Wisconsin Recruiting

BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (8/5/2010)

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We hit the morning running with a News & Notes edition that is heavy on catching readers up on the latest in college basketball recruiting. Darrun Hilliard is headed to the Big East…players like Cody Zeller, Brendan Dawson and others are not. Updates on what Davontay Grace and Mike Taylor have been up to this summer. Class of 2013 recruit Bronson Koening has picked up some impressive offers and big-time interest with a big summer. The Anthony Davis recruiting story is one worth reading…it is getting crazy!

Elsewhere it does not, again, look like Memphis is on the Big East agenda. The Legends Classic pairings are set for Atlantic City this November…stay tuned…we will likely be back with more updates throughout the day on the recruiting front…

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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ORLANDO AAU UPDATE PART VIII (BABC TAKES 16′S CROWN)

The 16-U AAU National Championship was decided in Orlando on Friday afternoon as BABC out of Boston (MA) earned a 56-53 win over All-Ohio Red on the main court of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

All-Ohio Red held a 25-24 lead at the half with a balanced offensive attack led by Myles Hamilton with six points. For BABC it was the outside shooting of Jaylen Brantley keeping them in the contest as the 6-foot point guard connected on four three-pointers to account for all 12 of his points.

In the second half BABC began to take control as Georges Niang continued his impressive performance in Orlando this week, scoring 12 points in the quarter, helping BABC to a 42-38 lead after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter BABC held on for the win. Brantley finished with 20 points, hitting six of eight from the foul line in the second half. Niang had 17, with 14 of those in the second half. Egi Gjikondi added eight.

Leroy Hamilton led All-Ohio Red with 11 and Hamilton and Deontae Hawkins scored nine each and West Virginia-commit Jalen Robinson had eight.

The title was the 13th national championship for the BABC program and avenged a semifinal loss to All-Ohio Red in the 16-U AAU Super Showcase earlier in Orlando. The boys from the Buckeye state were the 16-U runners-up in both the Super Showcase and National Championship.

Some familiar faces took in the action of the 16-U finale. Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin along with one of his assistants as well as Providence assistant Chris Driscoll, who was a coach with the BABC program as recently as last month, were spotted. Along with Pitt assistant Pat Skerry, West Virginia assistant Larry Harrison, Marquette assistant Scott Monarch, assistant from Georgetown, UMass head coach Derek Kellogg and others.

On Saturday the 17-U AAU National Championships will continue with quarterfinal action. The remaining eight teams begin play this morning with the following match-ups:

Connecticut Basketball Club vs. St. Louis Gameface
Arkansas Wings vs. LI-Lightning (Blue)
HCYP Elite vs. Old Gold/Dream Team
CP3 All-Stars vs. Carolina Ravens

The 16-U title game marked the end of NBE’s coverage in Orlando. Alex Schwartz checks in below with some final player evaluations, including his look at Nerlens Noel, Jalen Robinson and Brice Johnson and detailed recruiting updates on Archie Goodwin, Rod Days and Demarcus Harrison. 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 the coverage from Orlando. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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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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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (7/19/2010)

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As we try to catch our breath a little bit from the first July live recruiting period, lets try and update readers on some News & Notes from around the Big East and college basketball recruiting. matt Whitfield got a couple tidbits from Vaughn Gray, Durand Johnson and the father of Ryan Arcidiacono over the weeked and updates the latest recruiting on each. Also, the standoff between Providence and Joseph Young continues, Quincy Miller, Yogi Ferrell and Kenny Kaminski are updated in sotries below. Rutgers is in good shape with a 2012 Nigerian wing as well.

Around the league there is a good story on Roburt Sallie and his travels that have brought him to Louisville. Still no official word on the status of Rashad Bishop at UC, but reading between the lines it might be encouraging that he will be back with the Bearcats. Aslo, UC adds an assistant and Cashmere Wright has some minor surgery on an injured knee. Marquette adds a walk-on transfer, Pitt is preparing for a trip to Ireland and getting a head start on the 2010-2011 season with high expectations. UConn’s Kevin Ollie is getting back into the college game and the program prepares to answer NCAA allegations. Notre Dame has two players finding themselves in a little trouble and former Marquette commit DJ Newbill has decided on his next home for college basketball.

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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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 FOUR

BY JEFF BORZELLO

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – The final day of the Elite Youth Basketball League/NIKE Peach Jam featured just four games, but two champions were crowned and one game was televised on ESPNU.

In the opening game of the day, one U-17 semifinal, the St. Louis Eagles knocked off Team Final behind 28 points from Brad Beal. Mike Gilchrist led Team Final with 26 points. In the other semifinal, Team Takeover overcame an early deficit to defeat Spiece Indy Heat by 15. Julian DeBose had a surprising 18 points and 14 rebounds, and held Marquis Teague to nine points on 3-for-12 shooting.

Up next was the U-16 championship between BABC and Georgia Stars. With Goodluck Okonoboh out with a sprained ankle, BABC did not look their usual self, but still kept it close. They had a chance in the final seconds, but L’Quan Arnum’s three-pointer bounced out and Rene Castro’s desperation shot at the buzzer fell short, giving the Georgia Stars a 59-57 victory. Marcus Hunt led the Stars with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Georges Niang had 25 points and eight boards for BABC.

The final game of the day was the EYBL Finals at the Peach Jam, and was televised on tape delay on ESPNU. It was a relatively evenly-matched game from the start, but the balance of Team Takeover started making the difference in the second half. Beal tried his best to keep the St. Louis Eagles in the game, but he was not enough. Takeover emerged victorious, 70-62. James Robinson led Takeover with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Michael Gbinije had 19 points. Beal had 26 points for the Eagles.

CLASS OF 2011

Rakeem Christmas, Team Final: Christmas continues to slide down the class of 2011 rankings. His physical tools and potential are outstanding, but he has yet to show he can consistently produce offensively. On the defensive end, he is one of the best shot-blockers in the country, and he is an effective rebounder at both ends of the floor. However, once he gets the ball with his back to the basket, Christmas struggles to score. He has limited post moves, and can’t face-up against defenders.
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Aaron Brown, Team Final: Brown had not had a very good week going into the semifinals, but he turned that around against the St. Louis Eagles. He went for 17 points and five rebounds, with most of his baskets coming off of well-timed cuts to the basket leading to lay-ups. The 6-foot-4 lefty from Penn Wood (Pa.) is a strong player who can get to the basket and finish. However, he still is unable to consistently knock down jump shots. Once he can do that, Brown will be an effective Big East player at West Virginia.
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Julian DeBose, Team Takeover: DeBose was one of the most surprising players I saw all day on Thursday. He impacted the game at both ends of the floor, guarding top-five guards Marquis Teague and Brad Beal in back-to-back games, making life difficult for both players. DeBose is long and athletic, using both attributes to be a very good rebounder for his size. He was active on the offensive glass and was also excellent in transition.
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Darion Atkins, Team Takeover: Atkins made his biggest impact on Thursday at the defensive end of the floor. Despite standing only 6-foot-8 and 215 lbs., Atkins was able to hold his own down on the low block against Spiece’s A.J. Hammons. He was effective at denying entry passes to Hammons and also demonstrated the ability to block shots and get rebounds. Atkins hit a baseline jumper and also was able to finish in transition. Once he gains some weight and develops post moves, look out.
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Antonio Wilson, Spiece Indy Heat: Although Wilson might not be the most talented forward on the court, he has a non-stop motor and never gives up on plays. He is very active on the offensive glass, creating second chances for himself and teammates. He constantly keeps the ball alive, chasing down loose balls or using his athleticism to get tip-ins and baskets. Wilson is aggressive in the paint at both ends of the court, and projects as a good mid-level guy.
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CLASS OF 2012

A.J. Hammons, Spiece Indy Heat: Hammons has certainly improved since the last time we saw him, as he is developing into a solid big man prospect. His footwork has gotten better and his hands are good enough at this point. He had a nice dropstep move against Mikael Hopkins and also played well defensively against the Team Takeover big man. On the negative side, he lacks athleticism and needs to improve his lift. Furthermore, he has to be more aggressive once he gets the ball.
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Georges Niang, BABC 16s: We have watched Niang before, and while he has always impressed us with his effort and energy, we didn’t think the Tilton (N.H.) product could be a high-major player until now. The kid is simply productive when it comes to scoring and rebounding the basketball. Niang plays hard at all times, outworking opposing big men and using his toughness and physicality to get baskets inside. He can finish with both hands, and also has nice post options and spin moves. He is more athletic than most give him credit; he can block shots and play above the rim.
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Marcus Hunt, Georgia Stars 16s: Although the Stars didn’t have as many stars (no pun intended) as some of the other U-16 teams, they have a host of players who can make an impact as mid-major-plus guys. Hunt is one of them, and he was outstanding in the title game. The 6-foot-5 North Clayton (Ga.) wing is a versatile offensive player, capable of shooting three-pointers from the perimeter or running the floor and finishing in transition. Hunt also has a mid-range jumper and can score when driving to the basket.
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Recruiting Notes:

- Darion Atkins said he has offers from George Washington, George Mason, Wake Forest, Maryland, VCU and Pennsylvania, with interest from Georgetown, Syracuse, Wisconsin and Xavier. The 6-foot-8 Landon (Md.) forward plans on visiting Syracuse in the next week, and also wants to take a second trip to Wake Forest. Atkins said his top three at this point would be Wake Forest, Georgetown and Florida State.
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- James Robinson’s stock is sure to rise after an outstanding week at the Peach Jam. Right now, though, he is hearing the most from Maryland, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Marquette, Virginia and Virginia Tech.
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- Nic Moore had an excellent week shooting the three-point shot, and he could make an excellent guard at the mid-major level. Spiece Indy Heat coach Jared Quarles said Moore has offers from IPFW, Northwestern, Bowling Green and Indiana State, with interest from Michigan and Indiana.
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- Elmhurst (Ind.) forward Antonio Wilson holds offers from IPFW, Indiana State and Eastern Michigan, according to Quarles. Illinois State is showing interest.
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Related Articles for Subscribers:
- Nike EYBL Peach Jam – Day Three; featuring detailed recruiting updates on Nick Johnson, Goodluck Okonoboh, Shaquille Johnson, Patrick Holloway, Malcolm Barber, Martavious Newby, Omar Calhoun, George Fant, Domonique Bull, Andrew Chrabascz, Aaron Gordon, Langston Morris-Walker, Steve Taylor, Jabari Parker, Thomas Hamilton, Willie Wiley and Cameron Biedschied.
- Peach Jam Recruiting Updates; featuring Egi Gjikondi, Josh Richardson, Darrick Wood and Phile Greene.
- Nike EYBL Peach Jam – Day Two; featuring Trey Burke, Shag Bogo, Steve Mondu-Missi, Jarnell Stokes, Jordan Granger, Rene Castro, James Robinson, Siyani Chambers, Justin Anderson, Jerami Grant and Kevin Johnson.
- Nike EYBL Peach Jam – Day One; featuring Malcolm Brogdon, Joe Coleman, Roquez Johnson, Cimmeon Bowers, Arnaud Adala-Moto, Richard Longrus, Stevie Clark, Justin Jackson, Ricky Tarrant, Roshcon Prince, Austin Colbert, Troy Williams, Kiwi Gardner, Rashaun Suarez and Chris Bryant.

Additional Nike Coverage:
- Final King City Classic Player Evals & Updates; featuring Gary Harris, Victor Nickerson, Alex Poythress, Sam Thompson, Josiah Turner, Mike Shaw, Dai-Jon Parker, Julian Royal, Toddrick Gotcher, Jelon Hornbeck and Dominique Pointer.
- King City Classic Evals & Updates – Part C; featuring Rodney Hood, Kedren Johnson, Bernard Sullivan, Cedrick McAfee, Jahii Carson, LJ Rose, Trey McDonald and J-Mychal Reese.
- King City Classic Evals & Updates – Part B; featuring LaQuinton Ross, Anthony Davis, Myles Davis, Myles Mack, Desmond Hubert and Ben McLemore.
- Recruitment of Rakeem Christmas & DaJuan Coleman ‘Open’
- Lebron James Skills Academy Recruiting Notes – Part II; featuring Amir Williams, Khem Birch, Deng Leek and Angelo Chol.
- Lebron James Skills Academy Recruiting Notes – Part I; featuring Jabarie Hinds, Ricardo Ledo, Ricardo Gathers, JaKarr Sampson, Branden Dawson, Archie Goodwin, Rodney Purvis, Trevor Lacey, Brandon Ashley, Ryan Anderson, Nick Faust and Anrio Adams.

All in all those 10 articles from the Live Recruiting period have recruiting updates on 90 DIFFERENT players as well as player evaluations on them and MANY more. This is in addition to our coverage from the Adidas Invitational, Hoop Group Elite Camp, King James Summer Showcase, NY2LA Sports Summer Jam, Super 16 Showcase and Hoop Group Summer Classic, all can be found by either logging-in or signing up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership. Its a steal…HAPPY READING and there is MUCH, MUCH more to come!

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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.

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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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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ADIDAS INVITATIONAL EVALUATIONS & RECRUITING UPDATES (PART A)

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.

Now here’s some evaluations and updates from the past two days (wed/Thurs) of action, including Winston Shepard, Lebryan Nash, Jermaine Sanders, Jeremiah Davis, Kenny Kaminsky 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 first day coverage from Indianapolis and the Adidas Invitational. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

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2011 PROSPECT TYLER HARRIS IS NOT JUST TOBIAS’ BROTHER ANYMORE

Tyler Harris in midst of four visits his week as recruiting accelerates rapidly, according to his father

BY JEFF BORZELLO

When former top-10 recruit and Tennessee signee Tobias Harris is your older brother, it is often difficult to follow in his footsteps. As a result, 2011 prospect Tyler Harris was often simply known as “Tobias’ brother.”

However, with his play on the AAU circuit so far this season, he is starting to build his own reputation.

“He’s right on schedule like Tobias,” said their father, Torrel Harris. “The difference between Tobias and Tyler is that Tobias is physically stronger. Tyler is growing so fast and his eating habits are starting to get better. Tobias, for two years, ate no junk, just good food. For Tyler, six months ago, his dinner was cookies and milk.

“Within the last three months, he’s realizing ‘this is my time now,’ and he’s eating three good meals, taking vitamins, working out three times a day. Once Tyler gets his strength, he’s going to be a major, major problem.”

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 Harris’ visits and recruitment, and any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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JUNE 16 RECRUITING NOTEBOOK

BY JEFF BORZELLO

With the arrival of June 15, the book officially closed on the class of 2010 and opened for the class of 2012. Schools were allowed to offer rising juniors and contact them directly. Coaches are allowed to call prospects in the class of 2012 once per month over the next year, beginning on 6/15. Next summer the allotted amount rises to twice per week per institution. Top prospects from around the country had their phones blowing up all day and night, with head coaches and assistant coaches keeping tabs on their main targets. NBE Basketball Report was also working the phones, seeing which schools were talking to which players, and who was showing the most interest for certain players.

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 news and notes on D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, J.P. Tokoto, Jeremy Hollowell, Evan Cummins, Tommy Carpenter, Peter Jurkin, Frank Mason and Nkereuwem Okoro. 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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DOMONIQUE BULL SEEING RECRUITMENT HEAT UP

Cushing Academy 2012 prospect picks up offer and impressive elite camp invites recently

by JEFF BORZELLO

Domonique Bull, a strong prospect from New England, has seen an impressive uptick in his recruitment recently. No doubt word has also gotten out about his impressive play this past weekend helping BABC to the 16-U championship. Bull passed up a chance to play at the Nike Hoop Jamboree for the top 2012 and younger players to hit the Rumble.

Another scholarship offer, this one from the ACC, and new high-major college interest has come this week as college coaches can now officially recruit the class of 2012.

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 Bull’s recruitment, as he hears from top programs and picks up a new ACC offer, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (6/16/2010)

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We try to pry ourselves away from the many recruiting updates and inquiries that have been coming in to do a quick jaunt through the Big East and find the latest news and notes around the conference. Even though it has been three months since Bobby Gonzalez has been gone from SHU, more news and details about his dismissal were released yesterday as the University filed a counterclaim against his suit charging SHU with a breach of contract. As expected…the details are interesting, to say the least.

In other coaching staff news, there is a re-shuffling at ‘Nova with one of their former all-time scoring leaders leaving the staff to pursue a business opportunity. Also, UConn is not expected to finalize their new staff in the newxt few days, but it could only be a manner of time once Kevin Ollie is done working at the NBAPA Top 100 camp before new staff hires are made.

On the recruiting front, an update on JP Tokoto, one of the most in-demand players in the class of 2012 and a couple new names for Big East recruitniks to follow in the class of 2011 have caught the eye of a couple Big East programs.

Also, a quick look at the conference realignment story and what it might now mean for the Big East that the Big 12 did not come crashing down…

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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RUMBLE IN THE BRONX: THE FINAL RUNDOWN

BY JEFF BORZELLO

BRONX, N.Y. – As the weekend wound down at Fordham University in the 2010 Rumble in the Bronx, several surprises occurred across the bracket in the playoffs. The top AAU team in the country, the NJ Playaz, suffered an upset at the hands of New Heights in the quarterfinals, while East Coast Elite, a team from Delaware, was rolling through the bracket. The New England Playaz and New York Gauchos also dropped surprising match-ups in the quarterfinals. In the U-16 division, no New York teams ended up reaching the championship game, as a loaded BABC team would take on the PA Playaz and its one-man show of Ryan Arcidiacono in the finals. Despite most of the top talent not appearing in the semifinals and finals, the Rumble in the Bronx did not lack for excitement.

Domonique Bull, 2012, BABC: Bull, one of the top New England guard prospects in the class of 2012, is built like his last name would indicate. He is very strong with the ball and has improved his athleticism and quickness since last summer. Bull can get into the lane with the bounce and distribute it to open teammates for easy baskets. He rarely plays out of control, and remains calm under pressure. He did not turn the ball over much, and was highly effective.

Bull, who passed up the NIKE Hoop Jamboree to attend the Rumble in the Bronx, is receiving interest from Western Kentucky, Miami (Fl.), Providence, Florida and more. He likes Miami (Fl.) a lot, and will attend the Elite Camps of both Florida and Wisconsin.
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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 more on NBE’s Rumble in the Bronx coverage from Saturday, and any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

The Final Rundown content below includes Jeff Borzello’s ranking of the top 15 Rumble performers from the class of 2011 and the top eight from the class of 2012. Also, like the Bull update, there are player evals and/or recruiting updates on Nerlens Noel, Malcolm Gilbert, Ryan Arcidiacono, Jermaine Sander, Travon Allen, Jaylen Bond, A.J. Mathews, Maurice Harkless and MORE…

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PERRY ELLIS UPDATE: KANSAS FORWARD SHINES ON AND OFF THE COURT

Elite 2012 prospect is in high demand and has the total package of athletic ability and academics

by JEFF BORZELLO

Whenever Bill Self, John Calipari and Rick Pitino show up to watch one player perform in an open gym, you know you are dealing with someone special.

Special is just one word to describe Perry Ellis, a 6-foot-8 forward from Wichita Heights (Kan.). One of the top players in the class of 2012, Ellis is one of the most highly-recruited prospects in the country. He was named the ESPN Rise National Sophomore of the Year, and has been the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas for the past two seasons. Moreover, Ellis averaged 22.2 points and 10.4 rebounds en route to leading Wichita Heights to its second consecutive state championship – the first back-to-back 6A state champ in 16 years.

The aforementioned open gym workout that Ellis had in mid-April drew Kansas State’s Frank Martin, Stanford’s Johnny Dawkins, Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall and assistants from Missouri, Texas A&M and Memphis, in addition to Self, Calipari and Pitino.

“It was really impressive to have that many coaches there at one time,” said Perry’s mother, Fonda Ellis.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Ellis has offers or interest from nearly every big-time school in the nation.

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 Ellis and his rectruitment, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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NIKE EYBL (LOS ANGELES) NOTEBOOK

Doug Ferguson has made the trek to Session #3 of the Elite Youth Basketball League put on by Nike. This session was held at the Hangar Athletic Xchange in Los Angeles and just like the two previous stages the 42 teams making up the field battled hard with spots in the Peach Jam this July up for grabs.

In this notebook for NBE, Doug takes a close look at the big man battle between Amir Williams of The Family and Mikael Hopkins of Team Takeover from Saturday night. Also, an update on Trey Burke as the All-Ohio Red Guard officially re-opened his recruitment (after telling NBE’s Ray Mernagh he was going to do so last month) earlier this week and recruiting lists from players such as Jakarr Sampson, Anthony Davis, Nick Faust, Cimeon Bowers 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 our coverage on the Los Angeles stop of the 2010 Nike EYBL, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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GIBBONS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS DAY THREE RECAP

BY JEFF BORZELLO

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The playoffs at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions started on Saturday night, with two separate brackets for the first and second-place group finishers in each age group. There were a few surprises to win their group, while several teams disappointed and didn’t even make the “Select” — second-place — bracket.

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 our full coverage from Sunday at the Bob Gibbons’ Tournament of Champions, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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GIBBONS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: DAY ONE RECRUITING NOTES

Jeff Borzello is in North Carolina to kick off this Memorial Day weekend by taking in the Bob Gibbons’ Tournament of Champions AAU tournament being held at different gyms in Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh and other places in between.

While much of the attention this spring has been paid to the Nike EYBL and the strong field it has assembled, Bob Gibbons and his staff have done a tremendous job pulling together a strong field with eight of the top 20 teams in the latest PrepHoopsAssist.com Grassroots AAU Poll. For a comparison, the EYBL currently has seven ranked AAU programs in their line-up this weekend in Los Angeles.

Here is a rundown on some of the recruiting notes from the first night, spent in the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill watching the WI Playground Warriors and Carolina Elite battled in a 16-U pool clash while also catching up on some of the talent playing for St. Louis Gameface 17’s and the loaded Indiana Elite 17-U team.

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 our opening night notes from the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (5/26/2010)

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In today’s news and notes, the elimination of the double-bye (in reality, byes altogether) from the Big East tournament is nearing reality after yesterday’s unanimous vote by the coaches. Recruiting updates on Chasson Randle and Karron Johnson are also linked for readers to catch up on as well.

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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