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PARADE OF PROGRAMS

Winter, 2009

At PrepStars.com, we track elite college programs on an ongoing basis. However, we also follow many more top teams in our print edition of the Recruiter's Handbook.

Here's a look at select teams' profiles from our Winter edition. Enjoy!

ACC; Big East; Big Ten; Big 12; Pac 10; SEC; Atlantic 10

----------- ACC -----------

BOSTON COLLEGE

2009-10 Signings (eval): MN BF Kevin Noreen (excl09), NH WG Brady Heslip (fall09), FL WF Papa Samba Ndao (win09).

The Latest: Through the early portion of the 2009-10 schedule, it was apparent that this season may be a rebuilding year for the Tyrese Rice-less Eagles. Along with getting things stabilized on the court, BC needed to sign a good class and did pretty well in the fall. Boston College never has been one to land highly ranked classes during the Al Skinner era, preferring instead to target guys who fit the flex offense and Skinner's coaching style. It's certainly difficult to argue with the results, and this class contains a pair of top-150 talents in Noreen and Heslip. A fourth commitment, CT PG Danny Lawhorn, de-committed from the Eagles due to what he said was a lack of contact from the coaching staff.

The Future: BC is looking to sign at least one more senior, and CA WG/PG Jordin Mayes' name has been prominent on the radar for several months. The Eagles have six scholarship juniors on the roster, so the 2011 signing class will be a critical one for the program.

VIRGINIA TECH

2009-10 Signings (eval): PA PG Tyrone Garland (excl09), NC WF Jarell Eddie (excl09).

Underclass Commitments (class): FL WG Robert Brown (2011), VA BF C.J. Barksdale (2011).

The Latest: The Hokies inked a solid, if unspectacular two-man class in November. Eddie pledged to Tech long ago and is a good mid-range shooter who fits the mold of recent VT wings. Garland played better as his prep career advanced, and he committed to Seth Greenberg's program during July. He's a quick, tough Northeastern guard who plays with grit and swagger.

The Future: Greenberg won out for his first underclass commit, getting Brown's early nod. He reputedly is a very good three-point shooter and thus will solidify an area the team has needed to address in recruiting. The Hokies are out of scholarships for the 2010 class and can focus intently on juniors. They project to have five slots opening, so they'll need to get a great deal accomplished in the Class of 2011. VA WF Michael Gbinije, VA BF C.J. Barksdale, NC WG Deuce Bello, NC PG/WG Marquis Rankin, GA WG Dai-Jon Parker, CT PG/WG Derrick Wilson and NJ BF Derrick Randall all list the Hokies, and each is a legitimate top-50 national prospect. Farther down the road, NC sophomore PG Tyler Lewis has earned an early offer from the Hokies.

------- Big East -------

SOUTH FLORIDA

2009-10 Signings (eval): VA C Waverly Austin (win09), IL PG Lavonte Dority.

The Latest: The Bulls should be happy with their two signees, as both possess solid Big East ability. Austin is the bigger talent of the two, and though he needs strength and polish, he could become a dangerous inside/outside threat. The concern about Austin has been based on the number of different high school and prep schools he has attended, and certainly that apparent instability has hurt his stock. Nevertheless, as a raw prospect, he's better than No. 175. Dority isn't a supremely touted player in Chicago, but he's strong, tough and has survived the public school wars in the Windy City. In off-court news, star big man Gus Gilchrist injured his ankle in early December and was expected to miss an extended period of time. Additionally, Gilchrist was the subject of an online report claiming that he had been a participant in recruiting violations that also involved former USF video and conditioning assistant Terrelle Woody, though at press time that report had not been substantiated.

The Future: Scholarship room is somewhat scarce for the remainder of the 2010 recruiting cycle, but the Bulls still are getting mentions from KY WG/PG Ge-Lawn Guyn, another national top-150 talent, as well as top-200 TX PG K.C. Ross-Miller.

-------- Big Ten --------

MINNESOTA

2009-10 Signings (eval): NE C Elliott Eliason, TN WG Austin Hollins (fall09).

The Latest: The locals and Tubby Smith's staff were so excited to see freshman forward Royce White do his thing. Unfortunately, the 6-8 product of Minneapolis had other ideas, and a series of off-the-court incidents - he pled guilty in early December to shoplifting and disorderly conduct charges stemming from an October incident at the Mall of America - led to the talented forward's departure from the program. On top of that, forward Trevor Mbakwe also was suspended indefinitely while he awaits trial for felony aggravated battery charges stemming from an incident last spring at Miami Dade CC. Mbakwe has maintained his innocence and that he was wrongly identified, but university officials decided to hold him out until his trial has been resolved. Meanwhile, senior Devron Bostick also was suspended indefinitely for unspecified violations of team rules. Signing day netted signatures from Eliason and Hollins. Said Smith, "We know that we are getting a pair of players that not only have great basketball IQ's, but are also great students. We look forward to following and seeing their progression during their senior seasons."

The Future: The Gophers still have one scholarship for the Class of 2010, and Smith and his staff have identified players such as NV PG Cory Joseph, MI WG Trey Zeigler, MN WG Cole Stefan, MI BF Jon Horford and MN BF Jake Kreuser as potential targets. It's also quite likely that the Gophers will look to tap into the juco ranks for a wing scorer if they can't get a top-shelf high schooler, and they'll be closely monitoring the transfer wires. In 2011, IN WF Branden Dawson, OH WF Anton Grady, IN WG/PG Jeremiah Davis, WI WF Paul Jesperson, MN BF Shelby Moats and others make early appearances on the radar.

NORTHWESTERN

2009-10 Signings (eval): GA WG JerShon Cobb.

The Latest: It just wouldn't be Northwestern if things were at all easy. Already reeling from the loss senior guard Jeff Ryan, who suffered a season ending ACL tear during the first game of the year, the Wildcats got even more bad news. Senior forward Kevin Coble - an All-Big Ten candidate who had battled injuries and illness in his family during his career - elected to have season-ending foot surgery. Because this is Coble's fifth year, he is without eligibility unless an appeal to the NCAA nets him a sixth season. But all of that still didn't stop Bill Carmody's group from jumping out to an impressive 7-1 start that included victories over Notre Dame, Iowa State and N.C. State. On signing day, the Wildcats completed their theft of the vastly underrated Cobb. Of Cobb, Carmody said, "With his versatility and ability to score, I think JerShon is capable of stepping in and helping us right away."

The Future: With at least two more scholarships left to use in 2010, the battle remains the same for Carmody and his staff. Northwestern's academic reputation cannot be questioned, but finding prospects attracted to that environment remains a struggle, and the available talent pool doesn't hold many promising options. VA WG/PG Pe'Shon Howard is an available senior who has begun to discuss Northwestern more seriously in recent days. A couple of juniors who at least mention the Wildcats are GA WG Dai-Jon Parker and NC C Marshall Plumlee.

PENN STATE

2009-10 Signings (eval): PA WG/PG Taran Buie (excl09).

Underclass Commitments (class): OH PG Trey Burke (2011), PA C Peter Alexis (2011).

The Latest: Thanks to last year's NIT run, Ed DeChellis is off of the hot seat. The Nittany Lions' boss was also rewarded with a three-year contract extension, entrenching him as the head coach of his alma mater through the 2013-14 season. Penn State had only one scholarship to use for 2010 recruiting, and they made the most of it by signing senior Talor Battle's younger brother, Buie. "Taran is a terrific playmaker and defender," DeChellis said. "He is a real team player who understands the game and makes his teammates better. He is a tremendous athlete, with the ability to get to the rim and a strong mid-range game. And, like his brother, he just has a tremendous motor and plays with great energy." After earning a commitment from the quick Burke during the fall, DeChellis and his staff added Alexis in December. While Alexis is relatively unknown outside of Pennsylvania, local scouts laud him for his touch, and at 6-11, 260 pounds, he certainly will add size.

The Future: Out of scholarships for 2010, the Penn State staff is keeping their ear to the ground and following up on guys such as KY WG Ge-Lawn Guyn, CT WF Jabrille Williams, PA/NC WG/PG Calvin Newell, VA WG Andrew Owusu, MA BF Majok Majok and others. Looking ahead to 2011, guys such as PA C Malcolm Gilbert, NJ BF Desmond Hubert, NJ WG/PG Myles Mack and NC BF Bernard Sullivan are drawing early looks.

WISCONSIN

2009-10 Signings (eval): WI C Evan Anderson (sum09), WI WG Josh Gasser (fall09), IL WF Duje Dukan.

Underclass Commitments (class): IL WF/BF Devon Hodges (2011).

The Latest: The Badgers got off to a solid 7-2 start featuring a nationally televised win over ACC power Duke, bolstering their hopes for the rest of the season. After withdrawing from school in the wake of some legal troubles, freshman Diamond Taylor announced that he would be transferring to Southern Illinois. In November, Bo Ryan and crew were able to announce their three signees. Of Evan Anderson, Ryan said, "His size and physical presence will help him as he starts with us next year. He's developed a very good back-to-the-basket game and already has a collegiate physicality to his game that will serve him well during his Badger playing days." Of Gasser, Ryan said, "Josh had an excellent summer on the circuit which followed an outstanding junior season. Anytime you can average 20 points and double figure rebounds as a sophomore and as a junior in one of the best conferences in the state, you must be playing the game awfully well." And of the little known Dukan - whose father is the director of international scouting for the Chicago Bulls - Ryan had this to say, "With his skill level, size, mobility and feel for the game, he has the potential to be an excellent player in what we do." In 2011, Hodges remains a bit of a wildcard. Lauded for his athleticism, there still aren't many who have a good feel for his game.

The Future: With Class of 2010 recruiting completed, the Badgers will be moving ahead and there's lots of regional talent for them to pursue in the junior class. WI PG Darrell Longstreet, IL WG Chasson Randle, WI BF Darnell Harris, WI WF Quevyn Winters, IL PG George Marshall, WI Cinmeon Bowers and others are drawing early looks. In 2012, WI WF/WG J.P. Tokoto is a major prospect and precocious WI WG Deonta Burton from 2013 surely will get some early looks as well.

--------- Big 12 ---------

BAYLOR

2009-10 Signings (eval): TX BF Perry Jones (sum09), TX WG Bakari Turner, NC WG Stargell Love.

The Latest: When Dwon Clifton was hired a year and a half ago, speculation was that his relationship with John Wall played a big part in his hiring. While the Bears didn't land Wall, Clifton's connection to the D-One Sports summer program surely helped out in landing D-One product Love. Quick, strong and athletic, Love has emerged as a sleeper prospect and will sign in the spring. Signing day afforded Scott Drew the chance to discuss his signees publicly. Of the highly regarded Jones he said, "Perry will not only be a great addition to our team, but will also open numerous doors for our program in years to come." Of Turner, Drew said, "Bakari is one of those players who continues to get better and better."

The Future: With the commitment of Love, Drew and his staff have one additional scholarship to use. Ideally, they'd like to find a wing scorer or another perimeter player. Among those still in play are MD PG Dante Holmes and VA WG/WF Justin Coleman. Moving further ahead, the Bears have made the likes of TX WF/BF LeBryan Nash, TX WF Keaton Miles, MS BF Johnny O'Bryant, MS WF LaQuinton Ross, NC WG Deuce Bello (another D-1 product), AR WG/PG Ky Madden and TX WF/BF Jarion Henry are early targets.

COLORADO

2009-10 Scholarships Available: At least two.

The Latest: Jeff Bzdelik and his staff were looking for a third scorer to step up, and freshman wing Alec Burks from Kansas City has done that and more. Through the Buffaloes' 6-4 start, Burks averaged an impressive 16.1 points per game. Included, however, in that start was a loss to in-state foe Colorado State. After the loss, Burks said, "I didn't know it meant that much to them. ... I guess it does; it's a big deal to Colorado State." On signing day, the Buffs two available scholarships went unused. Because of his mother's illness, Bzdelik was able to coach only two of Colorado's first six games and missed the team's trip to the Maui Invitational.

The Future: CA WG Jordin Mayes, who has decided to wait until the spring, remains a top target, and in-state center Damian Terry could be an option. Other possibilities include CA WG Deonte Burton, IL JC PG Lazeric Jones and New Zealand big man Rob Loe, among others. Some early targets for 2011 include CO WG Terrel Brown and TX WF Anthony Norris.

KANSAS STATE

2009-10 Commitments (eval): KS PG/WG Will Spradling, NY WF Shane Southwell (fall09).

Underclass Commitments (class): KS WF Nino Williams (2011).

The Latest: While most of the preseason press has gone to Kansas and Texas, Frank Martin’s Wildcats are positioned for a return to the NCAA Tournament and a big season. Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen form a quick and dangerous backcourt, while newcomer Wally Judge has impressed in the frontcourt. A possible X-factor for the Wildcats will be UConn transfer Curtis Kelly, who impressed during early workouts with his strong play in the paint. Spradling is a heady, sharp-shooting perimeter presence who has added bulk, while Southwell is a highly versatile wing with good (near 6-7) size. In 2011, the Wildcats have already received a commitment from the athletic and tough Williams, who hails from the same Spiece Mo-Kan Elite program as Spradling. The Wildcats did suffer a blow to their 2010 efforts during July when talented Texas forward Tony Mitchell reopened his recruitment.

The Future: With two more scholarships to work with, the Wildcats would like to add at least one big man and a perimeter scorer. Topping their list is FL JC C Freddie Asprilla, who took an October visit and has the Wildcats atop his list approaching the early signing period. Other possibilities include TX PG K.C. Ross-Miller and ME PG Daryl Traynham. More than likely, the Wildcats will take long looks at the junior college and prep school ranks during the winter as they search for talent.

NEBRASKA

2009-10 Signings (eval): AR PG Kenyon McNeaill, AZ JC C Andre Almeida.

Underclass Commitments (class): UT JC C Vander Joaquim (2011).

The Latest: Off to a solid start, the Huskers have been fighting the injury bug. Center Christopher Niemann - who was forced to sit by the NCAA during his freshman year - tore an ACL and is a medical redshirt. Forward Toney McCray, who has already used his medical redshirt year, saw his season ended by Tommy John surgery in early December. McCray also is rumored to be considering a transfer out of the program by year's end. On signing day, only Almeida signed and Doc Sadler sounds pretty excited about the massive 6-10, 300-plus-pound big man, "Andre is as talented as he is big," Sadler said. "He has good hands and footwork, and he knows how to get around in the paint and score."

The Future: While McNeaill is committed, he isn't actually planning to sign until the spring, and there's rampant speculation that Nebraska is backing off of him. Of course, given the constant state of roster turnover during Sadler's tenure, it's highly likely that the Huskers will continue to monitor the Class of 2010, where guys such as MN/MA PG Jordair Jett and PA C Shaquille Duncan remain targets. But they will have the luxury of looking ahead to 2011, as well. Of course, the Huskers are already at their limit for that class if everybody currently on board shows up and there isn't roster attrition which, as mentioned, appears unlikely.

TEXAS A&M

2009-10 Signings (eval): TX BF Tobi Oyedeji (sum09), TX BF Daniel Alexander (excl09), TX BF/C Keith Davis (fall09), LA/TX BF/C Kourtney Roberson.

Underclass Commitments (class): TX PG Jamal Branch (2011), TX WG Jordan Green (2011).

The Latest: On signing day, Mark Turgeon welcomed what may have been the biggest class - in terms of height - in the country, when he announced the signings of not two or three, but four big men. "I'm very excited about our 2010 signing class," Turgeon said. "These guys are great kids and come from great families. This class has a great balance of length, skill and athleticism. It's great to be able to keep Texas kids home and in the Big 12. This class is made up of high-character kids who will mesh greatly with the current players in our Aggie basketball family." Not only are these guys big, they complement each other well. Oyedeji is a bruiser while Davis is the more polished post scorer, and Alexander stretches defense from long range. Roberson is a stud athlete who's a carryover from the 2009 class but needed a prep year to shore up his academics. Looking ahead, the Aggies seem to have beaten beat everybody to the hunt on TX WG Jordan Green, who has emerged as one of the Lone Star State's premier scorers. Meanwhile, TX PG/WG Jamal Branch was off to a hot start after transferring to Arlington Grace Prep. However, an ankle injury has him sidelined indefinitely.

The Future: With the class of 2010 taken care of and a great start in 2011, Turgeon and his staff can afford to turn their attention toward adding a third guy to go with Green and Branch with their one remaining scholarship for that class. Not surprisingly, they are working hard within Texas' borders as TX WF/BF LeBryan Nash, TX WF Keaton Miles, TX WF/BF Jarion Henry, TX C Forrest Robinson and TX WG/WF Jordan Williams all are on the radar.

TEXAS TECH

2009-10 Signings (eval): TX WG Jamel Outler, FL JC C Paul Cooper, TX PG Javarez Willis.

Underclass Commitments (class): TX PG Kevin Wagner (2011).

The Latest: Off to an unexpected 9-0 start to the season, Pat Knight's Red Raiders became one of the early surprises of the 2009-10 campaign. Tech fans are hopeful that the confidence being built in the non-conference schedule transfers to the Big 12 and helps end the Red Raiders' struggles during conference play. In November, Tech announced its three-man signing group, and Knight said, "We got who we wanted. We wanted a small guard, a big guard and a post player, and we got exactly what we wanted." In 2011, Wagner continues to prove that he is one of the most electrifying perimeter athletes in the country.

The Future: Barring any defections - and there's been no lack of them under Knight - the Red Raiders are actually one over on scholarships if everybody qualifies and sticks around Lubbock. Obviously, something will have to give. They do, however, seem to have moved on to finding some players to partner up with the exciting local, Wagner, in 2011. From the looks of it, they've really locked in on the little-known - but highly regarded by those who have seen him - TX BF/C Forrest Robinson, who made two fall visits to Lubbock. Other possibilities include TX WF Jordan Williams, TX BF Thomas Gipson and TX WF Keaton Miles.

--------- Pac 10 ---------

ARIZONA STATE

2009-2010 Signees (eval): AZ WG Corey Hawkins, CA WF Keala King (fall09), CAN C Jordan Bachynski.

The Latest: ASU coach Herb Sendek sought athleticism on the wing and size inside, and he got both. King's athleticism allows him to elevate for slams, block and boards against taller players. His outside shot is still a weak point, but he finishes well when slashing to the rim, is a respectable mid-range scorer and is an adequate passer. Hawkins is the son of former NBA player Hersey Hawkins. Like Pops, he's a very good shooter but may be even better when slashing to the basket. On top of that, he's a winner who has led his high school team to a 60-4 record and two state titles the past two seasons. The story is that Bachynski has wanted to play for the Sun Devils since the age of 12. Currently on a Mormon mission in Miami, he's expected to be on campus next season. Most players Bachynski's size and age have a tough time moving up and down the floor, but he has nimble feet and gets off the floor fairly quickly. With range to the elbow, he should fit in well with Sendek's offense. Players who passed on offers from ASU include CA PG Gary Franklin (California), CA WG Royce Woolridge (Kansas) and NM C Alex Kirk (New Mexico).

The Future: ASU will have four grants available for the 2011 class at this point. Among those getting looks are CA BF Norvel Pelle, NV PG Nick Johnson, NV WG Jabari Brown, OR BF Kyle Wiltjer, CA C Angelo Chol and CA WG Lonnie Jackson.

OREGON

2009-2010 Scholarships Available: At least two.

The Latest: Coach Ernie Kent's squad is young, and thus there are only two grants available for the Class of 2010. Offers have been put out to NC BF C.J. Leslie and OR WF/BF Terrence Jones (final five), but the Ducks don't appear to lead for any of the three. Former USC commit CA WF Dwayne Polee is also on Oregon's list, but he only recently reopened his recruitment. In short, we'll have to wait and see how the Ducks' efforts proceed heading into the spring.

The Future: The Ducks have only one grant available for the Class of 2011 as well, so the numbers will continue to be tight. The long-term status of Kent as the head coach - a topic that has generated continuous discussion in Eugene - will go a long way into determining who accepts an Oregon offer. NJ WF Michael Gilchrist, CA BF Norvel Pelle, and OR BF Kyle Wiltjer all have received offers. Others being looked at to join the Ducks include NV PG Nick Johnson, CA C Kevin Johnson, WA WG/PG Tony Wroten, NV WG Jabari Brown and NC WG Deuce Bello.

OREGON STATE

2009-2010 Signees (eval): NJ BF Devon Collier (win09), IL PG Ahmad Starks (fall09).

Underclass Commitments: AZ PG Jahii Carson (2011).

The Latest: Coach Craig Robinson has a solid two-man fall recruiting class in the undersized Starks and the filled-with-potential Collier. Both come from winning high school programs and will help to continue the transition from winless program in the Pac-10 to one that will be a challenge to play every night. Collier is slender with long arms but is a proficient low-post scorer who also can step out and hit shots to 17 feet. He had some knee issues this summer and didn't move as well as hoped, but that should not be a problem at the next level. While Starks is quick and a dangerous outside shooter, he will need to become a better decision-maker with the ball at Oregon State. Too often this summer he would over-penetrate into the lane and the result would be a bad shot or bad pass. Robinson would most likely prefer to grab an athletic perimeter player in the spring. A couple of options include WA WF Lonnie Pearson and AZ WG Brandon Burnett. While it would be tempting for many to play for the president's brother-in-law, those that passed on the opportunity include CA WG Bryce Jones (USC), OR WF Garrett Jackson and MD BF Jordan Latham (Xavier).

The Future: Robinson has four grants available for the 2011 class. One was snatched early by Carson, a point guard who brings quickness and the ability to create to the court. Big guys are in somewhat short supply in Corvallis, so that could be an emphasis in the Beavers' recruiting. Offers for that class have been extended to OR BF Kyle Wiltjer, CA C Kyle Caudill, CA C Kevin Johnson and CA BF Norvel Pelle. Other prospects being courted by the Beavers include IL WF Sam Thompson, NV WG Nick Johnson, GA BF Henry Brooks and TX BF Thomas Gipson.

WASHINGTON STATE

2009-2010 Signees (eval): WA BF Patrick Simon, FL JC WG Faisal Aden.

The Latest: Coach Ken Bone landed two players during the fall signing period. Simon has been committed to the Cougars since his freshman year, and the coaching change did nothing to deter him. At 6-9, he's actually more of a face-up perimeter scorer than a post presence, though defensively he may need to match up with opponents primarily in the post. In any case, Bone believes that Simon can cause matchup problems consistently. Aden is a native of Somalia and has moved around quite a bit since arriving in the states. Considered an excellent scorer, Aden is averaging over 30 points per game so far this early in the season. Bone hit the ground running with regards to recruiting, but those that passed on his offers include WA PG Aaron Bright (Stanford), WA WG Joe Harris (Virginia) and AZ WF Tony Snell (New Mexico).

The Future: With no juniors on scholarship, projecting candidates for 2011 grants is mostly guesswork. OR BF Kyle Wiltjer and CA PG Spencer Dinwiddie are two players who have received attention from the WSU coaching staff.

----------- SEC -----------

LOUISIANA STATE

2009-2010 Signees (eval): MS BF Jalen Courtney (win09), AL WG Ralston Turner (fall09), LA WF Matt Derenbecker, MS PG Andre Stringer (fall09).

Underclass Commitments (class): LA WG John Isaac (2011).

The Latest: Coach Trent Johnson captured a four-man recruiting class that provides help in a lot of areas. In-state product Derenbecker is cerebral, has a pure jumper and is scrappier than his lack of strength would indicate. He should be able to man the wing forward position effectively in Baton Rouge. Turner at one time was a top-20 player in the class but has since leveled off, though he played better at events later in the travel circuit in 2009. He's athletic, strong, a good rebounder and possesses a solid outside jumper. Stringer was the Mississippi Mr. Basketball as a junior. He comes from a winning program, is a dangerous outside shooter and has quickness to spare on both ends of the court. Courtney may be a bit undersized for the big forward spot and not yet skilled for the wing, but he plays with plenty of energy and gets the job done on the glass. A few players did manage to elude the Tigers' claws including WG Markel Brown (Oklahoma State), LA WG Langston Galloway (St. Joseph's) and LA WF Brian Williams (Oklahoma State). It remains to be seen if the relationship expands, but NC BF Tashawn Mabry continues to list the Tigers.

The Future: At least one grant - and possibly more - will be available for the 2011 class depending on how many are signed for next season and if any attrition occurs. Already Johnson has picked up a verbal from in-state wing guard Isaac, a kid with a college build and a game that relies more on getting to the hole and finishing than on outside shooting. Isaac also is considered a solid ball-handler. Others that Johnson and his staff are tracking include NJ WF Michael Gilchrist (longshot), TN PG Chris Jones, TX BF Thomas Gipson and GA WG Nigel Snipes.

MISSISSIPPI

2009-2010 Signees (eval): MS PG Dundrecous Nelson, MS C Demarco Cox (fall09).

Underclass Commitments (class): NC WF Tyler Poole (2011).

The Latest: Ole Miss and coach Andy Kennedy grabbed two players last spring and didn't have to break their travel budget to do it. Nelson is at his best in an up-tempo game because of his speed and quickness with the basketball. He is also a solid on-ball defender. Cox is a stud in football, as well, but has decided to concentrate on hoops in college. Because of his mass, Cox is not easily moved away from the low post and consequently makes his own space to get off shots inside. He'll need to get in better shape to play the up-tempo game that Kennedy prefers. Players that the Rebels missed on include FL BF Cady Lalanne (Georgia), GA WF Jamail Jones (Marquette) and MS BF Jalen Courtney (LSU).

The Future: The Class of 2011 will be a big one for the Rebels, with as many as five grants available. They have a good start with Poole, a versatile wing who can shoot it as well as get to the basket. Judging from the makeup of the roster, more scoring and athletic ability will be needed on the wing. In that class, Kennedy and crew are looking at MS BF Johnny O'Bryant (offer), MS WF LaQuinton Ross (offer), MS WF Rodney Hood, AR WG/PG Ky Madden, TN WG Chris Jones and AR BF Hunter Mickelson.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

2009-2010 Signees (eval): FL JC WG Brian Bryant.

The Latest: There really isn't much going on in terms of recruiting down in Starkville. Coach Rick Stansbury pulled a commitment from Bryant, who is originally from Georgia and chose MSU over Southern Miss and Auburn. He is a good shooter from behind the arc, and Stansbury believes that Bryant has the athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions. In roster news, the Renardo Sidney situation remained undecided heading into the new year. The NCAA says the burden of proof is on the Sidney family to show they could afford their highly affluent living conditions in California after moving from Mississippi. Until that is decided, Sidney won't suit up for MSU. If it drags on long enough, Sidney could be the first one-and-done who didn't play. You can be sure that Stansbury will try to convince Sidney that he can improve his draft status by staying around. Currently, he's listed as a second-round pick on some mock draft boards, and if he doesn't play this year he could slip off the radar altogether. Back to recruiting, Stansbury did attempt to lure several prospects to the Bulldog family, but players such as NC PG Stargell Love (Baylor), AL WG K.T. Harrell (Virginia) and MS WF Rashad Perkins (Southern Miss) all declined.

The Future: Looking at the roster, the Bulldogs will have up to five grants available for the junior class. In the state of Mississippi, it is a very talented class, and already Stansbury has offered MS BF Johnny O'Bryant, MS WF LaQuinton Ross and MS WF Rodney Hood. Others on the radar include TN PG Chris Jones, MS PG Deville Smith, AL WG Trevor Lacey and MS WG LeAntwan Luckett.

VANDERBILT

2009-2010 Signees (eval): MA WF Rod Odom (fall09), CA PG Kyle Fuller, VA C Josh Henderson (fall09).

The Latest: Normally, Vandy coach Kevin Stallings doesn't have much to talk about after the fall signing period in terms of players who are very highly ranked. This time around, however, he and his staff landed a strong class that attracted national attention. Odom changed his commitment from Arizona to Vanderbilt just before the beginning of the signing period. He's a good passer and ball-handler for a 6-9 player and shoots it well from the outside. He could be a difference-maker for Vanderbilt. Fuller is the type of point guard Vandy rarely gets, a physical but quick player who can get the Commodores moving in transition. Henderson is has size at 6-10 with the ability to play the high post. He'll need to add strength to make an impact, but that should come as his body continues to develop. Technically, Stallings and his staff are out of grants for the 2010 class, but if someone special comes along they will find room. Those that the school missed on include MD PG Eric Atkins (Notre Dame) and NM C Alex Kirk (New Mexico).

The Future: The Commodores will have at least three grants available for the Class of 2011. Already offers reportedly have been extended to MA BF Tyler Olander, TN WG Kedren Johnson and IL WF James Siakam. Others in the mix for Vandy offers are KY/MA WG Aaron Crosby and AL WF Levi Randolph.

-------- Atlantic 10 --------

XAVIER

2009-10 Signings (eval): MD C/BF Jordan Latham (sum09), OH BF/C Griffin McKenzie (fall09), IN/WV WF Justin Martin, NC WF/WG Jay Canty (fall09).

Underclass Commitments (class): IN PG Dee Davis (2011), NC WF Dezmine Wells (2011).

The Latest: There were no theatrics, no suspenseful press conferences and no surprises in the fall signing period for the Musketeers. Chris Mack and his assistants carried four commitments into signing week and brought four signings out, just as planned. The strength of the class is its frontcourt, including a pair of no-nonsense players in Latham and McKenzie who should compete for early playing time. Martin is the best shooter in this group, and Canty is the slashing athlete. Mack didn't shy away from praising his signees, saying that Latham's "versatility and skills at his size set him apart from other players" and referring to Martin as a "sharpshooter." Mack also complimented Griffin for his "guard-like" handling skills and compared Canty to "Inspector Gadget" because of his long arms. XU did previously miss on MA WF Rod Odom (Vanderbilt), OH BF J.D. Weatherspoon (a commitment to previous staff) and OH BF Adreian Payne (Michigan State).

The Future: Xavier almost definitely is finished with the Class of 2010 and doesn't have a ton of room for additional underclass recruits, either. This is a club that essentially has recruited every position on the court over the 2010 and 2011 classes (perhaps a natural wing guard is the only missing component), and thus the coaching staff can focus on establishing the program's identity under its first-year coach. One junior who has expressed consistent interest is NJ BF Desmond Hubert.