Favors likely will be No. 1 heading into summer

SABOUR-PINA ON THE RISE

Sometimes a team has too much talent. Players are more interested in scoring points and grabbing the spotlight than they are in doing the little things and simply winning games. With two top-10 players in their respective classes in the backcourt and a high D-I recruit inside, Team Breakdown doesn't really need another player who demands the ball.

Fortunately, they have 6-9 rising senior BF Guillaume Sabour-Pina...

"I've heard from the new staff at Marquette, Arizona State, Gonzaga, Wisconsin-Green Bay ..."

-- Sam Dower
Read story. ...

NEW RANKINGS NEXT WEEK

Leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, we'll be releasing our updated rankings for the classes of 2009 and underclasses, and we'll also release our final rankings for the Class of 2008.

It's been a particularly difficult year to finalize the senior class, simply because there is no clear consensus on No. 1 or who the top tier of prospects are from 2008. So for that reason, expect some surprises near the top.

Rankings & School Lists Select Item - Class Of - 2008 2009 2010 2007 2007JC 2006 2006JC 2005 2005JC 2004 2003 2003JC 2002 2002JC 2001 2001JC      Several seniors are making a push to take over at No. 1. Check out our top-10 player rankings from the past. You'll recognize a lot of these names. Program Profiles Select Item Alabama Arizona Arkansas Auburn California Charlotte Cincinnati Clemson UConn DePaul Duke Florida FSU G'town Georgia Ga. Tech Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kansas Kentucky Louisville Marquette Maryland UMass Memphis Miami Michigan Michigan St. Missouri UNC NCSU Notre Dame Ohio State Oklahoma Okla. State Pittsburgh Providence Purdue Rutgers St. John's Seton Hall S. Carolina So. Cal Stanford Syracuse Tenn. Texas UCLA Villanova Virginia Wake Forest Washington W. Va.      TimeTravel: 1980 Top Recruiting Classes Parade of Programs: Conference breakdown from the Recruiter's Handbook Event Coverage Select Item NCAA Calendar      Event Calendar: PrepStars.com features a comprehensive event calendar, courtesy of the NCAA

WRIGHT ON THE RISE
May 12, 2008

One of the more prolific programs at producing Division I caliber players is Mount Vernon High just outside of New York City. Over the last several years, Coach Bob Cimmino's program has produced players such as Ben Gordon (UConn and the Chicago Bulls) and Keith Benjamin (Pitt). The next player to join that illustrious group will be 6-4 WG Sherrod Wright.

"Last season was a pretty successful one for us," said Wright. "We got to the all-class state tournament in Glen Falls, but we came up a little bit short. This spring and summer, I'm runnin' with the New Jersey Playaz. It's a lot of fun to play with guys like Dominic Cheek and Tamir Jackson." more...

RELEFORD TAKES THE BATON
May 9, 2008

Some trends are more recent than others. While the name Releford wouldn't have meant much to many outside the Kansas City metro area until last year, Kansas-bound senior wing Travis Releford changed that for recruitniks and Jayhawk fans nationwide.

Fast forward just one year, and there's a new Releford on the scene. Rising junior PG Trevor Releford has proved to be one of the more promising floor generals nationally in his class. Standing only 5-8 a year ago, height no longer will be a problem because Releford has sprouted to a legitimate 5-11. more...

EDWARDS THRIVES ON DIMENSIONS
May 8, 2008

One of the more versatile players in Florida's 2009 class, 6-7 WF Ritchie Edwards of Lakeland (FL) High has the look of a player who didn't grow up on the playground. That may be because he grew up on the other side of the world in New Zealand.

"I was born in Albany, New York, but my parents are missionaries and we moved to New Zealand when I was two," said Edwards. "I got my first exposure to basketball there. We moved to the States in 2006. It was a real eye-opener." more...

COMMITMENT ROUNDUP
May 7, 2008

So far this month, decisions by significant players affecting major college programs have continued to cascade down from the top. While there still is cleanup occurring within the Class of 2008, there also have been several pledges from the Classes of 2009, 2010, 2011 and, yes, 2012.

Among the most noteworthy stories was a trio of commitments taken by Kentucky. The Wildcats most recently reached into the rising sophomore class for Vinny Zollo, a 6-9 BF at Greenfield (OH) McClain who plans to transfer next season to a different high school. more...

WALKER AMBLES TOWARD STRONG FINISH
May 5, 2008

It's been a long, uncertain road, but some Walkers were meant to travel farther than others. Demetrius Walker, a 6-3 rising senior WG at San Juan Capistrino (CA) Serra, has a story that has been told -- typically as a warning -- for more than three years.

Considered a phenom in the 8th grade, Walker was hailed as the next great high school basketball prospect -- again, while in the 8th grade. And that's the warning. But Walker has moved forward with his career and now is poised for a high-major recruitment. more...

JAYHAWK INVITATIONAL: FINAL REPORT
May 5, 2008

The Jayhawk Invitational concluded this past weekend, and we saw quite a few players during the three-day event who warranted coverage during the weekend. Along with that, however, there were several more players who deserve attention in the aftermath of the event.

The host team K.C. Pump 'N Run captured the titles in both the 17-under and 16-under divisions, and All-Iowa Attack won at the 15-under level. In all, the event affirmed that the Class of 2010 is developing solid national depth, while the crop of rising senior point guards still appears to be thin. more...

JAYHAWK INVITATIONAL: DAY TWO
May 3, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Saturday at the Jayhawk Invitational featured more in the way of top athletes and those aspiring to make their names at the Division I level. Pool play concluded during the afternoon, and playoffs started during the evening sessions.

One of the day's best players was Joe Jackson, a scoring machine of a guard in the Class of 2010 who continues to cement himself as one of the most talented backcourtsmen in the rising junior class. more...

JAYHAWK INVITATIONAL: DAY ONE
May 2, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- The 8th edition of the Jayhawk Invitational welcomed numerous major travel programs, primarily from the Adidas stable. Played in Lawrence and headquartered at the University of Kansas and fabled Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas City Pump 'N Run is hosting a strong weekend of hoops.

On Friday night, elite rising senior Derrick Favors was quietly dominant, while several other big names -- along with a few lesser lights in terms of exposure -- also made an impact. more...

POSSIBLE RECLASS FOR CARTER
May 2, 2008

This time last spring, Sampson Carter made a name for himself with his tough wing defense and ability to score. Then, the 6-7 WF from Memphis (TN) Hamilton went out and won a state championship during his senior year. Now, he must decide whether to sign during the spring or spend a year in prep school. more...

"I like Virginia, Wake Forest, Xavier, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech ..."
May 1, 2008

-- Ari Stewart
Read full story. ...

WATFORD LOVES THE COMPETITION
May 1, 2008

Make no mistake about it, Christian Watford loves playing summer ball. That isn't to say that the 6-8 WF/BF from Irondale (AL) Shades Valley doesn't enjoy playing with his high school team. It's just that the rising senior enjoys the extra competition and chance to play in front of hordes of college coaches.

"It feels real good to get out there," Watford said. "It's way different to school ball and there's a lot of competition. I like it like that, too. more...

LATE APRIL COMMITMENTS
April 29, 2008

Kentucky reached into the Class of 2010 well to gain a pledge from big-time IN BF Dominique Ferguson. Ferguson is a top-25 talent in the rising junior class and pledged to the Wildcats over a host of other major programs.

Ferguston has been impressive this spring, performing well in front of us at both the Boo Williams Invitational and the Pittsburgh Jam Fest. Given his long frame and advanced skills -- including advanced face-up ability -- he ultimately could rank among the nation's top 10 prospects in his class. more...

VEGAS EVENTS: DAY TWO REPORT
April 26, 2008

LAS VEGAS -- Saturday in Las Vegas brought out bigger names than on day one, and by and large those boasting large reputations played to expectation. Additionally, there were more unsung prospects who made a mark with the college coaches inhabiting the stands, and a couple of additional subplots have emerged as well.

Some of the day's best players included a trio of rising senior guards: Abdul Gaddy, Elijah Johnson and Avery Bradley. more...

VEGAS EVENTS: DAY ONE REPORT
April 25, 2008

LAS VEGAS -- On Friday in Las Vegas, we spent our time at the Double Pump Spring Classic, a large tournament played at shiny new host high school Bishop Gorman, a traditional athletic power in Las Vegas.

Day one didn't feature many big names, but as always during this event, a handful of previously unknown prospects emerged on the national landscape. Because California is such a large state and vast resource for talent, it's no surprise that a handful of the guys who impressed hailed from The Golden State. more...

LAS VEGAS PREVIEW
April 25, 2008

So far this month, our travels have carried to events in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Arkansas. This weekend, it's time to ship out west, where Prep Stars analysts Eric Bossi and Rob Harrington will be attending a pair of events in Las Vegas: the Pumps' Spring Showcase and Vision Sports' Spring Classic. more...

COACHES GET EARLY LOOK AT REID
April 25, 2008

One of the less heralded frontcourt prospects we saw at last weekend's Pittsburgh Jam Fest deserving of more attention was Justin Reid, a 6-7 BF/C at Indianapolis (IN) North Central. Playing for Indiana Elite LNO, Reid showed that he has upper mid-major promise.

Reid obviously is undersized to play the post, and he's extremely undersized if one considers him a center prospect. Nevertheless, he has long arms and the muscle to hold his own despite the lacking inches. While he isn't a sensational athlete, he does show solid mobility and works hard on defense and on the boards. more...

GULLEY KEEPS IT STEADY
April 24, 2008

Ideally, a point guard's job is to run his team and provide a calming and steadying influence on his teammates. Some do, some don't. Go ahead and put Fred Gulley in the category of those who do. more...

SHANNON MUM ON RECRUITMENT
April 24, 2008

When he's on the floor, Terrance Shannon isn't above letting out a yell after a big dunk or block. The 6-7 BF/WF from Forsyth (GA) Mary Persons is a little different off the court, though, where he's guarded about what's really happening in his recruitment

He does, however, enjoy spring and summer ball in comparison to playing with his high school team. more...

"North Carolina State is recruiting me, Florida State too."
April 24, 2008

-- Gerard Coleman
Read full story. ...

SPURLOCK EMERGES AS MAJOR THREAT
April 23, 2008

It wasn't that no one knew about rising senior Tristan Spurlock heading into the recent Boo Williams Invitational; it was just that it had been a while since anybody had seen the Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian stud on the club trail.

But taking the floor with a loaded Boo Williams Summer League squad, the 6-7 WF served notice to all who watched that he's among the top wings in the Class of 2009. more...

MORE APRIL COMMITMENTS
April 23, 2008

April always is a very busy month, as late signees from the senior class make their decisions, and some underclassmen -- who are being watched by college coaches at various travel events -- also are making the call on their college choice.

One potential top-75 prospect from the Class of 2009, MN BF/WF Royce White, chose in-state Minnesota over a burgeoning list of high-major schools. White transferred into Minnetonka Hopkins this year, and that move will put him in one of the state's traditionally strongest programs. more...

JAM FEST: FINAL LOOK
April 21, 2008

The Pittsburgh Jam Fest finished up on Sunday evening, and the Indiana Elite One squad prevailed 83-76 in the final over New York-based Juice All-Stars. Indy Elite was stacked with very good prospects, while Juice got by more on the scrappiness and backcourt quickness frequently observed on New York teams.

In addition to the players we covered over the weekend, there are numerous others who deserve mention, included in this final report. more...

REAL DEAL: FINAL LOOK
April 21, 2008

Although they needed some late semifinal heroics from top-10 rising senior guard Kenny Boynton to make the final, and then overtime to dispatch a gritty Illinois Warriors team, Florida-based Team Breakdown emerged from the Real Deal on the Hill as champions on Sunday.

After traveling home, we want to take a look back at some players we weren't able to get to during our weekend coverage. Rather than use our usual daily coverage format, we'll just go with some evaluations on players that also impressed us. more...

REAL DEAL: DAY TWO
April 20, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- After a terrific opening night, the Real Deal on the Hill paraded another highly rated slew of talent onto the floor on day two.

John Henson continued his impressive play, while several other guys, young and old, made big time noise during a very entertaining day of hoops. more...

JAM FEST: DAY TWO
April 19, 2008

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Day two at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest featured the conclusion of pool play and the opening round of playoffs for the 17-under brackets, and for sure a greater number of stars saw their way to the main courts at Peterson Gym on Saturday.

One key player was Erik Murphy, a Florida-bound big man who continued to solidify a spot among the national elite this spring. But Murphy was far from the only effective big name of the day, as you'll see. more...

REAL DEAL: DAY ONE
April 18, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- There probably isn't another event in recent memory that has wasted as little time as the Real Deal on the Hill has in rising to national prominence. Judging by Friday night's action, there's a chance that the Real Deal may emerge as the premiere event of the spring for this year.

Leading the pack was an impressive performance turned in by a future North Carolina Tar Heel, but other big timers such as DeMarcus Cousins, Christian Watford and many more also shone. Not only did the established guys play to their rep, there were plenty of new guys making noise as well. more...

JAM FEST: DAY ONE
April 18, 2008

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Unlike the first weekend of the travel season, when the Boo Williams Invitational dominated the national landscape, this weekend -- the first opportunity for college coaches to scout at travel-team events -- is highly divided among several different venues.

This report comes to you from the Pittsburgh Jam Fest, while we'll also be chronicling the events from the Real Deal on the Hill in Arkansas. In Pittsburgh, a range of Adidas, Reebok and unaffiliated teams from the Northeast dominate the field, and the competition should become especially on Saturday, when college coaches sit in the stands and the best teams begin to battle in the playoffs. more...

ACTION JACKSON
April 18, 2008

Some guys talk a good game, and some guys even back it up. Even better, though, are the guys who just take the floor, ball out and let their talent speak for them. One of those guys who prefers the silent approach is 6-4 WF Lakeem Jackson.

The rising senior from Arden (NC) Christ School doesn't see any need to thump his chest or bump his gums, he just lets his actions take care of it for him, whether he's playing in front of friends, family, coaches or scouts. more...

BOYD BACK ON THE MAP
April 17, 2008

As a freshman at Norman (OK) High, Terrence Boyd exploded onto the scene putting up huge numbers. For his sophomore season, the muscular 6-5 WF transferred to Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill.

After a year at Oak Hill, Boyd decided to return home this past season, but the state athletic association dealt him a tough blow ruling that he was ineligible to ever play high school ball in Oklahoma. more...

SIGNING WEEK MOVES
April 17, 2008

The spring signing period has begun, and although most elite seniors signed back in November, there still are a handful of players -- some uncommitted all along, others newly freed after obtaining releases from their prior schools -- still set to decide.

The most anticipated decision was authored by top-five PA WG Tyreke Evans, who as expected committed to Memphis over Villanova, Texas and others. Evans was one of the very early poster boys for the Class of 2008, a role he never relinquished in scoring points at a furious clip both in high school and travel settings. more...

"UNLV, Arizona State, Oregon, Arizona and a lot of West Coast schools are on me."
April 16, 2008

-- Jerry Brown
Read full story. ...

BOO EVALS: PART II
April 15, 2008

In our second and final installment of player evaluations from last weekend's Boo Williams Invitational, readers will continue to learn about the best prospects from the Class of 2008 and underclassmen as well.

We've focused more heavily on the youngsters in this update, and certainly this won't be the last time we cover these kids moving forward. more...

BOO EVALS: PART I
April 14, 2008

Now that the dust has settled and the Boo Williams Invitational has concluded for another year, it's time to look back at some of the players we didn't cover during the weekend. Because the event was played at the sparkling new Boo Williams Sportsplex, it was easier to get a look at more teams both in the 17-under and 16-under divisions.

For certain, we'll need to see all of these players more than one weekend -- and there still were teams that didn't get a long look -- but Boo provided a good foundation heading into the remainder of the spring and summer. more...

BOO WILLIAMS: DAY TWO REPORT
April 12, 2008

HAMPTON, Va. -- The marathon day two of action at the Boo Williams Invitational tipped at 8:00am and ended around Midnight. That's basketball bliss for recruitniks, and for the second in a row we were treated to most of the best players from within the Nike system.

Overall, we can't say there have been any breathtaking leaps into the national top 25, nor any catastrophic crashes from grace. Much of the intriguing action here has occurred in the 16-under division, where aspiring classes of 2010 and 2011 hope to steal some of the thunder this spring and summer from the Class of 2009. more...

BOO WILLIAMS: DAY ONE REPORT
April 11, 2008

HAMPTON, Va. -- As always, the annual Boo Williams Invitational serves as a launching pad for the travel season. This year, however, the event has exchanged its working class duds and modest apartment for a new suit and a deluxe apartment in the sky.

Now played at the Boo Williams Sportsplex -- a first-class facility that was financed by the city of Hampton in appreciation for the event's legendary namesake -- a total of eight courts host games under one roof, while the traditional outlying gyms are dedicated to some of the underclassmen games. more...

SPRING SEASON IS HERE!
April 11, 2008

Out goes the Final Four, in comes the traveling season. Just four days removed from Monday's national championship game, the opening weekend of the all-important spring period is set to tip off. For the next several months -- including the live evaluation periods for college coaches in April and July -- we'll be attending and reporting first-hand from all the prime national events.

While July carries the most tradition, in many respects April has become the most important evaluation month of the year. The rising senior Class of 2009 has many questions to answer, as it has yet to offer an established superstar or strong top-100 caliber depth. more...

MORRIS GETS MORE OFFERS
April 10, 2008

While most of the pressure in the upcoming weeks will directed at the nation's rising seniors, players from the Class of 2010 are drawing increased scrutiny as well. One example of that is Jason Morris, a 6-5 WG/WF at Lakeville (CT) Hotchkiss, a talented wing who has been a touted name on the travel circuit since the summer of 2006.

As a sophomore at Hotchkiss, Morris improved his production while also rounding out the weak points of his game. Playing primarily the big forward spot for the Atlanta Celtics 16-under squad last summer, he now is a full-fledged wing and is anxious to prove that in the upcoming weeks, while keeping in mind the lessons he learned during the season. more...

COMMITMENT ROUNDUP
April 9, 2008

Clemson beat out numerous high-major schools to win a key in-state commitment, getting the spring nod from SC junior BF Milton Jennings, a talented face-up big forward at Summerville (SC) Pinewood.

We've watched Jennings extensively over the past couple of years, and he has improved at a gradual yet steady pace throughout that time. Jennings is a good (not great) athlete with the kind of frame that should enable him to add college-level muscle, yet he also is a fine jump shooter to as far away as 20 feet. He'll need to strike a balance between facing and manning the paint, and surely he'll get the proper instructions at Clemson. more...

DEWITT EMBRACES SECOND CHANCE
April 8, 2008

It's always refreshing to hear anyone step up and demand accountability for their actions, much less a high school basketball prospect intent on seizing the day.

One such example is 6-11, 201-pound junior BF/C Keith Dewitt of Goldsboro (NC) Charis Prep. Dewitt leaves no doubt about his excitement at his second chance, as well as accepting responsibility for previous actions. more...

MAJORS CHASE AFTER MAYMON
April 7, 2008

With junior season averages of 22 points and 15 rebounds, Jeronne Maymon was considered by some to be a solid, mid-major prospect in Wisconsin. But when he put up averages of 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 blocks in the state tournament leading, Madison Memorial to a second place finish after a last second shot rimmed out, the 6-7 combo forward's recruitment increased in line with his performance.

"I seriously thought about committing to Baylor earlier this past season," said Maymon. "I also have scholarship offers from UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay. My parents wanted me to wait and see how things progressed this season and also the spring and summer. I'm glad we did." more...

THOMAS: TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME
April 4, 2008

After transferring schools this season and unable to play varsity basketball, Derrick Thomas realizes that the summer takes on a greater importance for himself as college coaches will be scurrying to assess where his game lies after a somewhat dormant winter.

Thomas, a 6-4, 185-pound junior WG now attends Washington (DC) St. John's after two years at Northfield (MA) Mt. Hermon. Although unable to suit up for varsity ball due to his late transfer, Thomas was able to nonetheless work on his game while still logging some junior varsity time. more...

TIDWELL HOPING TO EMERGE
April 3, 2008

For Terry Tidwell, the spring and summer travel season means changing uniforms and positions, while hoping to eventually increase his appeal among college coaches.

"AAU is a lot different (than high school basketball) and all the games are competitive and you play the best players around the nation," the 6-8, 225-pound junior BF/C from Conway (AR) High told PrepStars.com. "I get to see where I am on the national level, get better and with the (Arkansas) Wings, I get to do more high post stuff and use my speed to take people off the dribble." more...

KIRK HAS SUMMER PLAN
April 2, 2008

The spring travel season on the AAU circuit nearly is upon us and, like most, Donnavan Kirk is not only looking forward to it, he has certain goals that he will be looking to attain.

"In the summer you're playing with better and more talented players and you just want to prove yourself out there, and our team (The Family) just wants to win a tournament," the 6-8, 215-pound junior BF from Beverly Hills (MI) Detroit Country Day told PrepStars.com. "I really want to do big things this summer. I want to get into all the camps and make it to all of the games, like everyone else." more...

HOPSON DECIDES; MORE NEWS
April 2, 2008

Proving that winning games and gaining profile counts for a lot in recruiting, Tennessee out-dueled Kentucky, Mississippi State, Texas, Cincinnati, Louisville, Wake Forest and others for big-time KY WG/WF Scotty Hopson, who committed to the Bulldogs last year but never signed.

Hopson is an elite scorer who recently earned a spot in the McDonald's All-American Game, and he projects as an excellent prospect for both college and potentially the NBA. Hopson's game is built around scoring, but his length and athleticism enables him to compete on the glass and on defense as well. more...

CAROLINA CHALLENGE: JUMBO REPORT
April 1, 2008

CARY, N.C. -- Last weekend, the second annual Carolina Challenge took place at Cary Academy, featuring 80 of the best prospects in the state of North Carolina. For the second straight year, the Challenge featured a very strong allotment of players in a tight, organized format that enabled us to see every team at least once, and most teams twice.

The Challenge benefited from a very strong in-state crop, filling spots within the classes of 2009, 2010 and 2011. In particular, the Class of 2010 in North Carolina is very strong and should produce a couple dozen Division prospects. more...

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