Connecticut Recruiting

NATIONAL PREP CHAMPIONSHIP RECRUITING NOTES

Lost in the shuffle of last week’s excitement with the Big East Tournament was the National Prep Championships that were held at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven (CT). Eight of the top prep schools in the country came together to battle it out over the course of two days last week and the action culminated with Brewster Academy taking the title with an overtime victory of Northfield Mount Hermon.

Big East coaching staffs were represented throughout as Villanova assistant Jason Donnelly was on hand Tuesday and Wednesday saw Rutgers’ Fred Hill and Darren Savino make the trip along with Connecticut’s Pat Sellers and Providence’s Pat Skerry.

2010 Big East commits in action included Isaiah Epps (Pittsburgh/Hargrave Military Academy), Gerard Coleman (Providence/Tilton), Ron Giplaye (Providence/Notre Dame Prep), CJ Fair (Syracuse/Brewster), Austin Carroll (Rutgers/Brewster) and Markus Kennedy (Villanova/Winchendon) and several potential spring targets of Big East schools in the class of 2010 were also in action. NBE has recruiting updates on Cleveland Melvin, Bryon Allen, Maurice Walker, who now has a list of six favorites out of the Big East and is looking to set up visits to three of them, and Majok Majok along with underclassman Naadir Tharpe.

To see the latest you can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below…

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CLEVELAND MELVIN UPDATE: DUKE, OTHERS MAKE INQUIRY

After backing off verbal commitment to UConn, Notre Dame Prep forward expanding recruiting list

Baltimore native and current Notre Dame Prep forward Cleveland Melvin recently re-opened his recruitment, backing off a verbal commitment he made to Connecticut in mid-November of 2009.

The Huskies had recruited the 6-foot-8, 210-pound Melvin as a power forward and that was their long range vision for him. With the additional verbal commitment of 6-foot-7 small forward Roscoe Smith of Oak Hill Academy in the class of 2010, Melvin had second thoughts about his decision as he has been working on expanding his game this season to have the chance to play wing at the college level.

“I just wanted to reopen my recruitment process back up and have the oppurtunity to play more on the wing when I go to college,” Melvin told NBE Basketball Report this week.

Now Melvin is receiving interest from a variety of new schools, including an ACC power, and has plenty of schools on his list to give him some interesting options as a potential spring signee for one college. You can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below for the latest scoop on Melvin’s recruiting situation and more on his game and improvement while at ND Prep…

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NATIONAL PREP CHAMPIONSHIP – FINAL DAY RUNDOWN

by PAT STEVENS – A pair of Big East recruits capped off their seasons with a New England championship and now a national title as CJ Fair and Austin Carroll helped Brewster Academy defeated Northfield Mount Hermon in the finals of the National Prep Championships.

Brewster would rally from down 15 points in the first half and trade the lead in the second half before heading to overtime where they pulled away for the 79-76 win.

BIG EAST SIGNEES IN ACTION

CJ Fair (Syracuse/6-7 WF/Brewster Academy) – Fair saved his best for last as he scored a number of big baskets in key moments. He’s a zone-buster for the Brewster team with his ability to operate consistently in the gaps and finish around the rim. Often times he elevated over the defense for scores with his high, slingshot release that goes well with his lift and size. However, most impressive is his effort. Considering he’s fit to be a wing but with his skills to serve as an undersized-four man inside, he’s gone to work and gives the team what it needs consistently when we’ve seen him this year. He scored 13 and 11 in the prior two victories and finished with 19 in his last game with his family also on hand.

Austin Carroll (Rutgers/6-3 SG/Brewster Academy) – He had the chance to win the game when Will Barton couldn’t get enough space for a step-back jumper and got caught in the air, dropping it off to him nearby in the corner. It was a tough spot to make something happen and he nearly scored on a runner that would have been the game-winner. His first two games were tough outings from beyond the arc but he hit several in key stretches come the championship. He made a difference as a help defender and in team defense, showing both good anticipation and timing with a number of strips around the basket along with stepping in for several charges throughout the two days. Rutgers’ head coach Fred Hill and assistant Darren Savino watched him in the championship alongside his family.

Isaiah Epps (Pittsburgh/6-2 PG/Hargrave Military Academy) – Epps has a necessary weapon for the point guard package and it’s a reliable long ball, which he used for two big hoops in Hargrave’s second half rally that eventually fell short against NMH. His toughness shined through down the stretch with will to take and make those big shots. He was a tough cover for the slower guards and finished with a game-high 20 points along with some active defense in the press that forced a number of turnovers during their comeback attempt.

Ron Giplaye (Providence/6-7 PF/Notre Dame Prep) – Giplaye had an average outing in the opening round loss to NMH. A signature rebounder, getting back on defense was an issue for he and his teammates. Offensively, a bright spot was his ability to go to both hands in a crowd. Gerard Coleman stuck around to watch him. He had nine points in the opening round loss to Northfield Mount Hermon.

Gerard Coleman (Providence/6-4 SG/Tilton) – Coleman played within the flow of the offense in the first half but Hargrave jumped Tilton and took a big lead into the half of the opening round matchup. The second half he was more aggressive with the floor opening up and allowing for plenty of his typical scores in transition, but he got plenty of hoops taking his man off the dribble as well. While a majority of the second half both teams pushed the ball off both misses and makes, his drive game was superb when in the half court. Inside, he avoided contact with his ability to change direction on the bounce or adjust mid-air. A quick spin move into a leaner/push shot is in his repertoire. More often than not though, he would get himself all the way to the rim and either convert or head to the free throw line. His jump shot is still a work in progress. Several were short when the defender (quick guards of similar build Mardracus Wade and Lorenzo Brown) was able to get a hand up but he also knocked down a contested pair as well. Condition-wise he’s in great shape for a track meet like the game turned into but the mental of giving so much on offense and essentially trading baskets in a big comeback attempt probably took away from his active defense he’s capable of. He did his best to overcome a slow start as a team and finished with 43 points, 29 coming in the second half.

BIG EAST COACHES IN ATTENDANCE

Rutgers’ Fred Hill and Darren Savino were on hand along with Connecticut’s Pat Sellers and Providence’s Pat Skerry.

*Our premium section will have a few recruiting notes from the Prep Championship later tonight for subscribers…

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NATIONAL PREP CHAMPIONSHIP OPENING DAY

by PAT STEVENS

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Gerard Coleman (Tilton/Providence) had the day’s high of 43 points as the fourth annual National Prep Championships are underway, this year from Albertus Magnus College.

Big East signees Isaiah Epps (Pittsburgh), CJ Fair (Syracuse) and Austin Carroll (Rutgers) all helped their teams to victories that have them slated for Wednesday’s semifinals and potential championship game.

Epps and No. 1 seed Hargrave Military Academy meet No. 5 Northfield Mount Hermon and Fair and Carroll lead No. 2 seed Brewster Academy against No. 6 St. Thomas More, with the championship set for 7:30 p.m.

Read on for more on the opening day of the National Prep Championship, including recruiting updates on Cleveland Melvin, who has plenty of Big East interest and plans a Big East visit in the near future, and Bryon Allen, who is likely to take a Big East official visit this spring. Both were previously Big East verbal commitments and still might land in the conference next season. To see the latest you can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below…

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NEPSAC CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES

BY PAT STEVENS — C.J. Fair (Syracuse) helped Brewster Academy to a NEPSAC Class A Championship as they knocked off Winchendon School and Markus Kennedy (Villanova), 72-69 on Sunday’s season finale at Endicott College. Brewster’s Will Barton (Memphis) was named MVP with 28 points. Naadir Tharpe (2011) added 14 points. Winchendon’s Khem Birch (2012) had 11 points and several key blocks.
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Gerard Coleman (Providence) scored 20 points as Tilton School won its third straight Class B Championship beating Marianapolis, 69-61. Ryan Canty (2011) added 12 points.
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Shabazz Napier (2011) scored 23 points to go with six assists and several steals for Lawrence Academy, who finished the season undefeated at 23-0 with its Class C title win over St. Mark’s, 55-43. Nate Lubick (Georgetown) had 15 points and 13 rebounds for St. Mark’s. Alex Murphy (2012) scored 11.
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Georgetown head coach John Thompson III, Providence head coach Keno Davis, Connecticut assistant Pat Sellers and Rutgers assistants Craig Carter and Darren Savino all made the trip.

Alabama head coach Anthony Grant also watched Shabazz Napier.
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Next Up:

National Prep Championship 2010
March 9th & 10th, 2010
Albertus Magnus College – New Haven, Connecticut

Quarter-Finals – Tuesday, March 9th

2pm – #1 Hargrave Military Academy vs. #8 Tilton School
4pm – #4 Notre Dame Prep vs. #5 Northfield Mount Hermon School
6pm – #2 Brewster Academy vs. #7 Westwind Prep
8pm – #3 Winchendon School vs. #6 St. Thomas More School

Semi-Finals – Wednesday, March 10th

11am – 1/8 winner vs. 4/5 winner
1pm – 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner

Finals

7:30pm – Championship
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The Big East Tournament tips off this week and be sure to visit our 2010 Big East Tournament & Tickets page for the links needed for Big East basketball fans to purchase tickets to any or all of the 2010 Big East Tournament sessions. The Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden is an event Big East fans must experience when they have the opportunity and here is your chance to get your tickets early before they become harder, and more expensive, to find. Stub Hub and the Big East conference have teamed up to provide fans with quality tickets and you can get tickets to ANY Big East conference or non-league game by following this link: StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online

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ANGEL NUNEZ IMPRESSED WITH SYRACUSE VISIT, TALKS RECRUITING

2011 forward prospect has checked out several Big East schools, wants to see Pitt, Kentucky, UL and UConn

by JEFF BORZELLO

A record crowd was in the Carrier Dome last Saturday night to watch Syracuse knock off Villanova and take control of the Big East standings.

The electric atmosphere that was heightened by the ESPN Gameday crew and an NCAA on-campus crowd of 34,616 added to the excitment and the Orange staff took full advantage by using the festivities as a recruiting tool bringing in several highly touted recruits.

One of those in attendance was 2011 prospect Angel Nunez, a 6-7 native New Yorker now playing at Winchendon Prep (Mass.).

“It was fun. The atmosphere was overwhelming,” Nunez said. “I went with [Winchendon teammate] Khem Birch.”

Nunez talked to NBE last night about his trip to Syracuse and his thoughts on recruiting, which included his interest in visiting other schools such as Pitt, Kentucky, Louisville and UConn in the future and what he will be looking for in his future college home. To see the latest you can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below…

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CLEVELAND MELVIN PARTS WAYS WITH UCONN

Baltimore native backs off verbal commitment with the Huskies

by JEFF BORZELLO

6-foot-7 forward Cleveland Melvin and Connecticut have parted ways, Notre Dame Prep head coach Ryan Hurd confirmed to the NBE Basketball Report.

“[It was a] mutual decision,” Hurd said Thursday night. “[He] wants to be a wing. UConn wanted him to play the four. No hard feelings either way.”

Melvin announced his commitment to the Huskies back in November, choosing them over DePaul, Memphis, Seton Hall and South Florida.

The athletic senior currently does not have a new list of schools.

“[It] just happened,” Hurd said. “Maybe in the next day or so.”

The story was first reported by Jeff Goodman of FOXSports.com.

CLASS OF 2011 ELITE TARGET: QUINCY MILLER

Buzz has been Kentucky will land QEA junior big man, but Miller says options remain open

At 6-foot-10 with a varied skill set the comparisons have come early and often to NBA star and former Texas Longhorn Kevin Durant for Quality Education Academy junior Quincy Miller. He has all the tools athleticially with a body nearly identical to that of Durant’s. Nobody can deny the elite skill set the young big man prospect possesses if they saw him in action this past summer. One example, in front of the throng of college coaches watching intently at the King City Classic Championship game, saw Miller wow the crowd with a quick thinking offensive rebound and put-back slam dunk. Miller always seemed to be on the scene with a big play in the paint, drawing fouls or finishing the high percentage shots in traffic. Miller worked some great, finesse moves inside matched up against the highly regarded Johnny O’ Bryant, and even connected a few times on his mid-range jumper. His best move came late in the game, when he took a stutter step and drove two steps, worked a reverse pivot and dropped in the basket.

Miller is truly one of the elite prospects in the class of 2011 and his potential is limitless with his size, length, athletic ability and versatile skill set that, as QEA head coach Issac Pitts, Jr. tells NBE, “is a match-up problem for all teams.”

The common scuttlebutt on the recruiting scene is Miller is bound to be part of another monster recruiting class in 2011 for John Calipari and the University of Kentucky. While the Wildcats are certainly in the picture, the North Chicago (IL) native says UK is “just one of my many choices.”

It is a certainty that Miller has plenty of choices, including several in the Big East that are in the mix. He and his coach both took the time to update NBE yesterday on his situation on the recruiting front and his season at QEA in Winston-Salem (NC) and to see the latest you can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below…

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TARIQ CAREY UPDATE; LAWHORN DECIDES, HANNER CLOSE

by JEFF BORZELLO

One of the more underrated players nationally in the class of 2012 is New Jersey product Tariq Carey.

College coaches know all about the 6-foot-1 sophomore guard, though.

Carey is getting plenty of early attention from Big East schools and he has a ‘dream school’ out of the ACC showing him interest. NBE gets the latest update from the 2012 prospect that is sure to become a well-known name in recruiting circles in the near future…

Also, Danny Lawhorn contacts NBE about his commitment and a source updates Jamir Hanner who might be closing on on his…

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UNSIGNED 2010 UPDATE: MIKE POOLE

St. Benedict’s G/F has earned Big East offers with an impressive senior season for coach Dan Hurley

Mike Poole has been a name that has been on and off the high-major recruiting radar several times the last couple of years. Coming up through the NYC AAU ranks, Poole was a highly regarded youngster but as other players grabbed the spotlight, not much was heard from Poole. Now as a senior with St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark (NJ), Poole is back on the map as a high-major prospect, picking up impressive offers from schools out of the Big East, ACC, SEC and PAC 10 while turning in a solid season for coach Dan Hurley and the Gray Bees.

NBE watched Poole in action this season in high-profile showcase vents like the HoopHall Classic against Bishop O’Connell, against De La Salle (IL) High School in the Newark Invitational and again against Lakewood in the Primetime Shootout and in each outing Poole displayed his versatility and improved perimeter jumper that makes him an intriguing option for high-major programs looking for a late recruiting period addition to their 2010 class of recruits.

NBE caught up with Poole earlier today to get an update on his recruitment and also talked recently to Dan Hurley about Poole’s solid senior season…

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BIG MONDAY WIN FOR UCONN

Huskies put a stamp on their NCAA Tournament candidacy with upset of WVU

by MATT WHITFIELD

Nearly two weeks before the Big East tournament, the XL Center in downtown Hartford was the site of a Big East heavyweight clash between West Virginia and Connecticut Monday night. With major NCAA Tournament implications for both teams, both coaches were fired up throughout and the game came down to wire. In the end, the team that shot the ball more proficiently down the stretch and patrolled the boards better, all night long came away with a very important win.

The Huskies entered the game 16-11 overall, a bubble team with three wins over teams within the top 50 of the RPI ratings. On the other hand, West Virginia, 21-5 overall, was a team battling for possibly a number one seed as they went in with a RPI rating of five.

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NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CLASSIC RECRUITING NOTES

BY JEFF BORZELLO

FORT WASHINGTON (MD) – With state playoffs starting around the country, there are not many inter-state tournaments left in the season. However, one under-the-radar event left to play was the NCA Classic at National Christian Academy in Maryland. The set-up was three high schools from North Carolina coming up to play three high schools in Maryland – Progressive Christian (Md.) vs. Mt. Zion Academy (N.C.), Princeton Day School (Md.) vs. Christian Faith Center Academy (N.C.) and National Christian (Md.) vs. Kestrel Heights (N.C.). Although it did not receive much attention, there were plenty of talented and highly-touted players at the event.

Players at the event gave NBE school lists that included Georgetown, Seton Hall, West Virginia, Providence, Connecticut, Pittsburgh as well as schools from the ACC, Big 12, SEC, PAC 10, Big 10 and more. Read on for scouting reports and recruiting updates from many of the top players that performed this weekend…

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (2/18/2010)

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Three games last night on the Big East schedule with Notre Dame putting up a big fight at Louisville without injured star Luke Harangody. However, Samardo Samuels was too much inside for the Irish to handle. west Virginia bounced back from a pair of losses to keep Providence on their slide and Seton Hall won their first road game since Novmember by getting past ice-cold St. John’s. The bad news for SHU is they might miss Jeremy Hazell for up to a week after he suffered a gash on his hand in last night’s win.

Tonight an ESPN Big East doubleheader with long-time rivals Georgetown and Syracuse reuniting at the Verizon Center and new rivals Pitt and Marquette battling in Milwaukee.

In other conference notes, recruiting updates on Josh Selby, Durand Johnson and CJ Leslie can be found as well as a look at the successful freshman campaign of Dane Miller of Rutgers.

Also, it might be another month away, but our 2010 Big East Tournament & Tickets page has the links needed for Big East basketball fans to purchase tickets to any or all of the 2010 Big East Tournament sessions. The Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden is an event Big East fans must experience when they have the opportunity and here is your chance to get your tickets early before they become harder, and more expensive, to find. Stub Hub and the Big East conference have teamed up to provide fans with quality tickets and you can get tickets to ANY Big East conference or non-league game by following this link: StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online

Now, onto today’s News & Notes around the Big East…

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BIG EAST OFFER EXCITES TAVON SLEDGE

This past weekend in the 2010 Primetime Shootout a Sunday afternoon contest between Christ the King of New York City and Half Hollow Hills West of Long Island drew a lot of interested observers. With recently named McDonald’s All-American and 2010 Tennessee commit Tobias Harris saddled with foul trouble, it was junior point guard Tavon Sledge stepping up his play to hold off a Christ the King rally to lead HHHW to a 73-69 win at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton (NJ).

Sledge scored 23 points in the win and used his speed and quickness with the dribble to shoft through the defense for his points and drop dimes to open teammates. For his efforts, Sledge was named the co-Most Outstanding Player, along with Harris, for HHHW as he shot seven of 14 from the field, nine of 12 from the foul line and added four assists and four steals. Afterwards, Matt Whitfield caught up with Sledge to get a school list and NBE also got an update earlier this morning as his sparkling performance this past weekend has led to a Big East school making a scholarship offer to the 2011 guard prospect.

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PRIMETIME SHOOTOUT RECRUITING & PLAYER NOTES (PART II)

On Saturday afternoon at the 2010 Primetime Shootout Finlday Prep (NV) took on the Hotchkiss School (CT) at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton (NJ). Playing without Texas-bound forward Tristan Thompson, Findlay was still too deep and too big for Hotchkiss as Cory Joseph and Nick Johnson tossed in 19 points each to lead Findlay to a 64-48 victory.

Matt Whitfield was in Trenton for all the action on Saturday and Sunday and following the game between Findlay and Hotchkiss he was able to touch base with some of the top players to get the latest recruiting information from Nick Johnson, Winston Shepard, Godwin Okonji, Cory Joseph and Dekeeba Battee Aston from Findlay with updates from Derrick Wilson and Clyde Smith of Hotchkiss…

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TYRONE JOHNSON COUNTS FIVE BIG EAST OFFERS

Plainfield (NJ) junior is a two-sport star in high demand on the hardwood by Big East

The 2010 Primetime Shootout wraps up today and tomorrow at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton (NJ). Many of the top players in the country are participating. On Friday night the action was at Kean University and Tyrone Johnson shined among the brightest on the evening that featured many future college basketball stars. Johnson scored a night’s best 31 points helping Plainfield to a 62-49 win over another New Jersey rival, St. Joseph’s.

Following his spectacular performance, Johnson chatted with Alex Schwartz for the NBE Basketball Report and gave a rundown on his recruitment, that is shaping up to be quite a Big East battle…

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DORON LAMB HAS A LIST OF FIVE

McDonald’s All-American will decide in April, no leaders at this time among his five

The marquee match-up Friday night at the Primetime Shootout at Kean University was Oak Hill Academy against St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth (NJ). Like so many of this year’s high school showcase games of the last month, this lived up to the hype.

Oak Hill Academy overcame a 28-point performance from St. Pat’s Michael Gilchrist as Doron Lamb sank a free throw to provide the winning marking in a 79-78 win. On the game, Lamb scored 18 points on six of nine shooting from the field, connecting on his lone three-pointer, and five of six from the line. The 6-foot-4 senior guard also contributed four assists and three steals.

Afterwards he talked with Alex Schwartz for NBE to get a full update on where his recruitment stands, which is a little different than previous reports…

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GOT JACK? ANOTHER WEST COAST POWER JOINS ARIZONA, OTHERS IN PURSUIT OF KADEEM JACK

by RAY MERNAGH

Kadeem Jack has watched with a calm indifference (almost amusement) as he’s gone from a “potential/long/athletic” big with some upside to one of the must-have recruits for a number of high-majors. The kid from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago takes it all in stride, so it was probably no surprise to the big fella deal when another big-time program showed up in NYC to inquire about him in the past week.

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (2/11/2010)

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Last night was a devastating blow to UConn’s NCAA chances as they saw an opportunity for a big road win slip away. While the game was a terrific college basketball game, most will be talking about a late timeout granted to Syracuse when it looked like they were not in possession of the basketball when it was granted.

Tonight is two important games for postseason chances of Seton Hall, Notre Dame and Louisville with St. John’s trying to play spoiler when the Cards come to the Garden. Of course, with Rick Pitino returning home to NY it creates a buzz and this time it is rumors that he is interested in the New Jersey Nets coaching position.

Elsewhere, a couple recruiting articles centering around Kadeem Jack and Derrick Randall for readers to check out as well as a look at Friday’s Backyard Brawl which promises to be interesting as the teams meet for the second time in just 9 days.

Also, a note to readers. The NBE Basketball Report has decided to add a premium content section for subscribers. It has been a long and expensive process over the years to build the wesite and the coverage of the Big East and college basketball recruiting. After many different revenue producing strategies, we have decided to increase our college basketball recruiting coverage and event coverage and use revenue from the premium content to grow the site as a whole. The support from our readers will make the entire experience with NBE Basketball more enjoyable and robust. We will begin the process in earnest this week while covering the Primetime Shootout in New Jersey Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as more events through the spring and into the summer. Hopefully you will all come along for the ride as it should be a lot of fun. For more info read the update on NBE Premium Subscriber Content and information HERE!

Now, onto today’s News & Notes around the Big East…

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THE ‘REAL’ DANNY LAWHORN UPDATE; COLEMAN COMMITS TO UL

BY JEFF BORZELLO

Late last week, the Facebook and Twitter accounts for prep school school senior Danny Lawhorn sent shockwaves through the recruiting world: it was posted that he was committing to Connecticut.

However, shortly after, it was apparent that someone had hacked into Lawhorn’s social networks and posted the commitment messages.

“I don’t even know,” Lawhorn told the NBE Basketball Report last week by phone. “Like, a few people have my password so I’m assuming that was it. I’m going to see who did it.”

While the commitment announcement might have been premature, the fact that Connecticut is Lawhorn’s favorite is no secret.

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