Cincinnati Recruiting, Georgetown Recruiting, Marquette Recruiting, Rutgers Recruiting, Seton Hall Recruiting, Villanova Recruiting

RICH-SOIL AAU GUARDS GENERATE EARLY BUZZ

College basketball recruiting begins in earnest earlier and earlier each year for the top prospects. While some schools are scrambling to fill their 2008 recruiting needs, others are closing in on their 2009 objectives while the class of 2010 and 2011 are already getting strong looks from colleges all over the country.

The class of 2011 is finishing up their freshman year in high school and heading out on the AAU circuit. Two impressive prospects out of the 2011 class are suiting up for Rich-Soil AAU program based in New York City. While Ashcraf Yacoubou and Davontay Grace are two names Big East fans may want to file in the back of their minds as future impact players, some college recruiters already have this talented duo in their sites on the recruiting trail

Alex Schwartz recently caught up with Yacoubou and Grace and gives us an update on their development.

This past season, American Christian Academy was a must-see stop on the recruiting trail for fans and coaches because of the presence of superstar recruit Tyreke Evans, who recently committed to the University of Memphis. Do not expect Tony Bergeron’s squad to disappear from the map anytime soon as Ashcraf Yacoubou could be the next star in line at the Pennsylvania school.

Already claiming an offer from Memphis, as well as interest from Villanova and Oklahoma State, the 6’4 guard is touring the AAU circuit with the Rich-Soil U-16 squad and Yacoubou is not disappointing those coming out to see him.

Ashcraf Says . . .

Biggest Strength: “How I can shoot the jump-shot.”

Biggest Weakness: “My defense and my stamina.”

Conferences He Has Dreamed of Playing in: “I think [the] Big East [or the] ACC.”

A teammate of Yacoubou’s on the Rich-Soil squad is Davontay Grace, quickly staking his claim to be one of the next elite point guards to come out of New York City. As a freshman this past season, Grace teamed with Keith Spellman to give Jefferson High School two of the most talented younger guards in NYC. The 6’2 Grace showed poise beyond his years earning a starting role on Jefferson’s squad and stamped his arrival when Grace Led Jefferson Past Cardozo, 61-55 (NY Daily News) in March on the St. John’s campus in a PSAL AA Quarterfinal match-up. With Spellman in foul trouble, Grace took the game over down the stretch, finishing with 16 points in leading the Orange Wave to a win over the Judges.

Growing up, Georgetown and North Carolina have always been favorites of Grace, who has seen recruiting interest from Seton Hall, Marquette, Rutgers, Tennessee, and Cincinnati already.

Davontay Says . . .

Biggest Strength: “I think I improved my jump shot, and my ability to make my teammates better, and my playmaking ability.”

Biggest Weakness: “I got to get in better shape and work on defense more.”

Alex Schwartz is the President and Writer of Northstar Basketball. Visit his site for complete interviews and other player updates from his travels around the AAU and high school basketball circuit.

Be Sociable, Share!

•