Illinois Recruiting

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (9/3/2010)

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We send readers off on the long holiday weekend with a News & Notes entry to close out a busy week. With college football gearing up this weekend it also means official visits are gettign under way. The biggest mover and shaker this weekend on the visit front is Louisville and Rick Pitino is taking advantage of the home football game with Kentucky to host a VERY impressive group of prospects. Other news includes UConn’s date to respond to the NCAA has been pushed back once again. One of their two German recruits has arrived on campus while the other is still on hold. Recruiting updates on Kyle Anderson and Steve Taylor, a pair of 2012 prospects, can also be found as well as news of a talented (now) 2013 prospect changing schools and a walk-on joining the Georgetown program.

Next week readers can look for NBE’s post-summer recruit rankings of players in the 2011 and 2012 classes as well as a listing of the 2013 players that have caught our eye this summer.

Read on below for all of the latest News & Notes around the Big East basketball conference. Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (8/26/2010)

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Some interesting News & Notes around the Big East today. First, bad news for ‘Nova as an incoming freshman is out indefinitely. Another incoming frosh, CJ Fair, is poised for his rookie season at Syracuse. Andy Katz goes into detail on how the Big East conference slate is determined in regards to home and home opponents. The coaches actually vote in May on how they expect the teams to finish and the leagu breaks those results into tiers. Katz examones those tiers and the home and home match-ups. Other Big East analysis includes a best case/worst case look at all 16 teams and the news that the conference tournament will keep the same format with the double-byes another season. West Virginia’s non-conference schedule is also examined.

On the recruiting front, the latest on Amir Garrett, Mike Shaw, Ryan Boatright and Chane Behanan is looked at below…

Read on below for all of the latest News & Notes around the Big East basketball conference. Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

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DESERT DUEL SCOUTING REPORT & RECRUITING LISTS

The NY Panthers came out west and did work at Mesquite High School in Gilbert (AZ) by taking home the crown in a jam-packed Desert Duel field. The Panthers got a big performance over the two days from Maurice Harkless who earned NBE’s MOP award for the event. The Panthers, coached by Rafer Alston, defeated the NE Playaz in the championship game and DC Assault in the semifinals Wednesday to clinch the championship.

196 different colleges were represented over the two-day event with either a head coach, assistants or both as the field was strong up and down the 32-teams. Doug Ferguson spent a lot of time in the gym over the two days and below he runs through his scouting reports and recruiting notes from his time on top players from teams such as NJ Playaz, Franchize All-Stars, Team Loaded, Seattle Rotary, DC Assault, Illinois Wolves, Mac Irvin Fire, Team Philly, NE Playaz, Georgia Net Burners, Compton Magic and, of course, the NY Panthers.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read the scouting reports and recruiting updates from some of the top players in the nation at last week’s Desert Duel. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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MERNAGH: MORE ORLANDO AAU PLAYER REVIEWS

Recruiting notes and player evaluations from some of the top players in Orlando last week

by RAY MERNAGH

While the July ‘live’ period for recruiting ended yesterday, the 17-U AAU National Championship will be decided at 4 PM this afternoon with a match-up between the Carolina Ravens and Arkansas Wings. Here is yesterday’s 17-U Championship Bracket scoreboard:

Quarterfinals:

Connecticut Basketball Club 66, St. Louis Gameface 64
Arkansas Wings 61, LI-Lightning (Blue) 54
HCYP Elite 69, Old Gold/Dream Team 51
Carolina Ravens 79, CP3 All-Stars 68

Semifinals:

Arkansas Wings 65, Connecticut Basketball Club 61
Carolina Ravens 78, HCYP Elite 66

Here are more of Ray Mernagh’s player notes, evaluations and recruiting tidbits from his stay in Orlando…

Malcolm Gilbert — 6′11, 210lbs 2011 — Gilbert, a center out of Bryn Athyn, PA is one of the best available bigs in the 2011 class. Gilbert is a legitimate 6′11 and long with good athleticism. He alters a ton of shots defensively when he’s not blocking them. He can hit the 10-12 foot shot and scores inside with his length. Gilbert told me he’s working on an old school hook shot with his father because it’s unblockable with his 7′4 wingspan. He also mentioned working on a bust out dribble — “just one or two bounces to start the break when nobody’s open” — and trying to add that to his game. Gilbert runs the floor well and I get the feeling he’s more suited to a more structured setting than AAU allows, especially for an unselfish and intelligent big (big men are often ignored as guards jack shots). Gilbert wants to take a few more unofficial visits (telling NBE’s Matt Whitfield via text on Saturday that Notre Dame, Cornell, Penn and Virginia are schools he hopes to unofficially visit) before he trims his list to five but hopes to decide where he’ll be headed by the middle of the school year if not sooner. Gilbert said that Pittsburgh and Ohio State have been on him the hardest and that Duke has been checking him out as well. He plans to take all five official visits before making his decision. This kid is a special kid, somebody will be fortunate to get him no matter how well he plays for them. Malcolm Gilbert will be making a difference in the world long after his basketball days end.
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You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read similar coverage from Orlando as Ray takes a look at players such as DaJuan Coleman, Jabarie Hinds, Bernard Sullivan, Jaylen Brantley, Georges Niang, Chris Martin, Jaron Moore, Nerlens Noel, Egi Gjikondi, BJ Young, Dantiel Daniels and more with some recruiting tidbits and observations added. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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DESERT DUEL RECRUITING RUNDOWN & NOTES

The mission Desert Duel Memorial Basketball Tournament is to raise funds for the Tom Crawford Leadership Children’s Foundation. To date, over 21 million dollars in scholarships have been given to players passing through their event in the short time it has been in existence and, despite just a 32-team field, the field is loaded with some of the best teams from across the country. The NJ Playaz (17s & 16s), Mac Irvin Fire (17s & 16s), DC Assault (17s & 16s), Belmont Shores, Compton Magic, NY Panthers, Seattle Rotary, Arizona Magic Pump ‘N Run, Team Philly (17s & 16s), NE Playaz, Dallas Mustangs, Atlanta Celtics, Mo-Kan Spiece, Worldwide Renegades, Minnesota Net Gain, Team Loaded, Texas D1 Ambassadors, Franchize All-Stars, Carolina Elite, Team NJABC and more make up the loaded 2010 field.

Doug Ferguson braved the high heat of the Arizona desert to make his way to Mesquite High School in Gilbert (AZ) for the action of the 2010 Desert Duel Memorial Basketball Tournament. He was greeted upon arrival by some excellent play and many top college head coaches who also were taking in the action.

p>You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Arizona which includes the latest on the recruitments of Naadir Tharpe, Jerome Seagers, Amile Jefferson, LeBryan Nash (top 6), Quinn Cook, Andre Henley, KJ McDaniels and a look at what games coaches were finding the most interesting, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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MARCUS PAIGE DRAWING BIG-TIME COACHES IN ORLANDO

2012 point guard out of IA has been a must-see player this week for coaches looking for a floor general

Marcus Paige has had a great spring and summer and when NBE has seen him on the court he has been impressive. Word is essentially out on the class of 2012 point guard who hails from Maron (IA) and attends Linn Marr Community High School. Playing with the Martin Brothers AAU program, a virtual who’s who of college coaches in Orlando checked him out for themselves.

In a class many consider to be a down year for point guards during early evaluations, Page has elevated himself as one of the top floor generals in the class of juniors-to-be. Based on his play in Orlando and throughout the spring and summer, and by the top head coaches watching him here, expect the 6-foot Paige to be among the most highly sought after in the Midwest and nationally.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more about Marcus Paige and see what coaches were on hand in Orlando to watch him play. He also talks about those schools and his recruitment with NBE’s Alex Schwartz. You can also check out any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage by logging in.

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DAY TWO VEGAS RUNDOWN

Cody Zeller, Gabe York and J.P. Tokoto among the impressive performances on Friday

By Raphielle Johnson

With games under their belts and jetlag likely shaken off on Thursday, many of the players at the adidas Super 64 and Fab 48 tournaments put forth far better performances in day two. The Super 64 featured a few very good individual and team matchups in the afternoon, beginning with Indiana Elite taking on The Magic (Arizona). Cody Zeller (with Roy Williams, Mike Brey and Brad Stevens among the many coaches in attendance) going head to head with Isaiah Austin did not disappoint, with the Hoosier State native getting the better of the battle in a close Indiana Elite victory. The same game also featured Jahii Carson going up against Kevin “Yogi” Farrell in the backcourt and with enough complimentary parts to make any hoops fan happy.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Las Vegas and the Adidas 64 and Fab 48 on Friday as Raphielle Johnson breaks down the impressive performances and key match-ups that highlighted the day. Also, recruiting updates on Tony Wroten, Gabe York, ‘Yogi’ Ferrell, Kaleb Tarczewski and more. Other impressive runs were put forth by the Oakland Soldiers, NJ Playaz and more. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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NY2LA SPORTS SUMMER JAM WRAP-UP: NAMES TO KNOW

by RAY MERNAGH

In NBE’s article last night, NY2LA Sports Summer Jam Wrap-up we took a look at the top performers from the event you probably already know of. With head coaches like Bill Self, Ben Howland, Tom Izzo, Matt Painter, Tom Crean, Buzz Williams, Lorenzo Romar, Josh Pastner, Rick Pitino, Tony Bennet, Doc Sadler and Frank Martin, among others, being in Milwaukee for a great deal of this tournament, you know there were big names at this event and not everyone was down in Georgia.

So the first part of our wrap-up (HERE) concentrated on those big names, like Branden Dawson, Marcus Paige, De’Angelo Harrison, Perry Ellis, Angelo Chol, Nick Jacobs and Paul Jesperson and their updated recruiting situations (which have changed of late in several cases).

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from NY2LASports.com Summer Jam as we take a look at new names on the scene that caught the attention of the coaches in the stands, those mentioned above and others. Guys like Adam Woodbury, Tanner Williams, Bruce Barron, Austin Richie, Darnell Harris, Tyrell Robinson (and brother Tyree), RJ Hunter and more are names you should know and are covered below. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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NY2LA SPORTS SUMMER JAM WRAP-UP – PART I

by RAY MERNAGH

Everybody’s talking about the Peach Jam and their 24 team tournament that got a lot of national run because of the marketing wizardry that is Nike/ESPN — the LeBron debacle exluded of course –but just like Em said 11 years ago when he talked about people doubting Dre, it seems like folks forgot about the NY2LA Summer Jam.

Here’s all I know — Bill Self, Ben Howland, Tom Izzo, Matt Painter, Tom Crean, Buzz Williams, Lorenzo Romar, Josh Pastner, Rick Pitino, Tony Bennet, Doc Sadler and Frank Martin were in Milwaukee for a great deal of this tournament. And just like Dre came hard with “The Chronic 2001″ the kids in Milwaukee showed why this tourney is now officially a must-stop in July’s opening Live Period for any true hoop junky. The talent matched up with any other tournament out there and might have surpassed them all top to bottom.

Enough with the accolades — here’s what you’all might have missed if you were elsewhere July 12-15th. Here’s what I saw and in part I of my final wrap-up I take a look at the games and recruiting of names you probably already know, like Branden Dawson, Perry Ellis, Paul Jesperson, Marcus Paige, De’Angelo Harrison, Nick Jacobs and Angelo Chol.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from NY2LASports.com Summer Jam as Brendan Dawson talks about new schools in the mix, Paul Jesperson talks new offers and more from the players mentioned above. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM: DAY THREE

BY JEFF BORZELLO

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – If Tuesday was the day when the stars came out, with big-time performances from Mike Gilchrist, Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague and Brad Beal, Wednesday was the time to showcase some lesser-known talents from the class of 2012. There were only four sessions of U-17 games, with four sessions of U-16 contests. The playoffs also kicked off during the night session for each age group, with Team Takeover, BABC, St. Louis Eagles and Spiece – the group winners – advancing to play Metro Hawks, Team Final, Oakland Soldiers and Boo Williams, the runners-up in each group. In U-16, group winners Team Takeover, Georgia Stars, BABC and Memphis YOMCA squared off. With the night session featuring all playoff games, the semifinals in U-17 and finals in U-16 are set for tomorrow. Thursday will see Team Takeover take on Team Final and the St. Louis Eagles face Spiece in U-17 action, while BABC and Georgia Stars battle for the U-16 title.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from North Augusta (SC) and the Nike EYBL Peach Jam’s third day of action as 18 more players update NBE on their recruitment and additional player evals are posted. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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PEACH JAM RECRUITING UPDATES

Some new names out of the Peach Jam emerge with Big East schools at, or near, the top of their lists

by ALEX SCHWARTZ

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.– The talent at the Nike Peach Jam/EYBL Finals is off the charts, with multiple high-major players on each and every court at just about all times. Every school from the Big East has been represented, and 13 of the 16 have had their head coach present watching the action at one time or another. A number of top prospects are receiving interest from Big East programs and some took the time to update the status of their recruitment.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from North Augusta (SC) and the Nike EYBL Peach Jam and see what 2011 Chicago shooting guard calls WVU his leader and the impressive list of schools, from the Big East and beyond, that top the lists of Josh Richardson (‘11), Egi Gjikondi (‘12) and Darrick Wood (‘12) . Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM: DAY TWO

BY JEFF BORZELLO

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – The finals of the inaugural NIKE Elite Youth Basketball League at the NIKE Peach Jam continued on Tuesday, as the 24 teams battled to finish in the top two spots in each group, which are the only places to advance. By the end of the day, only two teams – Team Takeover DC and the Oakland Soldiers – were undefeated, but plenty of clubs were still in contention for a playoff berth. Surprisingly, the regular-season champs, the NJ Playaz, were only 2-2 through two days and are unlikely to advance. Howard Pulley and Each One Teach One, also pool winners, are both 1-3. The heated competition to finish in the top two led to a great day two of action.

There are evals of players such as Mikael Hopkins, Amir Williams, Kyle Anderson, Anthony Davis, George Fant, AJ Hammons, Jevon Thomas and more along with recruiting updates from Trey Burke, who lists a top three, Jarnell Stokes, James Robinson, Justin Anderson, Jerami Grant, Kevin Johnson, who has two leaders, and many, many more from Day Two of the Nike EYBL championship pool play.

Related article: Nike EYBL Peach Jam: Day One

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from North Augusta (SC) and the Nike EYBL Peach Jam. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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FINAL KING CITY CLASSIC PLAYER EVALS & UPDATES

BY JEFF BORZELLO

CLEVELAND – After a fairly lackluster experience at the LeBron James Skills Academy – aside from the hype of having James there, of course – the 75 or so players from that camp traveled about 40 minutes north to Cleveland State University for two days of tournament-style games. The players, broken into eight teams, competed in two games each before entering the playoffs. It was far easier to evaluate the prospects in the game-setting than it was in the drills and the controlled scrimmages.

While our attention is now squarely on the finals of the Nike Elite Yough Basketball League being played at the Peach Jam in North Augusta (SC), we take our final look back at last week’s King City Classic. Previously, in our King City Classic Update (Part A) we took a look at Big East commits such as Wayne Blackshear, Tyrone Johnson, Michael Carter-Williams and James Price and their performances when we were watching. In King Citty Classic Update (Part B) NBE updated notes on mega-prospect Anthony Davis as he discussed his three finalists, talked with LaQuinton Ross about offers and visits and spent time with Myles Davis as he discusses the new offer from ‘Nova and the impact of friend Tyrone Johnson committing to the Wildcats recently. Desmond Hubert, Myles Mack and Ben McLemore also chat about their recruiting. Earlier today in Part C of our King City Classic Recap we touched base with players such as Rodney Hood, Kedren Johnson, Bernard Silluvan, Cedric McAfee, Jahii Carson, LJ Rose, J-Mychal Reese, Trey McDonald and more.

In this last edition we take a look at Rodney Purvis, DaJuan Coleman, JaKarr Sampson, Nick Faust, Jabarie Hinds, Nick Johnson, jabari Brown, Anrio Adams, Kyle Wiltjer, Deng Leek and recruiting updates from Sam Thompson, Mike Shaw, Josiah Turner, Julian Royal, Alex Poythress, Victor Nickerson, Jelon Hornbeck and many, many more…

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Cleveland and the King City Classic. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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KING CITY CLASSIC EVALS & UPDATES (PART C)

by JEFF BORZELLO

CLEVELAND – After a fairly lackluster experience at the LeBron James Skills Academy – aside from the hype of having James there, of course – the 75 or so players from that camp traveled about 40 minutes north to Cleveland State University for two days of tournament-style games. The players, broken into eight teams, competed in two games each before entering the playoffs. It was far easier to evaluate the prospects in the game-setting than it was in the drills and the controlled scrimmages.

In our King City Classic Update (Part A) we took a look at Big East commits such as Wayne Blackshear, Tyrone Johnson, Michael Carter-Williams and James Price and their performances when we were watching. In King Citty Classic Update (Part B) NBE updated notes on mega-prospect Anthony Davis as he discussed his three finalists, talked with LaQuinton Ross about offers and visits and spent time with Myles Davis as he discusses the new offer from ‘Nova and the impact of friend Tyrone Johnson committing to the Wildcats recently. Desmond Hubert, Myles Mack and Ben McLemore also chat about their recruiting. Now we move into part C below and touch base with players such as Rodney Hood, Kedren Johnson, Bernard Silluvan, Cedric McAfee, Jahii Carson, LJ Rose, J-Mychal Reese, Trey McDonald and more…

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Cleveland and the King City Classic. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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KING CITY CLASSIC EVALS & UPDATES (PART B)

by JEFF BORZELLO

CLEVELAND – After a fairly lackluster experience at the LeBron James Skills Academy – aside from the hype of having James there, of course – the 75 or so players from that camp traveled about 40 minutes north to Cleveland State University for two days of tournament-style games. The players, broken into eight teams, competed in two games each before entering the playoffs. It was far easier to evaluate the prospects in the game-setting than it was in the drills and the controlled scrimmages.

In our King City Classic Update (Part A) we took a look at Big East commits such as Wayne Blackshear, Tyrone Johnson, Michael Carter-Williams and James Price and their performances when we were watching. In update B below we talk with mega-prospect Anthony Davis as he discusses his three finalists, talk with LaQuinton Ross as he talks about offers and visits and spend time with Myles Davis as he discusses the new offer from ‘Nova and the impact of friend Tyrone Johnson committing to the Wildcats recently. Desmond Hubert, Myles Mack and Ben McLemore also chat about their recruiting…

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Cleveland and the King City Classic. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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ADIDAS INVITATIONAL PLAYER EVALUATIONS & RECRUITING UPDATES (PART B)

by RAY MERNAGH

The Adidas Invitational threatened to turn into the New Heights Invitational — that will happen when a team full of tough, NYC-area ballers takes out a juggernaut full of “high-major” prospects like New Heights did to Indiana Elite/Team Indiana in the quarterfinals early Thursday morning. New Heights then repeated the performance in the semifinals, where it fought back from a double digit deficit to defeat the New England Playaz. Alas, the run ended in the final when New Heights lost to the LeBryan Nash-led Dallas Mustangs 69-58. It was an impressive run by a New Heights squad not expected to challenge for the title this week and plenty of college coaches were here to witness it.

Earlier in our Adidas Invitational Day One Standouts article we went into (long) detail on the impressive performance of Shabazz Muhammad, who was the talk of the event Tuesday and plenty of top coaches were watching his EVERY move, as well as our thoughts and updates on Wannah Bail, Cody Zeller, Gabe York, recent UC-verbal Ge-Lawn Guyn and more that stood out on Tuesday and in Part A of the Final Adidas Invitational Player Evals & Recruiting Notes the past two days (wed/Thurs) of action we looked at Winston Shepard, Lebryan Nash, Jermaine Sanders, Jeremiah Davis, Kenny Kaminsky and more…

To wrap up our coverage we spend time this afternoon taking a look at some new faces to NBE, like Dylan Ennis, BJ Van Loo and some familiar ones like Naadir Tharpe, Alex Murphy and some additional looks of the players of the Dallas Mustangs and New Heights as those teams went all the way to the ‘chip. Also a note or two on favorites like Quincy Miller and Yogi Ferrell can be found as well.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Indianapolis and the Adidas Invitational. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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NBE CLASS OF 2011 PRE-LIVE PERIOD TOP 100

Over the last 12 months NBE has made a conscious effort to be at as many events as possible and see as many players in various settings. Whether the event was an All-American Camp (Lebron James, Reebok, Hoop Group Elite, NBPA Top 100), AAU team event (Peach Jam, EYBL Boo Williams, Super Showcase, Hoop Group Jam Fests, Gibbons’ TOC) or high school events and games (Hoop Hall Classic, Newark Invitational, HSPI, etc), NBE has tried to be there.

Now, for the first time, we unveil a Class of 2011 Top 100 ranking. With the July ‘live’ period for basketball recruiting beginning tomorrow, NBE will be stationed in Indianapolis (IN) for the Adidas Invitational, in Akron (OH) for the Lebron James Skills Academy and Reading (PA) for the Hoop Group Elite Camp, watching these 100 players and more from the class of 2011 as we get to see who lives up to their ranking and who comes to take it away with several more looks at the top prospects in the class.

Today’s rankings were put together by Jeff Borzello and Alex Schwartz. Ray Mernagh is also evaluating players this month on top of his other stops from the Spring and the three will convene again in early August with an updated Top 100 listing.

Alex Schwartz is also the President, Chief Scouting Officer and Writer at Northstar Basketball. During July and in the future you will see NBE, Alex and Northstar working very closely together as Northstar is a new affiliate site of NBE Basketball Report.

Well, without further ado, here is the NBE Basketball Class of 2011 Top 100:

Rank, Player Name, Pos, Ht, Current School, Commitment
1. Michael Gilchrist, SF, 6′7, St. Patrick’s (NJ), Kentucky
2. Quincy Miller, SF, 6′9, Westchester Country Day (NC), n/a
3. Marquis Teague, PG, 6′1, Pike (IN), Kentucky
4. Austin Rivers, SG, 6′4, Winter Park (FL), n/a

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read the rest of the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers and detailed below is our coverage schedule for the next month.

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DEJUAN MARRERO & A.J. HAMMONS ARE NEXT SPIECE INDY HEAT PLAYERS TO WATCH

2012 duo are hot commodities already among college coaches as July evaluation period readies to begin

BY JEFF BORZELLO

When watching Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit over the past couple of years, most eyeballs were on top-five 2011 prospect Marquis Teague. If not, many were watching Purdue-commit Raphael Davis. However, it was hard not to notice the high-energy forward on the wing or the space-eating big man down low.

Now, those two players – 6-foot-5 DeJuan Marrero and 6-foot-10 A.J. Hammons – have built a reputation for themselves, becoming highly-touted rising juniors in their own right.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more on Marrero and Hammons as Speice Indy Heat AAU coach Jared Quarles talks about the recruiting interest the pair has generated so far. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers and detailed below is our coverage schedule for the next month.

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MORE NBPA TOP 100 EVALUATIONS (BIG MEN)

by RAY MERNAGH

Continuing on with our NBPA Top 100 camp player evaluations and recruiting notes we move into the big men of the camp. These camps are not always the best barometer for big men as the ball is usually dominated by perimeter players. Still, potential and tools were able to show through the lack of structure and quality touches and give us a feel for many of the players. Big men develop later than their smaller counterparts on the perimeter, so college coaches will be very anxious to evaluate the current crop next month. This group (Anthony Davis, Chane Behanan, Cody Zeller, Kyle Wiltjer, Derrick Randall and Desmond Hubert from the 2011 class and Kaleb Tarczewski of 2012 will certainly see plenty of college coaches watching them in July as they are all uncommitted prospects, so their recruiting notes below are also of importance.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read the full player evaluations and recruiting notes on some of the camp’s most impressive big men. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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NBPA TOP 100 EVALUATIONS CONTINUED (SG/SF)

by RAY MERNAGH

Continuing on with our NBPA Top 100 camp player evaluations and recruiting notes we move into the category of shooting guards and/or small forwards. After opening up the series with a look at the star-studded field of point and combo guards on Saturday (see article here for a look at 11 guards that caught our eye off the bat) we move to some of the top wings. Players such as Wayne Blackshear, Mike Gbinijie, PJ Hairston only enhanced their reputations while Nick Faust, Ben McLemore and Nik Stauskas either made a name for themselves or cemented their status as high-major players. The camp also can be a valuable learning tool as some extremely talented players saw firsthand the competition will be there each and every day at the highest levels and we look at a few that should have better days ahead.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read the full player evaluations and recruiting notes on some of the camp’s shooting guards and small forwards. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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