Soutgern Miss Recruiting

RECRUITING NOTEBOOK (1/4/2013): LERON BLACK OPENS UP RECRUITMENT; BEN SIMMONS COMING TO USA & MORE

by Alex Schwartz

Things continue to be slow on the recruiting trail, but there is still a bit of high school hoops news from the past week or so to go over.

First off, Leron Black of White Station (TN) has decommitted from Baylor, per John Martin of the The Commercial Appeal. Black is a 6-foot-7 power forward who ranks No. 13 in the NBE Sports Class of 2014 Post-July Top 75. He was amongst the top non-senior players in American who had made a decision, but he is now back on the board.

Kameron Rooks of Mission Hills (CA) tweeted his intentions to attend Cal. Rooks is a 7-foot class of 2013 center who picked the Bears over a few other programs in the Pac-12. His father is former Arizona standout Sean Rooks.

Hofstra picked up a pledge from 6-foot-1 guard Iverson Fleming, per Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com. Fleming is a class of 2013 prospect from New Brunswick (NJ).
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ORLANDO AAU REPORT – - CHAMPIONSHIP MONDAY

by Alex Schwartz

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Monday was championship day at the ESPN Wide World of Sports for the 11th Grade AAU Nationals tournaments. Although Division I coaches were not allowed to be in the gym, NBE Sports was there to take in the action and wrap up our coverage of the event. A future SEC big man was easily the day’s top performer, while a rising senio guard who had a big week in Orlando listed a top three.

TOP PERFORMER

Bobby Portis was the clear cut choice for this spot from Monday’s action. A top-notch big man in the class of 2013, Portis is an Arkansas commit out of Little Rock Hall (AR). The 6’9 power forward was clearly the best player on the floor in the championship game and he was very impressive overall. Portis showed off some nice offensive skills and even knocked down a midrange jumper. He got the free throw line and displayed nice touch at the stripe too. Portis is not only tall, but also long and looks to have added some strength. Portis runs the floor well and demonstrated some very good passing ability. Additionally, he is a talented defensive player who can really impact the opposition around the rim.
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ORLANDO AAU REPORT — SUNDAY

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by Alex Schwartz

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Sunday was the final day of the last Live Evaluation Period of July. While the turnout was not as high, there were still a number of Division I coaches in the gym until they had to leave a 5:00 p.m. NBE Sports took in much of the action on Sunday and all but one of the games we watched was from non-Gold Pool teams, allowing us to catch some sleepers. Find out below who shined in their last chance of the summer and also see who leads for a trio of 2013 prospects.

TOP PERFORMER

Nigel Hayes stood out as the easy pick for the top performer spot from Sunday’s action. A 6’7 power forward from Whitmer (OH), Hayes turned in a really nice showing for All-Ohio Red. Hayes has had a great summer and he continued his strong play on Sunday, demonstrating a vastly improved offensive skill set and better motor. Hayes has a terrific frame and is a strong player. He is a quality scorer who can connect on midrange jumpers and is also very comfortable with his back to the basket. Hayes even showed that he has the ability to step out and knock down a shot from beyond the 3-point line. He is a solid overall athlete and it is clear that Hayes is on the upswing as a player and a prospect.
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