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Recruiting News

BOONE PICKS SIX FINALISTS
September 30, 2002

The process was overwhelming for Josh Boone not too long ago, but now the Colora (MD) West Nottingham big man has it all under control.

The 6-9, 220-pound BF, who opted for a post-grad year after playing at South Carroll (Md.), has six finalists heading into October. more....

ROUNDUP: HUNTER PICKS RAZORBACKS
September 30, 2002

Everything worked out for the best with Mario Taybron.

The 6-2, 185-pound Norfolk (VA) Ryan Academy WG/PG was concerned when a few schools interested in him received other commitments, but one Atlantic-10 school was able to slide in under the radar and get a pledge from the combo guard this past weekend. more....

"...I'LL BE LOOKING AT THE LEAGUE IF I THINK I DEVELOPED ENOUGH."
September 30, 2002

- Julius Lamptey
Read full story....

TAYBRON TO PLAY IN A-10
September 30, 2002

Everything worked out for the best with Mario Taybron.

The 6-2, 185-pound Norfolk (VA) Ryan Academy WG/PG was concerned when a few schools interested in him received other commitments, but one Atlantic-10 school was able to slide in under the radar and get a pledge from the combo guard this past weekend. more....

PREP SCHOOL FOCUS: FORK UNION
September 30, 2002

Fletcher Arritt doesn’t have the one star he’s been able to count on in the past. There’s no Shammond Williams, Jason Parker, DeMarco Johnson or even Adrian Moss.

But what the long-time Fork Union (VA) Military Academy boss does have is depth. more....

ROUNDUP: EBI SET TO ANNOUNCE
September 27, 2002

Next week is shaping up to be a mammoth one in recruiting circles.

The day appears to finally have arrived for Ndudi Ebi. He'll make his pick in what will be one of the most highly-anticipated decisions of the year. more....

"PROBABLY RICHMOND AND KENT STATE (ARE MY FAVORITES)...."
September 27, 2002

- Nick Grant
Read full story....

GREEN PICKS UP INTEREST
September 27, 2002

More often that not, describing a young big man as developing is about as useful as describing a swimsuit model as sexy.

However, in the case of 6-10 C Jaaron Greene, the word fits perfectly. more....

PREP SCHOOL FOCUS: LAURINBURG
September 27, 2002

Von Wafer did his disappearing act on Chris Chaney’s Laurinburg (NC) Prep program, but there’s plenty of talent to make up for the loss.

Now the big-name player is Regis Koundjia, the LSU-bound 6-7 swingman who was among the most impressive players at ABCD Camp this past summer. more....

PILGRIM'S STOCK ON THE RISE
September 27, 2002

With a dozen or so college coaches in attendance, many kids would choose to play to their strengths and stay away from working on their weaknesses. But then again, Mike Pilgrim isn’t any ordinary kid.

The 6-6, 210-pound Pilgrim has been re-classified and will do his senior year over again at Brewster Academy (N.H.) after playing the last two seasons at Purcell Marian High (Cincinnati, Ohio). more....

PREP SCHOOL FOCUS: BREWSTER
September 26, 2002

Brewster Academy doesn’t have a single legitimate post player on the entire roster, but that doesn’t matter to coach Jason Smith.

That’s because his Wolfeboro, N.H., group is blessed with athletic high-risers and guys who can fill it up from the wings. more....

BLAIR MAKES HIS PICK
September 26, 2002

Another top-150 prospect has been wiped from the board.

Larry Blair, a 6-0 WG at Camden (SC) Military, has made his decision -- and it's yet another victory for a mid-major program. more....

ROUNDUP: LSU MINORS IN SCORING
September 26, 2002

Taurean "Tack" Minor has finally decided on where he’ll play his college ball ­ and in a move that will surprise few, the senior point guard will head to LSU.

Minor’s mother, Margaret, confirmed that her son made it official earlier today. more....

SEVEN-FOOTER KEEPS OPTIONS OPEN
September 26, 2002

Bryce Husak is seven-feet tall, so he can afford to take his time. Actually, at 7-1, 250-pounds, Husak could elevate himself into a highly-sought prospect after the nation's remaining uncommitted big men are snatched up over the next few weeks. more....

COBBS RECOVERS FROM NASTY TEAR
September 26, 2002

In the wake of a traumatic injury that affected him in the summer and hindered his recruitment, Richard Cobbs is eager to put the past behind him and embrace his newfound health.

During a spin move, Cobbs managed to tear a stomach muscle -- not a typical injury for a basketball player. The injury didn't prevent Cobbs from participating in the prestigious ABCD Camp this past July, but its impact was keenly felt. more....

CAMARA TO HEAD EAST FOR VISIT
September 25, 2002

Anthony Ighodaro may be the most touted sophomore to play for Moberly (MO) JC this season, but for sheer eye-catching promise, no one can compare to Yankuba Camara.

Camara is a 7-0, 255-pounder whose career already has taken several drastic turns. He averaged eight points and six rebounds per game for Southern Idaho (ID) JC in 2000-01, then transferred to Liberty but sat out last season. more....

"IT WILL PROBABLY BE THE END OF OCTOBER WHEN I MAKE A DECISION."
September 25, 2002

- Devon Pearson
Read full story....

ST. JOHN'S TO HOST WEEKEND VISITOR
September 25, 2002

St. John's recruiting has been somewhat quiet this year, but things could change very soon.

Mike Jarvis' Red Storm will have a top juco sophomore in town for a campus visit this weekend. more....

MOBERLY FILLED WITH FRESH FACES
September 25, 2002

Moberly Community College has a lot to live up to. The Greyhounds, which finished fifth at Juco Nationals this past spring behind the play of graduated sophomores Derrick Wiley and Nate Johnson, enjoy a reputation as one of the strongest juco programs in the nation.

But this year, at least, it won't be as easy to continue that success. more....

MCKINNEY ON THE UPSWING
September 25, 2002

One of he biggest surprises at last year's Slam Dunk To The Beach was Jason McKinney, who arrived in Delaware as a sidekick to All-American DeAngelo Collins.

McKinney, a 5-11, 171-pound PG who teamed with Collins at Inglewood (CA) High, scored big and served as the club's spiritual leader throughout the week. He's spending his fifth year at Chatham (VA) Hargrave Military, where he hopes to raise the level of his recruitment. more....

NEW LEADER FOR WILKES?
September 25, 2002

While Omar Wilkes isn’t divulging much, it appears as though he may be following in his father’s footsteps.

The 6-3, 175-pound senior WG had been leaning toward Kansas for months, and nearly committed to the Jayhawks after an in-home visit with Roy Williams. However, that may have changed after an official visit this past weekend to his father’s alma mater, UCLA. more....

ROUNDUP: LOW'S PLEDGE SWEET FOR ASU
September 25, 2002

Arizona State's frontcourt has received yet another boost, with the announcement that Chris Low has committed to the Sun Devils.

ASU already had pledges from top-50 KS BF Keith Wooden and is anticipating big things from current freshman center Ike Diogu, and Low's pledge adds even more firepower to what is evolving into one of the Pac-10's most lethal frontlines. more....

"I HAD FUN AT INDIANA."
September 24, 2002

- Sean Phaler
Read full story....

PREP SCHOOL FOCUS: MT. ZION
September 24, 2002

No one is more talented. Forget about Mater Dei and maybe even Oak Hill Academy.

Durham (NC) Mt. Zion may not have the high-flying leaper a la Tracy McGrady, the school’s most famous alum ­ but they have just about everything else in the arsenal. more....

PREP SCHOOL FOCUS: NOTRE DAME
September 24, 2002

After a year’s hiatus, Bill Barton and his Fitchburg (MA) Notre Dame Prep program are back.

The school didn’t field a basketball team last season because of financial difficulties, so Barton went to the Tilton School (N.H.). But he missed ND Prep so much that he decided to come back and brought plenty of talent with him. more....

BRICK: EARLY LOOK AT TOP RECRUITING CLASSES

It’s just September, nearly two months away from the fall national signing period, and already over 60 percent of the nation's top-50 high school seniors have announced verbal commitments!

Let’s take a close look now at which colleges have reaped the greatest recruiting dividends thus far. Read full story....

FALKER A SOLID PICKUP FOR SALUKIS
September 24, 2002

Coming off a year which ended in a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament, Southern Illinois has capitalized on its momentum this fall in recruiting, landing talented forward Randal Falker.

Falker, a 6-6, 216-pound BF from St. Louis (MO) Gateway Tech, made a pledge after making an official visit to the Salukis' campus. as a senior. more....

PREP SCHOOL FOCUS: WORCESTER
September 23, 2002

Mo Cassara lost a handful of the players to the Division I ranks, but he has at least five more waiting to follow in their footsteps at Worcester (MA) Academy.

Stevie Hailey, a quick Boston College-bound guard, will move from playing alongside Jarrett Jack (Georgia Tech) a year ago to the running the show as a senior. more....

ROUNDUP: FRIARS COOK UP POTENT BREW
September 23, 2002

When it all came down to it, Dwight Brewington just didn’t want to stray too far from home.

The 6-5 Worcester (MA) Academy senior guard gave Providence coach Tim Welsh a verbal commitment at the end of his impromptu official visit on Sunday. more....

LIVINGSTON A BUNDLE OF SKILLS
September 23, 2002

There was a time when young players tried to emulate NBA stars and relished the notion of being compared to one. But in the case of 6-5 junior Shaun Livingston, the comparison frequently made between him and an NBA player -- Jalen Rose -- carries little importance. more....

DOVE'S CRY ATTRACTS MAJOR OFFERS
September 20, 2002

Marcus Dove is down to three schools -- Kansas, Oklahoma State and Arizona State. Two of the three currently enjoy an advantage because of their conference affiliation.

"I think I prefer the Big 12," Dove told Prepstars.com. "That conference is a lot tougher (than the Pac-10)." more....

ROUNDUP: STRAWBERRY PICKS TERPS
September 20, 2002

The odds of D.J. Strawberry ever living down the connection to his father are slim. But at least now the talented guard has started to invade the mainstream on his own merit.

Strawberry, a 6-3 WG at Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei, will play for the powerful and television-friendly Maryland Terrapins next fall. The slender wing chose Maryland over interest from Florida State, DePaul and others. more....

2004 PREVIEW: DWIGHT HOWARD
September 20, 2002

PrepStars.com's Brick Oettinger raves about the abundance of talent in the Class of 2004, especially the players found in the national top 25.

In addition to touted guards like Sebastian Telfair, Daniel Gibson and Darius Washington, the junior class is loaded with big men, including Georgia's Dwight Howard. more....

"MEMPHIS IS ALREADY TRYING TO SET UP A VISIT...."
September 20, 2002

- Bob Mackey, Ryan Academy coach, regarding Ivan Lopez
Read full story....

TAYBRON STILL ON THE OPEN MARKET
September 20, 2002

The 6-2, 185-pound combo guard from Norfolk (VA) Ryan Academy was recently getting interest from the likes of Oklahoma and St. John’s, but the Sooners took Andrew Lavender and incoming freshman Bruce Price reportedly met academic requirements to become eligible this season for the Red Storm.

Virginia Tech was also interested, but the Hokies took a pledge from Florida native Jamon Gordon instead. more....

BELL HOPING FOR HIGH-MAJOR OFFERS
September 20, 2002

Daniel Bell put up some impressive numbers last year as a junior at Waldorf (MD) Thomas Stone, averaging 24.5 pts,10 rebounds and eight assists while shooting 55 percent from the floor and 79 percent from the line.

Those numbers have grabbed the attention of a number of colleges for the combo guard, who has a rather eclectic recruiting list. more....

ONE DOWN, ONE LEFT FOR SHAKUR
September 19, 2002

Mustafa Shakur is clear on the fact that he didn’t make a commitment on ­ or after ­ his visit to Arizona. However, he’s also clear that his trip to Tucson went very well.

``The best part was that I got the chance to interact with the players and hang out with the freshmen ­ like Hassan Adams and Andre Iguodala," Shakur told PrepStars.com. "I like Arizona a lot, but I still want to visit N.C. State." more....

"HE'S BEEN THE BIG SURPRISE OF THE CAMP RIGHT NOW."
September 19, 2002

- Notre Dame Prep's Bill Barton, on Reggie George
Read full story....

WEEKES COULD TURN TO MONTHS
September 19, 2002

Alex Weekes isn't in any hurry to make a decision on his college future. Weekes, a 6-7, 195-pound forward from Lilburn (GA) Berkmar, said that distance from home will be factor and that he hasn't begun to narrow his list.

While he may not have any leaders, Weekes does have springs in his legs that enable him to throw down some ferocious dunks. more....

BLALOCK IN NO HURRY
September 19, 2002

Will Blalock realizes that Oklahoma is no longer a possibility now that the Sooners have nabbed diminutive point guard Andrew Lavender. But the former East Boston (Mass.) floor leader, who is now at Fitchburg (MA) Notre Dame Prep, doesn’t appear to be fazed with one school being crossed off his list.

The 5-11, 165-pound Blalock has a handful of suitors who have shown legitimate interest since he’s arrived at ND Prep. more....

NOTRE DAME PREP MISSES STARS
September 19, 2002

Bill Barton thought he’d have a three-guard rotation of Gary Ervin, Will Blalock and Jamual Warren. He also figured he’d have one of the best big men in the nation with Malick Badiame.

Badiame, the 6-11, 220-pound Senegal native who was one of the top players at the adidas ABCD Camp this past summer and had secured a top-30 national ranking heading into the fall, took a visit to Notre Dame Prep ­ but ended up playing for a professional team in Germany, according to Barton. more....

WALKER NOT RUNNING TOWARD DECISION
September 19, 2002

B.A. Walker showed during the summer that he can put the ball in the basket. Given the right situation, Walker thrives as a scorer. At the NBA camp in June, the 6-2, 155-pound WG/PG from Nandua (VA) High was paired with Mustafa Shakur and poured in points for their team.

Walker averaged 27 points and seven rebounds per game last year for Nandua, which captured the Group A (small schools) state championship. He needs to gain some upper body strength to make a smooth transition in college. more....

WHALEY MAKES DECISION
September 18, 2002

The nation's No. 1 juco sophomore, Robert Whaley, has made his decision.

Whaley, a 6-9 C/BF at Barton County (KS) CC, is headed to Conference USA. more....

"IT'S PROBABLY SOUTH CAROLINA OR N.C. STATE."
September 18, 2002

- Dwight Brewington
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: BROOKS CHOOSES DUCKS
September 18, 2002

Perhaps the most important remaining West Coast recruitment has ended. Aaron Brooks, a 5-11 PG from Seattle (WA) Franklin, committed to the Oregon Ducks over co-finalists UCLA and Washington.

A year ago at this time, few would've believed that Brooks' recruitment would be so significant to major Pac-10 schools. more....

NEW BIG MAN SURFACES AT WORCESTER
September 18, 2002

Mo Cassara describes his newest big man as the "nicest kid he may have ever coached." But that’s certainly not the case when J.R. Moore steps onto the court.

The 6-9 big man could emerge as a prep school surprise and eventual high-major recruit, likely in the spring. more....

ELLIOTT TAKES PREP SCHOOL DETOUR
September 18, 2002

Just about a week before he was set to depart for George Washington to begin his freshman year, Carl Elliott received some bad news.

``They told me I needed 30 more points on my SAT in order to be eligible, so here I am," said the 6-4 point guard. more....

KONATE BOASTS ADVANCED SKILLS
September 18, 2002

Talk about shaking off the rust. Makan Konate knows all about it.

The 6-8 native of Mali, who came to the United States in 1999 along with his older brother, has played just one season of high school basketball since leaving his homeland. more....

PHALER DOWN TO FIVE
September 17, 2002

Sean Phaler took a visit to Indiana this past weekend — and it was the first of five trips he'll take over the next month or so.

The 6-8, 180-pound Villa Park (CA) High star has paired his list down to five — and he'll go to Oregon this weekend, Stanford on Oct. 11, Washington or Oct. 18 and UCLA either the final weekend in September or October. more....

GARDNER PICKS MISSOURI
September 17, 2002

As expected, Missouri has landed Thomas Gardner, a 6-4 WG/WF from Portland (OR) Jefferson, who chose the Tigers over UConn and interest from Kansas. more....

"I KIND OF WANT TO PLAY ON THE WEST COAST."
September 16, 2002

- Gerad Punch
Read full story....

WALLACE PICKS SOUTH CAROLINA
September 16, 2002

South Carolina kept one of the very best in-state players in the fold Monday, but it wasn't a slam dunk. Brandon Wallace, a 6-8, 185-pound WF/BF from Aiken (SC) Silver Bluff, grew an affection for the Gamecocks over time.

But the bottom line is that Wallace will play his college hoops in Columbia for Dave Odom's Gamecocks. more....

MOUNTAINEERS RELPH UP POINT GUARD
September 16, 2002

Coming upon the heels of Sunday's commitment of Franklin Young, West Virginia hit the daily double with the addition of point guard Tyler Relph.

Relph, a 6-1, 172-pound star at Rochester (NY) McQuaid Jesuit, becomes the second commitment to the Mountaineers from the Class of 2003, after officially visiting the campus this past weekend. more....

DAYTONA HAS UNSUNG HOYA RECRUIT
September 16, 2002

When asked to predict his team's chances this season, Frank Burnell is refreshingly candid.

But not only will the Daytona Beach (FL) CC give you an honest assessment of his team, he'll also tell you about Georgetown recruit -- a seven-footer, even -- who has flown beneath the recruiting radar. more....

ROUNDUP: FIRST CLASS PACKAGE TO OU
September 16, 2002

Andrew Lavender and Brandon Foust are teammates during the high school season at Columbus (OH) Brookhaven. During the summer, they suit up together for All-Ohio Red.

Now, they will officially preserve their partnership on the collegiate level as a tough tandem in the Big 12. more....

WOODEN MAKES DECISION
September 16, 2002

One of the best remaining big men in the nation has been swept off the open market.

Keith Wooden, a 6-9 BF from Lawrence (KS) Free State, has made his college decision. He'll be traveling west for college. more....

"THE MAIN THING WILL BE HOW COMFORTABLE I AM WITH THE PLAYERS."
September 13, 2002

- Monty St. Clair
Read full story....

MARSHALL PLAN IN EFFECT FOR SPRING
September 13, 2002

It's hard to believe sometimes, but prospects from a big city like Chicago can suffer from a lack of publicity. Frequently, they can be overshadowed by a more touted teammate.

While Lorenzo Thompson may get most of the pub for Chicago (IL) Crane, 5-11 PG Carl Marshall is getting attention from where it matters the most -- college coaches. more....

TREY BRINGS A LOT TO THE TABLE
September 13, 2002

One of the more underrated players we saw all summer was Beaumont (TX) Westbrook combo guard Trey McDowell.

The 6-4 southpaw is a slick athlete who scores in just about every imaginable way. He has a feathery jump shot, is very creative off the dribble and is borderline sinister with his mid-range game. more....

"... HE REALLY LIKED WHAT MICHIGAN HAD TO OFFER"
September 12, 2002

- Michael Herring, Noble & Greenbaugh coach, on Courtney Sims
Read full story....

TAFT TO MAKE DECISION
September 12, 2002

Updated, with quotes: As whispered throughout the week, Chris Taft is ready to make his winner official.

The 6-9 BF/C from Brooklyn (NY) Xaverian came down to a pair of Big East programs and one from the Big Ten. Though he isn't ready to declare his choice officially, he plans to make an announcment next week. more....

NEW SCHOOLS GO BASS FISHING
September 12, 2002

With his summer behind him and a No. 13 national post-season ranking, Brandon Bass naturally is a very coveted target for high-major programs -- and he has been for several months.

But now it appears that even more of America's elite have joined the fray. more....

HARRIS READY TO TAKE COMMAND
September 12, 2002

Last season Anthony Harris played in the shadow of Marcus White. This year it'll be his turn to shine.

The 6-0, 170-pound PG from Chicago (IL) Whitney Young admitted that recruiting process is beginning to overwhelm him, and that there is a strong possibility he might not sign in the early period. more....

"I JUST HAD TEXAS IN (TUESDAY NIGHT)...."
September 11, 2002

- Cartier Martin
Read full story....

FORD BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP
September 11, 2002

Michael Ford's stint at Fitchburg (MA) Notre Dame Prep didn't last long. Neither did his commitment to Memphis.

The 6-8, 180-pound senior WF from Huntsville, Ala., stayed just a couple days at the Massachusetts prep school before becoming homesick, returning to his hometown and choosing another school. more....

ROUNDUP: WOLFPACK CARVES INTO TURKISH POINT
September 11, 2002

N.C. State has received a commitment from Engin Atsur, a 6-3, 185-pound WG/PG from Turkey who recently finished up a round of visits in the United States.

Atsur, who turned 18-years old in April, starred for the Turkish Junior National team this summer. more....

COACHES CONVERT TO DEMETRIC SYSTEM
September 11, 2002

Perhaps one of the finest available shooters in the nation is Albany (GA) Monroe star Demetric Bennett.

While he is still open to new suitors, the 6-4 WG is starting to entertain in-home visitors and will be looking to set up some official visits soon, before making a November decision. more....

TROUTMAN SPECKLED WITH INTEREST
September 11, 2002

Playing high school ball in hoops-crazy Indiana, Sonny Troutman's game hasn't gone unnoticed, even if the 6-4 WG/PG at Indianapolis (IN) Brebeuf doesn't have a huge national reputation.

Now, Troutman is currently in the process of checking out the schools highest on his list. more....

GREEN SETS UP IN-HOME VISITS
September 10, 2002

Maybe it's something with sons of former NBA players, but Wesley Green and Omar Wilkes are clearly two of the most charismatic personalities in the Class of 2003.

Wesley Green is a 6-9, 265-pound senior at Eustis (FL) High who will be extremely busy over the next few weeks with in-home visits. more....

"IT'S PROBABLY IOWA (THAT LEADS). I LIKE
COACH ALFORD A LOT."
September 10, 2002

- Lance Harris
Read full story....

A QUICK PEEK AT JOSH SMITH
September 10, 2002

Labeling 6-8 junior WF Josh Smith a human Swiss Army knife may be a slight overstatement. On the other hand, the graceful lefty is indeed a multi-faceted performer- and he knows it.

"I feel like I'm an all around athlete," Smith told PrepStars.com. "I bring a lot to the table, like dribbling, defense, shooting and leadership ability. more....

WAFER CHANGES SCHOOLS AGAIN
September 9, 2002

Von, we hardly knew ya.

That's exactly what the folks at Fort Worth Paschal High (Texas) are saying about Vakeaton "Von" Wafer, who has left the school. more....

"VILLANOVA AND RUTGERS ARE DEFINITELY THE LEADERS."
September 9, 2002

- Marquise Webb
Read full story....

WEEKEND ROUNDUP: ISRAEL COMMITS
September 9, 2002

Omari Israel went into the weekend expecting to give a verbal commitment to Notre Dame coach Mike Brey — and that's exactly what happened.

The 6-8, 215-pound forward arrived in South Bend, Ind., on Thursday night and made it official on Saturday when he informed Brey as they were walking into the football stadium for the game against Purdue. more....

"I LIKE GEORGETOWN, BUT IT HAS TO BE THE RIGHT SITUATION."
September 6, 2002

- Jaaron Greene
Read full story....

COLLEGES HOPING TO RAISE CAIN
September 6, 2002

After struggling early in July, Jason Cain showed at the AAU Nationals that he can play away from the basket and create offense off the dribble.

Cain, a 6-9, 200-pound BF/WF from Philadelphia (PA) John Bartram, may even develop into a very big wing forward at the next level. more....

"AUBURN WOULD BY MY LEADER RIGHT NOW."
September 5, 2002

- Willie Irick
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: ISRAEL READY TO COMMIT?
September 5, 2002

Don't be surprised if Omari Israel commits to Notre Dame this weekend.

The 6-7, 210-pound BF/WF from Wheaton (MD) Good Counsel will take a trip to South Bend, Ind., today and said that for right now the Fighting Irish are the only school under consideration. more....

HOKIES GET ANOTHER COMMITMENT
September 5, 2002

On the heels of an earlier commitment this week from Jamon Gordon, the Virginia Tech Hokies corralled their second commitment from the Class of 2003.

While Gordon will provide backcourt scoring punch, the Hokies' latest recruit is a big guy who has lots of upside ... and time on his side. more....

DAY NEEDS MORE TIME
September 4, 2002

Last weekend Quinton Day took an official visit Nebraska, and the 6-0 PG committed to Barry Collier's program before heading home.

But after clearing his head for a couple of days, Day came to the realization that he wasn't quite ready to commit. more....

"(HE) IS THE MOST ATHLETIC PLAYER IN WISCONSIN'S SENIOR CLASS."
September 4, 2002

- AAU coach Ritchie Davis, describing Torre Johnson
Read full story....

EBI'S POKER FACE STILL INTACT
September 4, 2002

Ask anyone in Durham, Austin, Tucson or Bloomington about Ndi Ebi, and you're bound to hear a very long explanation of Ebi's skills and why that person's hometown school needs to land him.

For his part, however, the 6-8 BF/WF from Houston (TX) Westbury Christian remains a steely-eyed player of the recruiting game. more....

MIDWEST SLEEPER WANTS MORE LOOKS
September 4, 2002

Players from the Midwest typically aren't as trumped up as their Eastern and Western peers, which might explain why Tyler Chaney doesn't enjoy a bigger national reputation.

Chaney, a 6-4 WG/PG from Neosho (MO) High who made the all-tournament team at the prestigious Tournament of Champions last spring, currently is receiving scant recruiting attention. more....

CHAT TODAY AT USATODAY.COM
September 4, 2002

PrepStars.com's Rob Harrington answered readers' recruiting questions today in a chat session at USAToday.com!

To read the transcript and get all the opinions and latest rumors, just click on the link below.

PrepStars.com/USAToday.com Noon Chat

RICE STIRRED BY BIG EAST, ATLANTIC-10
September 4, 2002

It's true that Maureece Rice wasn't enamored with the way his teammates were playing at the ABCD camp this past summer, but that isn't the reason he bolted midway through the week. more....

BURNS CAUGHT UP IN GALE FORCE WIND
September 3, 2002

When Dana Burns talks about his recruitment, it's immediately apparent that one school stands out in his mind above the rest.

If Burns has his way, he'll be suiting up to play in the Big East next fall. more....

"I REALLY LIKE ALABAMA AND AUBURN."
September 3, 2002

- T.J. Bannister
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: CARDINALS WRAP UP CLASS OF 2003
September 3, 2002

Louisville fans are jumping for joy. The Cardinals, hot off their recent commitment from All-American candidate James Lang and earlier pledges from MI PG/WG Brandon Jenkins and KS JC BF Nouha Diakite, have landed blue-chip forward Nate Daniels.

Daniels, a 6-7 WF/BF at Broward (FL) CC, averaged 31 points, eight rebounds and two assists per game last season. more....

BLUE DEMON RECRUIT NOW A SURE DEMON
September 3, 2002

Although rumors surfaced recently that he was having second thoughts about his recent decision to attend Depaul, Sammy Mejia wants to put to rest any doubts about the strength of his commitment.

"At first I was thinking about (re-opening the process), but now things are settled down," Mejia told PrepStars.com. "I am going to Depaul and my commitment stands." more....

TAYBRON PICKS UP SUITORS
September 3, 2002

The interest toward Mario Taybron appears to be building.

The 6-2, 185-pound WG/PG has received a scholarship offer from Virginia Tech — and could field several more in the upcoming weeks. more....

TATUM MAKES HIS PICK
September 2, 2002

During last spring's NCAA tournament, Bruce Weber's Southern Illinois Salukis made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 before falling to UConn. This weekend, Weber and company parlayed that postseason success into a recruiting victory.

Jamaal Tatum, a 5-11 PG at Jefferson City (MO) Helias, took a visit to Carbondale over the weekend and committed to the Salukis in part because of their tournament success and also the help of a current player on the SIU roster. more....

BLANKS TO FIRE FROM NEW LOCALE
September 2, 2002

Keith Blanks has become the latest hoops star to enlist at Laurinburg (NC) Prep. The 6-5 WF/WG, who was expected to attend Fort Washington (MD) National Christian, will join DC Assault teammate Regis Koundjia and other blue-chippers at Laurinburg this fall. more....

ROUNDUP: MCDADE PICKS TULSA
September 2, 2002

As expected, Brett McDade has committed to Tulsa. The 6-0 PG/WG from Denton (TX) Ryan made his official visit with the Golden Hurricane over the weekend and decided to go ahead and pledge.

McDade is an excellent pickup for Tulsa. More of a wing scorer at this point than a playmaker, he didn't have enough size to attract a lot of big-time programs, but he did have serious interest from Houston, Drake, North Texas and others. more....

"... EVERY HEAD COACH THAT I'VE TALKED WITH HAS BEEN GREAT."
August 30, 2002

- Sheray Thomas
Read full story....

JACKSON AN UNDERRATED GUARD
August 30, 2002

Perhaps one of the more underrated point guards in the nation is Jay Jackson. Jackson, a 6-1 star at Monroe (LA) Ouachita, is too soft spoken to say so himself, but his play over the last few years with Ouachita and Louisiana Select club team are all that needs to be said.

His list of schools backs up his strong play. more....

UBAKA PICKS BEARS
August 30, 2002

Ayinde Ubaka became the latest player to commit to California, giving the Bears a big lead in the race the top recruiting class in the nation. Ben Braun's program, needing a very talented crop of recruits to offset recent personnel losses, now has five top commitments from the Class of 2003. more....

BELL TO ATTEND FLORIDA PREP
August 30, 2002

It looks as though IMG Academies is starting to haul in some big-time talent, with Jermaine Bell the latest addition.

The 6-11, 202-pound Bell, who gave St. John's an oral commitment last year, will head down to Bradenton, Fla., this weekend and enroll in IMG. more....

BRADLEY TO CLASS OF 2004?
August 30, 2002

Ramel "Smooth" Bradley is about to start classes after an extended summer vacation and tour of the club circuit. And he'll begin the year at a new school; the 6-3, 165-pound PG/WG has left Brooklyn (NY) Park West and will enroll at Durham (NC) Mt. Zion on Monday.

Bradley, who prefers the name "Smooth," wanted to increase his exposure down South. more....

"RASHAD IS HOPING TO GET A HIGHER LEVEL OF SCHOOL INVOLVED."
August 29, 2002

- Rashad Bilal's father, Hassan
Read full story....

MILTON NO LONGER A LOST PARADISE
August 29, 2002

When the Mississippi Panthers strode onto the floor at the Tournament of Champions this past spring, the headliner obviously was high-major big forward Warren Scott. But it didn't take long to notice another Panther, this one sleek and very explosive.

As he would do throughout the spring and summer, Milton Collins quickly commanded attention from the TOC crowd by out-jumping everyone in sight. more....

GARDNER DOWN TO THREE
August 29, 2002

Thomas Gardner has pared his list of schools to three: Connecticut, Kansas and Missouri. He plans to make a verbal commitment in the first week of October, after he's taken his official and in-home visits.

Gardner, a 6-4, 210-pound rock-solid WG from Portland (OR) Jefferson, is PrepStars.com's No. 89 senior and ranked even higher by some other scouts. He was outstanding at the USA Junior Olympic Development Festival in June. more....

PEAVY PICKS REDHAWKS
August 29, 2002

Miami-Ohio has established a very strong link with Cincinnati Red AAU. The Redhawks received a commitment from Eric Van Buskirk earlier in the summer, and now they've added his AAU teammate, Nathan Peavy.

Peavy, a 6-8, 195-pound BF/WF from Dayton (OH) Chaminade-Julienne, is the latest player headed to Miami. more....

"IT'LL MOST LIKELY BE TEMPLE OR LASALLE."
August 28, 2002

- Wayne Marshall
Read full story....

TOP GUARD HAS TRIO OF FAVORITES
August 28, 2002

Aaron Brooks has five schools on his list, but a trio has clearly separated themselves.

The 5-11 Seattle (WA) Franklin PG has become a hot commodity in a class without many standout floor leaders. Other than Mustafa Shakur and Chris Paul, Brooks is arguably the next-best point guard in the class. more....

SHOCKERS GAIN THEIR LIBERTY
August 28, 2002

Wichita State has picked up a commitment from Adam Liberty, a 6-1 PG from Oklahoma City (OK) John Marshall.

Liberty was a fixture for Athletes First this past summer, and he impressed the Shockers' coaching staff with his sound fundamentals and excellent decision-making. Though not a great athlete, who does get up and down the floor OK and hits his share of long jumpers. more....

ROUNDUP: WAFER PICKS A HIGH SCHOOL
August 28, 2002

Ending a couple of weeks' worth of speculation regarding where he would spend his senior year, Von Wafer finally has made a decision -- and it's a surprise.

Wafer, the elite 6-5 WG/WF who played at Lisbon (LA) Pineview last season, reportedly has shunned both of the schools favored to land him -- Cleveland (TX) Heritage Christian and the Laurinburg (NC) Institute -- in favor of Fort Worth (TX) Paschal. He actually enrolled at Paschal on August 19. more....

MILLIGAN FAVORS FOUR, LOOKING FOR A FIFTH
August 28, 2002

Dante Milligan is concentrating on four schools this August, and is looking for a strong No. 5 to enter the picture. The 6-8, 200-pound WF/BF from Pawling (NY) Trinity-Pawling has impressed coaches with his shooting ability for a taller player.

Among his favorites, the Big East, ACC and CUSA are represented. more....

BASS THINKING SPRING
August 28, 2002

While seniors are being plucked off the board at a rapid rate, Brandon Bass is content moving at his own pace.

The Baton Rouge (LA) Capitol 6-8, 235-pound BF has yet to narrow down his list to a manageable handful and plans to delay signing until the spring period. more....

DAVIS TO NORTHEASTERN ... PERHAPS
August 27, 2002

As reported, Miami native Bennett Davis did commit to Northeastern ... but don't pencil him in on the Huskies' roster just yet.

Davis, a 6-8, 210-pound BF who's transferring from Miami Northwestern to Milford (CT) Academy this fall, has left himself the smallest of outs. more....

SIMS STILL FAVORS LOCAL SCHOOLS
August 28, 2002

Courtney Sims still isn't sure where he'll end up, but he's pretty certain it won't be far from home.

The 6-11, 222-pound senior already has set up official visits with Michigan (Sept. 6), Syracuse (Sept. 13) and Maryland (Sept. 27), but he's also planning on returning to both UConn and Boston College for brief official trips. more....

"I THINK THE LEADER IS OKLAHOMA RIGHT NOW."
August 27, 2002

- Tack Minor
Read full story....

ERVIN TO BULLDOGS ... AGAIN?
August 27, 2002

It's certainly not as official as some other commitments, but you can -- for the time being, at least -- mark Gary Ervin down as Mississippi State-bound.

``It's true," said the 6-1 Ervin, who had verbally committed to Mississippi State before reneging and trying to take a scholarship offer at Arizona. more....

"HOUSTON, TULANE AND OLE MISS ARE THE TOP THREE -- THERE'S NOT REALLY ANYBODY ELSE."
August 26, 2002

- Jarvelle Scott
Read full story....

THREE SCHOOLS LEAD FOR BLACKWELL
August 26, 2002

After creating a buzz with several strong spring performances, Cameron (MO) High guard Tim Blackwell was poised to burst onto the national scene at Nike camp. After breaking his ankle, however, Blackwell was forced to miss the entire summer evaluation period.

But heading into the fall, three high-major programs are very interested in signing him this fall. more....

LONG SHORTENS OPTIONS
August 26, 2002

Relative to its size, the state of North Carolina produces more than its fair share of talent on a yearly basis, and the Class of 2003 is no different.

While prospects like Chris Paul, Reyshawn Terry, P.J. Tucker and others have made national headlines, Fayetteville (NC) 71st star Casey Long proved over the summer that he's worthy of his own attention. more....

STEWART TWINS, WILLIAMS MAKE DECISIONS
August 26, 2002

The Stewart twins' recruitment was anything but simple, so it was appropriate that there was confusion at the end. Lodrick and Rodrick Stewart announced that they will attend Southern Cal during a live Sunday night broadcast on Fox Sports Northwest.

Marcus Williams also made his expected choice official this weekend. more....

BEARCATS PICK UP WEEKEND COMMIT
August 25, 2002

Cincinnati hosted a pair of top junior college sophomores for official visits this past weekend. No. 1 juco Robert Whaley and combo guard Nick Williams were on campus, and Williams gave Bob Huggins and company an early commitment prior to returning home. more....

BUTLER HEADED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE
August 23, 2002

Jackie Butler has his eyes on the NBA immediately after finishing up at McComb (MS) High, but if he decides he's not ready for the pros, he's decided to stay close to home. more....

HENDERSON OPTS FOR HAWKEYES
August 23, 2002

Waterloo (IA) East PG/WG Mike Henderson originally ended his recruitment by offering an early pledge to the Iowa State Cyclones. However, Henderson began to rethink the process over the summer and reopened his recruitment. more....

CAMPER HAS DIVERSE LIST
August 23, 2002

When Vincent Camper discusses his current recruiting list, it's easy to recognize the broad geographic nature of the schools on the list. It appears that any school, regardless of location, has a legitimate chance of getting Camper. more....

JUNIORS LEAD WESTSIDE ALL-STARS
August 22, 2002

With names like the Hoops, Superstars and Select dominating the AAU landscape in Houston, it's no wonder that the Houston Westside All-Stars have struggled to get any notice.

The All-Stars, led by coach Charlie Jones, actually have been competitive with some of the area's finest club programs. And the kicker: his group consists of nothing but juniors. more....

"HE HAS A LIST OF SEVEN SCHOOLS ... AND ALL HAVE OFFERED."
August 22, 2002

- Rick Neltner, Ross Neltner's father
Read full story....

HOT OFF THE PRESS: FALL RANKINGS!
August 21, 2002

Now that the summer camps are over and literally hundreds of pages of notes have been compiled and digested, legendary Prep Stars guru Brick Oettinger has cut the tape on his new fall rankings for the Class of 2003.

The top five has changed just a little, with LeBron James and Luol Deng now flanked by Ndudi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe. In the top 10, sensational wing Von Wafer jumps all the way up to No. 6. more....

"HE WAS REAL CLOSE TO GOING (TO TEXAS A&M) ... BUT A DAY LATER HE CHANGED HIS MIND."
August 21, 2002

- Andre Boutte, Kendrick Perkins' coach
Read full story....

JOHNSON ATTRACTS OFFERS
August 21, 2002

One of the more underrated wings nationally is Christano Johnson, a 6-5, 225-pound WF/BF from Laurinburg (NC) Charter. He's made a lot of progress over the past year and is now hearing from strong mid and some high-major programs. more....

"I LIKE PITTSBURGH AND UCONN."
August 20, 2002

- Daon Merritt
Read full story....

THOMPSON HAS HIGH ASPIRATIONS
August 20, 2002

Many players want to make their own mark and don't like to be compared to anyone, but Lorenzo Thompson is different: He aspires to be the next Antoine Walker.

The 6-7, 240-pound Chicago (IL) Crane senior knows all about Walker, the Chicago native and former Kentucky star who has turned himself into an elite player with the Boston Celtics. more....

KAPLAN DRAWS IVY, ACC INTEREST
August 20, 2002

Sam Kaplan didn't exactly end his summer as he would have liked.

The Worcester (MA) Academy senior BF suffered a knee injury that shut down his summer early at the Super Showcase in Orlando. The injury also forced him to watch from the sidelines as his BABC teammates came up short at the AAU Nationals, but it hasn't prevented several mid-majors -- and one ACC program -- from getting involved. more....

KELLY CONTENT TO WAIT
August 19, 2002

Tre Kelley has no problem waiting. In fact, that's been his plan all along.

The 6-0, 170-pound Washington (DC) Dunbar PG, who will probably shift to the off-guard spot this season with Earl Risby transferring in, wants to observe the schools he is considering — and see who else commits. more....

"MICHIGAN LEADS."
August 19, 2002

- Byron Joynes
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: LATE 2002 SIGNEES; MORE PLEDGES
August 19, 2002

As usual, there's ample news to report from the weekend. First, from the Class of 2002, California has signed Jordi Geli Vilardell, a 6-9, 190-pound WF/BF from Spain, as a late member to its 2002-03 roster.

At just 190 pounds, Vilardell obviously isn't going to win Mr. Universe anytime soon, but he did average 13.1 rebounds per game -- in addition to 11.1 points -- for his club team, Girona Casademont. more....

SIMS TAKES MONDAY TRIP TO BC
August 19, 2002

Of all the movers and shakers this summer, none may have shot up the charts more than Courtney Sims. The 6-11, 222-pound C from Dedham (MA) Noble & Greenough came out of nowhere on the national scene this summer and has become one of the most sought-after big men in the country.

Today, one of the schools that's hot on his trail, Boston College, is hosting him on an unofficial visit. more....

WILKES HAS FOUR FINALISTS
August 19, 2002

Omar Wilkes has a busy month of September.

The Los Angeles (CA) Loyola 6-3, 175-pound senior WG, who took an official visit to Kansas last spring, will take official trips to the other three schools he is considering. more....

SIMMONS PICKS WOLFPACK
August 19, 2002

The first hint that Cedric Simmons would commit to N.C. State may have been on July 8, when Wolfpack boss Herb Sendek attended the Carolina Mid-Summer Chalenj, rather than the prestigious Nike or adidas ABCD camps.

And when Sendek and assistant Larry Harris made a return trip to the junior forward at the second session of the Chalenj, their ardent pursuit of Simmons was hammered home even further. more....

BENSON FAVORS A PAIR
August 16, 2002

On a loaded Houston Hoops squad, it was sometimes tough for Justin Benson to get headlines or even a few shot attempts this summer. But Benson was outstanding and impressed with his willingness to sacrifice his own stats for the greater cause.

The powerful forward has drawn some high-major interest this August, and two schools stand out slightly from the pack. more....

"(ARIZONA AND N.C. STATE ) ARE NECK AND NECK RIGHT NOW."
August 16, 2002

- Mustafa Shakur
Read full story....

PEARSON LIKES HURRICANES
August 16, 2002

Devon Pearson first caught our attention at the NBA camp in June, then followed that performance up with a very solid July. The 6-6, 215-pound WF/BF hopes that his play will be enough to draw an offer from his favorite school -- the hometown Hurricanes. more....

BLALOCK FEELING THE HEAT
August 15, 2002

Now that his best friend has made up his mind, Will Blalock is getting the pressure. Not so much from the college coaches, but from Stevie Hailey.

Blalock and Hailey have been inseparable since they were 10 years old. They play together in Boston leagues and share the backcourt for Leo Papile's BABC squad. more....

"I'M DEFINITELY GOING TO GO TO SYRACUSE, MARYLAND AND FLORIDA."
August 15, 2002

- Terrence Roberts
Read full story....

TATUM SETS UP VISITS
August 15, 2002

After showing some promise during spring events with the St. Louis Eagles, Jamaal Tatum was on plenty of Division 1 radars heading into the summer.

And the 5-11 PG at Jefferson City (MO) Helias built up on that momentum over the summer and established himself as a top-200 caliber prospect. more....

TUCKER READY TO RETURN
August 15, 2002

He might not be 100 percent, but P.J. Tucker is at least on the court working out and shooting, so re-arming and creating a ruckus in the paint is just around corner for the super-intense forward. more....

TAYBRON LIKES FIVE
August 15, 2002

Despite a rough end to his summer at AAU Nationals, Mario Taybron was nonetheless able to increase his profile with college coaches during July.

Though his school list tends to fluctuate a great deal, Taybron currently is looking hard at five schools. more....

JOHNSON LOOKING FOR OFFERS
August 15, 2002

Nobody has ever questioned Milwaukee (WI) Juneau skywalker Torre Johnson's athletic ability. But at what position do you play him?

The nearly 6-6 Johnson is an active and often tenacious worker on the blocks who is maybe just a bit undersized for a BF, but lacks the perimeter polish to roam the wing full time. more....

SMITH MAKES A DECISION
August 14, 2002

One of the nation's most unselfish point guards, 6-2 Lanny Smith, has decided where he'll spend his college career.

Smith had drawn interest from Oklahoma, Texas Christian, Georgia Tech, Houston, Baylor and others prior to making his choice. more....

ROUNDUP: LUCAS TO GEORGE WASHINGTON
August 14, 2002

George Washington head coach Karl Hobbs is proving in emphatic fashion why he was regarded as an elite recruiter during his days as an assistant at UConn.

Hobbs, who is in his second season with the Colonials, has picked up a key commitment from Ricky Lucas, a talented 6-4 WG/WF at Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian, who picked GW over Penn State, George Mason and Kent. more....

"RIGHT NOW, IT'S MOSTLY TENNESSEE."
August 14, 2002

- Vincent Hunter
Read full story....

MITCHELL PLAYS THROUGH PAIN
August 14, 2002

It isn't as if Springfield (MO) Kickapoo's Deven Mitchell has to do too much to draw attention from coaches. The 6-5 deluxe athlete plays with a manic style that coaches love.

But what sets the Springfield (MO) Kickapoo wing forward apart is his toughness and ability to do something that even LeBron James wasn't up for -- play through a broken wrist. more....

TUCKER MAKES EARLY DECISION
August 13, 2002

One of the nation's most athletic junior guards, Enrico Tucker, has made an early commitment.

Tucker, a 5-11 leaper supreme, improved his point guard skills a great deal over the summer. He's taking his talents to a school that beat its competition with very hard work. more....

HAILEY PICKS BOSTON COLLEGE
August 13, 2002

Boston College has found a replacement for Troy Bell — and the Eagles didn't have to look far from home.

Worcester (MA) Academy 6-0 160-pound combo guard Stevie Hailey committed to BC on Monday afternoon. The quick and unselfish senior guard, who will play his third and final season in Worcester this season, chose the Eagles over interest from Memphis, N.C. State, Iona and others. more....

"(UCONN) GET(S) YOU PREPARED FOR THE NEXT LEVEL...."
August 13, 2002

- Marcus Williams
Read full story....

VERWERS TO HOST MAJORS
August 13, 2002

The list read as follows prior to July: TCU, SMU, Lamar, Houston and Colorado State. Now it reads Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Kansas.

And a couple of those schools already have set up in-home visits. more....

ANOTHER COMMITMENT: YOU, HEARD?
August 13, 2002

The top players in Illinois are starting to commit at a furious pace — and Marcus Heard could be next.

The 6-6 , 210-pound Springfield (IL) Southeast WF/WG has made progress since finishing up on the AAU circuit — and he's been able to establish a top three of Boston College, Xavier and DePaul. more....

BUSH DECIDING BETWEEN A PAIR ... OF SPORTS
August 13, 2002

Michael Bush is back in football mode after switching gears through most of the summer.

The 6-3, 225-pound Louisville (KY) Male two-sport star will begin his senior campaign as the team's starting quarterback — after playing QB, running back and wide receiver last season. more....

HARD WORK THE KEY FOR HAMILTON
August 12, 2002

Vernon Hamilton isn't your typical summer hoopster. After putting in a solid week of work at the ABCD camp in early July, the 6-1 PG from Richmond (VA) Benedictine was forced to miss the remaining July events because he had to put in work somewhere else -- his job. more....

"GEORGIA IS ALL OVER HIM. ALABAMA LOVES HIM, TOO."
August 12, 2002

- Tyrone Fuller, Nick Stiggers' high school coach
Read full story....

GUARD TO SYRACUSE; RODGERS TO OPEN MARKET?
August 12, 2002

As expected, Syracuse has picked up a commitment from Louie McCroskey, a 6-3 WG from Bronx (NY) St. Raymond's. McCroskey, a multi-year staple for St. Raymond's and the New York Ravens, is a talented and improved player who has elevated his status by great lengths over the past year.

McCroskey is a good athlete who's a capable driver and also a solid perimeter shooter. He doesn't possess mind-numbing leaping ability and may not project as a high-major impact player, but his outstanding pedigree and big city toughness should help him develop into a valuable contributor for Jim Boeheim's Orangemen. more....

RABOIN RAISES STOCK
August 12, 2002

Sean Raboin didn't enter the summer with much of a reputation. The 6-6 WF/WG from Mexico (MO) High is a blue collar wing who plays for a small Midwestern school, things that typically don't attract much attention from coaches and the recruiting media.

But Raboin's situation changed after the Super Showcase and AAU Nationals in Orlando, where he enjoyed a very productive week for Martin Brothers Select. more....

ROUNDUP: BANKS PICKS TIGERS
August 12, 2002

It was a rewarding week for Memphis head coach John Calipari. The Memphis head coach recently made news when he received a commitment from near-super TX C Kendrick Perkins, and now he's added a pledge from another potential All-American, Sean Banks. more....

"I PROBABLY WILL COMMIT TO OLE MISS."
August 9, 2002

- Emanuel Willis
Read full story....

GORDON WAITS FOR OFFERS
August 9, 2002

With numerous players making early oral commitments in August, many of the nation's top prospects must decide whether to end the process now or wait until after taking their official visits in the fall.

But one player who doesn't have to make that decision is Jamon Gordon, a 6-2, 180-pound WG from Jacksonville (FL) Jackson, who doesn't have the option of committing now because no high-major offers have been thrown his way. more....

ROUNDUP: LANG FINALLY A CARDINAL
August 9, 2002

Rick Pitino received a big (literally) boost when AL C James Lang ended the speculation and officially pledged to Louisville.

Lang, who stands 6-10 and weighs in at 310 pounds, has been one of the biggest stories of the summer. more....

WATKINS DEALS WITH PRESSURE, OFFERS
August 8, 2002

Darryl Watkins doesn't show much emotion on the court. Hardly any, in fact.

But the 6-10, 230-pound Paterson (NJ) Catholic C/BF, who played for Jimmy Salmons' Tim Thomas Playaz this summer, said the recruiting process is starting to wear on him. more....

"(CINCINNATI'S) A SCHOOL I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO."
August 8, 2002

- Jamual Warren
Read full story....

BREWER CATCHES BREATH, READIES FOR FALL
August 8, 2002

Ronnie Brewer played a lot of basketball towards the end of last month. More than most kids on the AAU circuit.

The 6-6, 190-pound Fayetteville (AR) High WG/WF went to Las Vegas with the Mississippi Panthers and then headed directly to Orlando, where he played with the Arkansas Hawks in the AAU Nationals. more....

NELSON TO ANNOUNCE FRIDAY
August 7, 2002

The battle for Tyrone Nelson is almost over. Nelson, a 6-9 BF from Hempstead (TX) High, will announce his college decision on Friday.

And if you believe the prediction of Nelson's AAU coach, John Eurey of the Houston Superstars, then his mind is pretty much made up. more....

FIVE SCHOOLS LEAD FOR BLANKS
August 7, 2002

Keith Blanks shouldn't have played this summer.

Blanks, a 6-5 WF at Fort Washington (MD) National Christian, fractured his ankle and missed the adidas ABCD camp but returned to action with D.C. Assault at the Big Time and at the Best of Summer, where he helped lead Assault to the tournament semifinal. more....

GATERS TAKE AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS
August 7, 2002

The North Carolina Gaters were in desperate need of an energy boost. A roster of just seven players carried the team through pool play and the first two rounds of the tournament undefeated.

But, then again, these were no ordinary seven players. In addition to the play of Clemson-bound guard Shawan Robinson, Rashad McCants, Raymond Felton and others carried the Gaters. more....

ROUNDUP: CARDINALS, TIGERS, BADGERS ADD COMMITS
August 7, 2002

Louisville, hoping to receive an official announcement from top center James Lang in the near future, already has added one frontcourt troop in Nouha Diakite.

Diakite, a 6-10 BF/C at Barton County (KS) CC, picked the Cardinals over interest from Alabama, Nebraska, Auburn, Cincinnati and others. He averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a freshman. more....

"... IF IT WORKS OUT, I'LL PROBABLY SIGN WITH BC."
August 6, 2002

- Bruce Price
Read full story....

ADAMS MAKES DECISION
August 6, 2002

One of the nation's more talented wing players, 6-5 wing Blake Adams, has made a commitment.

Adams will take his polished offensive game to a program that is rising very quickly under its new head coach. more....

SHERIDAN SET TO COMMIT
August 6, 2002

Will Sheridan hasn't made it completely official yet, but the Delaware forward will do it tonight.

The 6-8, 245-pound Sheridan, who averaged 24 points and 12 boards last season at Hockessin (DE) Sanford, will play in the Big East. more....

MORE UPDATED SCHOOL LISTS
August 6, 2002

As commitments continue to pour in from around the nation, here are more updated school lists from numerous players we've spoken to over the past week. Who knows: maybe one of these guys will make a pledge soon.

The latest: more....

"(ALABAMA'S) NOT TOO FAR AND I FIT INTO THE SYSTEM."
August 5, 2002

- Shawn Taylor
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: PERKINS PICKS MEMPHIS
August 5, 2002

Whether or not Kendrick Perkins ultimately applies for the 2003 NBA draft is a question that won't be answered until next spring, but for now, the 6-10 C from Beaumont (TX) Ozen has made his college choice: Perkins committed to Memphis.

Perkins' pledge was just one of several major commitments to occur over the weekend. more....

FROM ORLANDO: SCHOOL LISTS GALORE
August 5, 2002

In addition to our extensive coverage from the 17-under Super Showcase and 17-Under AAU Nationals in Orlando last week, correspondent Thom Jones picked up numerous other school lists from the top players in attendance.

Here's the latest: more....

"I'M DEFINITELY GOING TO GO TO BOSTON COLLEGE AND MARQUETTE."
August 1, 2002

- Justin Hawkins
Read full story....

ERVIN STILL UNDECIDED
August 2, 2002

It's been a whirlwind of a week for Gary Ervin to say the least.

The former Brooklyn Robeson (N.Y.) point guard, who will head to Notre Dame Academy (Mass.) this year, reportedly called Mississippi State early in the week to give them a verbal commitment. After sleeping on his decision, he decided that he wanted to attend Arizona instead.

The Wildcats won't take him just yet, so he's still sorting out his options. more....

ROUNDUP: HEELS GET TERRY
August 2, 2002

Four more commitments poured in late on the first day of August, as schools in the ACC, Big East, Conference USA and Horizon League teams added perimeter punch.

North Carolina received its first commitment of the year when Winston-Salem (NC) Reynolds WF Reyshawn Terry jumped on a scholarship offer from the Tar Heels. more....

KOTOROBAI A SOLID MID-MAJOR PROSPECT
August 2, 2002

Physical attributes like lateral quickness and leaping ability obviously are very important in the game of basketball, but so is having an understanding of fundamentals and basketball principles.

And learning the finer points of the game are all that's left for Eugene Kotorobai, a 6-5 WG from Vorhees (N.J.), as he strives to become a major Division I target. more....

ROUNDUP: AUGUST BRINGS PLEDGES
August 1, 2002

Goodbye, evaluation period; hello, commitment period.

In basketball recruiting, it doesn't take long to shift gears. Just a day removed from the critical July evaluation period, coaches now have directed their full attention to getting commitments from their top prospects.

Michigan received good news when athletic forward Brent Petway made an early pledge. more....

PERKINS NEARING DECISION
August 1, 2002

Kendrick Perkins will decide anytime now. It could be as early as today or tomorrow. It will almost certainly be prior to his first day of school, which comes in less than two weeks.

The Beaumont (TX) Ozen C won't be answering the question of whether he'll skip college and head straight to the NBA. Instead, he'll decide on a college — and let the NBA talk take care of itself down the road. more....

BANGLE: WALKS LIKE A SHOCKER
August 1, 2002

Last week the commitment of Oklahoma big man Zach Green to Mark Turgeonís Wichita State program passed with little fan fair, mostly due to the fact that Green is injured this summer and has missed the summer circuit. The Shockers have now added another big man to go along with Green, and this one comes from the class of 2004.

Kurt Bangle, a 6-9 BF from Garden City (KS) High, has decided to get things over with early and has cast his lot with Turgeon and the Shockers. more....

"IT'S NOT GOING TO STICK ... I WAS GETTING TIRED AND IMPATIENT."
July 31, 2002

- Gary Ervin
Read full story....

AT THE NATIONALS: ALL-OHIO, KAPPA TO MEET IN FINAL
July 31, 2002

Rallying from a thirteen point deficit in the first quarter, All Ohio Red used the sterling second half play of Drew Lavender and clutch foul shooting down the stretch to defeat the Georgia Stars 70-58 and advance into the championship game in the 17-U National championship at the Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, FL. more....

MID-WEEK ROUND UP: TIGERS, TIDE ADD FRONTCOURT SIZE
July 31, 2002

Two African-born forwards ended their recruitment this week by making commitments to schools in the SEC and Big 12. more....

AT AAU NATIONALS: SEMIFINALS SET
July 30, 2002

ORLANDO -- The semifinals of the AAU National tournament are set. In one matchup, the Kappa Magic (NC) will play BABC (MA); in the other, All-Ohio Red will face the Georgia Stars.

Kappa advanced by defeating the Spiece (IN) Gym Rats and the Newark (NJ) Rams, while BABC reached the semis by whipping Boo Williams (VA) and the Tallahassee Wildcats. more....

YABC LOOKING TO DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES
July 30, 2002

Don't confuse YABC with BABC.

They're both from Massachusetts, but BABC is the big-budget AAU club run by Leo Papile, while YABC is the lesser-known team run by Bill Washington and James Rivera. more....

AT THE BOS: DJINKI BREAKS ONTO SCENE
July 30, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- A new name to emerge at the Best of Summer tournament is Pierre Djinki, a 6-4 WF who is originally from Cameroon.

Djinki (pronounced "Jinky") is a very muscular and athletic slasher who uses his exceptional strength and impressive quickness to cut inside and crash the boards for offensive rebounds. more....

IN FLORIDA: BOWERS MAKES DECISION
July 29, 2002

ORLANDO -- Amidst all the hoopage at the AAU 17-under Nationals in Florida, another commitment was made to a big-time school from another event in the Sunshine State.

Will Bowers, a 6-11 C from Severn (MD) Archbishop Spalding, has pledged to the Maryland Terrapins. Bowers actually is playing in Ocala at the USA/International Hoop Summit, but we caught up with him on Sunday to get his thoughts on the commitment. more....

AT THE BOS: SLEEPERS EMERGE IN L.A.
July 29, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- As the summer evaluation period winds down this week, most of the nation's elite, name players already have established themselves among college coaches. The coaches at games now are scouting a little less and recruiting a little more.

But at the Best of Summer Tournament, held on the campus of Loyola-Marymount in Los Angeles, many coaches are searching for those yet-undiscovered prospects they can dig up heading into the fall. And on Sunday, several players definitely helped their reputations. more....

SHOWCASE WRAPUP; NATIONALS KICK OFF
July 28, 2002

ORLANDO -- The St Louis Eagles might not have been the prevailing favorite to take home the championship in the Super Showcase, but the Eagles won a lot of new admirers after knocking off tough Houston Hoops 65-62 to win the title.

Kalen Grimes, a 6-8 BF, scored 17 points and controlled both boards, and 6-2 G Blake Ahearn provided consistent scoring and big baskets down the stretch of games. more....

RAVENS SOAR IN VEGAS
July 27, 2002

LAS VEGAS -- For the second consecutive year, the Adidas Big Time Tournament was conquered by a team from New York. In 2001 the Long Island Panthers took the title, and this year the New York Ravens showed off their New York pride.

But it wasn't easy. more....

CELTICS RUN OUT OF LUCK
July 26, 2002

LAS VEGAS -- Before the tipoff of the Billy Shephard Sports (Ind.) and the Atlanta Celtics round of 16 battle, one assistant coach made a prediction that the young and talented Celtics would either blow out their foes or be plagued by mistakes against a fundamentally sound team.

The latter turned out to be true. more....

AT THE SHOWCASE: HOOPS TO TACKLE EAGLES IN FINALS
July 26, 2002

With Tack Minor and Ndudi Ebi leading the way, Houston Hoops survived a tough game against All-Ohio Red and advanced to the championship game in the 17U Super Showcase game. Set to take on the AAU juggernaut are the St Louis Eagles, who survived a brutal route to the finals. more....

"I plan to make a decision in November."
July 25, 2002

- Morris Almond
Read full story....

JAZZ PREVAILS IN BIG-TIME THRILLER
July 25, 2002

LAS VEGAS -- Of the pre-tournament favorites at the adidas Big Time, the New Orleans Jazz have been one of the event's most cohesive teams.

But the Jazz nearly left Vegas singing a very low note after escaping the scrappy Illinois Celtics in an all-time tournament classic that took four overtimes to resolve. more....

WEEKLY WRAP UP: BILLMEIER, OTHERS KEEP COMMITMENT MOMENTUM FLOWING
July 25, 2002

In the midst of the summer's biggest tournaments, several players have elected to end their recruitment by making pledges to various schools. There were big winners throughout the land, as Seton Hall, Miami, and Cal corralled commitments from rising seniors. more....

AT THE SUPER SHOWCASE: KRZYZEWSKI HOT ON DENG'S TRAIL
July 25, 2002

If you see Luol Deng, undoubtedly you'll also see Mike Krzyzewski.

The Duke coach is shadowing the Blairstown (NJ) Blair Academy forward wherever he plays at the Showcase, clearly making Deng the Blue Devils' top priority. more....

BANNISTER REMAINS OPEN
July 25, 2002

Cross Florida off T.J. Bannister's list.

The 5-10 Arlington Country Day (Fla.) senior PG had the Gators among the list of schools he was considering, but Billy Donovan received commitments from Ryan Appleby and Lee Humphrey in the last week. more....

TUCKER, EBI STAND OUT AT SUPER SHOWCASE
July 24, 2002

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Two players who took center stage Tuesday during the opening of the 17-U AAU Super Showcase in Orlando were 6-9 TX BF/WF Ndudi Ebi and 6-5 NC BF PJ Tucker.

While Tucker was leading his team to two victories on Tuesday, Ebi got his Houston Hoops team off to an early victory against Team Indiana/Bloomington Black. more....

AT THE BIG TIME: PUMP N' RUN SLIPS BY
July 24, 2002

LAS VEGAS -- On paper, the Tuesday morning game between Pump N' Run and the Gateway Basketball Club figured to be a blowout.

But trite though it may be, that's the reason the games are decided on the court, because Gateway gave Pump N' Run all it could handle during the Pump's narrow 82-76 victory. more....

AT THE BIG TIME: SLAM N' JAM RUNS N' GUNS
July 23, 2002

LAS VEGAS -- Heading into the summer, the Oakland Slam N' Jam crew looked like it would rule the club circuit. LeBron James, Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe were all set to join forces and set the world ablaze ... that is, until injuries and the infamous 100-mile rule got in the way.

Despite the lack of a true superstar, Slam N' Jam proved Monday that they would be a team to be reckoned with in Las Vegas. more....

WEEKEND WRAPUP: TIDE ROLLS IN DAVIDSON
July 22, 2002

One of the fastest-rising big men across the country this year has been Jermareo Davidson, a 6-10 BF/C from Stone Mountain (GA) High whose performances at the Tournament of Champions and the Atlanta Basketball Classic have propelled him into the national spotlight.

Now, that spotlight has taken on a distinctly crimson hue. more....

"I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE WHEREVER I GO."
July 22, 2002

- Ricky Lucas
Read full story....

ACADEMIC SCHOOLS PURSUE DILLIGENT DANLEY
July 22, 2002

Steve Danley was smart enough to realize that, as a big man, he wasn't going to get the ball a ton at the ABCD Camp earlier this month. So the Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha senior opted to concentrate on the "other things." more....

CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS GAIN ON ARIZA
July 19, 2002

Trevor Ariza never seriously considered staying close to home until recently. The Los Angeles (CA) Westchester WF/BF was always looking at schools like Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Kentucky and Maryland - but he's added a couple of Pac-10 powers to his list.

"I like UCLA and USC now," Ariza told PrepStars.com. more....

"EVERY ... TEAM NEEDS A KID LIKE FLORENTINO"
July 19, 2002

- Anthony Longstreet, Crane Tech head coach
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: XAVIER WINS CAGE MATCH
July 19, 2002

The Xavier Musketeers added to their already-strong recruiting haul this week when Indianapolis (IN) Pike WF Justin Cage pledged to the Atlantic 10 school.

Cage, who is described as a true point-forward, joins rising seniors WG Robert Barker and WF/BF Justin Doellman and rising junior Darryl Garrett as current Xavier commitments. more....

ISREAL WEIGHING OPTIONS
July 19, 2002

Omari Isreal had a solid, if unspectacular, week at the ABCD camp. The 6-8, 210-pound BF/WF is a matchup problem for many opposing forwards because he can post up smaller players but has the quickness to beat big men off the dribble.

He's entertaining interest from a number of schools, but is taking his time in making a decision. more....

SURPRISE TEAMS VIE FOR WEBER TITLE
July 18, 2002

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- A pair of surprise teams, the East Coast Eagles and Waynesboro Jayhawks, battled for the title at the Charlie Weber Invitational.

Check out our extensive and exclusive coverage of the championship game and everything else from Charlie Weber's brand new event, which made a strong debut and solidified its place on the summer circuit. more....

"MY TOP SCHOOLS ARE UCONN, ARIZONA AND ALABAMA."
July 18, 2002

- Gary Ervin
Read full story....

WINGATE A CAMP VETERAN
July 18, 2002

While many of the players at the ABCD camp are nervous and intimidated by the plethora of coaches and fans in attendance, Major Wingate was used to all of it.

And he's now taking a very hard look at a couple of schools that have followed him closely throughout his career. more....

CLARKE, BRADLEY ARE TIGHT
July 18, 2002

Karron Clarke and Ramel Bradley have been best friends since they were 10 years old, so it's only natural that the duo would like to stay together for college.

Clarke is the more highly touted of the pair, recently becoming a hot commodity after a year playing with Sebastian Telfair at Brooklyn (NY) Lincoln. more....

IT'S OFFICIAL: JONES TO MARYLAND
July 17, 2002

Finally, it's over for Mike Jones.

The 6-4, 185-pound shooting guard has given Gary Williams and the Terps a verbal pledge in one of the least-kept secrets in the recruiting world. more....

AT THE PEACH JAM: LAVENDER HITS AGAIN
July 17, 2002

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. -- Tuesday morning's pool play matchup at the Peach Jam between the Jackson Tigers and All-Ohio Red featured perhaps the best big man at the event (Al Jefferson) and the best little man (Andrew Lavender).

But it also represented a clash between the classic, size-dominated style of hoops and the recent shift to backcourt basketball that is currently favored at the high school and college levels. more....

AT THE PEACH JAM: MONDAY FEATURES TIGHT GAMES
July 16, 2002

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. -- If no one player has dominated the Nike Peach Jam, then at least let it be said that the level of competition is more even than in past years, and a slew of suspenseful games have been the result.

Perhaps Monday's best game was staged between the Tallahassee Wildcats and Illinois Warriors. The Warriors had won their first two games despite the absence of franchise guard Shannon Brown. The Wildcats, meanwhile, had dropped a shocker on Sunday night to the St. Louis Eagles and needed a win to get back on track. more....

AT THE PEACH JAM: AL VS. NDI, TAKE TWO
July 15, 2002

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. -- On the first morning of the Nike Peach Jam, one game stood out from the rest on the schedule: outstanding 2003 forward Ndudi Ebi's Houston Hoops versus beastly 2004 big man Al Jefferson and his Jackson Tigers.

The two superstars met in May at the Memorial Day Classic and fought to an epic battle in front of the Bloomington crowd. The sequel promised to bring more of the same intense, rim-shaking, shot-swatting action. more....

AT THREE STRIPES: PLAYAZ STUN INLAND
July 14, 2002

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- With 10 minutes remaining in a Saturday evening game at the adidas 3 Stripes Classic, Inland coach Elveret "Kool-Aid" Perry couldn't have been happier.

Perry's squad had pulled ahead by 17 points over the Tim Thomas Playaz Black, essentially the secondary team in the TT stable after the Playaz Gold. But fullcourt pressure defense changed the game very quickly. more....

WEEKLY ROUNDUP: COAST TO COAST, FOUR NEW COMMITMENTS MADE
July 12, 2002

This past week, three schools ranging from the east coast to the west coast landed commitments from standout 2003 prospects. more....

AT ABCD: VILLANUEVA CAPTURES MVP
July 12, 2002

TEANECK, N.J. -- After the week he enjoyed at the adidas ABCD camp, it's only fitting that Charlie Villanueva took MVP honors at the camp's annual all-star game.

Villanueva, who proved to be an unstoppable force on the offensive end all week thanks to an improved three-point stroke and dribble-drive game, scored 19 points to lead the victorious White squad past Green 138-109. more....

AT THE PEPSI CHALENJ: SIMMONS ERUPTS ONTO THE SCENE
July 11, 2002

Expanding the annual Pepsi Chalenj Showcase event to two separate dates meant more prospects and more opportunities for prospects to showcase their wares before college coaches.

Taking front and center stage at the event was 6-9 (and growing) JR F/C Cedric Simmons of Supply (NC) West Brunswick HS. more....

AT ABCD: KOUNDJIA RULES QUARTERS
July 11, 2002

TEANECK, N.J. -- Regis Koundjia has been without question one of the top five performers at the adidas ABCD camp, and he strengthened his status on Wednesday night in a quarterfinal matchup against Sebastian Telfair and company.

Koundjia, a 6-7 WF originally from the Central African Republic who's attending the Laurinburg (NC) Institute, scored 19 points to lead his Wizards past the Nets, which feature Telfair, Jackie Butler, Mohamed Abukar and others. more....

"THEY THOUGHT I WAS AWKWARD ... SO I JUST HAD TO SHOW THEM THE SKILLS THAT I HAVE.
July 10, 2002

- Shagari Alleyne
Read full story....

AT ABCD: TOP JUNIORS GRAB SPOTLIGHT
July 10, 2002

TEANECK, N.J. -- The Class of 2003 point guards have been heavily criticized for a lack of star power, but there's no such problem with the nation's rising juniors.

Tuesday's action at the adidas ABCD camp featured a showdown between two of the very best from the Class of 2004 -- Sebastian Telfair and Darius Washington. more....

SIMS IMPRESSES WITH VERSATILITY
July 10, 2002

Heading into Nike camp, 6-10 MA C Courtney Sims was a bit of a question mark. All anybody really knew was that he can get up and down the court, and that his BABC AAU coach Leo Papile had declared that Sims was further along in his development at this stage than McDonaldís All-American Torin Francis. more....

TUESDAY'S TOP PERFORMERS
July 10, 2002

Super WG Shannon Brown from Illinois hasn't exactly been having a poor showing at Nike, but at the same time, he hasnít been the Shannon Brown we are all accustomed to seeing. After looking lethargic at times, the 6-2 Brown looked to be back in kill mode this afternoon. more....

HOROWITZ BRINGS CEREBRAL APPROACH
July 10, 2002

Jeff Horowitz is seeing his share of early interest, and many of the schools that he is getting phone calls from are Ivy League schools.

That certainly should come as no surprise though, because Horowitz is an excellent student. more....

VERSATILE GRAHAM LOOKS TO BUILD REPUTATION
July 10, 2002

Louis Graham is undecided on his future residence, but he is getting some significant attention from some heavy lifters in the college community.

While Graham is still keeping an open mind about schools and encouraging interest from all, he is a bit clearer about what he is looking for when he arrives and where it is that he might possibly want to arrive on a college campus. more....

AT NIKE: INTENSITY LEVEL RISES ON EVALUATION DAY
July 9, 2002

INDIANAPOLIS -- Monday marked the first day of the summer evaluation period, that limited time period when Division I coaches can sit courtside and evaluate their recruiting targets in person.

Not surprisingly, the level of play at the Nike All-American Camp rose considerably with all those famous faces on hand. more....

AT NIKE: DENG DONG, IT'S LUOL
July 8, 2002

INDIANAPOLIS -- Luol Deng needed only seconds to prove that he'd be up for the challenge -- and then some -- of a direct clash with Ndi Ebi.

In the first minute of his team's game against Ebi, Deng drove down the lane and kicked the ball out to the wing, then faked like he was headed back to the perimeter and cut sharply to the basket for a give and go layup. more....

“... HE HELD LENNY COOKE TO 12 POINTS ...”
July 7, 2002

- Rick Barrett, AAU coach, on Jordan Ingram's defense

AT NIKE: FORWARDS DOMINATE ACTION
July 7, 2002

INDIANAPOLIS -- What Ndi Ebi wants, Ndi Ebi gets.

The ultra-skilled big man told us at the USA Development Fest last week that he wanted to battle elite forwards Luol Deng and Kris Humphries, and the Nike planners have made his wish a reality. Ebi, Humphries and Deng were placed in he same division, ensuring that they'll go head to head in Indy. more....

"MY GOAL IS TO BE THE NO. 2 PLAYER IN THE NATION."
July 5, 2002

- Brandon Bass
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: CARDINALS, GATORS, TIGERS LAND RECRUITS
July 5, 2002

On Saturday morning the PrepStars.com armada takes off for the nation's finest summer camps, and Brandon Jenkins just beat the deadline for July mania, making a commitment to Louisville at the dawn of the evaluation period.

But he wasn't the only one. Florida and Clemson also are in the news. more....

MCNEIL IN NO HURRY
July 5, 2002

Japhet McNeil knows that it's early in the recruiting process, but the 5-11, 160-pound rising senior PG at Middle Village (NY) Christ the King currently is leaning toward making a decision next spring.

McNeil will receive more offers if he can knock down some perimeter jump shots and prove himself defensively this summer against national competition. more....

ABRAHAM A UNIQUE COMBO FORWARD
July 5, 2002

At 6-9 and 250 pounds, one would think Dennard Abraham would be a pure post player. But some schools that are recruiting him are looking at him as a combo forward, capable of playing both the three and four positions. more....

GEORGIA GUARD HEADED TO NIKE
July 4, 2002

In addition to being very busy this summer touring with Team Georgia, combo guard Demetric Bennett sees this July period as an opportunity to assess his game.

Bennett, a solidly-built 6-3, 195-pound rising senior from Albany (GA) Monroe, is eagerly looking forward to the summer. more....

CLASS OF 2003: NEW SUMMER RANKINGS
July 3, 2002

Here's a fun way to introduce the July 4th holiday: PrepStars.com's new 2003 rankings!

These are our pre-summer rankings, designed to give our readers a snapshot of where we are just prior to the major July camps. more....

"(I) DECIDED TO WAIT ... TO NARROW DOWN MY LIST."
July 3, 2002

- Keith Wooden
Read full story....

ROUNDUP: HOLIDAY COMMITMENTS ROLL FORTH (AND FOURTH)
July 3, 2002

The July 4th holiday will be extra enjoyable for the coaching staffs at Charlotte, Connecticut and Michigan State, who all have received new commitments.

Just days after saying that UConn was showing the most interest, big-time center Martin Iti pledged to the Charlotte 49ers. Iti, a 6-11 C who's been well-traveled (to put it mildly) as an amateur hoopster and now attends the Winchendon (MA) School, picked Bobby Lutz's program over serious interest from the Huskies, Southern Cal (where he was rumored to have committed a couple years ago when he lived in California) and others. more....

JONES ALL BUT OFFICIAL TO MARYLAND
July 3, 2002

It's only a matter of time before Mike Jones makes it official to Maryland.

The Braintree (MA) Thayer rising senior took an unofficial visit to College Park last weekend and Jones had nothing but positive things to say about the trip. more....

HARPER BUSTS OUT AT VIRGINIA TECH
July 3, 2002

If it weren't for the Virginia Tech camp a couple weeks ago, you wouldn't have read anything about Justin Harper ... at least until the summer camps.

But after leading his admittedly undermanned team to the camp title, Harper now enters the evaluation period as one of the nation's most intriguing sleepers. more....

NEW YORK TRANSPLANT LOOKING FOR HYPE
July 3, 2002

For many young prospects who arise from the playgrounds of New York, gaining publicity is as simple as saying the words "Sebastian Telfair." The Apple's grassroots community certainly takes care of its own when it comes to spreading the gospel about the city's best ballers.

But for those New York natives who seek an academic refuge out of NYC, leaving the bright lights has its drawbacks. Take the case of Lou Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a 6-5 rising senior WG at Ocala (FL) Shores Christian, played impressively at the recent Rumble N' The Bronx, but has been overlooked in the nation's pre-July recruiting buzz. more....

USA FEST PLAYER EVALS: NORTH AND SOUTH
July 3, 2002

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- In our second and final installment of player evaluations from last weekend's USA Olympic Development Festival, we'll take a look at the touted North and champion South squads.

Slender South forward Ndudi Ebi led all players in scoring and rebounding. more....

SIKES HOPING TO ATTRACT OFFERS
July 3, 2002

Marcus Sikes, a 6-7, 220-pound combo forward at Middleburg (VA) Notre Dame Academy, received some impressive phone calls during the opening days when coaches were allowed to contact players.

He heard from Connecticut, Cincinnati, DePaul, George Washington and George Mason. more....

SHUMATE ONE OF ARIZONA'S FINEST
July 3, 2002

John Shumate doesn't talk about his strengths or weaknesses. The Brophy Prep (Ariz.) rising senior would rather speak of his complete game.

The 6-4 combo guard, whose father was an All-American at Notre Dame and played with Detroit, Houston and San Antonio in the NBA, has drawn comparisons to Jason Kidd for his ability to do a little bit of everything. more....

SPIECE AAU SPICES UP SUMMER CIRCUIT
July 3, 2002

The big names may be few and far between, but Pat Mullin is confident this year's Spiece squad can be better than the one four years ago that featured Zach Randolph.

``We won the AAU nationals in 1998 with Zach, and this group has the potential to be even better," Mullin told PrepStars.com. more....

FINAL 2002 RECRUITING CLASS RANKINGS
July 2, 2002

PrepStars.com proudly releases our final Class of 2002 recruiting rankings! There was no change at the top from the fall through the spring signing period, with archrivals Duke and UNC finishing Nos. 1 and 2 in the class.

Villanova coach Jay Wright landed an incredible first-year haul at Villanova, while Billy Donovan and Tom Izzo continued their recruiting excellence and Arizona made a huge leap forward (thanks to Andre Iguodala) in the spring. more....

USA FEST PLAYERS EVALS: EAST AND WEST
July 2, 2002

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Our first installment of player evaluations from this past weekend's USA Olympic Development Festival will focus on the East and West squads. By the time we're finished with evaluations for all four teams, every single player at the event will have been analyzed in detail.

The West's Rodrick Stewart enjoyed a breakthrough performance, perhaps reversing the momentum of negative buzz about his (and his brother's) game over the past year. more....

"I AM HEARING THE MOST RIGHT NOW FROM CONNECTICUT."
July 2, 2002

- Martin Iti

UPDATE: Well, whatever advantage UConn may have had dissipated quickly -- Iti has committed to Charlotte. Read full story....

ROUNDUP: TURNER PICKS SOONERS
July 2, 2002

After considering UConn, Indiana and Mississippi State, exiled big man Larry Turner has picked Oklahoma.

Turner, a 6-10 C originally from Georgia, signed with the Bulldogs in 2001 but failed to qualify and went to prep school. He decided on Georgia again but was denied by UGa admissions this summer because of irregularities on his ACT exam. He's now a big-time late addition to what was already a big-time recruiting class for OU. more....

"UCONN, MIAMI AND GEORGIA TECH (ARE MY LEADERS)."
July 1, 2002

- Tre Kelly
Read full story....

K.C. NETS TICKLE THE TWINE
July 1, 2002

Keith Wooden may be the marquee name on L.J. Goolsby's Kansas City Nets squad, but there's plenty of talent up and down the roster.

Wooden is a 6-9, 220-pound versatile senior forward from Lawrence (KS) Free State who has attracted the attention of schools like Kansas, Indiana, Arizona State, DePaul, Missouri, Louisville and Kentucky. more....

TEAM FLORIDA KEEPS IMPROVING
July 1, 2002

Nike Team Florida struggled last year and may not have the nationally-known players as some of its counterparts in the Sunshine State, but Otis Johnson's outfit has at least a couple diamonds in the rough.

Take Michael O'Donnell, for example. The Largo (FL) High 5-11 rising senior may be one of the most underrated floor leaders in the Class of 2003 and he showed that at the recent NBA Camp. more....

AT THE USA FEST: EAST HITS MINOR GLITCH
July 1, 2002

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- In the championship game of the USA Development Festival, the East and South squared off in what figured to be a very high-scoring affair.

After an early East run, the South -- led by Tack Minor and assisted by Travis Outlaw -- broke free and took home the Gold Medal. more....

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