) AL is heading to South Alabama. As expected, Eastern Kentucky got 6'9 Chris Garnett from Durham (Mt. Zion Christian) NC and Kansas State 6'0 has signed Galen Morrison from Iowa Western (JC) IA and 6'9 Kelvin Howell from Westark (JC) AR.

The HOOP SCOOP now has a source that we feel is very reliable who tells us that 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI has finally reached a decision on his college choice and will announce for Maryland tomorrow. However, it wouldn't be a total shock if he changed his mind again. If you will recall, a week ago he told the officials who run the Capital Classic that he planned to make an announcement last week while in Washington, DC for the game. Obviously this led everybody to believe he would pick Maryland, but it didn't happen. Then, we thought Louisville would be the likely choice, especially after his mother told the local media that she wanted her son to sign with Louisville. But unless something changes between now and tomorrow, we think it's over! Write it down! Gaines is going to Maryland. Mitch Malone, Editor and Publisher of the Texas Blue Chip Report tells us that 6'9 Jeremy McNeil from San Antonio (Sam Houston) TX, who has improved dramatically in the last six months and now ranks among our top 50 nationally, will visit Syracuse this weekend, UNLV next weekend, and then make a decision. Right now it is too close to call. Texas A&M has gotten another major steal in 6'11 Andy Slocum from West Monroe (H.S.) LA. He picked the Aggies over Utah, Florida State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, and Tulane. It had been reported earlier today that Iowa was at the top of the list for Luke Recker, who is transferring from Indiana. We've also heard Tennessee and Virginia mentioned for Recker, but the real list is Florida, Missouri, and Arizona and I guarantee my source is better than yours. We're hearing that Keith Bean, who is transferring from N.C. State, may end up at Miami-FL and there is also speculation that Adam Harrington will end up at Miami-FL with Bean as part of the package. However, it's too early to predict that for Harrington, because our sources say he's wide open - Kentucky, Miami-FL, Missouri, Connecticut, Iowa, UCLA, and Massachusetts are all on his list. We also are getting reports that Kevin Houston is leaving Miami-FL, Circus King and Carl Boyd are both transferring from California, and Maurice Sessoms won't be staying at the University of Wisconsin.

It's transfer time! Our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio tells us that 6'9 Eric Williams is leaving Syracuse and that he likely will transfer to Iona. Obviously this would be a great addition for the Gaels. Sources on the West Coast tell us that Greg Lakey is transferring from USC to Loyola-Marymount. We're now getting reports that Luke Recker is leaving Indiana, but as of yet, we don't have a list of schools. If recall, Recker committed to Indiana as a junior and, as a result, never really went through the recruiting process. Sources close the UCLA program think that the Bruins are in good shape with Ryan Humphrey, who is leaving Oklahoma. Which may mean that if Chris Burgess leaves Duke, he'll like pick Utah or Missouri, despite the fact Burgess' girlfriend goes to UCLA and his best friend is a student manager for the UCLA Basketball team. But the most intriguing transfer is Adam Harrington, who is leaving N.C. State. A lot of schools are calling, but Kentucky woud be the perfect fit. Remember, the Wildcats were one of the top schools on his list the first time around and he's exactly what they need - a 6'5 combo guard with an excellent handle, surprisely good speed and quickness off the dribble, and lights out shooting range. Also on his list are Miami-FL, Missouri, Connecticut, Iowa, UCLA, and Massachusetts. There are lots of strong rumors that Michigan State Doug Davis is planning to transfer from Michigan State. This is also interesting because it would free up a scholarship for head coach Tom Izzo to land another recruit. The speculation is that the will try get back involved with 6'6 Lavell Blanchard from Ann Arbor (Pioneer) MI, who ranks #9 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. It's the 11th hour in Blanchard's recruitment, but the speculation is that he would be interested in playing on the same team with Michigan State recruit Jason Richardson and star point guard Mateen Cleaves, who just happens to be his cousin.

Our Mid-South Editor Jim Rothman is reporting that the University of Memphis has signed 6'10 Earl Barron from Clarksdale (H.S.) MS. While Rothman hasn't seen him play, he does know that neither Mississippi State or Mississippi offered. "He's young for his age, but he needs to gain weight and strength," says Rothman. "Currently he only weights about 210 lbs." Rothman is also reporting that Dinno Daniels leaves has decided to transfer. The leading candidate to replace Daniels appears to be 6'1 Jamie Rosser from Northwest Mississippi (JC) MS. But Rothman tells us that this one isn't over yet. "Memphis got in late and they have to beat schools like Utah, Texas, and Minnesota. But Memphis is still the favorite, because it's home. He was the high school teammate of Marcus Moody at Overton High School." Rothman also thinks Memphis has a legitimate shot at 6'8 Marcus Haislip from Lewisburg (Marshall County) TN, who was at Alabama last weekend. However, we still think schools like Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky will be tough to beat.

St. John's has already landed 6'4 Shariff Fordham from Gulf Coast (JC) FL and 6'9 Jeff Wolfinger from Reading (Joel Barlow) CT and they appear to be the leader over DePaul and Providence for 6'7 Liberto Tetimadingar from Paris, France. They also are still in the hunt for 6'9 Abraham Keita from Winchendon (School) MA, but next year is the make or break recruiting class for the Red Storm program. As it stands now, they have 11 scholarship players in the program, but Ron Artest has already announced that he's gone to the NBA and Tyrone Grant is a senior. Which means they can bring in Fordham and Wolfinger and two more this year. Then, next year they will lose Collin Charles, Chudney Gray, Lavor Postell, Albert Richardson, and Bootsy Thornton, so they will have five scholarships to give, plus any they don't use this year. Obviously getting one of the three great point guards - 6'1Jr Omar Cook from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY, 6'1 Jr Taliek Brown from Astoria (St. John's Prep) NY, and 5'9 Jr Andre Barrett from New York (Rice) NY - in New York City will be a priority. They also are involved with 6'8 Jr Kyle Cuffe from New York (Rice) NY, 6'8 Jr J.C. Mathis from Bronx (Kennedy) NY, 6'7 Jr Zach Williams from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY, 6'10 Jr Mohammed Diakite from Rockville (Montrose Christian) MD, and 6'8 Jeff McMillan from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT, who is expected to return to prep school for another year.

Head coach Tom Abatemarco only won three games last year at Sacramento State, but they should be dramatically next year, because the players he brought in a year ago in a recruiting class that was ranked #43 nationally are a year older now. Plus he's added three more junior college players to the two - 6'8 Tony Champion from Oakland (Bishop O'Dowd) CA and 6'9 Bo Segberg from Wrightwood (H.S.) CA - he signed in the fall. Pueblo Gonzales, the 6'5 wing forward from American River (JC) CA, and 6'6 Ricky Glenn from Lasson (JC) CA were both named first team All-California Junior College and 6'0 Reme Battea from Riverside (JC) CA is expected to provide immediate help at point guard. With this in mind, don't be surprised if Abatemarco, who recently was given a contract extention, is the leading candidate for coach of the year in the Big Sky Conference next year, as the Hornets should be one of the most improved teams in college basketball.

Can you believe that 6'1 Jave Meade from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY, who great defender and great kid, doesn't have a single Division I offer? Not only is this excellent combo guard a legitimate mid-major player, but he has both the grades and the necessary test score to get into almost any school in the nation. Our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio tells us that 6'4 Royal Ivey from Bayside (Cardozo) NY is considering Seton Hall, Marist, Rider, Siena, Fordham, St. Francis-NY, Hofstra, Tennessee State, and Central Florida. Naclerio also is excited because the adidas IS8 Spring Tournament begins this week at Junior High School #8 in South Jamaica, NY. This tournament is so good that Tom Konchalski, the Editor & Publisher of the H.S.B.I. Report, who always has a good quote when you need one, has called IS8 the "best kept secret in America." On the opening night, the New York Skyriders will play Mt. Vernon. This is of particular interest, because the legendary 6'2 Jr Tamir Goodman from Baltimore (Talmudical) MD, who already has made an early commitment to Maryland, will be playing for the Skyriders. As a result, we'll get to see what he does against great competition, because Mt. Vernon features 6'1 Soph Ben Gordon from Mt. Vernon (H.S.) NY, who established his rep last fall when he made the all tournament team while playing in this league. Goodman has put up incredible number against weak competition, but when several scouts who we respect have seen him play, they have not been overly impressed.

Tuesday, April 13, 1999

Our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin talked with 6'8 Eddie Griffin from Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA, who ranks #5 in the junior class nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, last night and he said that top eight schools on his list are Maryland, Temple, Seton Hall, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Cincinnati, North Carolina, and Duke. We also talked today with Ray Singletary, who is the head coach at Bronx (Taft) NY, and he tells us that the early favorites for his son - 6'7 Jr Tremayne Singletary from Bayside (Cardozo) NY, who is one of the best defensive players, as well as fastest rising players, in New York - are Seton Hall, Providence, Villanova, Florida State, Xavier, Wyoming, and Dayton. We are still waiting on word on 6'6 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, who ranks #45 nationally by the HOOP  SCOOP. Apparently the mother is pushing the University of Louisville, but right now it appears to be too close call between Maryland and Louisville. However, if he is going to sign with Louisville, we'd be surprised if he doesn't do it in the next few days. Remember, he will be in Louisville, KY to play in the Derby Classic All Star Game this weekend.

We have confirmed that Vanderbilt has signed 6'1 Rick Jones from Georgetown (Scott County) KY, who ranks #100 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. This is a great get for new head coach Kevin Stallings. While is a great outside shooter, excellent ball handler and passer, and an extremely intelligent player, he doesn't have the tremendous footspeed and lateral quickness necessary to beat people off the dribble and defend in an uptempo setting. As a result, he needs a system and at Vanderbilt he should not only fit in perfectly, but will likely develop into an excellent college point guard. This also may help Vanderbilt get his teammate 6'5 Jr Scott Hundley from Georgetown (Scott County) KY. If you will recall, when we asked Hundley about schools in January at the Louisville Invitational Tournament in Louisville, KY, he told us that Vanderbilt was the only school that had already shown a lot of interest. We are also hearing that the Commodores are in better shape than most people realize for 6'8 Marcus Haislip from Lewisburg (Marshall County) TN. As a matter of fact, we think they're the leader.

Jerry Tipton, a writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader, got the University of Kentucky fans all excited on Sunday when he suggested that the Wildcats had gotten involved with 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, who ranks #14 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith did talk with Kapono at the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic in Auburn Hills, MI a week and a half ago, but Artesia head coach Wayne Merino tells us that they haven't followed up on it. "No in-home visit is scheduled," says Merino. "We haven't even heard from them." It also appears that Rhode Island is out and UNLV has faded in the hunt for Kapono. UCLA is always kind of lurking in the background, but the main three appear to be Missouri, Utah, and Arizona, which has gotten into the hunt recently. As for Kentucky, we do know that they are now involved with 6'7 Anthony Evans from Neosho County (JC) KS, who was the Jayhawk Community College Conference Player of the Year. He is described by several of Tipton's sources as the reincarnation of Elton Brand at the junior college level. Also on Evans' list are are Tennessee and Arizona State.

Joel Francisco, the Editor & Publisher of Southern California's Finest Scouting Service and the West Coast Editor for the HOOP SCOOP, tells us that the Pump & Run Easter Tournament at Cal State Dominguez Hills was the best tournament that David and Dana Pump have ever had in terms of quality of teams and overall balance. The loaded Michigan Mustangs beat Pump & Run I, 64-62, in the championship game, thanks to the efforts of 6'5 Jr Desmond Farmer from Flint (Northwestern) MI, who was ranked as the #5 junior in Michigan by Vincent Baldwin of the Michigan & Ohio Prep Spotlight. However, Francisco suspects Farmer, who was named the tournament MVP might be better than that, because he has great all around skills, great athleticism, and a killer instinct. "He can shoot the three or go to the hole," says Francisco. "He has a great all around game." As a matter of fact, the only player Francisco had ranked higher based on a combination of prospect and performance was 6'5 Jr DeShawn Stevenson from Fresno (Washington Union) CA. Next on his list in order were 6'3 Soph Kelvin Torbert from Flint (Northwestern) MI, 6'8 Soph  Jack Martinez from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, 7'0 Soph Tyson Chandler from Compton (Dominguez) CA, 6'8 Jr Trevon Bryant from Long Beach (Jordan) CA, 6'1 Frosh Anthony Roberson from Saginaw (H.S.) MI, 6'9 Soph Apolinar Fernandez from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, 6'4 Jr Gary Hill from Oakland (Bishop O'Dowd) CA, 6'4 Jr Jameel Pugh from Sacramento (Grant) CA, 5'11 Jr James Davis from Seattle (Evergreen) WA, 6'8 Jr Robert Brooks from Saginaw (Arthur Hill) MI, 6'2 Jr Alfred Williams from Bakersfield (H.S.) CA, 6'9 Jr Andrew Zahn from Redondo Beach (Redondo Union) CA, 6'4 Jr Tommie Johnson from Los Angeles (Crenshaw) CA, 6'5 Jr Lou Wright from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, 6'8 Soph Michael Fey from Olympia (Capital) WA, 6'6 Soph Jason Ellis from Kent (Kentridge) WA, 6'4 Soph Chey Christie from Las Vegas (Durango) NV, and 6'6 Jr Khary Nichols from Foss (H.S.) WA. Especially noteworthy was the performance by Roberson, who is the nephew of Fresno State's Terrance Roberson and at the same stage he might be as good. And that's a pretty strong statement, because Roberson was our #1 player in the nation in his class when he was a rising sophomore. "Roberson is definitely top five in his class nationally," says Francisco. "He has the total package in terms of skills, savvy, and athleticism. The Michigan Mustangs were down by 21 points in one game, but Roberson and Brooks took over and brought them back."

Monday, April 12, 1999

UCLA is still looking for a commitment from 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO, but the fact that his brother, Jaron Rush, has not returned to Westwood after going home for spring break for week, is cause for concern. Apparently he missed the plane on Thursday night and, as a result, the rumors regarding the possible Rush package to Missouri are out of control. Missouri also appears to be one of the favorites for 6'5 Josh Kroenke from New Hampton (Prep) NH and 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, but if Rush, Rush, and Kroenke all end up at Missouri, UCLA may try to try to make a last ditch effort to get Kapono. And we're hearing Arizona and Kentucky also have been recruiting Kapono hard recently and have made some inroads. Remember what Kapono told us in January. "Expect the unexpected!" That might also be a good line for 6'5 DeShawn Stevenson from Fresno (Washington Union) CA, who ranks as the #3 junior nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Now that Stevenson's buddy and AAU teammate 6'9 Carlos Boozer from Juneau (Douglas) AK has gone to Duke, the smart money is on Stevenson following in his footsteps. Right? Wrong! Now that Duke's Quin Snyder has become the head coach at Missouri, parity will return to recruiting. Remember, Snyder landed nine McDonald's All Americans in the last two years. As a result, Stevenson will probably go to UCLA.

The favorites for 6'8 Marcus Haislip from Lewisburg (Marshall County) TN, who is one of the fastest rising players in the class due to his versatility, ball handling skills, perimeter shooting, and tremendous upside, are Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Kentucky, Memphis, Auburn, and Virginia. He's not as good as his father, but 6'5 Alex English from Columbia (Hammond) SC is a good catch for William & Mary. Hampton University has gotten 6'8 Dwayne McNeal from Cincinnati (Western Hills) OH and will likely steal another one later in the week. More on that when it happens. It isn't done yet, but we hear that former University of Cincinnati assistant coach John Loyer, who has been missing in action for the last year and a half, is on the verge of getting the head coaching job at Wabash Valley (JC) IL.

The Houston Superstars beat the Ft. Bend Missouri City Magic, 69-54, to take home the championship of the Texas Classic Basketball Tournament over the weekend in Houston, TX. The leading scorer in the championship game was 6'6 Jr Regis Devonish from Alief (Alief-Elsik) TX, who had 17 points, but it was 5'11 Soph Terrance Ford and 6'3 Soph Daniel Ewing, both from Sugar Land (Willowridge) TX, who stole the show. Ford has 11 points, 10 assists, and dominated the tournament with his "3-point shooting, precise passing, and incredible quickness." Which is why many feel like he's the #1 point guard in America in his class and the #2 player in state behind 6'9 Jr Alton Ford from Houston (Milby) TX.  Ewing also had 17 points in the title game, but even more important, he shut down everybody he faced defensively. Complementing the two greats sophomores and also landing on the all-tournament team was 6'6 Jr Corey Valsin from Port Arthur (Lincoln) TX, who is a dominant force inside, because he jumps to the moon and he goes to war on the boards. The sleeper for the Houston Superstars was 6'9 Jr Ronnie Davis from Beaumont (Central) TX. He just joined the team, but he was largely responsible for knocking Houston (Milby) TX and Alton Ford out of the state playoffs. "This slender shot blocker with great jumping and scoring ability is one of the best kept secrets in the nation," says his AAU Coach John Eurey. Among the other top players in the tournament worth a special mention were 6'8 Jr Ivan McFarlan and 5'10 Jr Donald Hogan, both from Sugar Land (Willowridge) TX, 5'10 Soph Carlos Hunt from Alief (Alief-Elsik) TX, 6'8 Jr Jermichael Miller from Houston (Wheatley) TX, 6'8  Melroy McKelvey from Houston (Kashmere) TX, 6'3 Jr John Labanowski from Houston (Kincaid) TX, and 6'4 Jr Floyd McClain from Aldine (Eisenhower) TX.

Our New England Editor Wayne Simone tells us that Rutgers assistant coach Rob Lanier is taking a smilar position at the University of Texas and that Danny Hurley will likely be moved up into the full-time spot. Simone also tells us that the popular consensus among Rhode Island fans is that they think they should hire former Charlotte Hornets head coach Dave Cowens. But don't be surprised if Rhode Island interim head coach Jerry Degregorio gets the job, especially if he can sway Lamar Odom to stick around for another year. If you recall, Degregorio got Odom back on the right track when he transferred to New Britain (St. Thomas Aquinas) CT midway through his senior year of high school. While some may argue that this may not be the best move for Rhode Island, it may be for Odom, because it would give him another year to mature and get ready for the NBA. However, we think it's going to be very difficult for him to return, because he could go as high as #1 in the NBA draft. As for Degregorio, he's paid his dues, he's a good recruiter, and he's proved he can coach at lower levels in the past. So he gets our vote for the job even if Odom doesn't come back!

Garner Meads, the 6'8 combo forward from Salt Lake City (Brighton) UT, who ranks #21 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP, recently broke his navicular bone in his right wrist. The word is that he will be out anywhere from eight to 12 weeks, so he will turn down an inviation to the USA Basketball Camp in June. Instead, he will be going to the adidas ABCD Camp, as well as number of other camps and tournament in the month of July. Meads' high school and AAU teammate 6'9 Jesse Pinegar has already committed to Brigham Young, but their high school coach Lynn Moncur says that Meads has a list that currently includes Utah, Stanford, Pepperdine, Brigham Young, Connecticut, Syracuse, Arizona, UCLA, and Kentucky.

Sunday, April 11, 1999

The West beat the East 122-110 in the Executive Inn All-Star Game at Bellarmine College last night - thanks to the efforts of 5'11 Kevin Paschel, 6'4 Duane King, and 6'1 Michael Griffith, all from Louisville (Pleasure Ridge Park) KY, and 6'3 Alonzo Evans from Louisville (Western) KY. Paschel, who had 13 points and 10 assists, was named the MVP. He's still two points away on the ACT, but being named MVP in an all-star game for the second straight week (last week he was the leading scorer and MVP in the Kentucky-Ohio All-Star game) has gotten him offers from Akron and Murray State. Right now we think it's almost a foregone conclusion that he'll go to Murray State, unless he his scheduled visit, which will take place within the week, doesn't go as well as expected. King had 20 points and eight rebounds, Griffith had 16, and Evans had 19 points, as they simply ran the East Squad out of the gym. Also playing well enough to redeem himself some more was 6'9 Joe Sykes from Ratcliff (North Hardin) KY. He had six points and 14 rebounds, but even more important, looked good in the uptempo setting as he ran the floor and rebounded well. Chipping in with 18 points was 6'4 Chris Shumate from Louisville (Male) KY, but his lack of foot speed was especially evident in a game like this. However, he'll likely be a good fit for Murray State, which currently is the leader, because he's a skills player and a good outside shooter. So is 6'0 Ricky Green from Louisville (Valley) KY, who had 15 points. But we would have liked him more if his shot selection were better. The MVP for the East All-Stars was 6'3 Chez Marks from Paris (H.S.) KY, who was the leading scorer in the game with 25 points. He was complemented by Darrell Arbaugh from Ashland (Paul Blazer) KY, who had 12 points and seven rebounds and 6'4 Tony Johnson from Morganfield (Union County) KY, who had 18 points. We also mention was 5'10 Petie Spalding from Campbellsville (H.S.) KY, not because he played well, but because he has signed with Moberly (JC) MO. So has Green. The MVP's in the preliminary game were 5'9 Brandon Fritz from Richmond (Madison Central) KY and 6'1 Ramone Taylor from Louisville (Eastern) KY, was the leading scorer in the game with 25 ppg and showed that he was good enough to have been in the main game.

Stephen Bell, the Editor & Publisher of The Bank, which is a Michigan based scouting service, was at Vince Baldwin's Prep Spotlight All-Star Shootout held at Oakland University on Saturday and he ranks the top players in order: 1) James Theus, 6'0, Jr, Detroit (King) MI; 2). Mark Maxwell, 6'8, Sr, Detroit (Murray-Wright) MI; 3) Arthur Johnson, 6'9, Jr, Detroit (Pershing) MI; 4) Eric Daniels, 6'6, Jr, Cincinnati (Princeton) OH; 5) Garrett Brigatha, 6'8, Jr, Niles (H.S.) MI; 6) Anthony Ighodaro, 6'7, Jr, Toronto, ON: 7) Michael Williams, 6'7, Sr, Detroit (City) MI; 8) Matt Trannon, 6'6, Fr, Flint (Northern) MI: 9) Darius Manciel, 6'11, Jr, Detroit (Pershing) MI; 10) Maurice Searight, 6'3, Jr, Orchard Lake (St. Mary's) MI; 11) Jimmy Twyman, 6'0, Sr, Detroit (Central) MI; 12) Matt Jakeway, 6'3, Sr, Flushing (H.S.) MI; 13) Keith Triplett, 6'3, Jr, Toledo (Bowhser) OH; 14) Kevin Harrison, 6'3, Jr, Belleville (H.S.) MI; 15) Clark Headen, 6'8, Jr, Detroit (Mumford) MI; 16) Kevin Lee, 5'11, Sr, Lansing (Everett) MI; 17) Matt Taylor, 5'10, Jr, Pinckney (H.S.) MI; 18) Thomas Dillard, 6'6, Jr, Kalamazoo (Central) MI; 19) Martese Lee, 5'11, Sr, Detroit (Pershing) MI; 20) Rickey Paulding, 6'5, Jr, Detroit (Renaissance) MI. Bell also has a list of schools for many of these players. Michigan, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Kentucky, Connecticut, Xavier, and Michigan State are all involved with Theus. Maxwell has signed with Detroit. It will likely come down to Michigan and Ohio State for Johnson. Brigatha likes Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, and Minnesota. Michigan and Cincinnati are the favorites for Searight. Akron leads Bradley and Miami-FL for Tywman. Headen's list includes Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Detroit, and Kent State. The leaders for Paulding are Michigan, Notre Dame, and Kansas, but he also likes Miami-FL, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, and Northwestern. Missing from the tournament were the members of the Mustangs, who were in a tournament in California, but Bell has got schools for some of those guys. Cincinnati, Michigan State UNLV and North Carolina are the favorites of 6'4 Jr Desmon Farmer from Flint (Northwestern) MI. Cincinnati, Minnesota, Tennessee, Michigan, Michigan State, and Clemson are showing the most interest in 6'6 Jr Eugene Seals from Saginaw (H.S.) MI. Detroit and Eastern Michigan are the leaders for 6'3 Jr James Davis from Detroit (Murray- Wright) MI. Michigan State is the heavy favorite for 6'4 Soph Kelvin Torbert from Flint (N'western) MI and Michigan State, Missouri and the NBA are the leaders for 6'9 Soph Robert Whaley from Benton Harbor (H.S.) MI. Another top junior who didn't play was 6'6 Courtney Scott from Lansing (Waverly) MI. His schools are Michigan, MSU, Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, and Northwestern.

Saturday, April 10, 1999

We've already gone on record saying that we think Duke's Elton Brand and William Avery both are likely to declare hardship for the NBA draft, but we haven't addressed the possibility that their teammate Corey Maggette may also enter his name into the NBA draft. We've already heard a report quoting a number of NBA scouts saying that Maggette might be the #1 pick in the entire draft. Now we are hearing that Maggette was in Chicago last week and the Bulls have offered him $8.5 million and the opportunity to be a top five pick in the draft in June. Obviously, if that's true, it would be terrific news for Maggette. But remember this is the guy who tried to live off his reputation as a high school senior and last year failed to break into the starting lineup as a freshman at Duke. Maggette has tremendous natural talent, but we question his heart and outside shooting. Maybe you could talk us into the merits of drafting him this high if the Bulls still had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman and could groom him to be the star of the future. But let him pay his dues and earn it. However, they don't have time to wait. It's moves like this that get you fired. But it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that the management's days were number when they didn't make any major moves before the bottom feel out this winter when Jordan retired and Pippen and Rodman went elsewhere. What's that now for the Bulls - 10 wins and the third worst record in the NBA?

Chris Johnson was at the Solon Cage Classic today and we was disappointed that the Canadian Team, which included all the Nigerian players, did not show. However, the Pittsburgh Jots more than made up for it, because general manager J.O. Stright added 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME and 6'1 Kenny Satterfield from New York (Rice) NY to a group that already included 6'10 John Groves from Grove City (George Jr. Republic) PA and 5'9 Soph Brandon Cheatham from Beaver Falls (Black Hawk) PA. So when Mike Duncan' Cleveland Basketball knocked off the Jots tonight, 115-103, it was a stunning upset. After the game Johnson confirmed with 6'7 Romeo Augustine, who hit a big 3-pointer to break the game open in the 4th quarter, that he has indeed signed with Providence.  If you will recall, Augustine previously committed to Duquesne, Toledo, and Notre Dame, but in each case later changed his mind. Johnson also talked with 6'11 Robertas Javtokas and 6'8 Donatas Zavadkas, both from Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) OH. Javtokas told Johnson earlier tonight that Utah head coach Rick Majerus and Arizona head coach Lute Olson both are flying into Akron, OH tomorrow to recruit him. Javtokas also is still considering Louisville, Tulane, and Valparaiso, and Clemson. Zavadkas is interested in Clemson, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Utah, and Valparaiso. Johnson thinks Valparaiso has a legit shot, because their success with foreign players has been so well documented.  Johnson also tells us that Marinchick has really improve this spring

One of the things we've been doing during the last several days is updating our Kentucky Report, but we don't agree with our Kentucky Editor Larry Kihnley's ranking of the top player in the state. Kihnley has 6'6 Derek Smith from Ft. Thomas (Highlands) KY ranked #1 in the state, but my choice is 6'9 Marquis Estill from Richmond (Madison Central) KY. However, after that his list appears to be right on the money. He ranks 6'5 Jr Scott Hundley from Georgetown (Scott County) KY as the #1 junior in the state, 6'9 Soph Brandon Bender from Louisville (Ballard) KY as the top sophomore, and 5'9 Frosh Brandon Stockton from Glasgow (H.S.) KY as the top freshman, and 6'0 Mike Bush from Louisville (Traditional Middle) KY as the 8th grader. To read his report click on Kentucky Report and to get the rankings click on Kihnley Ranks 'em: The HOOP SCOOP's Ranking of the Top Players in Kentucky.

Friday, April 9, 1999

Last night in Reebok Capital Classic in Washington, DC, the All-Met All-Stars were down by as many as 24 points midway through the second quarter, but by half-time they trailed by only four, thanks to 16-0 run sparked by 6'6 Derick Payne from Washington (Coolidge) DC and Georgetown-bound 6'8 Courtland Freeman from Myrtle Beach (Socastee) SC. Then, in the second half, 6'3 Chris Monroe and 6'5 Roger Mason, both from Wheaton (Good Counsel) MD, took over the game, as they led the Capital team to a 111-100 victory over the U.S. All-Stars for the first time since 1993. Monroe had a team-high 22 points and was named the MVP, but it was Mason who did most of his damage down the stretch, as he scord 14 of his 16 points in the second half.  The leading scorer in the game was 6'3 Jason Williams from Metuchen (St. Joseph) NJ, who was named the National Player of the Year in conjunction with the announcement of the McDonald's teams a month ago, with 27 points. He was complemented by 5'11 Jason Gardner from Indianapolis (North Central) IN, who had 22 points. The other big story at the Capital Classic was the expected commitment to Maryland by 6'6 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI, but it didn't happen. As a result, Brick Oettinger of the Recruiter's Handbook thinks he'll pick Louisville. "If Gaines was going to Maryland, he had the ideal opportunity to do what he said he was going to do," says Oettinger. He told the game officials earlier this week that he was going to announce his decision at the game. We were stunned during the player introductions when the announcer said he was still undecided." According to an article in the Washington Post this morning, Gaines said that he has narrowed his choice to Maryland and Louisville. "But he would not make a decision until after attends the next weekend's Derby Classic, " said Jon Solomon. "'It will come down to where I feel comfortable and what positions I can play,'" said Gaines, who would like to play both point guard and shooting guard. 'I want to be in the position where I can make plays, like Steve Francis.'" However, his experience of playing the Capital Classic may have hurt Maryland's chances. Gaines started the game at the wing forward spot, but did not play a second of point guard, as another Maryland signee, 6'2 Stephen Blake from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 5'11 Brian Chase from Washington (Dunbar) DC, 6'4 Tony Dobbins from Washington (Maret) DC, and 6'0 Val Brown from Springfield (Robert E. Lee) VA - all split the time at that position. Instead, Gaines only played a total of 14 minutes at wing forward, but got all of his points in the second half. Gaines finished with only seven points, one rebound, one steal, and one turnover, but this will not effect his ranking at #45 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, although that might be a little high. Oettinger has him ranked #57 and Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports has him ranked in the top 60.

Yesterday we talked with Dan Owens, who invites the players for the GTE Wireless Derby Festival Basketball Classic, which will be held next weekend in Louisville, KY, and he tells us there have been some changes in the original rosters, which were announced several weeks ago. Dropping out of the game is 6'9 Jason Parker from Charlotte (West Charlotte) NC, who will be playing in Bob Gibbons' ACC/SEC Hoops Challenge in Raleigh, NC this weekend. He will be replaced by 6'9 Benjamin Eze Ndubuisi from Nigeria via Toronto, Canada, whose game and appearance have been compared to Kevin Garnett. Also being added to replace 6'9 Marquis Estill from Richmond Madison Central) KY, who had surgery on both knees earlier this week, is 6'9 Marcus Haislip from Lewisburg (Marshall County) TN. According to Haislip's high school coach Ray Steely, he is still wide open, although 2-4 ACC Schools, along with schools from Conference USA, the Big 10, Big 12, WAC, and the Big East have all offered him a scholarship. However, our Mid-South Editor Jim Rothman warns that Haislip wing forward and, as a result, isn't the powerful force inside which a lot of recruiters are currently searching high and low for as it gets later and later in the spring signing period.

This has not been a good week for former players from Compton (Dominguez) CA with regards to USC. Yesterday we found out that 5'9 Kenneth Brunner was denied admission and today it's been announced that freshman football quarterback 6'5 Jason Thomas, who also was an outstanding basketball player in his younger days, is transferring to UNLV, which is where John Robinson has landed as the head football coach. Remember, Robinson originally recruited Thomas to USC before he was fired by the Trojans several years ago. Speaking of UNLV, 6'1 Danny Walker from Compton (JC) CA isn't the only recruit who will be on campus this weekend. Trevor Diggs, the 6'3 2-guard from Kilgore (JC) TX, committed to UNLV a while ago, but only now is taking his official visit to the campus. So is 6'6 Lewis Kelly from San Bernadino (JC) CA. West Virginia has gotten Kent Dennis from Reseda (Cleveland) CA, but we're trying to figure out why, because this 6'2 wing guard ranks no higher than #45 in California by the HOOP SCOOP. Oregon got a good on in 6'9 Julius Hicks from West Valley (JC) CA and College of Charleston got a steal in 6'10 Michael Benton from Covington (Newton County) GA. So did Wofford, which has signed 6'10 Edvin Masic from Bowling Green (H.S.) KY, who is ranked #15 in Kentucky by Larry Kihnley of the HOOP SCOOP. Texas got a commitment several weeks ago from 6'2 Lawrence Williams from Panola (JC) TX, but it is official now, because he has signed the national letter-of-intent. This could be important, because Williams and 6'1 Danny Walker from Compton (JC) CA, both visited Austin, TX last weekend. As a result, some people think this could put the Longhorns over the top with Walker.

Thursday, April 8, 1999

Just a year ago Steve Wojciechowski was a player at Duke, but now the former Blue Devils point guard has become one of the youngest assistant coaches in the nation, because he has been named to replace Quin Snyder as the #1 recruiter for the Blue Devils. Despite his young age, this seems only natural, because Wojo has worked for years as a counselor at the Five-Star Basketball Camp and has always talking about going to coaching after his playing days were over. Our New York City Ron Naclerio tells us that his star player 6'3 Brian Woodward from Bayside (Cardozo) NY isn't very enthusiastic about going to Rhode Island now that head coach Jim Harrick has gone to Georgia. But Woodward signed a national letter-of-intent in the fall, so now he's stuck going to Rhode Island whether he likes it not, unless he wants to sit out a year. Speaking of Rhode Island, Naclerio tells us that the list of candidates includes former Marquette head coach Mike Deane, Siena head coach Paul Hewitt, Boston College assistant and former Rhode Island assistant Tim O'Shea, current Rhode Island interim head coach Jerry Degregorio, and former Charlotte Hornets head coach Dave Cowens. The leading candidates for the Pepperdine job are UCLA assistant coach Michael Holton, Rhode Island assistant coach Jim Harrick, Jr, David Lipscomb head coach Don Meyer, and current Pepperdine assistant coach Randy Bennett. If Bennett, doesn't get the job, look for him to follow Lorenzo Romar to St. Louis.

Among the commitments that have become official today, 6'3 Jamison Brewer from Kensington (Newport School) MD, as expected, has picked Auburn; Georgia Tech is getting 6'5 Clarence Moore from Galliano (South LaFourche) LA; 6'4 Toris Bright from Slidel (H.S.) LA is heading to LSU; 6'8 Tahric Gosley from Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA is going to Cleveland State; 6'8 Josh Odugbela from Barrington (St. Andrews) RI is a steal for Hartford; 6'11 Adam Duggins from Greensboro (Page) NC has signed with William & Mary, Morehead State signed 6'5 Quentin Smith from Cincinnati State (JC) OH, and the University of Detroit is getting 6'8 Mark Maxwell from Detroit (Murray-Wright) MI. Detroit is also getting Greg Grays, who is transferring from Penn State. Eastern Kentucky has landed 6'6 Brad Borgman from Osgood (Jac-Cen-Del) IN and 6'0 John White from Pensacola (JC) FL and also still is in the hunt for 6'10 Chris Garnett from Durham (Mt. Zion Christian) NC and Philippe Langlois from Montreal, Canada.

We understand that 5'9 Kenneth Brunner, originally from Compton (Dominguez) CA, has applied for admission and was turned down by USC. Yesterday we quoted Patrick Jira of the Recruiting Beat, who told us that 6'1 Danny Walker from Compton (JC) CA was reneging on the University of Nebraska and would likely go to the University of Texas. Well, it isn't over yet, because our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson is reporting that Walker is scheduled to visit UNLV this weekend and Texas and Nebraska are also both still very much in the hunt. Jira has confirmed that Adam Harrington is transferring N.C. State and adds that the three schools being mentioned most are Miami-FL, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Missouri.

The University of Cincinnati got 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME only yesterday, but that doesn't mean they are done recruiting. They're never done at Cincinnati, which has a reputation for being among the best programs in the nation year in and year out at identifying their man early and getting it done. Already three of their top priorities for next year are 6'9 Jr Eddie Griffin from Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA, 6'5 Jr Jerome Harper from Columbia (Keenan) SC, and 6'5 Jr Julius Johnson from Garfield Heights (H.S.) OH. Penn State appears to be out for 6'6 LaVell Blanchard from Ann Arbor (Pioneer) MI, because he has cancelled his scheduled visit for next weekend. He is still planning on being at the University of California this weekend and upon returning home the beginning of next week, we think he will announce for Michigan, although Virginia does still appear to be a very strong second. If Virginia doesn't get Blanchard, look for the Cavaliers to offers their last remaining scholarship to either 6'8 Stephane Don Don from Collin County (JC) TX or 6'8 Marcus Haislip from Lewisburg (Marshall County) TN. Several days ago our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio reported that 6'3 Kevin Bell from New York (Rice) NY was going to Villanova. Then, we retracted it, because we had a source in the Villanova basketball office who told us that it wasn't happening. Who was right?  They both were, because Naclerio's source was Bell, who publicly has told everybody he's going to Villanova. But as it stands now, they aren't going to offer him a scholarship. So stay tuned!

We've already reported on a number of touranaments and events that took place last weekend, but one of the best was the Boo Williams NIKE Invitational in Hampton, VA. The Southern California All-Stars beat the Alabama Lasers in the championship, 59-46, thanks to the efforts of two outstanding sophomores - 7'0 Soph Tyson Chandler from Compton (Dominguez) CA, who was named the tournament MVP, and 6'7 Soph Josh Childress from Norwalk (Mayfair) CA, who was the best player in the championship game, according to Patrick Jira of the Recruiting Beat. However, throughout the tournament Jira thought 6'6 Cardell Butler from San Mateo (H.S.) CA might have been the best player for Pat Barrett's Southern California All-Stars. Butler currently only is ranked #35 in California by the HOOP SCOOP, but will move way up based on his performance in this tournament. Although Butler is a senior, don't get too excited just yet, because it looks like prep school is likely to be in his future next year. Jira thinks Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME is where Butler will likely end up. Jira didn't think 6'2 Soph Dajuan Wagner from Camden (H.S.) NJ, who ranks as the #1 sophomore in the nation, lived up to his hype, despite putting up impressive numbers. However, he was very impressed with players like 6'1 Jr Taliek Brown from Astoria (St. John's Prep) NY, 6'9 Jr Darius Miles from East St. Louis (H.S.) IL, 5'8 Jr Wesley Stokes from Long Beach (Poly) CA, 6'9 Soph David Harrison from Nashville (Brentwood Academy) TN, 6'7 Omar Weaver from Washington (Coolidge) DC, 6'9 Jr Michael Sweetney from Oxon Hill (H.S) MD, and 6'7 Soph Dennis Latimore from Mesa (Mountain View) AZ.

Another excellent event that took place last weekend was Wayne Simone's And1 Hoop Challenge at Sacret Heart College in Bridgeport, CT. And it came as no surprise that Connecticut Select beat the Rhode Island Breakers, 88-86, in the 19-Under Division. MVP honors went to 6'4 Marcus Cox from Bridgeport (Kolbe Cathedral) CT, who has taken his game to another level this spring. As a result, Simone now thinks Cox has to be ranked among our top 20 nationally. Cox had 18 points in the championship game, but the big hero was 6'5 Sequan Canady from New Britain (H.S.) CT, who tipped in the game winning shot at the buzzer. Also playing well for the Connecticut Select were 6'2 Derek Glasper from Plainville (H.S.) CT and 6'3 Terrell Taylor from Milford (Academy) CT. The Rhode Island Breakers were led by 6'8 Josh Odugbela from Barrington (St. Andrews) RI. The Tim Thomas Playazz beat the Albany City Rocks, 75-65, in the championship of the 17-Under Division. MVP honors went to 6'9 Eddie Griffin from Philadelphia (Roman Catholic) PA, who had 23 points in the title game, but 6'3 Jr Rasheed Dunbar from Bayonne (Marist) NJ and 6'6 Marcus Tony-El from Bayonne (Marist) NJ also showed why we rank them among our top 100 juniors nationally. Playing well for the Albany City Rocks were 6'7 James Thomas from Milford (Academy) CT, 6'3 Matt McClouskey from Albany (H.S.) NY, and 6'6 Jr Charles Spencer from Poughkeepsie (H.S.) NY.

Wednesday, April 7, 1999

We have now confirmed that 6'5 Schea Cotton from Long Beach City (JC) CA has signed with the University of Alabama. This is major, not just because Cotton is one of the top junior college players in the nation, but also because it moves the Crimson Tide's recruiting class into a tie with Cincinnati, which currently is ranked #2 nationally behind Duke. And Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried isn't done recruiting just yet. We mentioned yesterday that Patrick Jira of the Recruiting Beat thought that Alabama was also involved with 6'4 Tito Maddox from Compton (JC) CA. So it stands to reason that getting Cotton should enhance their chances of landing Maddox, especially when one knows that Jira also told us that Cotton and Maddox were talking going together as a package. Also, the Crimon Tide is still being mentioned as one of the final three, along with Mississippi State and Nebraska, for 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS. With Cotton, 6'7 Rod Grizzard from Birmingham (Central Park Chrisitian) AL, 6'8 Erwin Dudley from Uniontown (R.C. Hatch) AL, 6'9 Kenny Walker from Jacksonville (Wolfson) FL, and 6'2Terrance Meade from Scottsboro (H.S.) AL all already in the fold, Alabama could end up with the #1 recruiting class in the nation, if they land both Maddox and Jackson.

Alabama isn't the only school in the state that is cleaning up. Coming off a recruiting class that was ranked #6 nationally a year ago, by the HOOP SCOOP, Auburn appears to be on the verge of landing 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI and 6'3 Jamison Brewer from Kensington (Newport Prep) MD. But as it stands now, both of those are still still unconfirmed. However, we are now confirming that Duke's Quin Snyder has been officially named as the head coach at Missouri and 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME has made it official for Cincinnati. And don't look for this to be a problem for Cincinnati even though this puts the Bearcats one over their scholarship limit. The word is they plan to stash current Bearcat player Aaron McGee at a junior college for a year. He could end up at Barton County (JC) KS, but even more likely is Cincinnati State (JC) OH.

Speaking of the top junior college programs in the nation, who many times have you heard of a championship coach getting forced out right after he wins the championship? That's exactly what has happened to Mike Capaccio, who guided Indian Hills (JC) IA to the National Junior College Championship last month in Hutchinson, KS. Capaccio, who was an assistant coach last year, before moving into the head coaching position this year, was the driving force behind their recruiting success, which result in two consecutive championships. But now that Capaccio has been forced out by the president of the school, look for the Indian Hills program to fall of the face of the earth, as 6'10 Uche Amadi, 6'7 Travis Robbins, and 6'6 Cory Hightower, all freshmen who should be returning next year, transfer. Instead, the next great junior college power appears to be Barton County (JC) KS, which was the national runnerup to Indian Hills (JC) IA a month ago. Did you know that Barton County already has two great players - 6'9 Jamal Davis and 5'10 Eric Bush - sitting out, as well as a commitment from 6'6 Carlton Baker from East Chicago (Central) IN, who ranks #44 nationally among high school seniors by the HOOP SCOOP? Speaking of junior college powers, Marshalltown (JC) IA is also getting it done. We understand they already have commitments from 6'4 Tito Maddox from Compton (H.S.) CA, 6'7 Noel Felix from Inglewood (H.S.) CA, 5'8 Terry Reynolds from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 5'10 Edward Estavan from Los Angeles (Palisades) CA, and 6'6 James Wright from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI. Plus they also will likely get 6'6 Ronald Slay from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, if he falls short on his test score.

Patrick Jira of the Recruiting Beat is reporting that 6'1 Danny Walker from Compton (JC) CA, who verbally committed to the University of Nebraska in late January, has reneged on the Cornhuskers and, instead, will sign with the University of Texas. However, this is unconfirmed. Jira also tells us that Boston College and DePaul are the final two for 6'11 Ivan Kartelo from Winchendon (School) MA. Brick Oettinger of the Recruiter's Handbook tells us that South Carolina has picked up a commitment from 6'10 Marijonas Petrivicious from New Hampton (Prep) NH and that 6'9 Tomas Nags from Montgomery (Catholic) AL has gone to Clemson. Also, 7'0 David Anderson, who has spent the last two years on a mission, is transferring from Brigham Young to Florida State. Anderson will be eligible to play immediately and he will have three years to play, but if his 1.0 ppg and 1.0 rpg numbers two years ago as a freshman at Brigham Young are any indication, Florida State may need better.

The HOOP SCOOP is now predicting that 6'5 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI will announce for the University of Maryland today or tomorrow. Our sources tell us that Gaines was a late addition to the Capital Classic All Star Game, which will be played tomorrow in Washington, DC. Gaines and his family will be in attendance for the game and he has told sources close to the HOOP SCOOP that he wanted to make the announcement in conjunction with the game. We're guessing that it will be Maryland, but it makes perfect sense, because his father is from Maryland and Gaines made his official visit College Park, MD just a week ago. This is terrible news for the University of Louisville, which is the other school that was still high on his list. Instead, we think Louisville will get 6'10 Robertas Javtockas from Lithuania via Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) OH and 6'7 Mikael Hadiri from France via Chicago (Lincoln Park) IL. While both have the potential to eventually be ranked among the top 100 nationally, our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson and Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye think Javtockas and Hadiri both have a long way to go before they are ready to move Louisville into the upper echelon of Conference USA. If Louisville does add Javtockas and Hadiri to their already existing recruiting class, which includes 6'1 Rashad Brooks from Cecil (JC) MD and 6'9 Joe Sykes from Ratcliffe (North Hardin) KY, we'd be hard pressed to rank their class in the top 100. As a matter of fact, a year ago that's exactly where it would rank, tied with Bowling Green at #100. However, if Gaines surprises everybody and picks Louisville, that would be good enough to move their class into the top 50 nationally.  And if they get both Gaines and 6'9 Benjamin Eze Ndubuisi from Nigeria via Toronto, Canada, who Johnson says both looks and plays like Kevin Garnett, their class would have a chance to be ranked among the top 20 nationally. However, Johnson thinks that getting Ndubuisi, 6'11 Muhamed Lesege, and 7'1 Uche Ejele Okafor, all Nigerians who are playing in Toronto, eligible to play at the Division I level might be difficult at best. Another player Louisville has been mentioned with is 6'11 Olumide Oyedeji, who signed with Rutgers a year ago, but never gained admission into the United States due to visa problems. We really liked him two weeks ago in the NIKE Hoops Summit in Tampa, FL, but Louisville has no shot, because he's now a professional athlete.

We have now confirmed that Arizona State has added two more recruits - 6'7 Justin Allen, who is a sleeper from Malta (H.S.) IL, and 5'11 Kyle Dodd from Brea (Brea-Olinda) CA, who ranks #385 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP and #28 in California by Joe Francisco in Southern California's Finest. Francisco also tells us that 6'5 Andrew Pleick from Los Alamitos (H.S.) CA has reneged on Davidson and instead is signing with Drake. Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that new Marquette head coach Tom Crean is hiring Ball State assistant coach Tim Buckley, who signed a number of good players at Ball State, including 6'7 Theron Smith from Auburndale (H.S.) FL and 6'4 Lamont Roland, who is now at Barton County (JC) KS. So don't be surprised if Buckley signs Roland again - this time for Marquette. We also have confirmed that Ryan Humphrey is leaving the University of Oklahoma.  He'll have to sit out next year, but the 6'8 All-Big 12 Conference will be eligible to play the following two years. Right now the leaders appear to be Kentucky, UCLA, and North Carolina.

Tuesday, April 6, 1999

It looks like former New Jersey Nets head coach John Calipari won't be getting the University of Missouri job. Instead, they went with the coach they initially wanted and have hired Duke University associate head coach Quin Snyder. Done deal! Write it down! And remember you heard it first! We've already told you that if the Tigers hire Snyder, they will immediately become the strong favorite to get a number of players, including 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, 6'5 Josh Kroenke from New Hampton (Prep) NH, and 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO. We also look for Snyder to hire Lee Rashman, who is the basketball coordinator at Duke, and Tony Harvey, who is a big reason why head coach Milton Barnes has gotten it done at Eastern Michigan. And by the way, Harvey's younger brother happens to be 6'8 Soph Robert Whaley from Benton Harbor (H.S.) MI, who is ranked as the #2 sophomore in America by the HOOP SCOOP.

The HOOP SCOOP has confirmed that 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME, who might be the best player in the nation regardless of whether he is a high school senior or a 5th year player (currently he ranks as our #1 5th year player), has told the coaching staff at the University of Cincinnati that he plans to sign with the Bearcats tomorrow. This is huge because it gives the Bearcats two top five players in the nation from the same recruiting class. If you will recall, Cincinnati also landed 6'2 Ken Satterfield from New York (Rice) NY, who ranks #3 in the senior class, last fall.  There is still the possibility that Johnson could turn professional, but we don't expect that to happen, because he recently got the necessary score on the SAT to be eligible. So with a recruiting class that now includes Johnson, Satterfield, 6'11 John Grove from Grove City (George Jr. Republic) PA and 6'5 Leonard Stokes from Buffalo (Turner-Carroll) NY, the Bearcats recruiting class now ranks #2 behind Duke and well ahead of Kentucky and Virginia, which are now tied at #3.

We talked with Patrick Jira of the Recruiting Beat and he tells us that South Florida appears to be the leader for 6'5 Schea Cotton from Long Beach City (JC) CA, who made his official visit to Tampa, FL over the weekend. This may seem strange at first, but remember that Bulls head coach Seth Greenburg signed Cotton's older brother, James Cotton, when he was at Long Beach State. The great Florida weather is also a factor, but the icing on the cake appears to be that Long Beach State assistant coach Clyde Vaughn, who originally recruited James Cotton to Long Beach State and is a close friend of the Cotton family, will be joining the South Florida coaching staff. Another person who recruited Schea Cotton when he was an assistant coach at UCLA is Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried. As a result, the Crimson Tide is a strong second. Jira also tells us that Alabama is also making a strong push for 6'4 Tito Maddox from Compton (H.S.) CA and they're in the picture now for 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI. Getting back to Cotton, Oregon State also appears to be a factor. But UCLA does not, despite last minute efforts to try and get involved.

We are still waiting to see if the University of Kentucky offers 6'1 Rick Jones from Georgetown (Scott County) KY, but it will likely depend upon whether the Wildcats find the big man they need to fill the void created by 7'0 John Stewart from Indianapolis (Lawrence North) IN, who died of a heart attack in a game in early March. Stewart's tragic death opens up another scholarship, but it also leaves the Wildcats thin in terms of front-court depth, especially if Kentucky center 6'11 Jamaal Magloire decides to declare hardship for the NBA draft. At the top of Kentucky's list appears to be 6'10 Nate Knight from Utah Valley (JC) UT, who was originally signed by Kentucky assistant George Felton, when he was at Oregon State two years ago. Knight, whose older brother Travis Knight used to play for the Boston Celtics with Rick Pitino (another Kentucky connection), needs strength and the popular consensus is that he isn't good enough to step in and contribute at Kentucky next year. But if Magloire goes pro, our sources say it's a done deal. Nate Knight will go to the University of Kentucky!

Getting back to 6'1 Rick Jones from Georgetown (Scott County) KY, our sources tell us that Vanderbilt is making a late push, but it still appears that he's waiting on the University of Kentucky. However, we understand that he wishes he'd gone to the University of Louisville back in December when they were the school showing the most interest. Since that time Louisville has asked him to walk-on, but they withdrew the scholarship offer when 6'1 Rashad Brooks from Cecil (JC) MD committed in late January. Clemson and Illinois are also involved, but we have one source who thinks if Kentucky or Vanderbilt don't pull the trigger, that Jones might end up at a lower level. Remember, Jones never went to camps and he's originally from Corbin, KY. As a result, the feeling is that he'd be more comfortable at a smaller school. Also a lot of people still question whether Jones has the quickness necessary to guard anybody at the big-time level. Many of the other top players in Kentucky have signed, but among those who are left, we're hearing that U.A.B. is now the leader 6'5 Josh Graham from Flemingsburg (Fleming County) KY, Marshall appears to be close to getting 6'7 Josh Bentley from Hazard (H.S.) KY, and 6'5 Chris Shumate from Louisville (Male) KY may be on the verge of going to Murray State. Also still available are 5'11 Kevin Paschel from Louisville (Pleasure Ridge Park) KY, 6'2 Alonzo Evans from Louisville (Western) KY, 6'3 Chez Marks from Paris (H.S.) KY, 6'3 A.W. Hamilton from Georgetown (Scott County) KY, and 6'4 Neal Jenkins from Richmond (Madison Central) KY, but in each case, junior college or prep school may be in their future.

Yesterday Ron Naclerio of the HOOP SCOOP reported that 6'3 Kevin Bell from New York (Rice) NY had committed to Villanova, but we also stated that this was unconfirmed. After following up further with a source close to the Wildcats program it appears that Bell indeed has not committed. Maybe they don't think he's good enough or maybe they are waiting to see if qualifies before committing a scholarship. However, we do know that Villanova is still waiting to hear on several other players, like 6'3 Derrick Zimmerman from Monroe (Gossman) LA, 6'10 Mark McCarroll from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY, 5'11 Bradley Jackson from Bridgton (Academy) ME, and 6'3 Jamison Brewer from Kensington (Newport School) MD. Also, yesterday we reported that 6'9 Jason Parker from Charlotte (West Charlotte) NC may have verbally committed to UNC-Charlotte, but the longer this goes, the more doubtful we become. UNCC is one of the top three, but in the end, we think Michigan and North Carolina will tough to beat for Parker. Something else we've heard, but haven't confirmed is that West Virginia may now be the leader over Auburn for 6'5 Marshall Williams from Milwaukee (Vincent) WI. Stay tuned!

Many times our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson has told us that the University of Toledo has one of the bright young coaching staffs in the nation with Tony Jones and Monte Mathis doing the recruiting. So it comes as no surprise that 6'0 Javon Clark from Detroit (Cass Tech) MI and 6'7 Delvar Barrett from Bridgton (Academy) ME both are on the verge of commiting to the Rockets. Johnson also tells us that new University of Iowa head coach Steve Alford is off to a fast start in recruiting, because the Hawkeyes now have gotten a commitment from 6'6 Rob Griffin from Southeastern (JC) IA, who ranks as one of the top 50 junior college players in the nation.

Monday, April 5, 1999

The HOOP SCOOP has gotten an unconfirmed report from a source that should be reliable who tells us that UNC-Charlotte has a verbal commitment from 6'9 Jason Parker from Charlotte (West Charlotte) NC. However, other sources we have checked with in Charlotte, NC do not confirm this at the present time, which leads us to believe he may have told them he is coming, but hasn't announced it yet. However, if that is the case and assuming that our source is accurate, UNCC had better get it done before Parker makes his official visit to Chapel Hill, NC next weekend, because it will be tough to say no to the Tar Heels once they get him on campus. If this is true and it does hold up, UNC-Charlotte will have landed not one, but two potential NBA players in this recruiting class. If you recall, the 49ers signed 6'10 Rodney White from Kensington (Newport School) MD last fall. We also are getting reports that 6'8 Tomas Nagys from Montgomery (Catholic) AL has committed to Clemson and will sign on Wednesday, which is the first day of the spring signing period. If that happens, look for 6'5 Clarence Moore from Galliano (South LaFourche) LA to pick Georgia Tech over Clemson. Nagys and Moore are both power forwards, although most schools are recruiting Moore as a three, which is totally ridiculous, because his perimeter skills and outside shooting are limited at best.

Our New York Editor Ron Naclerio is reporting that 6'3 Kevin Bell from New York (Rice) NY has committed to Villanova, but as it stands now, this is still unconfirmed. Naclerio also tells us that former UNLV and Chicago Bulls player Sidney Green has gotten the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic and he thinks Syracuse is on the verge of landing 6'10 Mark McCarroll from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY. Over the weekend in the Inaugural Cheerios Classic at Northwestern University, which matches the top seniors from New York against the top seniors from Chicago, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim and assistant coach Bernie Fine were both in attendance watching McCarroll's every move. Another player the Orangemen are in hot pursuit for is 6'9 Jeremy McNeil from San Antonio (Sam Houston) TX.

It comes as no surprise when our Ohio Editor Editor Chris Johnson tells us that new Iowa head coach Steve Alford has hired his father, Sam Alford, but you might be interested to know that the other full-time assistant coaching position has gone to Rich Walker, who is being retained from the old staff. This is especially important, because Walker has a good rapport with the players, including Duez Henderson, who had previosuly talked about transferring, but now has decided to remain at Iowa. Johnson also tells us that Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has already found somebody to replace Tom Crean, who recently got the head coaching job at Marquette. The coach we're talking about is Northwestern assistant coach Brian Gregory, who was previously the part-time assistant coach at Michigan State, before moving onto Toledo and Northwestern. Johnson also tells us that Louisville head coach Denny Crum was in New Castle, PA on Friday night to watch 6'10 Robertas Javtokas from Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) OH in the Rising Star All-Star Game, which featured the top players from Eastern Ohio against the top players from Western Pennsylvania.

We still think that Duke assistant coach Quin Snyder is the leading candidate for the Missouri job, but we are also several other candidates being mentioned for the job, including Missouri assistant coach Kim Anderson, Tulsa head coach Bill Self, and former New Jersey Nets head coach John Calipari. Is this the perfect job that Calipari would come back to college basketball for? Definitely! If the price is right, we hear the job is his. However, we think this could be a big mistake. Snyder appears to be the perfect fit, because he's a young coach and he would likely be there for a while. But with Calipari, it would likely be nothing more than a stepping stone to something bigger.

Last week we told you that the University of Maryland was making a strong push for 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME and 6'6 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI. However, it may all be be for naught, because our sources are telling us that Maryland is out on Johnson and Louisville is still the leader for Gaines, although the Gaines race may still be too close to call. As for Johnson, it now appears to be a two horse race between Cincinnati and Connecticut. If Johnson, who is expected to be academically qualified under Prop 48, does something soon, look for him to pick Cincinnati. If it he drags it out for a while, it gives Connecticut the time they need to get him on campus for an official visit and market their recent NCAA Championship title. We are still predicting that 6'7 Donnell Harvey from Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA will go to the University of Florida, but it looks like all the hard work by Auburn won't be in vain. That's right! The Tigers appear to be on the verge of getting 6'3 Jamison Brewer from Kensington (Newport School) GA, who currently ranks #69 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. Neither are done, but write them both down and remember where you heard about it first.

Everybody thinks that 6'5 Antonio Jackson from Butler County (JC) KS is a done deal for Alabama, but our guess is that this top five junior college player in the nation will sign with Mississippi State. We also understand that Nebraska and Alabama are also still in the hunt, but Kentucky and Louisville et al. appear to be out. If Mississippi State gets Jackson, look 6'3 Derrick Zimmerman from Monroe (Gossman) LA to go to Alabama. But if our hunch about Jackson is wrong and he goes someplace else, look for Mississippi State to get Zimmerman. Our Mid-South Correspondent Jim Rothman tells us that the University of Memphis is looking for a shooter in the junior college ranks. The most likely candidates appear to be 6'2 Kenny Dye from Connors State (JC) OK and 6'5 Johnny Goodman from Northern Idaho (JC) ID. The Tigers are also involved with several big guys, like 6'10 Randy Hughes from Chipola (JC) FL, 6'9 Kenkay Jones from West Plains (JC) MO, and 6'10 Earl Barron, who is a sleeper from Clarksdale (H.S.) MS.

Over the weekend at the adidas All-American Tip-Off Tournament in Memphis, TN 6'7 Jr Gerald Wallace from Childersburg (H.S.) AL, who ranks #11 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, really impressed our Mid-South Correspondent Jim Rothman. "He was in a class all by himself," says Rothman. "There was no question he was the best player there, as well as the tournament MVP. And that's a strong statement, because Darius Rice and Justin Reed are both legit top 30 juniors nationally. His skills and athleticism are reminiscent of former North Carolina All-American Vince Carter, but Wallace has better range." Wallace led the Alabama Ice to a 98-76 victory over the Jackson Panthers, which featured Rice and Reed.

Sunday, April 4, 1999

The New York Ravens beat Team Assault, 84-82, in overtime to win the Bob Gibbons-Charlie Weber Philadelphia Easter Classic at Villanova University in Philalelphia, PA. And guess who the MVP of the tournament was? Once again 5'9 Jr Andre Barrett from New York (Rice) NY proved why he is one of our favorite players, as he made shots, got teammates involved, and came through in the clutch. Also playing well all weekend for the Ravens were 6'7 Jr Charles Henson and 6'7 Soph Terrell Ghantt, both Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY. Behind Barrett, the second best player in the tournament was 6'5 Jr Jerome Harper from Columbia (Keenan) SC, who is the #4 ranked junior in the nation by the HOOP SCOOP. Harper did it all, as he went to the basket, made his outside shots, and played excellent defense. Also playing well enough to impress the HOOP SCOOP's Allen Rubin, who was there Friday and Saturday, were 6'6 Jr Bernard Robinson from Washington (Dunbar) DC, 6'2 Jr Cliff Hawkins from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'3 Jr Demetrius Smith from LaGrange (Calloway) GA, 6'1 Jermaine Robinson from Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA, 6'10 Mike Benton from Covington (Newton County) GA, 6'7 Jr Scott Hazelton from Lawrence (Central Catholic) MA, 6'8 Jr Abdul Diame from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'6 Jr Mike Skrocki from Lincroft (Christian Brothers) NJ, 5'8 Jr Marques Green from Norristown (H.S.) PA, 6'9 Jr Chris Wilcox from Whiteville (H.S.) NC, 6'9 Jr Brandon Clifford from Greensboro (Page) NC, and 6'5 Jr Chris Daniels from Albany (Monroe) GA.The best sophomore playing up in the 17-Under Divison was 6'6 Soph James White from Kensington (Newport School) MD. Other sophomores worth mentioning in the 17-Under Division were 5'11 Soph Corwin Davis from Raleigh (Ravenscroft) NC, 6'5 Soph John Allen from Coatesville (H.S.) PA, 6'8 Soph Anthony Richardson from Raleigh (Leesville Road) NC, 6'5 Soph Tom McLoughlin from Andover (H.S.) MA, 6'3 Soph Mike Land from Raleigh (Leesville Road) NC, 6'10 Soph Marcus Campbell from Durham (Mt. Zion Christian) NC, 5'10 Soph Andrea Henry from Harrisburg (H.S.) PA, 6'9 Jr Tony Simmons from Fayetteville (71st) NC, 6'2 Soph Ernest Turner from Somerdale (Sterling) NJ, and 6'5 Soph Tamal Fortune from Philadelphia (Roman Catholic) PA.

In addition to covering the Bob Gibbons-Charlie Weber Philadelphia Easter Classic, the HOOP SCOOP's Allen Rubin and Full-Court Magazine's Rob Matera talked to some of the players and have found out the following: Georgia, Florida State, and Clemson are the early favorites for 6'5 Jr Chris Daniels from Albany (Monroe) GA. 6'8 Jr Zebylen Cope from Columbia (Hammond) SC, who already has scored 1300 on the SAT, likes Stanford, Texas, Clemson, Rutgers, and Columbia. Duke, N.C. State, Syracuse, Providence, Villanova, Massachusetts, and St. John's are all in the hunt for 6'8 Jr Scott Hazelton from Lawrence (Central Catholic) MA. Demetrius Smith is the nephew of former Louisville All-American Derek Smith, but the Cardinals surprisingly aren't on the list for this 6'3 junior from LaGrange (Calloway) GA. Instead, Clemson, Arkansas, Villanova, Georgia Tech, and N.C. State are the early favorites. Indiana has already been mentioned as the early leader for 6'4 Jr A.J. Moye from Atlanta (Westlake) GA, but Clemson and Georgia Tech are also on his list. At the top of the list for 6'8 Jr Abdul Diame from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA are UCLA, Virginia, N.C. State, and Syracuse. Villanova, N.C. State, Connecticut, Clemson, Syracuse are the leaders for 6'6 Jr David Holmes from Washington (Coolidge) DC. Villanova, Georgetown, Syracuse, Clemson, and Florida State like 6'4 Jr David Hawkins from Washington (Archbishop Carroll) DC, who is vastly improved since we saw him last winter. Arizona, Connecticut, Georgetown, Maryland, and Cincinnati are the favorites 6'6 Jr Bernard Robinson from Washington (Dunbar) DC.

Our Philadelphia Area Editor Allen Rubin also is reporting that 5'9 Chris Zimmerman from Shamokin (H.S.) PA, has verbally committed to Bucknell and is confirming what Big East Briefs had five days ago - that 6'3 Desmond Herrod is transferring from UNLV to Seton Hall. The early leaders for 6'4 Jr James Joseph from Lansdale (North Penn) PA, who ranks #19 on Rubin's latest comprehensive Philadelphia/South Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Report, are LaSalle, Richmond, Bucknell, Lehigh, and Virginia Tech.

Dinos Trigonis, the editor and publisher of Full-Court Magazine, tells us that 6'8 Soph Jack Martinez from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, who was named tournament MVP with 32 points, and 6'9 Soph Apolinar Fernandez from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, who had 20 points, led QBL Lakewood to the championship in the Las Vegas Easter Classic this weekend. But the best player in the tournament, according to Trigonis, was 6'8 Jr Travon Bryant from Long Beach (Jordan) CA, who had 27 points and 15 rebounds and surprised everybody with his improved perimeter game. "Everybody already knew Bryant was a good post player, rebounder,and shot blocker," says Trigonis. "But he hit two or three 3-pointers every game, as he showed that he can be a 4-man who can step out." No wonder Bryant is a prime target of UCLA, Michigan, Kansas, Oregon State, California, Arizona, Arizona State, and USC. However, Bryant wasn't the only player who played well for Belmont Shore. 6'7 Ellis Myles from Compton (H.S.) CA also had 19 points and nine rebounds in the championship game, and 6'5 Jr Nick Booker from LaJolla (The Bishops School) CA showed why some think he's one of the biggest sleepers on the West Coast. Other players in the tournament who impressed Trigonis were 6'2 Marcus Banks from Las Vegas (Cimarron) NV, who is now being recruited by New Mexico, 6'7 Jr Jermichael Miller from Houston (Wheatley) TX, 6'10 Jr Nolan Butterfras from Houston (Cypress) TX, and 6'10 Jr Jason Klotz from Klein Forest (H.S.) TX.

Saturday, April 3, 1999

We have confirmed what every has suspected for several days now. Carlos Boozer, the 6'9 power forward from Juneau (Douglas) AK, who ranks #8 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, has picked Duke over UCLA. This is huge, because instantly the Blue Devils have a replacement at power forward for Elton Brand, who is widely regarded as the top college player in the nation (he won the Wooden Award yesterday) and is expected to declare hardship for the NBA draft. Two years ago when most of our competitors ranked the Blue Devils recruiting class #1, we didn't agree, but this time it's not even close. Duke also has two other top 10 players in the fold in 6'3 Jason Williams from Metuchen (St. Josephs) NJ, who ranks #4 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, and 6'11Casey Sanders from Tampa (Prep) FL, who ranks #10 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP. They also have 6'7 Michael Dunleavy from Portland (Jesuit) OR, who is ranked among the top 10 nationally by Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports and top 40 by the HOOP SCOOP, and 6'11 Nick Horvath from Arden Hills (Mounds View) MN, who has top 100 potential. Boozer's commitment to Duke also makes the Blue Devils the early favorite for 6'5 Jr DeShawn Stevenson from Fresno (Washington Union) CA, who ranks #3 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP. Stevenson plays on the same AAU team with Boozer and they are very close friends. However, Boozer is also close friends and a former AAU teammate with Matt Barnes and Ray Young, both of whom are freshmen at UCLA. In otherwords, look for the race for Stevenson next year to be another war between in the Blue Devils and the Bruins and a lot can happen in a year.

Earlier in the week we thought 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME, might announce for Cincinnati today at the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic. But it didn't happen. Instead, Johnson, who was named the MVP for the East Squad today, has given Maryland head coach Gary Williams and Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun both time to turn up the heat. Also turning up the heat today on 6'7 Donnell Harvey from Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA, who ranks as the #1 senior in America by the HOOP SCOOP, was New Georgia head coach Jim Harrick. He reportedly was talking to everybody and anybody who has any influence at all over Harvey. But we think it is too late. Our source tells us Harvey is going to Florida. Write it down!

The East Squad led the West Squad 71-62 at half-time, but the West scored 47 points in the third quarter of the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic en route to a 146-37 victory earlier today in Auburn Hills, MI. MVP honors for the West Squad went to 6'5 Jason Richardson from Saginaw (Arthir Hill) MI. Richardson, who was the leading scorer for the West with 23 points, was complemented by 6'2 Brett Nelson from St. Albans (H.S.) WV, who had 16 points, four assists, and reportedly made the best move in the game, and 6'9 Carlos Boozer from Juneau (Douglas) AK, who had 16 points, rebounds, and hit 7-11 field goals. The East Squad was led by 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME, who led all scorers with 27 points. Also worth mentioning for the East were 6'6 LaVell Blanchard from Ann Arbor (Pioneer) MI with 20 points, and 6'2 Majestic Mapp from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY, who had nine assists. We also understand that 6'11 Jonathan Bender from Picayune (H.S.) MS played well in the practices, but did not play well in the game. If you will recall, Bender broke Michael Jordan's scoring record with 31 points in the McDonald's All American Game a week and a half ago.

Friday, April 2, 1999

Is Rhode Island head coach Jim Harrick coming or going? Two days ago he decided to take the Georgia job and then yesterday afternoon he changed his mind and decided to remain at Rhode Island. Then, last night he changed his mind again and decided to go to Georgia afterall. It's bad enough when players can't make up their mind, but now we have coaches who can't seem to make a decision and stick with it. University of Pittsburgh head coach Ralph Willard is returning to his alma mater. He got the head coaching job at Holy Cross yesterday. New Mexico head coach Fran Fraschilla has hired Daren Savino, who was the part-time assistant at St. John's with Fraschilla, and former East Carolina head coach Joe Dooley, who is one of the bright young coaches in the business. Duke assistant coach Quin Snyder is interviewing for the Missouri job this afternoon. It's not a done deal, but it's close. If Snyder does get the job, don't look for him to hire a high school coach in order to get a player. As a result, the rumor about Snyder hiring Lakewood (Artesia) CA Wayne Merino so he can get 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA and 6'5 Josh Kroenke from New Hampton (Prep) NH, who Merino has coached the last several years in AAU ball, doesn't have any foundation. However, Synder doesn't need to hire Merino to get Kapono and Kroenke. Missouri was one of the leaders in both cases anyway. One rumor that does have some validity appears to be Missouri assistant coach Rich Daly following his boss Norm Stewart into retirement. Stewart will probably play golf a lot, but the word is Daly wants to get into the AAU business. Apparently he's talking about putting together an all-star AAU team with players from around the nation and compete on the summer circuit. Our guess is that he'd have no trouble finding the funding, getting players, and/or coaching the team.

When we saw 6'1 Rick Jones from Georgetown (Scott County) KY in December we thought he was terrific. However, he hasn't played as well lately and, as a result, we are not quite as high on him as we once were. However, Clemson hasn't backed off him a bit and Illinois is still very much in the hunt, although the Fighting Illini want him to make a decision soon, because they may have to make a choice between Jones and 6'1 Sean Harrington from Elgin (H.S.) IL, who are similar players. We also know that earlier this week University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith met with Jones, but as it stands now, no scholarship has been offered. It's our speculation that Kentucky wants him to walk-on, which would be similar to an Anthony Epps type situation. Louisville also dropped out of the hunt several months ago after they landed 6'1 Rashad Brooks from Cecil (JC) MD, but we think that was a mistake. Instead, Louisville told Jones they wanted him to walk-on, but apparently he wasn't interested. Auburn and Syracuse are also still mentioned, but appear to be long shots.

Stephen Bell, the Editor & Publisher of The Bank, as well as a long time contributor to the HOOP SCOOP, was the "Prime Time Shootout" in Lansing on Thurday. It was the first time most coaches have seen 6'10 sophomore Nate Loehrke from Mattawan (H.S.) MI (a rural suburb of Kalamazoo). "He's a Utah-type center with a great frame," says Bell. "Nate was much better than 6'10 juniors Johnny Davis (Detroit Central) and Brian Carter (Southgate Aquinas). Every Big 10 coach I spoke with loved Loehrke. He's a Top 50 sophomore, the #3 10th-grader in the state. The best player at the event, however, was 6'3 Soph Kelvin Torbert from Flint Northwestern . This kid just continues to get better and better. He showed awesome leaping ability and made big-time play after big-time play. Also playing very well were 5'9 C.J. Grantham from Belleville (H.S.) MI, 6'6 Jr Eugene Seals from Saginaw (H.S.) MI, and 6'8 Soph Leonard Harden from Ferndale (H.S.) MI. "Grantham is the most improved senior in the state. He's both very quick and very fast, a true point guard whose shot has improved. C.J. had some huge scoring games in the state tournament. Look for C.J. to end up with his local school, Eastern Michigan. EMU's starting backcourt next year will be C.J. at the point and Purdue transfer Mosi Barnes at the two. However, don't expect 6'9 vagabond Charles Kage do end up there (per Milton Barnes)." Bell also tells us that 6'3 Nucleus Smith from Pontiac (Northern) MI, who got healthy late in the season, and was huge down the stretch as Northern made it to the Class A semifinals, will likely sign with Dayton. "Northern has two very good young players," says Bell. "Ricky Morgan is a 6'1 sophomore point guard who is a terrific passer off the dribble and Lester Abrams is 6'5 freshman lefty shooter. His coming out party was a while back when he played Brent Darby to no less than a draw. Abrams doesn't play D, but he knows how to score the ball. "Earlier, other MAC coaches had told me that the second-best senior big man in Michigan, 6'8 Mark Maxwell from Detroit Murray-Wright, was a lock for Eastern. However, now it's looking like he'll end up at the U-of-D. Aside from Grantham, one of the best unsigned senior guards in the state was 6'2 T.J. Meerman from Coopersville (H.S.) MI, but he has given a verbal commitment to Central Michigan. The Chips beat out Iowa State and some smaller schools for this two-time Class B All State selection who finished fifth in the Mr. Basketball voting."

Thursday, April 1, 1999

We are now getting reports that there is press conference scheduled for tomorrow in Columbia, MO and another coaching legend - Norm Stewart, the long time head coach at Missouri - is expected to retire. Already we've heard speculation about a possible successor, including Missouri assistant coach Rich Daly, former Missouri All-American and current television commentator Jon Sundvold, and Illinois State head coach Kevin Stallings. Stallings also appears to be one of the final two for the Vanderbilt job. Apparently it's Duke assistant coach Quin Snyder's job to turn down, but Stallings was in Nashville yesterday meeting with Vanderbilt officials and could get the job, if Snyder finds something better (i.e. Missouri). And as long as we're talking about players who are considering Missouri, how smart has 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA been waiting until the spring to announce his college decision? In the past we knew Kapono was brilliant both on the court and in the classroom, but now he looks like a genius in the recruiting process. Just this week, two of his top four schools (Missouri and Rhode Island) are changing head coaches. At another (UNLV), the head coach (Bill Bayno) could be on the hot seat if he doesn't win next year and at the fourth school (Utah), the head coach (Rick Majerus) has looked seriously at several jobs. Obviously it pays to wait until the spring when making your college decision. As a matter of fact, statistics show that two out of every three Division I schools have changed head coaches during the last four years. And the head coach is usually the #1 reason why a player picks a particular school. But based on these statistics, over two out of every three head coaches today will be someplace else by the time a high school senior graduates from college four or five years from now.

Several other names we are now hearing for the Rhode Island job are Ohio State assistant coach Paul Biancardi and Rhode Island assistant coach Jim Harrick, Jr. Apparently Georgia state law prohibits nepotism. So Jim Harrick, Sr, can't hire his son at the University of Georgia. However, we do look for Harrick to take assistant coach Jerry Degregoria with him and we'd be surprised if the University of Georgia didn't become a serious factor for, you guessed it, 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA. Biancardi is a hot commodity right now, because Ohio State was a Final Four team, and he apparently wants to return to the Northeast. Remember, he established his reputation as one of the best recruiters in the nation when he was an assistant at Boston College. We reported several weeks ago that UNLV head coach Bill Bayno could be in trouble. At the NCAA Final Four, Bayno made it a point to tell us that there was no truth to this rumor. However, according to Bob Wolfley, a columnist for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, former Marquette head coach Mike Deane would be a candidate for the UNLV job, if it opens. Remember, Deane is a heck of a coach, an extremely straight shooter, and he graduates his players, which is extactly what the administration at UNLV is looking for. However, our guess is that Bayno will have at least another year and making the NCAA Tournament and winning a couple of games in the tournament would solve most of his problems.

We are now getting reports that Vanderbilt has panicked on Quin Snyder and has instead offered Illinois State head coach Kevin Stallings the job. And our sources tell us that Stallings has accepted the Vandy job. Apparently it was Snyder's job to turn down, but the Duke assistant coach asked the the administration if he could hold off for a while, because he wanted to look at the Missouri job, which opened today. As a matter of fact, our sources tell us that Snyder is now the leading candidate to replace Norm Stewart. And if Snyder is named as the next coach at Missouri, look for him to use his great personality and excellent recruiting skills to immediately pull off the hat trick and land 6'5 Kareem Rush from Kansas City (Pembroke Hill) MO, 6'8 Jason Kapono from Lakewood (Artesia) CA, and 6'5 Josh Kroenke from New Hampton (Prep) NH. Remember, Snyder, signed eight McDonald's All-Americans - Elton Brand, William Avery, Shane Battier, Chris Burgess, Corey Maggette, 6'3 Jason Williams from Metuchen (St. Josephs) NJ, 6'11 Casey Sanders from Tampa (Prep) FL, and 6'7 Michael Dunleavy from Portland (Jesuit) OR - in the last two years at Duke and we think he's on the verge of getting another one. Before we thought it was too close to call, but we have a source who is usually right on the money who thinks it's 99% certain that 6'9 Carlos Boozer from Juneau (Douglas) AK will go to Duke. Obviously that's the good news for Blue Devil fans. The bad news is that Brand and Avery are both going to declare hardship for the NBA draft. Our source tells us that Brand is definite and Avery is probable. We also are hearing that UCLA's Baron Davis and UNLV's Shawn Marion are also going to declare hardship this spring. And last, but not least, we are now predicting that 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME will announce for Cincinnati on Saturday at the Magic Johnson Roundball Classic in Auburn Hills, MI.

We are now getting reports that Jim Harrick has had second thoughts about taking the University of Georgia job and instead now plans to stay at Rhode Island. Maybe he decided the money wasn't right, he didn't want to deal with athletic director Vince Dooley, and/or wanted to help get his son, Jim Harrick, Jr., the Rhode Island job, but figured he'd need another couple of years to ensure the succession. Which brings us back to Appalachian State head coach Buzz Peterson. Does he take the job knowing that he was passed over and was clearly the second choice behind Harrick?  Or does Dooley look in another direction? Maybe he'll go after the guy he should have gotten in the first place - Duke assistant coach Quin Snyder. What a mess! We are also hearing that Baylor assistant coach Mike Wilson is the leading candidate for the Lamar job. If that doesn't happen, look for Wilson, who is widely recognized as one of the best recruiters in the nation, to move into a big time job. Apparently new Baylor head coach Dave Bliss is bringing both of his recruiters from New Mexico. However, wherever Wilson goes, don't be surprised if Tevis Stokes, 6'6 Terry Black from Indian Hills (JC) IA, and several 7-foot Russians also find there way to that program. Yesterday we told you that Notre Dame assistant coach Fran McCaffery was a candidate for the UNC-Greensboro job. Well, our Philadelphia Area Allen Rubin tells us it happened today. Also, now that Maryland star Steve Francis has opted to declare hardship for the NBA, head coach Gary Williams has turned up the heat on both 6'9 DerMarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME and 6'6 Reece Gaines from Madison (West) WI. We are now predicting that Maryland will get Gaines, but we think it's going to be too late for Maryland to get Johnson.  However, they may be able to delay Johnson's expected commitment this weekend.

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