Connecticut Recruiting, Marquette Recruiting, Matt Whitfield, Syracuse Recruiting

CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: JAMES MCADOO

The young McAdoo could follow in famous uncle’s footsteps or create own legacy

By Matt Whitfield

Totaling over 18,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 1,000 blocks in an NBA Hall of Fame career, Bob McAdoo is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step foot on the hardwood. Following in his footsteps is his nephew, James McAdoo. James, one of the nation’s top prospects in the class of 2011, is already 6-foot-9 and built like a grown man. Not surprisingly, as one of the top sophomores in the country, he has already drawn interest from the likes of many major college programs.

“Pretty much every school in the ACC besides Miami [as well as] Old Dominion, Florida, UCLA, Syracuse, UConn, Marquette and Texas,” responded McAdoo when asked which schools had recruited him thus far.

Many though believe that McAdoo is likely headed to one of the twelve teams in the ACC. McAdoo himself disputes this saying, “I’ve grown up in ACC country, but if that certain school comes along that’s not ACC and I fall in love with it I’m not going to say no to them just because I want to play in the ACC.”

McAdoo stated he grew up watching the Tar Heels, as his dad was a die hard fan and his famous his uncle played there for one season before being a 1st round draft pick of the Buffalo Braves in 1972. Still, however, according to McAdoo that’s not enough to change his stance on the recruitment process.

“My dad’s a North Carolina fan, but that’s not gonna really [sway me], that’s my decision just because he’s a North Carolina die-hard fan doesn’t mean I’m going to go there.”

McAdoo did however state that he’s been on a couple college visits already. Not surprisingly he told NBE that he visited North Carolina a couple times, as well as Wake Forest, Florida and Duke.

He also stated to NBE the three biggest factors playing into his recruitment process,” the players that are there, the coach/player relationship, and player development.”

On paper, despite what McAdoo says North Carolina fits the bill for him perfectly. Besides being the most dominant team the past decade, North Carolina has won two national championships in the past five years, produced seven NBA players in the same time span (not even including the four players likely to be drafted this June), boasts a coach in Roy Williams with 594 wins, and annually has top-10 recruiting classes lined up for UNC.

While signs may suggest McAdoo attends North Carolina, you can never really say for sure. John Calapari just signed an eight year deal with a storied Kentucky program, the Big East just had four teams in the Elite 8 and Texas is lining up the talent to come to Austin in the near future.

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