HOT RECRUITING INFORMATION  

FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2002

Hot Recruiting Information available for previous 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 July 1999 August 1999 September 1999 October 1999 November 1999 December 1999 January 2000 February 2000 March 2000 April 2000 May 2000 June 2000 July 2000 August 2000 September 2000 October 2000 November 2000 December 2000 January 2001 February 2001 March 2001 April 2001 May 2001 June 2001 July 2001 August 2001 September 2001 October 2001 November 2001 December 2001 January 2002 February 2002 March 2002 April 2002 May 2002 June 2002 July 2002 August 2002 September 2002

Monday, September 30, 2002

Where do you think 6'10 Ndudi Ebi from Houston (Westbury Christian) TX will go to college?  That was our "Question of the Day" on Tuesday, September 10th and the results are extremely interesting, as 32% of those responding picked Duke, 26% said Texas, 12% said Indiana, 12% said he'd by-pass college and go straight to the NBA, 10% said Arizona, and 6% said Houston.  Obviously this is of particular interest, because Ebi, who is ranked #4 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, has a press conference scheduled for 10:00 AM tomorrow and, if you believe the word on the street, it looks like Texas and Houston are both out and that it's still too close to call between Duke and Arizona.  Sure, Arizona could emerge as the compromise choice, but the fact that Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and Duke assistant coach Steve Wojciechowski made a second in-home visit with Ebi for two hours this afternoon (4:00 PM-6:00 PM Central Time) has to put the Blue Devils into the driver's seat.  As a matter of fact, we'd be very surprised if Ebi doesn't pick Duke and, assuming that we're right, this could have major ramifications in terms of how a number of the other important dominos fall.   Right at the top of the list is 6'8 Luol Deng from Blairstown (Blair Academy) NJ, who is ranked #2 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  Did you know that Deng was at the University of Missouri over the weekend on an official visit?  Did you also know that Deng told a source close to the HOOP SCOOP within the last several days that his two favorite schools are Duke and Missouri?  So, if Ebi commits to the Blue Devils tomorrow, then the smart money would have to be on Missouri getting Deng.  And if Ebi and Deng both fall as expected, then that would tip the pendulum in favor of Memphis and Arkansas in the sweepstakes for 6'5 Olu Famutimi from Flint (Northwestern) MI, who is ranked #7 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  The fact that Arkansas head coach Stan Heath is still close friends with Chris Grier, who is Famutimi's AAU coach, dating back to Heath's days when he was an assistant coach at Michigan State, obviously will make the Razorbacks tough to beat.   But, if anybody can do, it's John Calipari, who has all the NBA contacts necessary to draw the top high school players in the nation seemingly like flies.   However, when you recruit the top players in the nation, you also run the risk of losing them prematurely to the NBA and obviously, with Dajuan Wagner declaring hardship after his freshman year and Amare Stoudemire and Qyntel Woods by-passing college and entering their names into the NBA Draft last spring, Calipari has also lost more of his fair share of elite players to the pros.  However, if Famutimi picks the Tigers, Calipari might just hit the jackpot.  Remember, 6'5 wing players, especially out of high school, are a dime a dozen the NBA Draft and 6'10 Kendrick Perkins from Beaumont (Ozen) TX, who is ranked #13 nationally in the senior class, but, who has top five talent and potential, if he works harder and gets into better shape, also would be best advised to go to college for a year or two.  When you also add 6'7 Sean Banks from Oradell (Bergen Catholic) NJ and 6'4 Alex Carmona from Winchendon (School) MA to the equation, Memphis' recruiting class currently checks in at #6 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  But if they also get Famutimi, their class would move into the #2 spot right behind Louisville.   Getting back to Ebi, if he picks Duke, the Blue Devils' recruiting class would move up to #8 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  They also would have a perfect 10 in terms of their talent rating average per recruiting, because 6'8 Kris Humphries from Minnetonka (Hopkins) MN, who committed to the Blue Devils last spring, is ranked #5 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.   Plus, Duke would have to be the early favorite for 6'3 Jr Daniel Gibson from Houston (Jones) TX, who is ranked #14 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP.   Remember, Ebi and Gibson and extremely close friends and, as result, wherever Ebi goes, Gibson will likely follow.  However, if Ebi picks Duke and, as a result, Deng picks Missouri, then the Blue Devils class would drop one spot to #7, because the Tigers' class would move up to #3, right behind California and right ahead of Mississippi State.  And, if Famutimi picks Arkansas, which to-date doesn't have any verbal commitments, that would move the Razorbacks' recruiting class up to #36 with only one player in the class.  But even more important, getting Famutimi would give Heath the star player he needs to not only build his program around, but ensure that all the good young players right in his own backyard stay at home. 

The verbal commitments just keep right on rolling in as 6'8 Wilfred Famini from Amelia (Academy) VA picked Arizona State, 6'11 Ray Shafer from Wasilla (H.S.) AK picked Oregon, 6'8 Jean Francois Bro-Grebe from Chamblee (H.S.) GA picked Dayton, 6'5 Sean Marshall from Rialto (Eisenhower) CA picked Boston College, and 6'8 Tyler Koenig from Fargo (H.S.) ND picked Wisconsin-Green Bay, all within the last 24 hours.   Famini's commitment is especially noteworthy, because we thought West Virginia and William & Mary were the two favorites for his services.  As a matter of fact, Famini visited William & Mary over the weekend and, then, almost immediately after returning home from the visit, Famini made it official for the Sun Devils.  Famini is not a great athlete, but he is very skilled, is excellent offensively around the basket, and has a major upside.  Famini also should complement the other two forwards - 6'9 Keith Wooden from Lawrence (Free State) KS and 6'8 Chris Low from Tyler (Thomas Gorman) TX - that Arizona State has gotten verbal commitments from this fall.  And when you also add 6'3 Tron Smith from Moreno Valley (Canyon Spring) CA, who verbally committed to the Sun Devils last spring, into the equation, Arizona State's recruiting class moves up to #17 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  And moving into the spot right behind Arizona State on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003 is Oregon - thanks to the verbal commitment from Shafer.  Shafer joins 6'8 Mitch Platt from Henderson (Green Valley) NV, who made it official for the Ducks last week, and 5'10 Aaron Brooks from Seattle (Franklin) WA, who picked Oregon over UCLA two weeks ago.  Obviously Brooks will be the point guard of the future at Oregon, as well as the heir apparent to Luke Ridnour, but Platt and Shafer are also important catches, because they both are expected to provide immediate help inside next year.  And they should complement one another extremely well, because Platt is a physical specimen and banger, while Shafer is taller and more skilled.  However, the best coach of all the player mentioned above will likely turn out to be Bro-Grebe.  We're talking about a skinny 6'8 athlete who currently only weighs 200 lbs..  But once he gets bigger and stronger, he has both the talent and potential to develop into the best player Oliver Purnell has had at Dayton.  In other words, this fluid agile athlete from the Ivory Coast needs to be added to our 5th year list (he's currently sitting out this year as 5th year player).  What Bro-Grebe does best right now is rebound and block shots (11. rpg and 5 bpg a year ago), but he also can score, run the court, dribble, pass, and defend, which means he can do a little bit of everything.   Marshall, who combines athleticism and outside shooting, is the wing player that Boston College was looking to sign this fall.  Marshall also should complement 6'1 Steve Hailey from Worcester (Academy) MA and 6'10 Dan Coleman from Minnetonka (Hopkins) MN in the Eagles 3-man recruiting class, which is currently tied at #33, along with Houston and Boston College, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  Koenig, who is expected to provide the physical that first-year Wisconsin-Green Bay head coach Tod Kowalczyk needs inside, picked the Phoenix over schools like Creighton, Northern Iowa, and Bradley. 

Saturday, September 28, 2002, & Sunday, September 29, 2002

Our Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania/South Jersey Editor Allen Rubin tells us that Temple has a verbal commitment from 6'3 Mario Taybron from Norfolk (Ryan Academy) VA.  The Owls recruited Taybron as a point guard, but he's really a 2-guard and a very talented one at that.  As a matter of fact, this slasher/athlete who thrives in transition is ranked #9 nationally among 5th year players by the HOOP SCOOP and, if he were included among high school seniors, would be ranked among the top 50 nationally.  In other words, the Owls got a steal and, according to Rubin, most of the credit should go to Dan Leibovitz.   Not only is Leibovitz one of the sharpest young guys in the business, but he also is the primary reason why Temple continues to recruit well.  Remember, opposing coaches are in the habit of using Temple head coach John Chaney's age against the Owls and, until recently when they hired former Philadelphia (Simon Gratz) PA head coach Bill Ellerbee as an assistant coach, Temple only had two assistant coaches (Leibovitz and Nate Blackwell) on the staff.  And Temple isn't the only school in the Atlantic-10 Conference that appears to have stolen one this weekend, as 6'4 Andres Sandoval from Winchendon (School) MA, who is ranked #27 nationally on our 5th year list, verbally committed to the University of Richmond.  This comes as no surprise, because Sandoval made an official visit to Richmond this weekend and, unless something unforeseen happened, we thought a verbal commitment could be forthcoming.  We also expect Richmond to get 5'10 Daon Merritt from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY, who is ranked #42 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  However, we don't look for this happen until after Merritt makes his official to Richmond next weekend.  We also have confirmed via Rubin that West Virginia has landed 6'8 Brad Byerson from Chester (Thomas Dale) VA, who is ranked #233 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP.  And just like the other two players - 6'5 Franklin Young from Tallahassee (Florida) FL and 6'0 Tyler Relph from Rochester (McQuaid Jesuit) NY - that the Mountaineers landed earlier this month, Byerson is the type of player you can build your program around.  He also moves West Virginia's recruiting class into a tie at #42, along with Ball State, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  It also appears that the University of Kentucky is one of the favorites for 6'10 Diego Romero from Lon Morris (JC) TX, who is ranked as one of the top five junior college players in the nation by Street & Smith's Pre-Season Yearbook.  Our West Coast Editor Dinos Trigonis tells us that 6'8 Trevor Ariza from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA made an official visit to Georgia this weekend.   Ariza also had already made official visits to Indiana and UNLV and is expected to visit Florida in two weeks for Midnight Madness and UCLA at a date yet to be determined.   Trigonis also informs us that Ekene Ibekwe from Carson (H.S.) CA made an official visit to USC this weekend and that 6'6 Sean Hawkins from Columbus State (JC) OH made an official visit to Long Beach State.  We also are hoping for a speedy recovery for University of Cincinnati head coach Bobby Huggins, who suffered a heart attack while on a recruiting trip in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday morning. 

Friday, September 27, 2002

Hal Pastner, who is the tournament director of the Academy National Invitational, tells us that 6'10 Ndudi Ebi from Houston (Westbury Christian) TX, who is ranked #4 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, will have a press conference at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time on Tuesday, October 1st, to announce his college decision.  The final four schools are Duke, Texas, Arizona, and Houston, but anybody who tells you they know for sure where Ebi is going is guessing.  Not only do we not have a clue, but we have to give Ebi credit for playing this one about as close to the vest as anybody in recent memory.  And Ebi isn't the only player who is expected to make a decision next week.   The word we get is that 6'10 David Padgett from Reno (H.S.) NV will pick Kansas, North Carolina, or Arizona on Wednesday and 6'4 Gary Forbes from Brooklyn (Banneker) NY will pick either Georgia Tech or Virginia, also on Wednesday.   Getting back to our conversation with Pastner, he tells us that we jumped the gun when we reported that 6'11 Elijah Miller from Cleveland (Heritage Christian) TX, who is ranked #234 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, had verbally committed to the University of Houston yesterday.  It was supposed to happen, but apparently Miller got cold feet and put his decision on hold.   Instead, it looks like Miller will take an official visit to Liberty sometime this week and it's not inconceivable that he could end up picking the Flames.  And, if Miller does, he would be following in the footsteps of 6'1 Larry Blair from Camden (Military Academy) SC, who verbally committed to Liberty several days ago.  Blair was the leading scorer at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions during Memorial Day Weekend, but he's really more of two guard than a point guard.   Thus, explains how Liberty was able to steal this one.  And, if they should also, by some chance, get Miller, that would hot only be a major coup for first year head coach Randy Dunton, but it would be one of the major recruiting stories of the entire year.  Remember, Liberty one just five games a year ago.  Pastner also is excited about his tournament, which will be held December 27th, 28th, and 30th, at Aldine's Campbell Center in Houston, TX.  The teams in the National Division will include Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ, Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, New York (Rice) NY, Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, Houston (Westbury Christian) TX, Winston-Salem (R.J.  Reynolds) TN, and  Memphis (Booker T. Washington) TN and the teams in the Texas Division will include Cleveland (Heritage Christian) TX, Houston (Jones) TX, Cedar Hill (H.S.) TX, Houston (Aldine) TX, Aldine (Nimitz) TX, Port Arthur (Memorial) TX, Houston (Westfield) TX, and Houston (Strake Jesuit) TX.  The top players will include 6'10 Ndudi Ebi from Houston (Westbury Christian) TX, 6'8 Ivan Harris from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'8 Trevor Ariza from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, 6'4 Rodrick Stewart from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, 6'8 Reyshawn Terry from Winston-Salem (R.J. Reynolds) NC, 6'4 Lodrick Stewart from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, 6'2 Marcus Williams from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'3 J.R. Reynolds from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'1 Michael Nardi from Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ, 6'6 Blake Adams from Aldine (Nimitz) TX, 6'8 Cartier Martin from Aldine (Nimitz) TX, 6'11 Grant Billmeier from Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ, 7'3 Shargi Alleyne from New York (Rice) NY, 6'9 Byron Joynes from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'4 Parker Pinkalla from Houston (Strake Jesuit) TX, 6'6 Scott Cutley from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, 6'8 Keith Foster from Winston-Salem (R.J. Reynolds) NC, 6'11 Elijah Miller from Cleveland (Heritage Christian) TX, 6'3 Jr Daniel Gibson from Houston (Jones) TX, and 6'1 Jr Daniel Horton from Cedar Hill (H.S.) TX, 6'2 Jr Isaiah Swann from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, 6'2 Gabriel Pruitt from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, 6'2 Jr Russell Robinson from New York (Rice) NY, 5'10 Jr Andre Allen from Memphis (Booker T. Washington) TN, 6'10 Jr Chester Giles from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, 6'7 Jr Arturo Dubois from New York (Rice) NY, 6'5 Soph Marcus Johnson from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, 6'9 Frosh Derrick Carachter from Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ.  In other words, the Academy National Invitational appears to be just as loaded as it was a year ago and bragging rights for the state's top ranked junior may be determined when Cedar Hill (H.S.) TX and Houston (Jones) TX square off in the first round.  That's Horton, who is ranked #12 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP, versus Gibson, who is ranked #12 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP!  And, if that weren't enough to keep Pastner busy, he also is gearing up for the Ninth Annual Kingwood Classic, which will be held in Houston, TX, April 25th-27th.  And Pastner thinks this events also could be even better than it was a year ago, because it once again will be one of the few events next spring that will be live for college coaches.  As a matter of fact, Pastner was recently quoted as saying "this year it could rival the adidas Big Time," referring to the annual 300-plus team extravaganza in Las Vegas, NV in late July.   For more information about both events, click onto Pastner's web site at http://www.visionsports.com.

Thursday, September 26, 2002

I have good news and bad news.  The good news is for Cincinnati head coach Bobby Huggins, who won't have to deal with 5'10 Tauren Minor from Houston (Washington) TX for the next four years.  The bad news is for opposing Southeastern Conference coaches, because, as expected, Minor picked LSU today.  This is huge for the Tigers, because Minor, despite his current ranking at #44 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, is a tremendous talent.   He also is unstoppable when he goes to the hole, as he uses his strong upper body, great body control, and athleticism to always find a way to score.  Unfortunately Minor often does this at the expense of his teammates, as more often than not, he's like a black hole when he gets the ball and thinks he has a chance to score.  Minor is not a bad kid, but he also doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut and, as a result, a lot of schools (both at the high school and college level) backed away from him.  In other words, LSU head coach John Brady has gotten himself one of the biggest enigmas in the Class of 2003 and the range of possibilities is almost endless.  It wouldn't surprise us if Minor transferred before he ever played a game at LSU.  But it also won't surprise us if Minor ended up being on ethe best point guards to ever play in the Southeastern Conference or, even better yet, lead the Tigers to a NCAA Championship.  Minor's commitment moves LSU's recruiting class, which also includes 6'7 Regis Koundjia from Laurinburg (Institute) NC and 6'7 Darrell Lazare from Baton Rouge (Woodlawn) LA, up to #9 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003 and, if they also get 6'8 Brandon Bass from Baton Rouge (Capital) LA, their recruiting class would move up to #2 behind Louisville and ahead of California.  Right now the Tigers aren't listed as one of the favorites for Bass, but, the longer it goes, the more we like their chances.  Remember, LSU is tough to beat in their own backyard.  We also have confirmed that 6'11 Elijah Miller from Cleveland (Heritage Christian) TX has finally made it official for the University of Houston.  If you will recall, Miller made an official visit to Houston the first weekend in September and we thought a verbal commitment would be forthcoming immediately.  Miller moves the Cougars' recruiting class, which also includes 6'3 Lanny Smith from Missouri City (Hightower) TX, 6'4 Parker Pinkalla from Houston (Strake Jesuit) TX, and 6'7 Andrew Francis from Alief (Alief-Elsik) TX, up to #19 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  And they are done yet!  The icing on the cake for the Cougars would be to get 6'10 Ndudi Ebi from Houston (Westbury Christian) TX, who is ranked #4 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  That's not a prediction, but we do think the Cougars have a better shot than most people realize.   However, the smart money is still on Duke, Arizona, and Texas and a decision from Ebi is expected to occur fairly soon.  Our West Coast Editor Dinos Trigonis is reporting that 6'7 Antonio Griffin from Scottsdale (JC) AZ has verbally committed to Florida State.  This too comes as no surprise, because the Seminoles have been the heavy favorite for sometime.  As a matter of fact, we predicted that this would occur 10 days ago and apparently nothing happened to change his mind on his official visit to Tallahassee, FL last weekend.  Also making an official visit to Florida State last weekend was 6'8 Nick Dewitz from Mesa (JC) AZ and, if the Seminoles can pull that one off a well, then new Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton would be well on his way towards turning the program around in a hurry.   Remember, Griffin and Dewitz are both consensus top 20 junior college players.  However, getting Dewitz is not nearly as sure a thing, because Iowa and Indiana are making this a three horse race.  Trigonis also tells us that 6'7 Trevon Free from Compton (Dominguez) CA has verbally committed to Long Beach State, 6'10 Mitch Platt from Henderson (Green Valley) NV has picked the University of Oregon.  Platt does not rank among our top 300 seniors nationally, but he is exactly what the Ducks need - a big guy who is capable of stepping in providing an inside presence next year in a reserve capacity.  Getting Platt also is impressive when one considers that Oregon head coach Ernie Kent has beaten UCLA for 5'10 Aaron Brooks from Seattle (Franklin) WA and Bobby Knight for Platt.   That's right!  Texas Tech finished second for this banger/scorer/physical specimen.  Platt's commitment moves Oregon's recruiting class into a tie at #31, along with Utah and Texas Christian, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003 and, if Oregon also lands 6'11 Ray Schafer from Wasilla (H.S.) AK, who is ranked #263 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, their class would move into another tie at #17, along with Georgetown and Maryland.  Free is another guy who doesn't rank among our top 300 seniors nationally, but who still is an excellent catch for the 49ers, because he's a good old-fashioned banger inside.  However, he's a little undersized and he's not a great athlete.  The same also can be said about 6'6 Soph Jamal Boykin from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA, but that hasn't stopped Van Coleman of Future Stars from ranking Boykin #10 in the sophomore class in Lindy's Pre-Season College Basketball Magazine.  Speaking of Boykin, who has a size 16-shoe and a knack for getting more than his fair share of rebounds, as he dominates around the basket, we talked with him on Saturday at Rick Barrett's Gym Rats Midnight Madness in Cherry Hill, NJ and he gave us an early list of schools.   And right at the top of the is Duke, followed by Arizona, UCLA, and Pepperdine.   However, Boykin also told us that he'd be interested in attending the same college as his older brother - 6'7 Ruben Boykin from Los Angeles (University) CA, who currently is getting a lot of mid-major looks. 

We have confirmed that 6'10 Major Wingate, who recently transferred from Florence (Wilson) SC to Suwanee (North Gwinnette) GA, has verbally committed to the University of Tennessee.  And this is very intriguing, because just like with today's verbal commitment by 5'10 Taurean Minor from Houston (Washington) TX to LSU, Wingate is one of the biggest enigmas in the senior class nationally.  Wingate also is one of the biggest underachievers, which explains why he is ranked no higher than #119 in the senior class nationally by the HOOP SCOOP.    However, Wingate also is a physical specimen, great athlete, and extremely skilled.  In other words, we could be talking about a NBA player down the road, if Volunteers head coach Buzz Peterson has enough patience, but, at the same time, is able to motivate and push Wingate in the right direction.  Wingate's commitment moves Tennessee's recruiting class, which also includes 6'4 Dane Bradshaw from Memphis (White Station) TN, into a tie at #41, along with Clemson, Seton Hall, Boston College, Gonzaga, Purdue, College of Charleston, Mississippi, and Wright State, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  But that too is deceptive.  Remember, we don't count transfers when ranking recruiting classes, so Jamere Hendrix, who transferred Clemson, and Scooter McFadgen, who transferred from Memphis, both of whom are sitting out and paying their own way this year at Tennessee, don't count in this year's recruiting class, but they do count towards this class in terms of scholarships.  And this is important, because Tennessee is out of scholarships in this recruiting class and, as a result, can now focus exclusively on underclassmen, like 6'10 Jr Dwight Howard from Atlanta (Southwest Atlanta Christian) GA, 6'8 Jr Mike Williams from Camden (Wilcox Central) AL, 6'6 Soph Tyler Smith from Pulaski (Giles County) TN, 6'10 Jr Ra-Sean Dickey from Clio (Marlboro County) SC, 6'8 Jr Marvin Williams from Bremerton (H.S.) WA, 5'10 Jr Andre Allen from Memphis (Booker T. Washington) TN, 6'8 Jr Jerrell Houston from Memphis (East) TN, and 6'7 Jr Corey Brewer from Portland (H.S.) TN.   Also don't be surprised if Tennessee gets a verbal commitment from 6'5 Lorenzo Wade from Las Vegas (Cheyenne) NV, but then stashes him in prep school for a year.  If you will recall, the Volunteers already have a player on their roster from Las Vegas in C.J. Watson and they have a good rapport with a number of the top prep school coaches.  Remember, two of their players - 6'4 John Winchester from Milford (Academy) CT and 6'4 Stanley Asumnu from Chatham (Hargrave Military) VA - in last year's recruiting class were 5th year players.   However, we'd be surprised if the Volunteers found a way to take 6'10 Wesley Green from Eustis (H.S.) FL, who also was one of their priorities prior to getting today's commitment from Wingate.  Instead, Indiana, which is where Green plans to visit this weekend, appears to be one of the leaders.  Green is currently ranked no higher than #201 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, but he has a major upside.  Remember, we rank players the old-fashioned way, whereby, if they want to move up our rankings, they have to earn.  And Green is the perfect example.  He's not very good right now, but, once Green gets into better shape, he should move up dramatically, because he's got a mammoth frame, good hands, and excellent skills.  We also are watching to see if William & Mary can pull off the upset and beat West Virginia, Arizona State, and Tulane for 6'8 Wilfred Famini from Amelia (Academy) VA.  Did you know that Famini is supposed to visit the Tribe this weekend?  Also taking an official visit this weekend to Richmond is 6'4 Andres Sandoval from Winchendon (School) MA and, if the Spiders pull this off, head coach Jerry Wainwright should have one of the best backcourts in the Atlantic-10 for years to come.  Remember, we think Richmond getting 5'10 Daon Merritt from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY is already a foregone conclusion due to the fact St. Raymond's head coach Gary DeCesare was recently hired as an assistant coach by the Spiders.  Speaking of DeCesare, it appears that his close relationship via adidas with Winchendon head coach Mike Byrnes will also be the determining factor in the Sandoval sweepstakes.  As for Merritt, he led the adidas ABDC Camp in assists, led the New York Ravens to the championship at the adidas Big Tournament in Las Vegas, NV, and was the MVP for the second consecutive year at Five-Star's loaded Honesdale II session.  Thus, explains why Merritt is currently ranked #42 in the senior class nationally by the HOOP SCOOP.  Our West Coast Editor Dinos Trigonis is telling us that he thinks it's now a two-horse race between UCLA and Kansas for 6'3 Omar Wilkes from Los Angeles (Loyola) CA and that USC will beat Maryland, Oklahoma State, and Kansas for 6'8 Ekene Ibekwe from Carson (H.S.) CA.  However, that didn't stop Kansas head coach Roy Williams from visiting Ibekwe Tuesday night immediately after watching Wilkes practice the same afternoon.  We also believe that Kansas is the co-favorite, along with North Carolina for 6'10 David Padgett from Reno (H.S.) NV.  So let's say the Jayhawks hit the jackpot and add Padgett, Ibekwe, and Wilkes to a recruiting class that already includes 6'5 J.R. Giddens from Oklahoma City (John Marshall) OK and 6'1 Jeremy Case from McAlester (H.S.) OK.  Then, we'd be talking about the #1 ranked recruiting class in the nation.  We have confirmed that Wisconsin-Green Bay has landed 6'7 Josh Lawrence from Ashton (H.S.) IL, who is best described as a combo forward who can shoot, rebound, put the ball on the floor, and pass.

Wednesday, September 25, 2002

In August we told you that 6'5 Earl Smith, who is ranked #23 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, would likely transfer from Lakewood (H.S.) NJ to Newark (St. Benedict's) NJ and be reclassified as a junior.  Well, this is common knowledge now, but we still want to talk it, because Smith; 6'7 Jr Stanley Branch, who is ranked #16 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP; 6'2 Art Bowers, who is ranked #88 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP; and 5'11 Bashir Mason, who is ranked #232 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP; promise to give St. Benedict's head coach Danny Hurley one of the best starting lineups in high school basketball this year.  And the 5th starter also has top 100-like talent and potential.  We're talking about 6'6 Jr Alex Galindo, who transferred to St. Benedict's from Puerto Rico.  Galindo is not a great athlete, but he is very skilled, knows how to play, and can shoot the lights out.  In other words, he should be the perfect complement to Branch and Smith for the next two years.   So would have 6'6 Jr Keving Palacios.  But he is no longer in school and 6'6 Eugene Kotorobai,and 6'7 Mike Tuck, both of whom were supposed to be heading to St. Benedict's this summer, never materialized.  However, Hurley still has plenty of depth with 6'6 Eric Hazard, 6'5 Aswan Minatee, 6'3 Jr Jon Ezookoli, 6'6 Soph Ismaila Trore', 6'9 Soph Frank Tchuisi, and 5'8 Frosh Eddie Castellano.  The key for Castellano is how much he grows.  But, assuming he does, we may be talking about a great one.  In other words, Castellano has the ball handling and passing skills and court savvy necessary to be Hurley's point guard of the future.  Tchusis also needs to get bigger and stronger physically, but he's a great athlete, has an incredible wing span, and does things you simply can't teach.   He also is an extremely quick leaper and his skills are already pretty good for somebody so young.  Trore' is extremely well built, but he's also very raw and, as a result, figures to be a blue collar guy inside right now, although he has a chance to develop into a perimeter player down the road.  Ezookoli is a lefty two-guard who was good enough to make the all-star game at Eastern Invitational in July.   Minatee is an athletic wing forward who will probably have to go the junior college, because he needs more time in order to eventually get recruited at the mid-to-low Division I level.  Hazard is excellent in a structured system and outstanding academically and as a result, is a prime target for schools like Brown and Columbia.   East Carolina and Drexel are the leaders for Mason, but George Mason, Wyoming, and Virginia Commonwealth are also trying to steal him.  Bowers is already gone to Massachusetts.  Villanova, Rutgers, Connecticut, Kentucky, Seton Hall, Florida, Missouri, Louisville, and Florida International are all showing early interest in Branch.   Smith, whose list is very similar to that of Branch, is a prime target for almost everybody in the Big East, but his favorite school is North Carolina and with the extra year to work on his grades, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Tar Heels will offer a year from now, assuming they have a scholarship available.  Remember, unless somebody transfers, North Carolina only has two scholarships to give this and next year and their top two choices are 7'0 Brian Butch from Appleton (East) WI and 6'10 David Padgett from Reno (H.S.) NV.  And Smith isn't the only player who will drop off our list of the top players in the Class of 2003.  Did you know that 6'9 Ousmane Barro from Chicago (Julian) IL, who ranked is #93 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, has returned to the Senegal and the word we get from Roy Schmidt of the Illinois Bulls-eye Report is that Barro isn't expected to return anytime soon.  Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that Arizona State has landed 6'8 Chris Low from Tyler (Thomas Gorman) TX.  And just like Arizona State's other two recruits - 6'3 Tron Smith from Moreno Valley (Canyon Spring) CA, who is ranked #73 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, and 6'9 Keith Wooden from Lawrence (Free State) KS, who is ranked #104 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, we think Low is a major steal.  He also has a major upside, but, as of yet, has not cracked our top 100 nationally.  Lowe is currently ranked #123 nationally in the senior class, but don't be surprised if he turns out to be the best of three down the road.  In other words, what Low lacks in athleticism and God-given talent, he more than makes up for with hard work, hustle, and skills.  He also has the ability to go out on the perimeter and shoot the three, which means he has a chance to also play some wing forward down the road. 

Our Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania/South Jersey Editor Allen Rubin tells us that La Salle has a verbal commitment from 6'8 Mike St. John from Weston (Rivers School) MA and it appears we're talking about a legitimate sleeper, because St. John is no place to found in anybody's national rankings.  Part of the problem is that St. John is also a terrific baseball player and, as a result, spent much of the spring and summer playing that sport.  On the hardword, St. John is strong around the basket, but he also has the ability to step out and hit the 15-foot jumper.  We also have confirmed that Seton Hall is now out of the picture for 7'3 Shargi Alleyne from New York (Rice) NY.  Instead, the Pirates, which only have one scholarship remaining in this recruiting class, are focusing on just three players - 6'9 Charlie Villanueva from Blairstown (Blair Academy) NJ, 6'8 Michael Pilgram from Wolfeboro (Brewster Academy) NH, and 6'8 Terrance Roberts from Jersey City (St. Anthony) NJ.  Speaking of Roberts, did you know that he was at Virginia, along with 6'8 Luol Deng from Blairstown (Blairstown Academy) NJ, on an official visit last weekend?  Virginia is also one of the top three, along with Arizona and N.C. State, for 6'3 Mustafa Shakur from Wynnewood (Friends Central) PA and, while the Cavaliers aren't the leader on any of these players, it would not surprise us if head coach Pete Gillen and his staff pulled off another major upset.  Remember, that's exactly what they did last spring when they beat Kansas and Iowa for 6'6 Devin Smith form Coffeyville (JC) KS.  In other words, lightning can strike twice in the same place.  Getting back to Alleyne we think he's a near lock to sign with the University of Kentucky for several reasons.  First, he appears to be the top priority in the Wildcats recruiting class.  Second, University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith seems to be more comfortable with a more deliberate game and Alleyne does not seem to thrive in an uptempo setting.  In other words, it appears to be a perfect fit.  Third, the school that Kentucky has to beat for Alleyne now appears to be Rutgers.  But our guess is that it is only a matter of time before the Scarlet Knights land 6'1 Darryl Watkins from Paterson (Catholic) NJ.  If you will recall, last week Rutgers got a verbal commitment from 6'4 Marquis Webb from Paterson (Catholic) NJ and upon further investigation, it appears that Watkins and Webb are not only high school teammates and best friends, but they are often inseparable.  In other words, if Watkins goes anywhere except Rutgers, it would be a major surprise.  So when, and if, this happens, Rutgers' recruiting class, which currently is tied at #34, along with Notre Dame, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003 and includes Webb and 6'3 Quincy Douby from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT, will move into a tie, along with Alabama, at #14.  Not only would this be huge in terms of moving the Scarlet Knights program in the right direction, but it would give Rutgers head coach Gary Waters the satisfaction of proving his critics, including us, wrong.  If you will recall, when Waters got the job a-year-and-a-half ago, we predicted that it would be next to impossible for him and his staff, all of whom are originally from the Midwest, to be able to recruit the top players in New Jersey.  Well, he already has Webb and it looks like he's going to get Watkins.  And don't be surprised if 6'1 Jamual Warren, who recently transferred from Holyoke (H.S.) MA to Paterson (Catholic) NJ, follows Webb and Watkins a year from now.  If you will recall, Warren has been reclassified as a junior.  Getting back to Kentucky's recruiting, it was reported in the Louisville Courier-Journal on Sunday that Tubby Smith recently had made an in-home visit with 6'5 Olu Famutimi from Flint (Northwestern) MI, but the three schools at the top of Famutimi's list are Memphis, Missouri, and Arkansas.  At least that's what Famutimi's AAU coach Chris Grier told us Saturday night at Rick Barrett's Gym Rats Midnight Madness in Cherry Hill, NJ.   We also don't believe that Kentucky has much of a chance of getting 6'11 James Lang from Birmingham (Central Park Christian) AL, despite the fact Lang's mother continues to tell everybody that he's wide open.  If you will recall, Lang has never said that he doesn't plan to honor his commitment to Louisville, but he never seems to go so far as to publicly say that his mother has no influence upon the decision.  And that brings us to our "Question of the Day," which takes into consideration the fact that Lang may not make it academically and the fact that he may by-pass college and declare for the NBA Draft next spring and asks whether Louisville should stop recruiting Lang, unless he puts an end to all the non-sense.  Instead, Kentucky should continue to put a lot more emphasis on getting an early jump on the junior class.  As a matter of fact, we've recently heard the Wildcats mentioned with 6'0 Jr Darius Washington from Orlando (Edgewater) GA, 5'11 Jr Sebastian Telfair from Brooklyn (Lincoln) NY, 6'8 Jr Marvin Williams from Bremerton (H.S.) WA, 6'8 Jr Stanley Branch from Newark (St. Benedict's) NJ, and 6'3 Jr Daniel Gibson from Houston (Jones) TX, all of whom are ranked among the top 20 juniors nationally, plus Smith has the contacts necessary to make a strong push for 6'9 Jr Joshua Smith from Powder Springs (McEachern) GA, 6'10 Jr Dwight Howard from Atlanta (Southwest Atlanta Christian) GA, 6'10 Jr Randolph Morris from Fairburn (Landmark Christian) GA, and 6'5 Jr Dwayne Day from Vandallia (H.S.) GA, all of whom are ranked among the top 25 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP and play for the Atlanta Celtics.  Did you know that former Wildcats point guard Saul Smith played for the Atlanta Celtics back in the days of Dion Glover and Jumaine Jones?  However, the list I got from Joshua Smith's father Saturday night included Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, Duke, North Carolina, Missouri, and UCLA.  And, according to Prather, the Wildcats have yet to show any interest in Howard, Morris, and Day as well.  But there is a precedent for Smith not going back into his old stamping grounds (Smith previously was the head coach at Georgia).  Remember, Kentucky also was the early favorite for Donnell Harvey, who turned out to be the consensus #1-ranked player in the Class of 1999, but they decided not to recruit him. 

Tuesday, September 24, 2002

The verbal commitments that we have picked up within the last 48 hours (all day yesterday was spent driving back from New Jersey and writing about the two events - 2002 Gym Rat Midnight Madness on Saturday night at Cherry Hill East High School in Cherry Hill, NJ and 2002 Fall Jam Fest at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ - that I attended over the weekend) include 6'5 Ron Lemelle from Western Oklahoma (JC) OK to Auburn, 6'8 DeVonne Giles from Seward County (JC) KS to Texas Tech, 6'4 Kevin Kloostra from Chatham (John McGregor) ON to Lamar, 6'5 Dwight Brewington from Worcester (Academy) MA to Providence, 6'4 Tariq Atkins from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY to Iona, 6'5 David Hoskins form Canton (Plymouth-Salem) MI to Central Michigan, 6'6 Vladimiras Severovas from Beverly Hills (Groves) MI to Wright State, 6'8 Joel Green from Chatham (Hargrave Military) VA to Siena, 6'7 Matt Stevenson from Towson (Catholic) MD to Drexel, 6'2 Max Schafer from Wayne (DePaul Catholic) NJ, 6'9 Sky Frazier from Washington (St. Borgia) MD to Southwest Missouri State, 6'4 Tyler Chaney from Neosho (H.S.) MO to Southwest Missouri State, 6'6 Morris Almond from Powder Springs (McEachern) GA to Rice, and 6'1 Jason Okrzesik from Oak Park (Fenwick) IL to Rice.  The commitments by Lemelle and Giles are both huge, because they both are ranked among the top 20 junior college players in the nation.  Lemelle, who was the Newcomer-of-the-Year in the tough Jayhawk Community College Conference a year ago, is a prolific scorer, big time athlete, and tremendous talent.  In other words, he's exactly what the doctor ordered as Auburn head coach Cliff Ellis appears to be on the verge of turning the program around in a hurry.  Sure, the Tiges are coming off 12-16 season, which is the worst in the eight years Ellis has been at Auburn, but four freshmen (Dwayne Mitchell, Brandon Robinson, Marco Killingsworth, and Lewis Monroe) were part-time starters a year ago, plus they added 6'4 Steve Leven from Laurinburg (Institute) NC, 6'10 Terry Licorish from Laurinburg (Institute) NC, 5'11 Troy Gaines from Scottsdale (JC) AZ, and 6'0 Chris Lollar from Johnson County (JC) KS in last year's recruiting class and they already have 6'8 Dwayne Curtis from Chicago (Whitney Young) IL, who some people think is the best kept secret in the state of Illinois this year, in their current recruiting class.  Speaking of Auburn's current class, it is now tied at #18, along with Kansas, Villanova, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003, Giles, who is ranked as a 4th Team Junior College All-American by the Street & Smith Pre-Season Yearbook, which hit the newstand this week, promises to be the best player Red Raiders head coach Bob Knight has recruited in a year-and-a-half at Texas Tech.  And that's pretty high praise indeed when one remembers four of the junior college players - Kasib Powell, Will Chavis, Pawel Storozynski, and Nick Valdez - from Texas Tech's recruiting class, which was ranked #13 nationally in the spring of 2001 by the HOOP SCOOP, were major contributors on Knight's first Red Raiders team.  Remember, that team went 23-9 and was one of the biggest surprises in college basketball a year ago.  And don't be surprised if Texas Tech continues to go the junior college route, as Knight builds the Red Raiders into a national power.  As a matter of fact, Knight was the guy who made it legitimate to recruit junior college players in the first place when he landed Keith Smart and Dean Garrett at Indiana in the spring of 1986.  If you will recall, those two players proved to be the missing piece to the puzzle when Indiana won the NCAA Championship in 1987.  And we wouldn't be surprised if Knight does it again.  Remember, junior college are older, more mature, and more focused than high school players and, as a result, often better suited to step in and make an immediate impact at the college level.   Do you think agress or disagree?  Tell us whether you think Knight can win another NCAA Championship by answering today's "Question of the Day."   Giles joins 6'4 Drew Coffman from Midland (Lee) TX, who verbally committed to the Red Raiders last spring, to move Texas Tech's recruiting class into a tie at #24 with LSU on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  The verbal commitment by Kloostra also is of major significance, because he's the highest ranked senior in Canada this year.  He's also a prolific scorer who averaged in the neighborhood of 27.0 ppg last season.  Kloostra can beat you with his outside shooting, but he is better off the bounce and posting up smaller guards.  He also is one of the highest jumping white kids you've ever seen.  Kloostra joins two other players from Canada - 6'9 Jason Grant from Toronto (Francis Liberman) ON and 6'7 Ola Matti from Toronto (Eastern School of Commerce) ON, both of whom counted in last year's recruiting class for Lamar.  Speaking of Grant and Matti, they were the top two ranked power forwards in Canada a year ago.  In other words, no Division I school in college basketball is doing a better job than Lamar of crossing the northern border and cleaning up on Canadian players.  And at least part of the reason for Lamar's success in this area has to be that Lamar head coach Mike Deane has more than his share of contacts in the Northeast dating back to his days when he was an assistant coach at Michigan State, head coach at Siena, and head coach at Marquette.   The commitment by Brewington moves Providence's recruiting class up to #26 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  If you will recall, the Friars also have verbal commitments from 6'3 Gerald Brown from Baltimore (Douglas) MD and 6'8 Jeff Parmer from Niagara Falls (H.S.) NY and, just like Brown and Parmer, Brewington knows how to play, his best days are still ahead of him, and he knows how to compete.  As a matter of fact, he hasn't let the fact that he's death stop him from becoming a borderline top 100 nationally, as well as one of the top seniors in New England.  Brewington picked Providence over South Carolina, Temple, and Arizona.  Atkins is ranked #242 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, but he's one of the unsung heroes on the New York Ravens team that won the adidas Big Time Tournament in July in Las Vegas, NV.  Atkins also should provide the perfect complement to all of the outstanding guards that the Gaels landed a year ago in 6'2 Ricardo Soliver from Bronx (All Hallows) NY, 6'0 Marvin McCullough from Bronx (All Hallows) NY, and 6'1 Steve Burtt form New York (Rice) NY, plus Iona head coach Jeff Ruland also has 6'3 DeShaun Williams, who transferred from Syracuse, waiting in the wings.  Hoskins, who is an athletic 2-guard with size that is ranked #229 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, is a steal for Central Michigan.  The commitment by Severovas moves Wright State's recruiting class into a tie at #40 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003, along with Ball State, Clemson, Seton Hall, Boston College, Gonzaga, Purdue, College of Charleston, and Mississippi.  If you will recall, about a month ago Wright State also got a verbal commitment from 6'8 Matt Webster from Westfield (H.S.) IN, who is ranked #94 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  Remember, that's the guy who drew Brian Cardinal comparisons when he led the Billy Shepherd Sports team to the final four at the adidas Big Time Tournament.   Our Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania/South Jersey Editor Allen Rubin thinks Green, Stevenson, and Schafer are all good gets for Siena, Drexel, and Princeton.  Green is late bloomer who is very versatile, as is evident by the fact that he can play either forward spot.  Stevenson is a tough hardnosed kid whose forte is oustide shooting.  Schafer, who is ranked #223 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, is a pure point guard that runs the team and is ideally suited to get the ball inside to 6'9 Harrison Schaen from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA.  That's assuming that Schaen picks the Tigers.  If you will recall, we recently reported that Princeton was the leader for Schaen and we stand by that prediction, despite the fact that Schaen himself wasn't offering any indication as to who the leader is between Princeton and Pennsylvania, both of which he visited over the weekend.  Obviously Southwest Missouri State has kept two of the better players in their backyard at home in Frazier and Chaney, but ironically Frazier didn't get his nickname due to his great hops.   Instead, we're talking about a big slow white kid whose forte is scoring and rebounding around the basket.   Almond and Okrzesik are exactly what the doctored ordered for Rice head coach Willis Wilson.  Almond is a multi-dimensional athlete who can score both inside and outside.  Okrzesik is a pure point guard with unbelieveable passing skills, plus he is great at pushing the ball up the court and making his teammates better. 

Saturday, September 21, 2002, Sunday, September 22, 2002, & Monday, September 23, 2002

He simply picked up at Rick Barrett's 2002 Gym Rat Midnight Madness on Saturday night at Cherry Hill East High School in Cherry Hill, NJ where he left off the last time he played in the state of New Jersey.   We're talking about 6'9 Jr Joshua Smith from Marietta (McEachern) GA, who was ranked as the #1 player at the adidas ABCD Camp in July by the HOOP SCOOP.  Smith was like a human highlight film, as he made one incredible move after another to the basket, more often than not for an earthshattering slam dunk, en route to 29 points in the Elite Game for Underclassmen and 20 points in the Senior All American Game.  In addition to the numerous dunks and world-class athleticism, Smith also impressed everybody with his ability to hit the three and ball handling and passing in the open court.  Smith is currently ranked as the #3 junior nationally behind 6'9 Jr Al Jefferson from Prentiss (H.S.) MS and 6'0 Jr Darius Washington from Orlando (Edgewater) FL, but, if he plays like this all the time, it is going to tough to keep him out of the number #1 spot.  And a lack of consistency is really the only question mark.  As a matter of fact, Smith seems to play better when he's not playing with his club team.  Remember, the Atlanta Celtics, which also feature 6'10 Jr Dwight Howard from Atlanta (Southwest Atlanta Christian) GA, 6'9 Jr Randolph Morris from Fairburn (Landmark) GA, and 6'5 Jr Dwayne Day from Vidalia (H.S.) GA, are absolutely loaded, plus they don't have a pure point guard whose primary function is to make those around him better.  However, Smith alone was not good enough to even keep it close, as the heavily stacked Black Team beat the White Team, 107-78, in the Elite Game for Underclassmen.  And part of the problem is that whoever put the teams together obviously hadn't read what we had to say about 6'4 Jr Arron Afflalo from Compton (Centennial) CA from a week ago when we saw him at the Fullcourt Press Fall Hoops Classic in Lynwood, CA.  If you will recall, we said that Afflalo was the best junior in Southern California ahead of 6'4 Jr Curtis Allen from Palos Verdes (Rolling Hills) CA, 6'2 Jr Gabriel Pruitt from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, and 7'0 Jr Robert Swift from Bakersfield (Garces) CA.  Well, he simply reinforced that thought as he scored 28 points and was one of the top players in the game, along with 6'6 Jr Shaun Livingston from Peoria (Central) IL and 6'6 Jamal Boykin from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA.  Livingston had 18 points and several incredible dunks of his own, but it was the 15 assists and willingness to do everything, except sell tickets, that got him team MVP honors.  Not only is Livingston a great passer and excellent rebounder for his size, but he's so smooth that you don't always realize just how explosive and athletic he really is.  But Livingston still needs to get stronger and continue to work on his outside shooting, if he wants to develop into a truly great one.  Boykin is not a great athlete and he's only 6'6, but he has great timing and excellent anticipation and, as a result, it seems like he gets every rebound.  He's also pretty good offensively around the basket, as is evident by the fact that he tied Afflalo as his team's top scorer with 28 points.  Also helping Boykin dominate the boards was 6'9 Jr Marvin Williams from Bremerton (H.S.) WA, who finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.   And 6'5 Zakee Boyd from Philadelphia (Lutheran) PA chipped in with 13 points of his own.  The only player, besides Smith, for the White Team who finished with more than 10 points was 6'7 Jr Tim Pierce from Oakland, CA, who had 25 points.  The Senior All American Game was also lopsided as 6'5 Olu Famutimi from Flint (Northwestern) MI, who was the leading scorer and best player of the evening, along with Smith, hit layup after layup en route to 36 points.   However, Famutimi still had to share team MVP honors with 6'3 Mustafa Shakur from Wynnewood (Friends Central) PA, who had 23 points.  Obviously politics may have had something to do with Shakur's selection (he's a local kid), but he wasn't any better than 6'4 Thomas Gardner from Portand (Jefferson) OR, who finished with 25 point of his own.  And he too reinforced what we'd already seen in July at the adidas ABCD Camp, as Gardner impressed with his outside shooting and athleticism.  Easily the best player for the Black Team was 6'3 Wesley Washington from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA, who finished with 33 points and did a good job of getting his teammates involved, despite the fact he wasn't playing point guard.  Chipping in with 16 points apiece were 6'1 Ayinde Ubaka from Oakland (H.S.) CA and 6'9 Harrison Schaen from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA.   Perhaps the biggest disappointment in the game was 5'11 Aaron Brooks from Seattle (Franklin) WA.  He finished with 15 points, but he never really got into the flow.  Neither did 6'3 John Winston from Richmond (Salesian) CA, who finished with only two points, but he did make several excellent passes.  Boykin and Pierce both chipped in with 12 points apiece.  In addition to holding one of the best single-day showcases of the entire year, Barrett also deserves special praise for exposing all the players in attendance who are not already qualified academically under NCAA guidelines to the Princeton Review.  As a matter of fact, Jay Rosner, who is the founder of the Princeton Review, flew in from California this year to personally administer a mock test and provide pointers on how to take the SAT. 

Elizabeth (St. Patrick) NJ head coach Kevin Boyle has kept his players together all spring, summer, and fall in recent years and usually that can be a recipe for going home early when playing against the top club teams in AAU-like events.  However, after taking home the championship at both the Metro Classic at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ in June and the 2002 And1 High School National Championship in Philadelphia, PA in July, we already knew that next year's team had a chance to be really special.  However, when the New Jersey Celtics, which are comprised exclusively of the St. Patrick High School team, won the 2002 Fall Jam Fest at Seton Hall University yesterday, it may prove to be a harbinger of things to come.  Like, perhpas winning the mythical high school national championship and/or becoming Boyle's best team ever.  Sure, the coaching and structure aren't as good in this type of format, but the level of talent and athleticism across the board is at a much higher level.  And they did so on the toughest road to the championship, as they had to beat the New York Ravens in the quarterfinals, Redemption Christian's B Team in the semi-finals, and the Tim Thomas Playaz in the championship.  And Boyle wasn't even there for the championship game.  But, as our New England Editor Dave Schultz points out, Boyle didn't need to be, because his players are so well drilled and schooled that they know exactly what to do at any given time.  However, the big reason why St. Patrick pulled out the 70-62 victory in the title game was the play of 6'11 Grant Billmeier, who finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and outplayed 6'9 Jr Stanley Branch from Newark (St. Benedict's) NJ.  If Billmeier doesn't win this battle against Branch, who is widely regarded as one of the top 20 juniors nationally, the game probably isn't even close.   6'1 Michael Nardi, who runs the show to perfection, makes great decisions, and has tremendous heart, added 15 points for St. Patrick, while 6'9 Frosh Derrick Carachter, who is the #1-ranked freshman in the nation and a man-child, came off the bench to chip in with 14 points.  We also were impressed by 5'10 Jr Desmond Sanders, 6'5 Assad Shakir, and 6'5 Robert Hines.  Sanders, who is the  heir apparent to Nardi at point guard next year, is extremely quick off the dribble and has a knack for making things happen and creating havoc defensively.   Shakir is a slasher/athlete who excels in transition and rebounds well for his size.  Hines is a tweener for the next level, but he's an excellent athlete and strong on the boards, which makes him an ideal role play for what is potentially Boyle's best team ever.  The leading scorer for the Tim Thomas Playaz was 6'2 Jr Cedric Jackson from Burlington (North Burlington) NJ with 17 points.  Branch and 6'5 Jr Earl Smith from Newark (St. Benedict's) NJ chipped in with 16 and 12 points apiece.  We also were very impressed with Redemption Christian's B Team, which is really their younger team.  The guy who gets it done inside is 6'7 Jr Jermaine Johnson.  We're talking about a guy with soft hands, good passing and rebounding skills, and a soft touch around the basket.  However, unless he grows   several more inches, he's not athletic enough to play any higher than at the Atlantic-10 level.  The guy who runs the show is 6'1 Jr Joshua Thomas and 6'6 Jr William Harris is a multi-dimensional athlete with a soft touch, good handling skills, and excellent rebounding skills for his size.  We also were very impressed by 5'11 Japhet McNeil from Middle Village (Christ the King) NY, especially when he scored 25 points in the second half in the quarterfinals against the Tim Thomas Playaz.  Can you believe that only one Division I school has offered McNeil and, if this trend continues, it looks like St. Peter's head coach Bob Leckie could have the best backcourt duo in the Metro Atlantic Conference for years to come, as well as one of the biggest steals for his level in college basketball for a second straight year.  Remember, a year ago the Peacocks signed 5'9 Keyden Clark from New York (Rice) NY.   Another point guard who guided his team to the final eight was 6'1 Maureece Rice from Philadelphia (Strawberry Mansion) PA.  However, Rice didn't show up for his team's game against the Long Island Panthers on Sunday morning and, as a result, the Panthers, which were without all of their top guns, still advanced into the final four of the tournament.   And how about that Philly MJC Team, which featured 6'7 Jr Shane Clark, 6'1 Kyle Lowry, and 6'4 Bilal Benn, all from Philadelphia (Cardinal Dougherty) PA?  All three of these guys have dramatically improved and, if Clark and Lowry continue on their present path, they could both end up as top 100 players in their class nationally.  They also helped lead their team to a second place finish at the Five-Star Basketball Hoops Classic at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA a week ago.  However, without the presence of 6'7 Jr Desean White from Philadelphia (Cardinal Dougherty) PA, who provided the inside presence last week, Clark, who has the body and athleticism of a wing forward, had to play almost exclusively inside and, as a result, they had no chance when they ran up against the NJ Celtics in the Round of 16.  We also have to mention 6'4 Jr Brian Laing from Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY, who clearly was the best player for the Ravens in this tournament.  Not only was he unstoppable going to the basket, but he rebounded well, showed us a soft shooting touch, and made things happen defensively. 

Friday, September 20, 2002

Our Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania/South Jersey Editor Allen Rubin tells us that 6'4 Marquis Webb from Paterson (Catholic) NJ, who is ranked #158 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, has finally verbally committed to Rutgers.  We say finally, because this was supposed to have happened in early July.  If you will recall, we reported that Webb was going to announce for the Scarlet Knights at the adidas ABCD Camp, but it never happened.  Webb also was rumored to be heading to Georgia Tech in early August, but that never happened either.  This is a major coup for head coach Gary Waters, because Webb is the first New Jersey player the current staff has landed since moving from Kent State to Rutgers a-year-and-a-half ago.   Webb also could be the entree that helps the Scarlet Knights get 6'11 Darryl Watkins from Paterson (Catholic) NJ, who is ranked #63 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  And, if Rutgers, misses out on Watkins, they still will likely land a big man in this recruiting class, because they are among the favorites for 7'3 Shagari Alleyne from New York (Rice) NY, 6'10 Roman-Narmbaye-Mbainas from Burlington (Life Center) NJ, and 6'11 Aaron Gray from Emmaus (H.S.) PA.  Webb's commitment moves Rutgers' recruiting class, which also includes 6'3 Quincy Douby from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT, up to #32 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson reports that Maryland has landed 6'4 D.J. Strawberry from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA.  This moves the Terrapins' recruiting class, which also includes 6'4 Michael Jones from Braintree (Thayer Academy) MA and 6'11 Will Bowers, 6'11, C, Severn (Archbishop Spalding) MD, into a tie at #16, along with Georgetown, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003, but it leaves us kind of scratching our head.  Why does the defending NCAA Champions go all the way across the country to sign a role player?  We also believe that LSU is the on the verge of landing 5'10 Tauren Minor from Houston (Washington) TX, who is ranked #44 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  If that happens, the Tigers recruiting class will move to #12 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  And, if they also manage to get 6'8 Brandon Bass from Baton Rouge (Capital) LA, who is ranked #11 in the senior class nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, their class would move all the way up to #3 behind Louisville and California.  We also continue to get reports about 6'5 Vakeaton Wafer, who is ranked #8 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, still ending up at Cleveland (Heritage Christian) TX.  If you will recall, Wafer transferred from Pineville (H.S.) LA to Ft. Worth (Paschal) TX when school started this fall, but now he is in Lumberton, NC, which probably explains why Charlotte is rumored to be the team to beat for the ridiculous athlete who can shoot the lights out and gets better and better every time we see him.  Our Mississippi Editor Lavel Johnson is now confirming that Ole Miss has landed 6'9 Byron Burnett from Southern Union (JC) AL.  We're talking about a 6'9, 250 lbs. man-child who promises to be the perfect complement to 6'8 Emmanuel Willis from Mendenhall (H.S.) MS, who verbally committed to the Rebels earlier this fall. 

Thursday, September 19, 2002

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson tells us that the University of South Carolina has gotten a verbal commitment from 6'9 Brandon Wallace from Aiken (Silver Bluff) SC, who is ranked #169 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  And that's about right based on where Wallace is right now.  However, if your rankings are solely based on potential, Wallace would have to be included among the top 100 nationally.  We're talking about a big time athlete who can score around the basket, is active and the boards, and footspeed and quickness to play out on the perimeter.  In other words, we think Gamecocks head coach Dave Odom has stolen another one.  If you will recall, South Carolina also recently landed 6'9 Jason Parker, who is transferring from Kentucky to South Carolina, and we think Parker and Wallace will complement one another nicely, because Parker's game is power and Wallace's game is finesse.  Johnson also informs us that Colorado has landed 6'1 Marcus Hall from Houston (Jersey Village) TX and Keith Smith from 6'6 Putnam City (H.S.) OK, Ohio University has gotten 6'6 Matt Annen from Elk River (H.S.) MN, and Southern Illinois has gotten 6'7 Randal Falkner from St. Louis (Gateway) MO, and Tulane has gotten 6'4 Chris Moore from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME.  Moore's commitment to the Green Wave  is especially noteworthy, because he's ranked #33 on our list of the top 5th year players and he can shoot the lights out.  Our Mississippi Editor Lavel Johnson thinks a verbal commitment to the University of Mississippi may be forthcoming almost immediately from 6'9 Byron Burnett from Southern Union (JC) AL.  Apparently Burnett didn't play much last season, but, at 6'9, 250 lbs., this a man-child has come a long way in the off-season and figures to be the top junior college big man in the state of Alabama this year.  He also would be the perfect complement to 6'8 Emmanuel Willis from Mendenhall (H.S.) MS, who is ranked #81 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP and who verbally committed to the Rebels earlier this fall.  We also are hearing rumblings that 6'10 Ndudi Ebi from Houston (Westbury Christian) TX, who is ranked #4 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, may be close to making a decision.  However, we have no clue whether it will be Duke, Arizona, Texas, or Houston.  We do know that Charlotte has jumped into the lead on 6'5 Vakeaton Wafer from Ft. Worth (Paschal) TX, who is ranked #8 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, and, if the 49ers pull this off, there is no doubt that Charlotte assistant coach Kevin Nickelberry should be a serious candidate for the top 10 on our list of the top assistant coaches in college basketball.  If you will recall, Charlotte already has a verbal commitment from 6'11 Martin Iti from Durham (Mt. Zion Christian) NC and they also lead for 6'3 Ramel Bradley from New York (Park West) NY.   Should Wafer and Bradley both make it official for the 49ers, then Charlotte's recruiting class would move into a tie at #8, along with Michigan.  We also have confirmed that 6'8 Damion Staple from Southeastern Illinois (JC) IL has verbally committed to Western Kentucky and earlier this week Northern Iowa got a verbal commitment from 6'7 Grant Stout from New Sharon (North Mahaska) IA.  Stout's commitment moves Northern Iowa's recruiting class up to #24 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  If you will recall, Northern Iowa already has commitments from 6'2 Brooks McKowen from Fairbank (Wapsie Valley) IA, 6'0 Jared Josten from Webster City (H.S.) IA, and 6'3 Adam Viet from Ackley (AGWSR) IA, all three of whom are ranked in the 101-300 range nationally.  Staple joins 7'0 Josh Higgins from Vandalia (Butler) OH and 6'4 Nick Hill from DuQuoin (H.S.) IL to moves the Hilltoppers recruiting class onto the list at #45.

This weekend I will be heading East to cover two very important events - the 2002 Fall Jam Fest Basketball Tournament at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ and Rick Barrett's Gym Rats Midnight Madness at Cherry Hill East High School in Cherry Hill, NJ.  Division I college coaches aren't allowed to attend either event due to the NCAA's stupid rules that restrict them from attending any event that is not a practice, scrimmage, or workout held at a prospect's high school with the high school coach in attendance.  However, both events are expected to be outstanding.  Barrett's Midnight Madness actually will be a series of all-star games throughout the entire day on Saturday, September 21st, that will lead up to the national game at 10:00 PM.  That game will feature a number of the top high school players in the nation, including 6'5 Olu Famutimi from Flint (Northwestern) MI, 5'10 Aaron Brooks from Seattle (Franklin) WA, 5'7 Andrew Lavender from Columbus (Brookhaven) OH, 6'8 Leon Powe from Oakland (Tech) CA, 6'2 Ayinde Ubaka from Oakland (H.S.) CA, 6'9 Harrison Schaen from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA, 6'5 Thomas Gardner from Portland (Jefferson) OR, 6'3 Wesley Washington from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA, 6'3 John Winston from Richmond (Salesian) CA, 6'11 Aaron Gray from Emmaus (H.S.) PA, 6'7 Jordan Ingram from Philadelphia (Archbishop Carroll) PA, 6'9 Jr Josh Smith from Marietta (McEachern) GA, 6'8 Jr Marvin Williams from Bremerton (H.S.) WA, 6'6 Jr Shaun Livingston from Peoria (Central) IL, 5'11 Jr Dupree Fletcher from Milwaukee (Rufus King) WI, 6'4 Jr Arron Afflalo from Compton (Centennial) CA, 6'2 Jr Jamar Butler from Lima (Shawnee) OH,  and 6'2 Frosh Jerry Smith from Wauwatosa (East) WI.  Assuming there aren't any no-shows, we're talking about four likely senior McDonald's All-American's, four more seniors who are ranked among our top 100 nationally, three seniors in the 100-200 range, three of the HOOP SCOOP's top six ranked juniors nationally, two three more juniors who are ranked among our top 50 nationally, and a top 10 freshman.  And, if that weren't enough, Barrett also is hoping to add one more player - 6'7 Jr Roy Bright from Durham (Northern Durham) NC, who is ranked #17 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  The 2002 Fall Jam Fest Basketball Tournament will tip-off at 9:00 AM on Saturday morning and will feature divisions ranging from the 6th grade to the 12th grade.  The main site is at Seton Hall University, but there also will be games at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutgers-Newark University, and Rebounds Basketball.  First round games in the Open Division (12th Grade) at Seton Hall University will begin with New Jersey Cardinals versus Ridgewood AAU on Court #1, Central Jersey Hawks versus Hunterdon Devils on Court #2, Bergen Ice versus Randolph Revolution on Court #3, and MC Green Wave versus Sayreville Rec. on Court #4 at 9:00 AM; followed by Bi-State Pythons versus Teach Our People on Court #1, Jersey Shore Warriors versus 92nd Street Y on Court #2, New Jersey Trailblazers versus Brooklyn/Queens Warriors on Court #3, South Jersey Devils versnus Mt. Pleasant Bulldogs on Court #4, Central Jersey Jammers versus East New Yorkers on Court #5, Brooklyn Blue Devils versus L.V. Blue Devils on Court #6 at 10;15 AM; and Sam Rines versus Redemption Christian A on Court #1, Connecticut Vision versus NEPA/Hoop City on Court #2, South Jersey Panthers versus Resurrection on Court #3, and Connecticut Gold versus Queens Cobras on Court #4 at 11:30 AM.  Also at 11:30 AM, there will be two games featuring teams that got first round byes - Newark Rams versus Redemption Christian B on Court #5 and New Jersey Gladiators versus Maplewood Rec. on Court #6.  Also getting byes are Postive Image and Connecticut Select, both of which will play their first games at 12:45 PM on Courts #1 and #2; Senior Rise, Philly MJC, New Jersey Celtics, and West Virginia Mohawks on Courts at 2:00 PM on Courts #1, #2, #3, and #4; the New York Ravens, Long Island Panthers, New Hampshire Playerz, and Philly 3 on 3 at 3:15 PM on Courts #2, #3, #4, and #5; and the New Jersey Roadrunners, Broncos, Rochester Area Players, and the Tim Thomas Playaz at 4:30 PM on Courts #1, #2, #3, and #4.  The round of 16 begins with three games Saturday night at 5:45 PM, three more games at 7:00 PM, and two games at 8:15 PM.  All four quarterfinals games will be played at 10:15 AM on Sunday morning, the semi-finals will be at 12:45 PM on Sunday afternoon, and the Championship will be at 3:15 PM on Sunday afternoon. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

It comes as no surprise that 6'10 Robert Whaley from Barton County (JC) KS, who is the consensus #1 ranked junior college player in the nation, has verbally committed to the University of Cincinnati.  As a matter of fact, we predicted as much in late August.  We also mentioned Whaley in the same breath with former Bearcats All-American Danny Fortsen.  Sure, Whaley is a physical specimen just like Fortsen, but he's not self-motivated like Fortsen and, as a result, he doesn't always dominate inside like Fortsen.  Instead, Whaley is really more comparable to Dermarr Johnson from Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME.  If you will recall, we ranked Johnson no higher than #32 at the adidas ABCD Camp during the summer of 1998 not based on college and pro potential, but based on performance in camp.  And the same thing happened with Whaley two years later when we ranked him #29 at the adidas ABCD Camp.  And the word we get is that Whaley still hasn't become the dominant force on a consistent basis that he needs to become in order to live up to the incredible expectations.  In other words, we're talking about a 6'10-man-child with incredible skills, mobility, and versatility for somebody his size.  But just like Johnson, first at Pittsfield (Maine Central Institute) ME with Max Good and then at Cincinnati with Bobby Huggins, Whaley needs somebody who will get him into the best shape of his life and push him to the limit.  So obviously we think this is a multi-million dollar decision for Whaley.  Moral to the story, the direction a player takes to become a high first round draft choice as fast as possible versus making the most money and becoming the best player possible in the long term is totally different.  Anybody aspiring for the later is best advised to play for a coach like Huggins, USC's Henry Bibby, Temple's John Chaney, Connecticut's Jim Calhoun, Iowa State's Larry Eustachy, Purdue's Gene Keady, Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, Texas Tech's Bob Knight, Utah's Rick Majerus, or Louisville's Rick Pitino.  Obviously there are many others, but this is a great top 10 list for a our "Question of the Day."  Getting back to Whaley's commitment to the Bearcats, this moves Cincinnati's recruiting class up to #10 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  If you will recall, the Bearcats also recently got a verball commitment from 6'4 Nick Williams from Chipola (JC) FL and it's not inconceivable that they also still won't take 5'11 Tauren Minor from Houston (Washington) TX, who is an amazing talent, but who has dropped to #44 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP due primarily to his attitude and unwillingness to make his teammates better this summer.  Sources close to the University of Cincinnati program tell us that Huggins goes back and forth on a day-to-day basis with regards to taking Minor, but, if he decides to take Minor and he responds in a positive way, this too could prove to be the perfect marriage.  However, if Minor doesn't respond to Huggins' tough hardnosed approach, it could be the longest season Huggins has had to endure since Dontonio Wingfield was a freshman at Cincinnati. What do you think Huggins should do?  Tell us by answering tomorrow's "Question of the Day." 

Our West Coast Editor Dinos Trigonis has confirmed that 6'4 Jr Curtis Allen from  Palos Verdes (Rolling Hills) CA, who is ranked #45 nationally in the junior class by the HOOP SCOOP, has finally verbally committed to USC.  If you will recall, we actually reported this in July when Allen told our Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania/South Jersey Editor Allen Rubin that he had already verbally committed to the Trojans, but we put it on hold when we couldn't confirm via any of the normal channels.  However, once again Trigonis warns us that this might be a soft verbal commitment, because the Trojans are stocked at his position with the Stewart twins - 6'4 Rodrick Stewart from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA and 6'4 Lodrick Stewart from Seattle (Rainier Beach) WA, both of whom recently made it official for USC, plus the Trojans also will have the Cravens twins back as seniors when Allen is a freshman.  But until we're told otherwise, Allen counts with USC's recruiting class for the Class of 2004 and this brings the number of players ranked among our top 50 nationally in that class who are already verbally committed to eight.  Remember, 6'2 Jr DeMarcus Nelson from Vallejo (H.S.) CA is already committed to Duke, 6'2 Jr JamesOn Curry from Mebane (Eastern Alamance) NC is already committed to North Carolina, 6'5 Jr Robert Vaden from Indianapolis (Pike) IN is already committed to Purdue, 6'2 Jr Jamar Butler from Lima (Shawnee) OH is already committed to Cincinnati, 6'6 Jr J.R. Angle from Trafalger (Indian Creek) IN is already committed to Iowa, 6'11 Jr Greg Steimsma from Randolph (H.S.) WI is already committed to Wisconsin, and 6'6 Jr Ronald Coleman from Romlus (H.S.) MI is already verbally committed to Michigan,  In other words, 16% of the top 50 juniors nationally are already off the board a full 14 months prior to when they can sign a binding National Letter-of-Intent with a four-year school.  We also have confirmed that Arizona State has landed 6'9 Keith Wooden from Lawrence (Free State) KS, William & Mary has a verbal commitment from 6'7 Corey Cofield from Roxbury (H.S.) MA, Boston University has gotten 6'2 Patrick Martin from Springfield (Cathedral) MA, Pepperdine has added 5'10 Sean Davis from San Diego (Lincoln) CA, and Portland State has gotten 6'5 Blake Walker from San Bernardino Valley (JC) CA and 6'2 William Funn from San Bernardino Valley (JC) CA.  We've known that Arizona State was recruiting Wooden since last spring, but this one still comes as a surprise, because new Texas Christian head coach Neil Dougherty, who previously was an assistant coach at Kansas, has known Wooden since he was in 7th grade.  As a matter of fact, Dougherty's son is one of Wooden's best friends and Dougherty's daughter was Wooden's date to the junior prom.  However, Arizona State assistant coach Tony Benford is second to none at figuring out who he has a chance to get and then getting his man.  This moves Arizona State's recruiting class up #34 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003 and more verbal commitments may be on the way.  The verbal commitment by Cofield to William & Mary also is very significant, because he not only is the third player from New England in the last year to sign with the second oldest college in the United States, but he also gives the Tribe the big time athlete they need to compete with the top players in the Colonial Athletic Association.  As a matter of fact, Cofield might be one of the three or four best athletes in the league, as he blocks shots, dunks in your face, and finishes in transition.  In other words, we're talking about an athletic combo forward with a lot of potential.  Boston University, which beat Brown, Holy Cross, and Sacred Heart for Martin, also appears to have stolen one.  Not only is Martin a heady floor general who can run the show and make his teammates better, but can shoot the lights.  Davis is a solid point guard, but his forte is his uncanny ability to find a way to score and, as a result, he projects as an excellent combo guard for the Waves, despite his lack of size.  Speaking of Pepperdine, did you know that head coach Paul Westphal made an in-home visit recently with 7'3 Shargi Alleyne from New York (Rice) NY?  So obviously there was a lot more to the story that we originally thought when we broke the story regarding Pepperdine having a shot at this highly touted big man.  Our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio was the one who informed us about Walker and Funn both having committed to Portland State.   Apparently Walker is one of the top wing forwards in the junior college ranks in California and Funn is part of the package. 

Last night 5'10 Aaron Brooks from Seattle (Franklin) WA, who is ranked #22 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, made it official for the University of Oregon.  This is huge for a lot of reasons.  First, Brooks is one of the top point guards in the nation, as well as a likely choice for the McDonald's All-American Game.  Second, this is a guy the Ducks went head-to-head for against a high profile school like UCLA and, in the end, prevailed.  Third, Brooks is a pure point guard who makes his teammates better, locks his man up defensively, and thrives in an uptempo setting.  Fourth, Brooks ensures that Oregon will have a great point guard for the next five years.  Remember, Dukes head coach Ernie Kent will also have 6'2 Luke Ridnour back for two more years.  Fifth, it means that Oregon has gotten the two best point guards to come out of the state of Washington in recent years.  Sixth, getting Brooks ensures that the Dukes will be one of the powerhouse teams in the Pac-10 for a long time.  Seventh, this should help Oregon seal the deal with some other guys, like 6'9 Mitch Platt from Las Vegas (Green Valley) NV and 6'11 Ray Shafer from Wasilla (H.S.) AK, both of whom will be on campus this weekend.  Eight, Brooks is the highest ranked player Kent has ever signed.  We also have finally have found somebody in the Class of 2003 who has reneged.  No, we're not talking about any of the players - 6'7 Regis Koundjia to LSU, 6'11 James Lang from Birmingham (Central Park Christian) AL to Louisville, 6'6 Sammy Mejia from Cornwall on the Hudson (Storm King Prep) NY to DePaul, 5'11 Gary Ervin from Fitchburg (Notre Dame Prep) MA to Mississippi State, 6'3 Tron Smith from Canyon Springs (Moreno Valley) CA, 6'2 Jimmy Miles from Homewood (Christian) IL, and 6'6 Oumar Sylla from Centereach (Our Savior New American) NY - who have previously talked about changing their minds.  Instead, it appears that 6'0 Quentin Day from Kansas City (Paseo) MO has reneged on his verbal commitment to the University of Nebraska and the Cornhuskers have done what normally happens when a player changes his mind.  Not only have the Cornhuskers stopped recruiting Day, but they have moved quickly to land not just one, but two players in 5'10 Charlie Richardson from Maywood (Proviso East) IL, who is ranked #210 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, and 6'5 Gerald Stegall from Stone Mountain (Redan) GA, who is ranked #256 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  So Day couldn't go to Nebraska now even if he wanted to, because Cornhuskers are out of scholarships for the Class of 2003.  And we actually like Richardson better, despite the fact Day, who is ranked #179 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, is ranked a little higher.  Richardson is a tough hardnosed competitor who makes his teammates better, has excellent handing and passing skills, and always seems to find a way to win.  All he lacks is size.  And to off-set Richardson's lack of size, the Cornhuskers landed another guy who is capable of playing point guard.  Actually that's what Stegall does best, because he has an excellent understanding of the game, but only decent outside shooting and athleticism.  We also have confirmed that the Missouri has landed 6'5 Thomas Gardner from Portland (Jefferson) OR, who is ranked #32 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  Gardner, who also finished ranked #22 at the adidas ABCD Camp by the HOOP SCOOP, picked the Tigers over Connecticut and Kansas and he moves their recruiting class up to #12 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  If you will recall, Missouri also got a verbal commitment in late July from 6'9 Ousmane Konate from The Senegal.  In case you've forgotten, Konate was ranked #23 a year ago at the NIKE All-American Camp a year ago and he is one of the top players his age on the continent of Africa.  These two commitments are also significant, because it is obvious that the Tigers aren't restricted to recruiting in the Midwest.  Remember, Missouri assistant coach Tony Harvey, who is one of the top recruiters in the nation, has incredible contacts in the state of Michigan and the Tigers proved a year ago that they can get the top players out of their own backyard when they landed 6'4 Jimmy McKinney from St. Louis (Vashon) MO.  However, now it looks like Missouri assistant coach Lane Odom's strong international contacts and head coach Quin Snyder's strong contacts in the Pacific Northwest have come into play. 

Tuesday, September 17, 2002

Belmont Shore beat California Team Select, 73-72, in the championship game of the Fullcourt Press Fall Hoops Classic in Lynwood, CA on Sunday, but the big story was the emergence of 6'7 Dorell Wright from Lawndale (Lauzinger) CA.  Wright is a wiry thin multi-dimensional athlete who needs to get bigger and stronger and finish better.  However, in some ways he reminds us of a poor man's Tracy McGrady.  Not only does he have excellent ball handling and passing skills, but he has a knack for beating his man off the dribble and finding ways to score.  His outside shot is a lot better than we originally thought, but he also can beat you from mid-range with his soft touch and going to the basket with his moves, quickness, and athleticism.  Right now Wright's list includes Iowa, Long Beach State, San Diego State, San Diego, San Francisco, and Fresno State, but he is talented enough to get recruited by everybody at the highest level.  In other words, we're talking about one of the biggest sleepers in the senior class nationally.  We also like Wright a lot better than a lot of the top seniors in Southern California, like 6'9 Sean Phaler from Villa Park (H.S.) CA, 6'9 Harrison Schaen from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA, 6'3 Omar Wilkes from Los Angeles (Loyola) CA, which means he belongs in the 50-100 range nationally, plus he has the natural talent and potential to move a lot higher.  And the same can be said about 6'4 Jr Arron Afflalo from Compton (Centennial) CA.  As a matter of fact, after watching Afflalo score 37 and 31 points in his last two games at the Fullcourt Press Fall Hoops Classic, I'm convinced that he is the second best player in the junior class in California behind 6'2 Jr DeMarcus Nelson from Vallejo (H.S.) CA and the third best junior on the West Coast behind Nelson and 6'8 Jr Marvin Williams from Bremerton (H.S.) WA.  Afflalo handles and passes well enough to play point guard at 6'4, but he also shoots it well enough and gets the hole well enough to play the 2-guard spot.  Add the fact that Afflalo has a 3.4 gpa, is a great kid, and has a tremendous work ethic and there is no doubt that he's going to be able to write his own ticket.  Already in the hunt are schools like USC, Kansas, Arizona, Syracuse, and Louisville, but we're sure this list will get longer before it gets shorter.  Among the juniors in the California who are currently ranked higher than Afflalo are 6'4 Jr Curtis Allen from Palos Verdes (Rolling Hills) CA, 6'2 Jr Gabriel Pruitt from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, and 7'0 Jr Robert Swift from Bakersfield (Garces) CA, but the only one of the three who really helped himself at the Fullcourt Press Fall Hoops Classic was Swift.  Not only did he appear to be much confident, coordinated, and athletic, but we were impressed by his great hands, excellent timing, and good shot blocking ability.  So, while Pruitt and Allen will probably drop a little from where they were ranked previously at #37 and #45, Swift will move up from where he was ranked before at #67.  In other words, Afflalo and Swift both belong in the 20-40 range and Allen and Pruitt belong in the 50-100 range.  Another big white kid who has come along way since we saw him during the summer is 6'10 Steven Verwers from Weatherford, TX, who is currently ranked #216 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, but who belongs in the top 100.  Verwers still needs to get bigger and stronger, but he's aggressive inside, as he blocks shots, scores around the basket, and is active on the boards.  We also liked Verwers' teammate on the BWBA Orange team - 6'9 Jr Christian Marshall from Jackson (Wingfield) MS, who has to be ranked among the top 10 juniors in that loaded class in the state of Mississippi.  Not only does Marshall get a lot done inside, but he also has the finesse, athleticism, and shooting touch to beat you with his mid-range jumper.   Add 6'2 Jr Lorenzo Keeler from Escondido (H.S.) CA, 6'1 Kevin Delafu from Fullerton (Troy) CA, and 6'1 Shawn Weinstein from Rolling Hills (Peninsula) CA, all of whom can shoot the lights out, and it is easy to see why Bob Gottlieb's team advanced to the final four of this tournament.   So did the Los Angeles Paladins with Wright, 5'9 Soph Brian McTear from Los Angeles (Crenshaw) CA, 6'9 Donnell Wright from Lawndale (Leuzinger) CA, and 6'2 Michael Bell from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA; California Team Select with Swift, Pruitt, 6'5 Jr Josh Shipp from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA, 6'5 Soph Brian Harvey from Carson (H.S.) CA, 6'3 Soph Edward White from North Hollywood (Harvard-Westlake) CA, 6'9 Soph Amir Johnson from Los Angeles (Verbum Dei) CA, and 6'2 Frosh Andre Dunn from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA; and Belmont Shore with 6'3 Wesley Washington from Santa Ana (Mater Dei) CA, 6'6 Justin Hawkins from Lakewood (Mayfair) CA, 6'1 Brian McFadden from Lakewood (Mayfair) CA, 6'6 Soph Jamal Boykin from Los Angeles (Fairfax) CA, 6'4 Jr Matthew Thomas from Riverside (King) CA, and Allen.  Washington and Hawkins were named co-MVP, but, while both Washington and Hawkins played well all weekend, the guy who really made this team go was McFadden.  We're talking about a tough hardnosed point guard who creates for his teammates, more than keeps you honest with his outside shooting, keeps the other team off balance with his defense, and simply outhustles his opposition at ever opportunity.   McFadden, whose mother is Japanese and father is is Irish, also is surprisingly athletic, very court savvy and a lot more naturally gifted than we originally thought.   So he would be a steal for any Mountain West or Western Athletic Conference school.   In other words, we're talking about a guy who belongs in the 100-200 range nationally, but right now the only offer he has on the table is St. Mary's.  We also were impressed by 5'10 Soph Andre McGee from Moreno Valley (Canyon Springs) CA, 6'5 Jr Nathan Davey from Evergreen (H.S.) CO, 6'8 Brad Smith from Denver (Mullen) CO, 6'6 Jr Marcel Jones from Mater Dei (Santa Ana) CA, 6'7 Travon Free from Compton (Dominguez) CA, 6'7 Jr Marcus Lewis from Long Beach (Poly) CA, 6'10 Jr Todd Folmer from Rancho Santa Margarita (Santa Margarita) CA, 6'5 Frosh Jervaugh Johnson from Compton (Centennial) CA, 6'6 Jr Christopher Berry from Compton (Centennial) CA, 6'5 Jr James McCaskill from Phoenix (Camelback) AZ, 6'7 Soph Rashad Austin from Claremont (H.S.) CA, 6'3 Dylan Rogers from Hacienda Heights (Los Altos) CA, 6'3 Anthony Garcia from Hacienda Heights (Los Altos) CA, 6'7 Jr Kyle Brucceleri from Los Alamitos (H.S.) CA, 6'2 Ryan Reed from San Diego (Horizon) CA, 6'5 Michael Earl from Diamond Ranch (Diamond Bar) CA, 5'9 Jr Marquis Washington from Carson (H.S.) CA, 6'7 Justin Hynes from Upland (H.S.) CA, 6'6 Chris Childress from Lakewood (Mayfair) CA, 5'11 Daniel McCall from Lynwood (H.S.) CA, and 6'2 Larry Cunningham from Downey (H.S.) CA.   A special thanks to Dinos Trigonis, who not only is our West Coast Editor, but the director of this event. 

Monday, September 16, 2002

Earlier this year it was obvious that Florida State was really behind in terms of getting involved with most of the top high school players in the nation, but it looks like they  have offset that problem by going the junior college route, in particular with 6'7 Antonio Griffin from Scottsdale (JC) AZ and 6'8 Nick Dewitz from Mesa (JC) AZ.  As a matter of fact, we think the Seminoles are the heavy favorite over Washington State and Iowa for Griffin and one of the three leaders, along with Indiana and Iowa, for Dewitz .  And it may be a lot closer to getting done than most people realize.  Did you know that Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton did a in-home visit last night with Griffin and both players are supposed to be on Florida State's campus next weekend.  We're talking about two of the top junior college players in the nation, so landing both of these players would obviously be a major coup for the Seminoles, plus it would mean that Hamilton is well on his way towards turning things around in a hurry.  Also of significant importance is the fact that no verbal commitment was forthcoming by 6'3 Mustafa Shakur from Wynnewood (Friends Central) PA, who was in Tucson, AZ visiting the University of Arizona over the weekend.  Our guess is that significantly enhances the chances of both N.C. State and Virginia, who are the other two schools at the top of Shakur's list.  Speaking of Virginia, Shakur isn't the only elite player the Cavaliers are quietly in a lot better shape on than most people realize.  That other player is 6'8 Luol Deng from Blairstown (Blair Academy) NJ, who is ranked #2 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  We also understand that Indiana is no longer in the hunt for 6'8 Brandon Bass from Baton Rouge (Capital) LA, but hear that Duke may make a push for Bass.  In other words, it looks like elite the schools, like Duke and Indiana, that have been recruiting a number of the top players in the nation for a long time are getting tired of being strung along and, as a result, might be looking in other directions.  Thus, also explains why the Hoosiers have turned up the heat on players like Dewitz, Deng, 6'9 Charlie Villanueva from Blairstown (Blair Academy) NJ and may be losing interest in players like Bass, 6'10 Ndudi Ebi from Houston (Westbury Christian TX, and 6'5 Vakeaton Wafer from Ft. Worth (Paschal) TX.  We also believe that Oklahoma State is the favorite for 6'9 Steve Verwers from Weatherford (H.S.) TX.  As a matter of fact, Verwers played over  weekend at the Fullcourt Press Fall Hoops Classic in Lynwood, CA for the BWBA Orange Team, which happens to be coached by Bob Gottlieb.  Not only was Gottlieb an assistant coach for Eddie Sutton during his days at Creighton, but Gottlieb's son, Doug Gottlieb, played for Sutton at Oklahoma State.   We also are now projecting that Stanford will get  both 6'10 David Padgett from Reno (H.S.) NV and 6'3 Omar Wilkes from Los Angeles (Loyola) CA.  However, we also believe that Kansas has a shot at packaging Padgett and Wilkes  and, if that happens, don't look for the Jayhawks to take 6'8 Marcus Dove from Long Beach (Millikan) CA, despite the fact they had him on campus this weekend.  We also expect something to happen with 5'10 Aaron Brooks from Seattle (Washington) WA, who made his official visit to Oregon over the weekend, fairly soon.  The word we get is that Oregon is going to push Brooks to make up his mind this week and, if he doesn't, the point guard of the future for the Ducks will likely be 5'10 Carl Marshall from Chicago (Crane Tech) IL.  Apparently Marshall is supposed to make an official visit to Oregon next weekend and, if the Ducks offer, he'll take it. And, if this happens, this would open the door for UCLA to finally get the point guard that UCLA head coach Steve Lavin needs to not just help his team's chemistry, but turn the Bruins into a NCAA Final Four contender.   However, don't rule out the University of Washington.  As a matter of fact, the longer this one goes the more we like Lorenzo Romar's chances.   UCLA appears to be the early favorite 6'2 Jr Gabriel Pruitt from Los Angeles (Westchester) CA, but his father also mentions USC, Arizona, Kansas, and Colorado. 

Our Ohio Editor Chris Johnson told us last week that he thought the University of Pittsburgh was the leader for 5'7 Andrew Lavender from Columbus (Brookhaven) OH and 6'7 Brandon Foust from Columbus (Brookhaven) OH, but now Greg Swaim of GregSwaim.com informs us that Oklahoma was a near lock, unless something foreseen happened on their visit to Norman, OK over the weekend.  Well, it appears nothing happened to change their minds, because Lavender, and Foust both verbally committed to the Sooners on Saturday and it was officially announced last night on Swaim's radio show.  Lavender, who is expected to be the heir apparent to current Oklahoma point guard Hollis Price, is actually similar to Price in many ways.   However, Lavender is even smaller than Price, but we think he could turn out to be just as good a player for the Sooners down the road.  As a matter of fact, Lavender, who is ranked #10 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, was named the HOOP SCOOP Player-of-the-Summer, led All-Ohio Red to the championship at the NIKE Peach Jam, a second place finish in the 17-Under National AAU Tournament in Orlando, FL, and the final four at the AAU Super Showcase in Orlando, FL.  Foust, who is ranked #74 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, is a tweener right now and is a question mark academically.  However, if he doesn't make it academically, he'll get the time he needs to develop his perimeter skills in junior college.  These additions move the Sooners recruiting class up to #7 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003 and they help establish the continuation of a trend, whereby, Sooners head coach Kelvin Sampson, who had previously built the program primarily with junior college players, is now getting it done recruiting almost exclusively high school players.   If you will recall, last spring Oklahoma signed 6'8 Kevin Bookout from Stroud (H.S.) OK, 6'5 DeAngelo Alexander from Midwest City (H.S.) OK, and 6'10 Larry Turner from North Bridgton (Bridgton Academy) ME and they also have Rashaad Carruth, who transferred from Kentucky last spring, sitting out.   And now they have Lavender, Foust, and 6'2 Lawrence McKenzie from Minneapolis (Patrick Henry) OK in the fold, plus they are the heavy favorite to also get 6'8 Cartier Martin from Aldine (Nimitz) TX, who is ranked #89 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP.  This is important, because the elite programs in college basketball usually get it done by recruiting high school players.   In other words, it easier to build a program in the long term with high school players who are going to be in the program for four or five years, instead of junior college players who will around just two.  And Oklahoma's recruiting class isn't the only class that moved up dramatically over the weekend.  Our New York City Editor Ron Naclerio has the scoop on Georgetown landing 7'0 Reh Rhamini from Daytona Beach (JC) FL and, as a result the Hoyas recruiting class moves up to #14 on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2003.  Rhamini, who is a deceptive shot blocker and fluid athlete, should provide the perfect complement inside to 6'10 Darian Townes from Washington (Archbishop Carroll) DC, who verbally committed to Georgetown when he was a sophomore.   The third player in Georgetown's recruiting class is 5'11 Matt Causey from Gainesville (East Hall) GA, who verbally committed to the Hoyas last spring, promises to be the ideal role player at both the one and the two spots.   West Virginia also got a pair of verbal commitments over the weekend from 6'0 Tyler Relph from Rochester (McQuaid (Jesuit) NY and 6'5 Franklin Young from Tallahassee (Florida) FL.  Neither is ranked among our top 100 nationally, but Relph is a tough hardnosed point guard who is ideally suited to be the floor general that makes everybody around him better and Young is a terrific outside shooter with a good upper body and decent athleticism.  In other words, it looks like the new coaching staff at West Virginia is off to a great start in terms of building the program from the ground up. 

Saturday, September 14, 2002, & Sunday, September 15, 2002

As expected, 6'9 Chris Taft from Brooklyn (Xaverian) NY, who is ranked #43 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP, verbally committed to the University of Pittsburgh on Friday.  Taft becomes the 64th player ranked among our top 100 seniors nationally to have made an early verbal commitment.  He also may be the player who helps the Panthers get 5'11 Jr Sebastian Telfair from Brooklyn (Lincoln) NY, who is ranked