C2CRecruiting: Week Recap
Dunk Bait: SDSU Signee Matt Shrigley http://t.co/xBd2rmP4
Video: Jeremy Lin Vs Mater Dei http://t.co/VBtBRe3S
Video: What College Prospects Will Fit In The Pros http://t.co/ALoAxtZU
College Basketball: Top Teams In Trouble http://t.co/BCrFlCtJ
The Journey Of Jeremy Lin (Linfographic) http://t.co/qZAd9Gmx
Kicks: Highlighting Nike’s Monster Month http://t.co/CYdEibPL
2011 Prep All-American Khem Birch Headed to the Mountain West
Late Monday night, former Pittsburgh Panther Khem Birch decided where he will spend the rest of his basketball career. The 6’9″ freshman chose the University of Nevada-Las Vegas over Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators.
UNLV head coach Dave Rice added a significant piece to his future in the desert by adding the athletic power forward. When he is eligible in 2013, he will be an instant impact player for the Runnin’ Rebels. He is an athletic specimen who excels on the defensive end of the floor as an elite shot blocker.
What may be even more exciting for UNLV fans is that Birch is good friends with current 2012 target Anthony Bennett. The 6’7″ Bennett is a muscular small forward and top 20 player nationally in his class.
2011 City of Palms Classic: 22 Prospects to Watch
The 39th annual City of Palms Classic tipped off today, featuring 24 of the best high school and prep school programs the United States has to offer. In honor of one of the best events of the high school basketball season, here are 22 prospects worth watching from today through next Wednesday’s championship.
Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman High School (Nv.)- The 6’6″ shooting guard is the cream of the crop in the class of 2012. Everyone wants him, but who’s going to get him?
Julius Randle, Prestonwood Christian Academy (Tx.) – The 6’9″ power forward can dominate games in a variety of ways, and makes the game look easy when toying with defenders.
Nerlens Noel, The Tilton School (NH.) – The best defender in high school basketball. Watching the 6’10″ power forward block shots is definitely worth the price of admission.
Isaiah Austin, Grace Prep (Tx.) – He’s a 7’0″ center who can handle, pass, and shoot like a guard. You won’t find many players like him in the country, not only now, but for the next few years. Enjoy him while you can.
Amile Jefferson, Friends Central High School (Pa.) – The Philadelphia standout is a 6’7″ power forward, who once he develops a consistent jump shot, is going to take his game to the next level. A very talented forward who may become elite once he enters the college game.
Tony Parker, Miller Grove High School (Ga.) – The 6’9″, 270 pound space eater is a true big man. He will spend his time in the paint carving space and bruising and battering his opponents on the low block with his powerful frame.
Jabari Bird, Salesian High School (Ca.) - One of the most talented juniors in America, the 6’5″ shooting guard is an explosive athlete who epitomizes “smooth”.
Katin Reinhardt, Mater Dei High School (Ca.) – The future UNLV Runnin’ Rebel is a 6’5″ shooting guard who is a flashy passer and a very consistent jump shooter. Very fun to watch.
Ricardo Gathers, Riverside Academy (La.) - He is a powerful post prospect in the class of 2012. He is a 6’7″, 240 pound power forward with explosive athleticism and the body of an NFL football player.
Kasey Hill, Montverde Academy (Fl.) - The 6’0″ floor general blew up over the summer and is now one of the most in-demand point guards in the country. He is capable of getting to the rim any time he wants, and loves to dunk when attacking the hoop.
Goodluck Okonoboh, The Tilton School (NH.) - A 6’9″ power forward who thrives in transition and when blocking shots, he is a mirror of his high school teammate, Nerlens Noel. Though he isn’t quite as talented as him, he is still one of the best power forwards in the country.
Savon Goodman, Constitution High School (Pa.) – He is a blue-collar 6’6″ shooting guard who always finds a way to get the job done. He is at his best when attacking the rim and creating contact.
Jordan Mickey, Grace Prep (Tx.) – The late-blooming 6’7″ power forward is skyrocketing to the top of the class of 2013 rankings. He is a lengthy prospect who blocks a ton of shots, and is rapidly improving to where he should be a small forward by next year.
Wayne Selden, The Tilton School (NH.) - A 6’4″ shooting guard with a grown-man’s body. He is the most athletic player in the sophomore class and captivates audiences with his thunderous dunks.
Xavier Johnson, Mater Dei High School (Ca.) – The 6’6″ senior small forward is a steal for the University of Colorado. He is a scorer who can get you baskets in a variety of ways.
Jaren Sina, Gill St. Bernard’s School (NJ.) – A 6’2″ junior point guard who is absolutely deadly when in a shooting rhythm. The one-time Alabama commit is now back on the market and plenty of schools are fighting to land him.
Stephen Zimmerman, Bishop Gorman High School (Nv.) - Right now, the #1 freshman basketball player in America. The 6’10″ left-handed power forward has good quickness, can shoot, and blocks tons of shots. Very good looking prospect right now.
Rashad Muhammad, Bishop Gorman High School (Nv.) - The “other” Muhammad is quite a prospect in his own right. He is a 6’4″ shooting guard who is evolving into a point guard, which could make him a hot commodity in the class of 2013.
Emmanuel Mudiay, Grace Prep (Tx.) - The 6’3″ sophomore point guard is an explosive athlete who loves to score. Think of a younger Derrick Rose. He’s a star, and soon the rest of the country will know that as well.
DeAngelo Russell, Montverde Academy (Fl.) – The state of Kentucky’s best prospect in quite some time. The 6’3″ shooting guard is a scorer at heart, but has terrific court vision and is a gifted passer.
Stanley Johnson, Mater Dei High School (Ca.) – Another superstar sophomore. He is a 6’5″ shooting guard who has a terrific skill set for a prospect so young. He also is a good rebounder for his size.
Jaylen Brantley, Willbraham and Monson School (Ma.) - A 5’10″ junior point guard who is a terrific decision maker with the ball and a dead-eye shooter out to three-point range.
For a complete look at the tournament teams, bracket, and schedule, head over to www.cityofpalmsclassic.com
Follow me on Twitter @HoopsJuice3
2011 Beach Ball Classic Preview: A Loaded Field
Prestonwood Christian Academy and their star, Julius Randle, will be in attendance
The Beach Ball Classic was founded in 1981 and was created by Dan D’Antoni in order to bring more high-profile competition to the east coast. What originally started out as an event featuring four local teams and four teams from out of state, its popularity has allowed it to become a 16 team nationally recognized holiday event. NBA stars Vince Carter, Kobe Bryant, Rasheed Wallace, and Raymond Felton, to name a few, have all played in the event during their high school days. The 2011 field is arguably the best in the event’s short history. Here is a breakdown of each of the teams participating this year.
Ballard High School: Louisville, Kentucky
The Bruins are one of the most successful and respected programs in the state of Kentucky. This season, they are stacked with three high-profile recruits. 6’1″ sophomore Quentin Snyder has already committed to the University of Louisville, and is one of the top recruits in his high school class nationally. 6’0″ junior Lavonne Holland is a solid mid-major talent and is being recruited by many programs. Kelan Martin, a talented 6’6″ sophomore is already garnering attention from big-name schools across the country.
Bishop Gorman High School: Las Vegas, Nevada
The favorite to win the event, Bishop Gorman is in contention to win a mythical national championship this season. They are led by the consensus number one player in America, Shabazz Muhammad. The 6’6″ wing dominates anyone and everyone he comes across. They feature a litany of division one bound players on their roster. Rosco Allen is headed to Stanford next fall, Ben Allen is signed on to play at Oregon, and Demetris Morant will stay home and play for UNLV. Rashaad Muhammad is a 6’4″ talented junior who is the younger brother of Shabazz, and a high-profile division one recruit in his own right. The youngest rotation player for Gorman is 6’10″ freshman Stephen Zimmerman, who already holds several big-time scholarship offers.
Gaffney High School: Gaffney, South Carolina
The Indians are a local power in the state of South Carolina. They have won four AAAA state championships in the past decade. They will be led by 6’4″ guard/forward L.J. Peak, a high major basketball recruit, while 6’3″ Quinshad Davis is an elite football prospect on the national level.
Lakota East High School: Liberty Township, Ohio
A regional power in southern Ohio, the Thunderhawks are looking for a few statement wins in this years tournament. They will be led by a trio of talented players. Mark Minch, Stedman Lowry, and Robbie Harpring are all capable of leading the team to victories, all having gained valuable varsity experience in the past two or more seasons.
Lexington High School: Lexington, South Carolina
The Lexington Wildcats are another local team participating in the tournament. Football star Shaq Roland is a 6’2″ guard and will lead the charge for them. They will also be relying on Joby Glympth and Nygel Gates.
Lone Peak High School: Highland, Utah
The Lone Peak Knights are as successful a team as you will find in the state of Utah. Head coach Quincy Lewis has been at the school for eight seasons with a record of 161-31. He has won four state championships, along with six region championships. Regardless of this year’s roster, you can bet this team will be a threat to win any game they are in.
Miami Senior High School: Miami, Florida
The historically powerfully Stingarees are coached by Marcus Carreno. This is his 11th season at the helm, and he has over 150 wins in his Miami High career, including a state championship in 2005. Their most talented players are 6’1″ shooting guard Adriel Jimenez and 6’2″ point guard Allen Baez.
Milton High School: Milton, Georgia
Perhaps no team is a bigger sleeper in this year’s field than the Milton Eagles. They were the state runner-up last year in the state of Georgia’s AAAAA class. Their top three players are all elite division one recruits. Shaquille Johnson is a 6’5″ jumping jack who is the most athletic/electric high school basketball player in the country. Evan Nolte is a 6’7″ small forward who is committed to the University of Virginia, while Charles Mann is headed to Georgia next year.
Myrtle Beach High School: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The hometown Seahawks typically have a very athletic and competitive team, and this year is no different. Their leader is 6’3″ senior Tramond Wilson. Emeray Johnson is a 6’2″ leaper who is a standout high-jumper for the school as well and will help on the rebounding front. Eric Goings, another 6’2″ track and field athlete, is a speed demon on the court as well.
Prestonwood Christian Academy: Plano, Texas
The lions star is undoubtedly 6’9″ junior power forward Julius Randle. He is a nationally ranked top 10 player in America, regardless of class. Zach Peters is a 6’9″ power forward who is headed to the University of Kansas next season. They also have a rising star in freshman Mickey Mitchell, who is a 6’6″ small forward who thrives in transition.
Rye High School: Rye, New York
The Garnets have two players with famous bloodlines leading them this season. Max Twyman is a 6’5″ junior and grandson of NBA Hall of Famer Jack Twyman. Michael D’Antoni is a 5’11″ guard and the son of New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni.
Scott County High School: Georgetown, Kentucky
The Scott County Cardinals are a powerhouse team in the basketball crazed state of Kentucky. Their leader this season is 6’4″ shooting guard Tamron Manning, who is headed to Marshall University next fall.
Socastee High School: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Socastee head coach Tommy Johnson has amassed more than 500 victories at the high school basketball level. His resume includes a state championship, 12 regional championships, and four regional final four appearances.
St. Augustine High School: New Orleans, Louisiana
Future Texas Longhorn Javan Felix is the leader of the Purple Knights. The 5’11″ point guard is a terror in transition and is nationally recognized as one of the top 10 points guards in America for the class of 2012.
St. Edward High School: Lakewood, Ohio
The Ohio powerhouse team is coached by Eric Flannery. He has been the coach at the school for 15 seasons. While there, he has accumulated six final four appearances and one state title, in 1998. He has coached the prestigious McDonald’s All-American game in 2010 and the Jordan Brand Classic in 2008.
Whitney Young High School: Chicago, Illinois
The Dolphins are a conveyor belt for producing division one basketball players in the Windy City. This season, they feature 6’11″ sophomore Jahlil Okafor, who just may be the best player in America for his age. Thomas Hamilton Jr. is a 6’9″ junior and one of the top power forward prospects in the country for the junior class. Paul White is another nationally ranked sophomore for the Dolphins. He is a 6’8″ slasher who is a top 25 prospect in his own right, but usually is overshadowed by the enormous Jahlil Okafor.
Photo courtesy of Jim Redman
Nate Britt Headed to Chapel Hill
The North Carolina Tarheels have found another point guard for their future. After bringing in Iowa’s Marcus Paige for their 2012 class, Roy Williams and company have dipped into the talented basketball city of Washington D.C. for their latest point guard commitment.
The 6’2″, 160 pound floor general marks their third straight left-handed point guard prospect, and they will be getting a gem in Britt. He currently stars for Gonzaga College High School in D.C. Last year, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 assists for the regional powerhouse.
He picked the Tar Heels over Maryland, Arizona, Georgetown, and Villanova. It has been no secret that he has been infatuated with Carolina, and he is looking forward to playing with Marcus Paige once he arrives on campus.
He is ranked as a consensus top 25 national player, and one of the top five point guard prospects in America.
Follow me on Twitter @HoopsJuice3
Kansas State Lands 7-Footer Robert Upshaw
The battle to land Fresno, California center Robert Upshaw has ended, and the Kansas State Wildcats have come home as the winner. The 7’0″ center will be the Wildcats over Georgtown and Fresno State, among others at a press conference at his high school this afternoon. The reason he chose head coach Frank Martin and K-State is because of the family atmosphere in Manhattan.
He is the second commitment for Kansas State next season. He will be joined by Laimonas Chatkevicius, a 6’11″ prospect from Lithuania. He is the highest rated center to commit to the Big 12 school in the past five years. He is the epitome of an “upside” recruit, who has a chance to really blossom under the fiery Frank Martin. He is an athlete who excels on the defensive end of the floor, blocking many shots per game. He is still a developing prospect, but he has the chance to be a special player in the Big 12.
Daniel Dingle to Temple
St. Raymond High School star Daniel Dingle will be suiting up for Fran Dunphy and the Temple Owls next season. The 6’7″ power forward and Bronx native chose the Owls over Seton Hall, Auburn, and Miami.
While at Temple, expect him to play both small and power forward. Joining him in Temple’s 2012 class will be New Jersey small forward Quenton DeCosey and Pennsylvania center Devontae Wilson.
Kaleb Tarczewski Completes Monster Recruiting Class for Arizona
The #1 center prospect in the country, Kaleb Tarczewski, has committed to coach Sean Miller and the Arizona Wildcats over the Kansas Jayhawks. He is a likely 2012 McDonald’s All-American, and completes a fantastic recruiting class for UA.
Joining the 7’0″ center in Tucson will be three other Top 50 recruits, Brandon Ashley, Gabe York, and Grant Jerrett. This terrific group of future ‘Cats are all legitimate candidates for the McDonald’s game. The signing also makes the Pac-12 power the easy choice as the current #1 recruiting class in the country. You also have to figure that it won’t be easy for anyone to top this class when all is said and done, even the magnificent recruiter John Calipari.