College Basketball "off-season" Thread (players leaving/coaching changes/recruiting)

[jimmy page]

Originally Posted by lnMyMind

July 3, 2008
[h1]USA U18 trials: session three[/h1]
Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Talk about it in Basketball Recruiting Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.- It took Lance Stephenson a little while to get untracked at the USA Basketball U18 National Team Trials, but by the third session Stephenson found his stride.

Stephenson is excited about representing the USA.

Implementing more of a streamlined physical approach to the game, Stephenson was simply the dominant force on the court Wednesday night. He bullied defenders with slashing drives to the basket and crashed the boards for rebounds. With less dribbles he made more positive things happen for his scrimmage squad, and in the process found the touch on his jumper.

Stephenson was the first to admit that he had to go through an adjustment period.

"I'm trying to get used to not getting the ball like I'm used to getting it," said Stephenson. "Now when I get the ball I'm trying to finish the play quicker."

He also rejected recent talk that he might take some other route than attending college after next year.

"I'm more focused on school and getting an education. I'm more about learning new stuff and then go to the NBA. Skipping college and going to Europe is something you think about as a last resort when your messing up in school, but I'm doing well in school."

St. John's, Texas, North Carolina and Duke are still in the running to land Stephenson, but three other schools standout at the top of his list.

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

With the trials, practices and then the World Games in Argentina conflicting with the shoe company camps, many prospects declined invitations to play for USA Basketball. Stephenson, however, is hungry for a new experience and excited about playing for his country.

"I'm more about helping the United States," he said. "I'm not about sneakers or the latest Lebron camp jersey. I've already done the Lebron camp and the other camps, so this is a new experience for me."

One of the other uncommitted participants in the USA U18 trials is Dominic Cheek. Like Stephenson, Cheek is far from ready to make a decision about where he will play college basketball.

"I don't really have a school list because new schools keep coming in," said Cheek. "After this, I'll narrow things down to something like ten schools."

Cheek did note, however, that Villanova and Tennessee are recruiting him the hardest. He also revealed the two most important factors for him in choosing a school.

"I want to go to a school that has a chance to win the national championship and play for a coach who can get me to the next level," he said.

Notes from session three

It looks like the players are beginning to adjust to the international basketball which is a tad bit bigger than an American basketball and much slicker.

Mason Plumlee made a statement in session two with his shot blocking ability, and in session three he was all over the offensive glass demonstrating an ability to rebound outside of his area.

Leslie McDonald has had success finishing at the rim in transition throughout the trials, but he struggled defensively on Wednesday, giving up a number of drives to the basket.

Dominic Cheek has a gift for getting the ball in the basket, but like McDonald, his defense has been sub par.

Continuing with the defensive theme, Ryan Kelly is a nightmare to defend with his array of offensive moves, but he will have to bulk up before he gets to college in order to successfully defend in the low post.

On the other hand, point guards Kemba Walker and Maalik Wayns have impressed with their ability to pressure the basketball.

Travis Releford is a college ready guard with his physical strength and basketball IQ. He defends, rebounds, takes care of the basketball and knows when to take the ball to the basket.

�Add in St. John's

Anyway Freshmen move in this Sunday, not sure if its across the country or just at St. John's. Going to be fun seeing a bunch of no named scrubs whobarely know how to walk, helped to move in by the managers.

 

[jpzx]

Lance needs to go to Memphis or Kansas....Tennessee would not be a good fit IMO. He's still an incoming senior though, so he might change his mind aboutcolleges a lot.

 

[i wear sneakers]

this thread has been slacking lately.

 

[allen3xis]

If he goes to Tenn...I can't be a fan...just can't.

He needs to go to Kansas.
...

Some good news for me,,

JT3 announced Julian Vaughn is eligible to play THIS year....thank god, we needed some more depth.

...
And what do you know..


When Josh Hairston received a scholarship offer from Duke University last week, many assumed an oral commitment to the Blue Devils was soon to follow fromthe Courtland High School rising junior basketball standout.

Not so fast.

Hairston said on Tuesday that Duke is among his top five choices, but he hasn't declared a front-runner.

The 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward said his list also includes Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown and Ohio State. He said no decision is imminent.

Hairston enjoyed his visit to Duke last week and said he's "pretty proud" of the offer, but added he still plans to make a college decisionshortly before the start of the high school season.

"That's no knock on Duke. I loved going down to Duke," he said. "It was a great experience. I had a chance to sit down and talk to CoachK and he basically let me know what Duke could do for me. But I'm not saying that puts Duke out in front of anybody because all five schoolsare right there."

The "Coach K" Hairston speaks of is Blue Devils Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, a three-time national champion and Olympic head coach.

But Hairston, who was recently rated a five-star prospect by rivals.com and the 15th-best player in nation in the class of 2010, said a legendary coachisn't the only thing Duke has going for it.

Former Boo Williams AAU teammate Andre Dawkins recently orally committed to the Blue Devils.

"Me and Andre are real close. He actually [sent me a text message] five minutes before he committed," Hairston said. "I'm happy for him.I think that's the best situation for him. If we do end up as teammates, that's fine by me."

Duke isn't the only new school to court Hairston. Kansas, Notre Dame and Clemson recently offered scholarships, joining Virginia, Virginia Tech,Maryland, Georgetown and Ohio State.

However, Hairston's mother, Natalie, said it's unlikely he'll consider Kansas, Notre Dame or Clemson because the other schools were more activeearlier.

Hairston added that he won't visit any more schools this summer. He's in the midst of a strenuous AAU schedule that includes upcoming tournaments inCincinnati; Morgantown, W.Va; Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Hairston's schedule will wrap up at the end of August and he'll begin preparing for his junior season at Courtland, where he averaged 17.1 pointsper game last season.

"Hopefully by the start of next season, I'll know where I want to go," Hairston said. "But that could change. I could know where I wantto go in two weeks and I'll say it right then."

Solid-gold coaching

Former Massaponax wrestling coach Rob Prebish was a United States coach at the Pan American Junior Freestyle Championships last week in Cuenca, Ecuador.

United States wrestlers won five individual gold medals and the team title, holding off Venezuela 74-64.

Prebish, who coached at Massaponax from 2001 until this past season, said the experience was "phenomenal." Former Olympic wrestling coach JimHumphrey was also a coach.

 

[allen3xis]

Little brother can play, too.




Rider coach Tommy Dempsey harbored hope, but he reallywasn't sure Broncs star Jason Thompson would riseall the way to lottery-pick status.

Dempsey, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, was hoping Thompson - the MAAC Player of the Year - would be gone by No. 20.

Ryan Thompson will become the go-to guy at Rider next season.

He needn't have worried. The Sacramento Kings jumped in and made Thompson, a 6-foot-11 forward, the No. 12 pick. He is thefirst-ever first-rounder for the small New Jersey school. But there's reason to believe he won't be the last.
Why?

Genetics.

Jason Thompson's little brother, Ryan, will be a junior this season, and he was more than a nice complement to his older sibling last season. Ryan Thompson ranked in the top 12 in the MAAC in 11 of the 13statistical categories, including eighth in scoring (15.0 ppg), 10th in rebounding (6.2), ninth in assists (3.4), fifth in steals (1.7) and fourth in 3-pointpercentage (43.

. That's a big-time season for anybody, especially a 6-6 sophomore who's still growing.

"With Jason's departure, Ryan will become our go-to guy and I want him as prepared as he can be," Dempsey said.

With that in mind, Thompson jumped on an invitation to the Nike Paul Pierce Skills Academy in Los Angeles. The other college wing players who were therewere Davidson's Stephen Curry, Arizona State's James Harden, Georgetown's Austin Freeman, Arkansas' Patrick Beverley, Cal State-Fullerton's Josh Akognon, California's Patrick Christopher and Indiana's Jeremiah Rivers. Two incoming freshmen, Memphis' Tyreke Evans and USC's Demar DeRozan, also attended.

"Ryan had a great experience," Dempsey said. "It's important that I expose Ryan to the better players in the country. He's special,and I want to challenge him this summer. I want him to have a great summer and play the best competition in the country."

Thompson said he felt a little intimidated heading into the event because of his small-school status.

"It was more like I had to prove myself to those guys to get more of their respect," he said. "They saw me as a guy from a small school:'Let's see what he can do.'

"But by the end of the week, I think they knew I could play."

Thompson said he struck up a friendship with Curry, another small-school gem who electrified the country during the Wildcats' stunning run to the EliteEight.

"I still keep in touch with Stephen," Thompson said. "Nice guy, great player. I guess we kind of had the small-school thing in common.

"He drives well, and he can shoot the lights out."

Thompson said he felt like he learned a lot at the three-day camp, especially footwork and individual drills that he can work on to improve.

The next step for him is the Nike LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio, that begins Saturday.

"He's one of the better guards in the country in my opinion," Dempsey said. "The more we expose him to that level, the more he has anopportunity to grow as a player."

Ryan was with Jason at the family's home in Mount Laurel, N.J., watching the draft. Can he keep up with his brother?

"That's the goal," Ryan Thompson said. "I've just got to take it one step at a time."

 

[OrangeBlueGarden]

UCLA final four and road to the championship once again!

 

[bigmike23]

[h2]Tuesday, July 1, 2008[/h2]
http:// [h3]Update on . . . Lance Stephenson- A Father's Perspective[/h3]
Lance Stephenson has been the talk of America in the high school basketball world for quite some time. The class of 2009 6'6 superstar swingman at Lincoln (NY) has been talked about in New York City for much longer though. Yet even before the NYC circle began to discuss Stephenson, his father saw something in him. Lance Stephenson, Sr. has seen his son progress from a youngster all the way to one of the best players in America. I spoke with Mr. Stephenson at the Steve Nash Skills Academy, where he was taking in the action.

NB: What schools [are] Lance really considering?
LS: UCLA, Kansas, USC, and St. John's . . . [and] Memphis.

NB: What do you think Lance needs to work on the most?
LS: A little bit of everything. He has an all-around game, . . . so he's got to keep brushing up on everything, all his tools. . . . It's not that one thing that I can say he needs to work on, just everything, just keep getting better.

NB: What do you see as the strongest point in his game?
LS: His strength, his agility, he's real quick, he [has] got good lateral movement, he's explosive, he's got the complete package right now.

NB: What do you think helped him get to where he is right now? Other than just having the natural ability.
LS: Just working out, [a] lot of push-ups. . . . It's a little bit of a mix of everything, natural ability, a lot of hard work, push-ups, pull-ups, dips, . . . a whole lot of advice, information, so he [has] known how to make the right plays from an early age.

NB: When Lance was young, did you see him having the potential to be such a talented player?
LS: Yes, yeah, from day one, I knew that he was going to be a real talented player, just like my other son.

NB: Other than you two, who's going to be involved in the decision process for college?
LS: My wife, that's about it. . . . His high school coach [Dwayne "Tiny" Morton of Lincoln (NY)] has a little bit on influence as well.

NB: Is Lance going to eventually make the final decision, or is it just going to be a group choice?
LS: I would say he [is] going to make the final decision. We [are] just going to give him all the information and let him decide what he wants to do.

NB: Is there a school . . . that you favor, that you think Lance should go to right now?
LS: Right now my favorite school is UCLA.

NB: What makes the Bruins standout to you?
LS: Well, the tradition, the conference, the style of play, they let the guards play pretty free.

NB: If not for the NBA age limit, would Lance be going pro next year?
LS: I think if you asked me that question . . . when that times [I would have a better idea], but an educated guess, I would say 'yeah,' he's definitely got all the skills, and after looking at [Thursday's NBA] Draft, all of those kids, all of the freshman that went, he's playing against or with before, so we pretty much know some of the good players.

NB: You mentioned all the freshmen. Do you think Lance is a lock to be a one-and-done [player in college]?
LS: No, nothing is a lock, . . . he got to play the games. I wouldn't say he's a lock, he still has a lot of work to do.

NB: With all the attention that he's been receiving since eighth grade, do you ever see it getting to him, kind of . . . bringing him down a little bit, having all that focus on him?
LS: No, nothing [is] bringing him down, he's still rising. Heading into his senior year he has a lot . . . of accomplishments that he's already done, wining three [New York] City [championships], two state [championships]. He's still rising, next year I think will be the icing on the cake.

NB: What are you most proud of Lance for?
LS: Just staying with it, and really not folding, he's kept the same . . . demeanor all the way through . . . high school. He's kept the same demeanor, he hasn't let the media change his game, he still has his attitude, he still has his . . . aggressiveness, and that's really what I'm most proud of him [for]. He designed his game, and he's sticking with it.

NB: What [are you most proud of him for] . . . outside of basketball?
LS: What am I most proud of him . . . [for] outside of basketball? I'm proud that he's my son. I'm proud that he's healthy. I'm proud that he's [a] pretty good student in school.

NB: What are Lance's plans for July during the evaluation period?
LS: He'll be trying out for the USA . . . 18 and Under team.

The younger Lance Stephenson was by far the most impressive player at the Steve Nash Skills Academy. His play in the five-on-five scrimmage to end the event was fantastic. Lance's father certainly knows of the talent and potential that his son possesses. He definitely is proud of Lance's game, and he should be, as Lance is one of the best player in the United States. I'll make sure that I keep you updated on how things are moving along for the younger Lance Stephenson.

Scouting Report on Stephenson:

Lance Stephenson may well be the best player in America. He has a fantastic all-around game. The Lincoln (NY) stud is even talented enough that his teammates deferred to him at the Steve Nash Skills Academy to run the point in the scrimmage, despite being the only non-point guard on his team. Stephenson '09, a 6'6 swingman, can shoot the rock, with range that extends out to the three-point line. Lance can also get to the hole and has a solid handle. He is a spectacular athlete with great hops, and well-chiseled frame. The NYC phenom seems to have a good work ethic, as he chose to shoot around during the water break in the scrimmage at the Nash Academy. At times, Stephenson can be a bit too flashy. As well, his attitude is something that he needs to work on. He gets frustrated with lesser teammates when they make mistakes and is a bit cocky. Yet, that may well be from being "the man" in the Big Apple for so long. A change of scenery for college may be quite helpful for the gifted ballplayer. Attitude aside, Lance might have the most complete game of anyone in America, including graduating seniors from the class of 2008. Lance Stephenson is the real deal.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by allen3xis

If he goes to Tenn...I can't be a fan...just can't.

He needs to go to Kansas.
...

Some good news for me,,

JT3 announced Julian Vaughn is eligible to play THIS year....thank god, we needed some more depth.

...
And what do you know..


When Josh Hairston received a scholarship offer from Duke University last week, many assumed an oral commitment to the Blue Devils was soon to follow from the Courtland High School rising junior basketball standout.

Not so fast.

Hairston said on Tuesday that Duke is among his top five choices, but he hasn't declared a front-runner.

The 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward said his list also includes Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown and Ohio State. He said no decision is imminent.

Hairston enjoyed his visit to Duke last week and said he's "pretty proud" of the offer, but added he still plans to make a college decision shortly before the start of the high school season.

"That's no knock on Duke. I loved going down to Duke," he said. "It was a great experience. I had a chance to sit down and talk to Coach K and he basically let me know what Duke could do for me. But I'm not saying that puts Duke out in front of anybody because all five schools are right there."

The "Coach K" Hairston speaks of is Blue Devils Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, a three-time national champion and Olympic head coach.

But Hairston, who was recently rated a five-star prospect by rivals.com and the 15th-best player in nation in the class of 2010, said a legendary coach isn't the only thing Duke has going for it.

Former Boo Williams AAU teammate Andre Dawkins recently orally committed to the Blue Devils.

"Me and Andre are real close. He actually [sent me a text message] five minutes before he committed," Hairston said. "I'm happy for him. I think that's the best situation for him. If we do end up as teammates, that's fine by me."

Duke isn't the only new school to court Hairston. Kansas, Notre Dame and Clemson recently offered scholarships, joining Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Georgetown and Ohio State.

However, Hairston's mother, Natalie, said it's unlikely he'll consider Kansas, Notre Dame or Clemson because the other schools were more active earlier.

Hairston added that he won't visit any more schools this summer. He's in the midst of a strenuous AAU schedule that includes upcoming tournaments in Cincinnati; Morgantown, W.Va; Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Hairston's schedule will wrap up at the end of August and he'll begin preparing for his junior season at Courtland, where he averaged 17.1 points per game last season.

"Hopefully by the start of next season, I'll know where I want to go," Hairston said. "But that could change. I could know where I want to go in two weeks and I'll say it right then."

Solid-gold coaching

Former Massaponax wrestling coach Rob Prebish was a United States coach at the Pan American Junior Freestyle Championships last week in Cuenca, Ecuador.

United States wrestlers won five individual gold medals and the team title, holding off Venezuela 74-64.

Prebish, who coached at Massaponax from 2001 until this past season, said the experience was "phenomenal." Former Olympic wrestling coach Jim Humphrey was also a coach.

I knew it was too good to be true.

 

[allen3xis]

I'd still like your chances Dre.

 

[allen3xis]

Action for this year's Kenner League is slated to begin on Saturday, July 5 at McDonough Arena. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m. for the first day ofplay.

Members of the Georgetown men's basketball team will be parts of the following teams: sophomores Chris Wright (Bowie, Md./St. John's Catholic [D.C.}) and Nikita Mescheriakov (Minsk, Belarus/St. John's Prospect Hall [Md.]) andfreshmen Henry Sims (Baltimore, Md./Mount St. Joseph), Jason Clark (Arlington,Va./Bishop O'Connell) and Greg Monroe (Gretna, La./Helen Cox) will play for The Tombs; junior DaJuan Summers (Baltimore, Md./McDonogh) and sophomores Austin Freeman (Mitchellville, Md./DeMatha) and JulianVaughn (Vienna, Va./Oak Hill Academy) will play for Clyde's; and senior Jessie Sapp (New York, N.Y./National Christian Academy [Md.]) and sophomore Omar Wattad (Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill) will play for Myers & Alterman.

Clyde's will play the D.C. Jammers on Saturday, July 5 at 2:15 p.m., with The Tombs squaring off against Myers & Alterman at 4:15 p.m.
Admissionis free and games are open to the public.
...


All I got for rosters for now, some George Mason, and Maryland guys I'm sure will be there a long with a few pros that show up every now and then and somegood local hoopers

..

Anyone have info on summer hooping going on elsewhere and names?

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Anyone have info on summer hooping going on elsewhere and names?

Yeah....

























I'm gonna be hooping at the Y, Gold Gym and various other spots in the Raleigh Durham area this summer.

 

[bigmike23]

i will try to see who up at UCLA this summer and at some of the LA summer leauges. UCLA may be weak this year cause of the Olympics seen how alot of those guysball down here.

 

[gatorb807]

Austin Rivers (Doc's son) class of 2011 has committed to Florida. He plays at the same school Lake Howell that Nick Calathes and Chandler Parsons are from.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10885821
Hopefully UF can still land Brandan Knight in the 2010 class.

 

[allen3xis]

Dom Cheek..

Cheek recognized an opportunity beyond the Team USA experience. Though he is undecided about his college choice, he conceded that after only one practice withThompson, he could see himself in a Georgetown uniform next year.

"Hopefully if I play well enough, and he likes me, we can sit down and talk about that once this is all over," Cheek said. "He's a greatcoach, and it's a great program, but we'll see what happens."

..
And Lance had G'Town and St. John's mentioned again in an article along with the main 3.

Who knows what's up with his choices.

 

[allen3xis]

And Nolan Dennis to Memphis

 

[messiahchild]

Originally Posted by allen3xis

Dom Cheek..

Cheek recognized an opportunity beyond the Team USA experience. Though he is undecided about his college choice, he conceded that after only one practice with Thompson, he could see himself in a Georgetown uniform next year.

"Hopefully if I play well enough, and he likes me, we can sit down and talk about that once this is all over," Cheek said. "He's a great coach, and it's a great program, but we'll see what happens."

..
And Lance had G'Town and St. John's mentioned again in an article along with the main 3.

Who knows what's up with his choices.

You already have a chip on lock in 2010 without Cheek.....Stop being so damn greedy

Mailbag: Duke aims high with backcourt targets

---

By Bob Gibbons
Scouts Inc.

Greetings to all. As we approach the beginning of the July evaluation period, which opens for college coaches on July 6, and before we start our own tour of summer camps and tournaments, we wanted to respond to those readers who have sent questions to our mailbag. And it really is good to communicate with you again. Following are our answers to a selection of recent reader inquiries:

Jeff in Phoenix: Is Duke looking at any point guards for the Class of 2009 or 2010 to take over for Nolan Smith after he leaves? Bob: Great question Jeff. The Blue Devils are definitely in hot pursuit of some top lead guards, including 6-2 combo guard Kenny Boynton (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage). ESPN's No. 3 rated overall 2009 prospect is a prolific scorer but has the skills to play the point guard at the next level. Think Allen Iverson (as a comparable player only).
Duke has had past success with scoring lead guards such as William Avery, Chris Duhon, and, actually, Nolan Smith. Boynton is one of the most consistent 3-point shooters we have seen. Reportedly Boynton is down to five schools: Florida, Duke, Georgia Tech, Memphis and Texas.

Duke has also shown interest in 6-4 Nick Russell (Arlington, Texas, Grace Prep Academy), another talented 2009 combo guard, and recently hosted on an unofficial visit for highly-ranked 2010 prospect Tyler Thornton (Washington, D.C./Gonzaga), a 6-2 combo guard.
Last week, Duke received a commitment from 6-5 Andre Dawkins (Virginia Beach, Va., Atlantic Shores Christian), a 2010 wing guard. ESPN Super 60 Class of 2010 prospect Josh Hairston (Spotsylvania, Va., Courtland), made an unofficial visit to Duke last week. The 6-8 power/wing forward was on campus at the same time as Boynton. Reportedly, Hairston will soon narrow his list of schools to three -- Duke, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State. Duke is definitely in the hunt for No. 19-rated, 6-6 WF Terrell Vinson (Rockville, Md./ Montrose Christian). Vinson's final three are Villanova, Georgetown and Duke.Versatile 6-7 P/WF Jamil Wilson (Racine, Wisc./Horlick) has long had Duke as one of his favorite schools, but the Blue Devils do not appear to be actively recruiting the 2009 ESPN 100 prospect. Watching him perform at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, Wilson reminded me somewhat of former Duke player Jamal Boykin, who transferred last year. Duke also has a commitment from gifted big man Mason Plumlee (Arden, N.C./Christ School), the No. 20 rated, 6-10 power forward.

Sebastian in Austin, Texas: Which team is leading for the services of Jordan Hamilton, and what other prospects to you think Texas really has a good chance with for the Class of 2009? Bob: Sebastian, according to my sources, Texas appears to be the current leader for gifted, high-scoring wing forward Jordan Hamilton (Compton, Calif./Dominguez). He has said that he wants to attend a program featuring wing players, and with Kevin Durant as a great example of how Rick Barnes can build his program around a wing forward, the Longhorns have a great selling point.
There are questions still to be resolved about Hamilton's high school eligibility in California, since this year at Dominguez would be his fifth year of high school. However, he did not play basketball as a freshman and is still only 17 years old. It looks as though the C.I.F. will allow him to play next year, but that is not yet official.
The Longhorns' strongest competition could come from Big 12 rival Kansas. Hamilton attended the Jayhawks' Elite Camp. He also lists Syracuse, Connecticut and Pac-10 programs Arizona and USC as possibilities and plans to announce his decision in October. Texas must sign a point guard from the Class of 2009. Top prospects they have reportedly offered are 6-5 1/2G Nolan Dennis (North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland); 5-10 PG Tommy Mason-Griffin, a Houston resident who reportedly will attend Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) next year; gifted 6-3 PG Abdul Gaddy (Tacoma, Wash./Bellarmine Prep); and Kenny Boynton. Other primary Longhorns' recruiting targets include: ESPN No. 2 rated, 6-6 G/F Xavier Henry (Oklahoma City, Okla./Putnam City); No. 5 rated, 6-6 G/F Dominic Cheek (Jersey City, N.J./St. Anthony); ESPN 100 prospects 6-7 WF Shawn Williams and 6-5 WF Roger Franklin, both from Duncanville, Texas; and 6-7 WF Ari Stewart (Marietta, Ga./Wheeler).

Dominic in Santa Fe, N.M: What do you think of the New Mexico Lobos' late addition of A.J. Hardeman? Does the addition of Hardeman move the Lobos up the 2008 recruiting rankings?Bob: Dominic, getting a strong, physical power forward such as the 6-8, 225-pound Hardeman gives a big boost to Steve Alford's already impressive group of 2008 newcomers. With the six players they have signed, I would rank the Lobos recruiting class among the top 20 this year. Hardeman becomes the third big man in Alford's talented group. He attended high school in Del Valle, Texas, and signed at Texas Tech as a senior in 2007. However, he did not qualify academically and sat out this past year to work on his academics. Hardeman committed to the Lobos and signed during the spring period. He took summer school classes at New Mexico and has been cleared to play next fall. Other top incoming Lobos freshmen are 6-5 2G Phillip McDonald (Cypress, Texas); 6-3 PG Nathen Garth (Memphis, Tenn.); 6-8 PF Will Brown (Pensacola, Fla./Patterson School); 6-4 2G Curtis Dennis (Henderson, Nev.); and 6-9 C/F Isaiah Rusher (Bellaire, Texas). At this time, Dennis and Rusher have not yet been cleared academically.

Bob in Nashville: What do you think of Vandy's 2008 recruiting class with the addition of Brad Tinsley and Jeff Taylor? All four of these guys are rated in the top 100 nationally. Bob to Bob: The addition of two ESPN 100 2008 recruits in 6-3 G Tinsley (Oregon City, Ore.) and 6-7 Taylor (Hobbs, N.M.) most definitely upgrades the Commodores' national recruiting. I think Vanderbilt's four-member class ranks with the best in the SEC and will be among the top 12 for 2008. Tinsley is a terrific shooter and can play either guard position. He is a possible starter for Kevin Stallings next season. Taylor is another deadly 3-point marksman and should help fill the void left by shooting star Shan Foster. Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to your questions on our next Mailbag. Take care, and have a happy and safe July 4.

 

[allen3xis]

Scottie sticks around and yall will be plenty tough.

I wana see Fisher take the PG spot from him for good this year, tho.

...I think Vinson ends up at Nova, too. If not, it'll be Duke.

..

Play starts today, thank god. It's been long enough.

And the LeBron James camp starts today, too.

The summer circuit is about to get going

 

[allen3xis]

Little Kenner league report thus far

Non G'Town guys...

- Will Thomas

- Dermarr Johnson

- Tony Skinn

Monroe is on campus and playing....Austin Freeman is not fat and looks as good as ever.

 

[the wizard]

Wow a mention of Vandy. Let's see if we can give the Vols a run for the conference title.

 

[tmay407]

So today is July 5th, which means Brandon Jennings was supposed to get his SAT scores today. Any word on how that went dfresh, or does he have to wait anotherweek to find out?

 

[allen3xis]

Two blurbs on Cheek's recruitment

While Bruce Pearl -- who is the only coach to have a photo of himself on the front the envelopes -- corresponds frequently, the family isstill waiting to see him stand out in a crowd at a gym.

As the doors opened to the street, the off-white shades in Pirates coach Bobby Gonzalez's office -- which overlooks the court -- werelowered from the inside. While others made their way to the bus, Cheek, wearing a gray sweatsuit and black doo rag under a black baseball hat, walked upstairsto Gonzalez's second-floor office.

A few minutes later, Cheek exited through a side door to an adjacent office where the lights were out but the shades were up. In plain view of those below,the ever-smiling Cheek emerged in the gripping embrace of Gonzalez, who wore an even larger smile. "He just told me I had the key to Jersey City,"Cheek later said. (When contacted by SI.com, Gonzalez emphatically denied any wrongdoing.)

The exchange, which was an NCAA violation for contacting a recruit in a designated non-contact period, was foreshadowed by Gonzalez last fall. "We areabsolutely in the next year or two years going to get a kid that we're not supposed to get," Gonzalez told reporters during his team's media day."And what's going to happen is, people are going to get very upset and they're going to accuse us of cheating."

 

[tmay407]

[h2]No word on UA basketball recruit Jennings' SAT score[/h2]
Test results now expected July 11

By Patrick Finley

Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.05.2008

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Brandon Jennings' waiting game will stretch another week.

The highly touted Arizona Wildcats basketball recruit, who believed he would receive his SAT score today, learned he will have to wait until July 11.

The point guard has taken the test three times. He did not receive a qualifying score on the first attempt, and was red-flagged by the NCAA on his second try because of a significant jump in score. If Jennings does not receive a qualifying score on his third SAT attempt, he would not be eligible to play at the UA.

Jennings - ranked the No. 1 incoming recruit by Scout.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com - is considering playing professionally in Europe for one year instead of attending the UA. He would then enter the 2009 NBA Draft.

Today's news won't skew Jennings' decision-making process, family friend Kelly Williams said today. He said he was "sure (the decision) will come after the 11th."

Jennings is currently working out in New Jersey with Nets guard Marcus Williams, Kelly's son.



Anyone else starting to not believe this

 

[allen3xis]

Jennings is currently working out in New Jersey with Nets guard Marcus Williams
Great guy to learn a solid work ethic from.

This kid is gona be Maurice Clarrett of Hoops (minus the arrests and legal trouble)

 

[bigmike23]

dont hate on my @@$!$ Marcus williams. he cant stay heathly thats all.

 

[worldbeefreeg]

Originally Posted by allen3xis

Jennings is currently working out in New Jersey with Nets guard Marcus Williams

Great guy to learn a solid work ethic from.

This kid is gona be Maurice Clarrett of Hoops (minus the arrests and legal trouble)


If he was Maurice Clarret without the legal trouble that would mean leading your team to the national title. I think you might need a better analogythere.