Kadeem Jack to Rutgers, Maurice Harkless to St. John's

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Rutgers and St. John's each inked new head coaches this off season and both have hit the recruiting trails hard.

Rutgers head coach Mike Rice, who guided Robert Morris to near shocker in the first round of the NCAA Tournament over Villanova, has moved onto the Big East, taking over the Scarlet Knights.

Just a bit north of Rice, St. John's, who has fell into the bottom of the Big East over the past few years brings back a senior laden team in 2010-2011, however new head coach Steve Lavin has been pushing hard on the recruiting circuit this summer, as well.

On the final day in August, both Big East schools worked towards improving by reeling in some of their top targets.

Kadeem Jack, has announced his verbal commitment to Rutgers. Jack was once thought of as a potential reclassification recruit to help North Carolina down low, however, he will attend South Kent Prep (CT) and then Rutgers in 2011.

The 6-foot-9 Jack chose the Scarlet Knights over West Virginia, Miami (FL), and Arkansas.

Jack's future teammate this upcoming season at South Kent Prep (CT) will be swing man Maurice Harkless. Harkless also made his verbal announcement on the final day of August, choosing St. John's.

The former UConn commit, is a 6-foot-6 small forward and is rated the 81st overall prospect in the class of 2011. Harkless is the first big-name commitment earned by Steve Lavin and is one of the higher rated recruits to chose St. John's in recent time.

Both Jack and Harkless are natives of Queens, New York. Harkless will return to his hometown for his collegiate ball, while Jack will head a little further down the coast. Either way, each of them adds a needed dimension to the Big East schools looking to emerge from the cellar of the nation's largest conference.


*Photo: Maurice Harkless *Credit: maryland.scout.com

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2012 Recruit Joshua Fortune Headed to Providence

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Keno Davis and the Providence Friars have lost two previously committed guards this summer.

Joseph Young and Naddir Tharpe are both combo guards who were set to begin their collegiate careers at Providence.

Young, a member of the class of 2010, asked Davis were his release, but was denied. Young enrolled at Houston last week and is prepared to sit out the entire season. Young will begin his playing career with Houston in 2011-2012 with three years of eligibility remaining.

Tharpe, on the other hand, committed to the Friars, but re-opened his recruitment. The Worcester, Massachusetts native is set to take official visits to both Rutgers and Minnesota. He is considered one of the top guards in the class of 2011 and is now considering a long list of schools once again.

However, Keno Davis has seemed to have moved on. The former Drake head coach, received a commitment from 6-foot-5 Joshua Fortune.

Fortune can shoot the three ball and is considered a very talented swing forward. The Virginia native is a strong defender and should give the Friars a solid boost in 2012.

Rated as the 31st best small forward in the class of 2012, the verbal commitment of Josh Fortune is a key step for Davis and Providence, as they attempt to move forward. The Friars have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2004.


*Photo: Joshua Fortune *Credit: rivals.com

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2011 Recruits Lewis, Grace, Medley, and Kone Announce Commitments

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

As the summer of 2010 winds down, many prospects from the class of 2011 have continued to announce their verbal commitments.

Over the past few days, a few more players have given their assurance on where they will play their collegiate ball.

Three east coast guards have announced their collegiate intentions at the mid-major level, while a new Big East coach has picked up his second commitment from the class of 2011.

The University of Delaware has received a commitment from combo guard Khalid Lewis. The 6-foot-3 New Jersey native chose to move south over the likes of Robert Morris, Wagner, Drexel, Manhattan, Rider, and Fairfield.

Despite losing out of the services of Lewis, Rider got its own commitment from Delaware native Mark Medley. Medley, a 5-foot-10 guard will head to the MAAC, going with the Broncs over the likes of St. Francis (PA), Long Island, and VCU. Medley is the third commitment for Rider from the class of 2011, a class that also includes New Jersey native Shawn Valentine.

Brooklyn native Davontay Grace, a former St. John's commit, will play for Manhattan. Grace, a 2-star prospect according to scout.com, is a 6-foot point guard who was recruited by many Big East schools and Manhattan head coach Barry Rohrssen has to be happy with the news of Grace's intentions.

New Rutgers head coach Mike Rice has been hitting the recruiting trail hard, and has recently earned the verbal from 6-foot-6 small forward Malick Kone. Kone, a resident of Virginia, has not been in the United State very long, but is a rising prospect who is rated as the No. 26 small forward in the nation by ESPNU.


*Photo: Malick Kone *Credit: rivals.com

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LeBryan Nash Likes The Big 12; Miller and Bello Not Playing Together?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

LeBryan Nash a 6-foot-7 recruit from Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas has always seemed to lean towards the Big 12. Baylor was always conceived to be the leader, and when Nash released his top three he elected Baylor, KU, and Oklahoma State.


Wherever Nash decides to go, he will be an instant upgrade on the wing. He has a big body that is ready to hurdle the challenges, college basketball presents.


Quicy Miller and Deuce Bello, were conceived to be a package deal for Louisville. With so much hype surrounding the topic, and the notion that Bello and Miller would commend Louisville perfectly, the rumors almost seemed true.


However, after hearing Miller say that he would like to play with Bello, but doesn't believe that's what's best for the two, leaves you wondering.
Either way, Miller and Bello didn't rule out playing with each other. The two plan on spending a day at Louisville and could join Tim Fuller, in hopes of landing a huge recruiting class.
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Florida Gets Commitment From 2012 Guard Michael Frazier

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

When taking a look at the ESPNU Super 60 for the class of 2012, only four prospects preparing for their junior seasons in high school have announced their verbal decisions.

Michael Frazier became the fourth to do so when he announced his verbal commitment to the University of Florida.

The Tampa, Florida native made the decision to remain in-state, giving Gators head coach Billy Donovan his first recruit from the class of 2012.

Donovan landed elite shooting guard Bradley Beal from the class of 2011 and also had a commitment from Austin Rivers (currently undecided). However, Rivers re-opened his recruitment and many people believe Duke may be his ultimate destination.

Donovan appears to have moved forward though in earning the verbal from Frazier. The 6-foot-4 guard is known for his smooth shooting touch and should fit perfectly into Billy Donovan's offensive system.

Michael Frazier chose the Gators over a long list of suitors which included fellow Florida schools Miami (FL), Florida State, Central Florida, and South Florida, along with receiving interest from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Stanford.

According to ESPN's recruiting expert Paul Biancardi, Frazier is a star on the court, as well as off the court, known for his excellent grades and active volunteer. There isn't much doubt he should be a great addition to the Florida program.


*Photo: Michael Frazier *Credit: rivals.com


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Former LSU guard Bo Spencer Transferring to Nebraska

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

After receiving the news that guard Bo Spencer was not up to par with his academics, LSU head coach Trent Johnson made the decision to dismiss Spencer early this month.

After only two short weeks since the decision, Spencer has found a new destination to continue his collegiate playing career.

That destination is Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers, who have accepted the offer to join the Big Ten, will look to turn around what has become a lackluster program over the course of the last decade or so. Nebraska has only made six NCAA Tournament appearances in school history and none since 1998.

The addition of Bo Spencer should be a good one for Nebraska and head coach Doc Sadler. Spencer will be eligible to play during the 2011-2012 season.

Spencer averaged 14.5 points per game last season as a junior at LSU.

The departure of Bo Spencer leaves LSU thin at the guard position, especially after the recent ineligibility of incoming freshman K.C Ross-Miller.


*Photo: Bo Spencer *Credit: examiner.com

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Ex-Longhorn Varez Ward Transferring to Auburn

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

The Auburn men's basketball program has been in the news the last week in regards to once expected players, as well as future Tigers.

Auburn, which is now directed by first year head coach Tony Barbee, received the verbal commitments of 2011 recruits Bernard Modena and Willy Kouassi last week. However, that was followed by the news that the team has lost both Luke Cothran and Shawn Kemp Jr. for 2010 due to non-qualifying issues.

Although, it is has begun to appear as if Auburn might have a tough time in the SEC in 2010-2011, Barbee's second season as head coach seems to be getting brighter.

Varez Ward is the newest addition to the program after rumors have surfaced he is transferring from Texas to Auburn.

Ward tore his quadriceps tendon early in the season at Texas this past year in what seemed to be a freak pre-game accident. After Ward sat out nearly the entire season, Texas received a commitment from incoming freshman Cory Joseph and that just may have pushed Ward to look elsewhere.

He did and he has found a new home. Ward was granted a medical hardship and will have three years of eligibility remaining at Auburn.

Ward should be a great addition to Auburn's program once he is fully healthy and eligible.



*Photo: Varez Ward *Credit: zimbio.com


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2011 Recruit Jahii Carson Commits to Arizona State

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Following Nick Johnson's commitment to Arizona the other day, the in-state conference rival Sun Devils received a solid commitment of their own.

Jahii Carson, one of the top point guard in the class of 2011, has given Arizona State his verbal commitment.

The 5-foot-11, speedy Carson is a native of Mesa, Arizona and like Johnson's decision the other day, he has also decided to remain close to home.

Carson chose the Sun Devils over a long list of potential suitors. That list included the likes of Arizona, St. John's, Washington, Oregon State, Alabama, UCLA, and USC.

The point guard is considered the 12th ranked prospect at his position, according to scout.com, as well as, the No. 54 recruit in the class of 2011 by ESPNU recruiting.

Carson has tremendous speed and will likely bring a up-tempo, push-first pace to the Arizona State offense.

The Sun Devils found themselves squarely on the bubble last season, but were not chosen for the NCAA Tournament, resulting in a trip to the NIT. They were shocked in the opening round of the NIT by Jacksonville.


*Photo: Jahii Carson *Credit: ucla.scout.com


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Jahii Carson an Instant Upgrade for Arizona State

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Jahii Carson a highly-touted guard in the 2011 class, decided where he was headed. The 5-foot-11 guard decided Arizona State University would be the best to continue his basketball prominence.

Carson, a very athletic guard, reminds me a lot of former Jayhawk Sherron Collins. He is equipped with a stocky frame and solid length that he incorporates well into his game. For Carson, his lack of height isn't a problem. Carson excels with heart, motivation and skill.

Along with that, comes the ability to jump into passing lanes and defend point guards very tenaciously. He has enough speed to keep his man in front of him.

Arizona State brought in one of the more underrated players in the 2011 class. His height should be overlooked by his skill once he steps on the court in Sun Devils jersey. Arizona State will need to add more to compete with Arizona, as they brought in two dominant recruits in the 2011 class.

Either way, Arizona State 2011 recruiting class looks a lot better with Carson name presented.


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Tony Wroten Tweets His Top-Five

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Tony Wroten Jr, makes his top-five public. Wroten is a up-and-coming point guard in the 2011 class. His play on the US team catapulted his recruiting trails.

The consensus top-two has always been Louisville and Kentucky. However, lately it's been a battle between Washington and Kentucky, rumor says.

Either way, Wroten confirms his top-five and here it is:

Lousville, Washington, Kentucky, UConn/Villanova and Miami.

Wroten listed the colleges in that order.

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Howard Moore Named Head Coach at UIC

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

The University of Illinois-Chicago has named its new head coach. Wisconsin assistant coach Howard Moore has earned the job, according to multiple sources.

Former UIC coach Jimmy Collins retired opening the door for the coaching search, one that included many assistant coaches at some of the top programs in the nation.

Howard Moore, a Chicago man himself, has both played and coached in the city. A Chicago high school prospect, Moore moved onto continue his playing career at Wisconsin before gigs as an assistant coach at Ball State, Loyola Chicago, Bradley, and the University of Chicago.

Moore became part of Bo Ryan's staff at Wisconsin in 2005, and now gets his own opportunity in what will be his first Division I head coaching position. Being both a player and coach in the Chicago area, Moore has been able to establish many connections throughout his lifetime.

UIC, a member of the Horizon league, whose conference champion Butler made a run all the way to the National Championship game, will look to improve on a lackluster 8-22 season from a year ago.


*Photo: Howard Moore *Credit: sports.espn.go.com

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Louisville Is Due a Big Recruiting Class

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Louisville Cardinals were amongst the inconsistent teams in the Big East. One day you would catch a Louisville team that can defeat powerhouse teams like Syracuse. Then another time you will witness the Cardinals get crushed by St. Johns and Marquette.

The Cardinals were due a solid season, last year. However, their inconsistent play overshadowed their ability and they were sent home earlier than expected.

With Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari in Lexington, the Louisville recruiting trails have been cold. Coach Cal seems to acquire whoever he pleases and prevails in recruiting battles against his counterpart Rick Pitino.

With four stellar recruits and three eligible athletes, the 2010 class is not going to live up to the hype.

However, in 2011, Rick Pitino will pose as Coach Cal, in hopes that he can bring in an impressive recruiting class. Coach Pitino has acquired Wayne Blackshear, who highlights the recruiting class, Ryan Taylor, Roburt Sallie (transfer) and Zach Price.

If you are not familiar with the Louisville coaching staff, Tim Fuller, the assistant coach has a significant relationship with two recruits that would enlighten the Louisville program.

Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello are amongst the athletes interested in the Louisville program. Both of these athletes have a close relationship with Assistant Coach Tim Fuller. It was once speculated that Miller wanted to commit, but does not think Rick Pitino will allow him to be a one-and-done player.

It seems Louisville is the smart option available. Bello has expressed a lot of interest in the Louisville program. Miller has also welcomed the idea of playing beside his best friend Bello.

Miller once considered the Kentucky program as his college choice. However, with the emergence of Anthony Davis, to go along with, Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, seems too loaded for another superstar. Not to mention, each of the four like to score the basketball a lot.

I believe that eliminates Kentucky and puts Louisville in the driver seat. With that, Coach Pitino will eventually have enough talent to compete with Calipari in Lexington.

Tony Wroten Jr is also in the picture. Wroten Jr and current-Louisville guard Peyton Siva played on the same High School team. Siva has done a fair share of recruiting via Twitter, and Wroten Jr could be present at Louisville September 4th when Miller and Bello both take their visit.

Now add this trio to the already verbal commits and you have one of the best recruiting classes in America.


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Auburn Grabs Pair of 2011 Commitments

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Auburn was considered a bubble team in early March and ended up as a No. 1 seed in the NIT. However, it was not enough to save the head coaching job for Jeff Lebo.

Lebo has found a new home as the head coach at Eastern Carolina, and now Tony Barbee has taken over. Barbee led UTEP to the NCAA Tournament this past season, bowing out to eventual national runner-up Butler in the first round.

On Thursday, Barbee got new additions to his program with the verbal commitments of two high schools teammates. Willy Kouassi and Bernard Morena will both attend Auburn.

Kouassi and Morena are both members of the class of 2011 and both hail from Central Park Christian School.

Morena, a 6-foot-8 small forward, is a three-star prospect, as rated by scout.com, while Kouassi, also a three-star prospect, is the big man inside at 6-foot-10.

The pair of commitments for Barbee is a great strating point in what will be the first full recruiting class at Auburn for the new head coach.

According to Evan Daniels of scout.com, 2010 Auburn commitments Luke Cothran and Shawn Kemp Jr. did not qualify and will not enroll at the university.

Tiger fans are happy with the signing of Tony Barbee. He was 82-52 in four seasons at UTEP, his first and only head coaching gig prior to his hiring at Auburn.


*Photo: Tony Barbee *Credit: auburn.scout.com

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Could Arizona Pull In a Top-Five Recruiting Class?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, Arizona played in the worse conference, according to their RPI rating, in America. The Wildcats strung together 16 wins, 10 coming in conference play. Nonetheless, they were also in the losing circle 15 times.

That did not support their tournament chances, and the Wildcats were absent when the Big Dance came about.

With a stellar season ahead, Arizona could be looking at its first significant recruiting class since 2009.

The Wildcats acquired two verbal commitments in the 2011 class. One coming yesterday (August 18, 2010) from Nick Johnson a 6-foot-3 shooting guard.

With Johnson on the wing, the Wildcats now have an dynamic scorer that will take it strong to the basket. Along with that, is his ability to pull up in the mid-range, and shoot consistent jumpers. Just imagine how difficult it is to defend a player that can drive or stop-and-pop.

They also acquired a verbal commitment from Sidiki Johnson, a lengthy 6-foot-8 forward. Johnson is difficult to defend one-on-one because of his ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays. 

In the face-up, he is at an advantage because of his quick first step and strength. 

His athleticism and skill-set often presents mix-matches to the opposition. I know one thing, if you get Johnson in-depth with the pick-and-roll, he will be unstoppable.

Sean Miller has done a fantastic job with recruiting for Arizona, and it could get better.

Quinn Cook a 6-foot-1 point guard from the Nations Capital is eyeing the possibility of joining the Arizona program. When he narrowed his list to seven possible schools, Arizona was amongst the names.

Josiah Turner recently opened his recruiting process, and Jahii Carson could land in Coach Miller's hands.

Norman Powell is 'highly interested' in Arizona, but with so much notoriety, I do not foresee any decision soon.

Ultimately, Coach Miller has done an remarkable job with the 2011 class. He has proven that he can pull in elite talent. It would not be surprising to see him turn in a few more highly-touted recruits before the early-signing period, (hint, Carson is making his decision in November.)

The Cats' are back and on the prowl. The 2011 class will re-energize the fan base and restore the winning tradition.


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JT Adenrele Updates His Recruiting Trails, He Likes Denver

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

JT Adenrele, or John, is one of the best unknown recruits in the country. He is 6-foot-7 forward that deserves the notoriety he is not receiving.

His recruitment is still rising, and I suppose it will skyrocket after this season.

He is a potent shot-blocker, scorer and rebounds the ball as well as any forward in the 2011 class. He improved his frame tremendously from last season, and I suppose he is doing the same for the upcoming season.

He is solid in the paint but does show a potential inside-out game. His jump shot is expanding, and with the work, he could make his way towards the wing.

"I'm considering UC Davis, UOP (University of Pacific), Portland State, UC Riverside (California Riverside), UC-Irvine and the University of Denver," Adenrele said.

He recently visited Denver, and that catapulted them to the top of his list. "Well right now, I favor Denver because I seen their campus and that," Adenrele said. "The only reason why I do not favor Davis (UC-Davis) is because their city looks plain with nothing to do." He did say, "I been to Davis (UC-Davis) and Denver, so that is why they are in my top."

Before his final discretion, college visits are in the near future. "I'm going to UOP (University of Pacific) this weekend and Portland State sometime in September, maybe the 10th or 17th."

"Hopefully I can make my decision by the early signing period in November."


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2012 Recruit Nino Jackson Likes KU But 'Things Could Change'

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Look at the Kansas Jayhawks current recruiting class and what they achieved the season before. Now compare that to what Jayhawks are use to seeing, and it has been a bit of a disappointment. The Jayhawks are consistently stacked with elite talent. 

Before Sherron Collins, Xavier Henry, and Cole Aldrich smiled on draft night the Jayhawks had their replacements in sight.

Coach Self hopes Elijah Johnson, Josh Selby, the Morris Twins, Jeff Withey, and Travis Releford can fill their shoes.

However, with no commitments in the 2011 class, and not a lot of recruiting news, Jayhawk fans have become restless in this long off-season.

Bill Self may not be recruiting heavily in the 2011 class, but his 2012 class is starting to shape up. Right now, Coach Self has a verbal from Zach Peters, Nino Jackson loves the Jayhawks, and Perry Ellis could find himself in Lawrence, as well.

It was rumored that Jackson wanted to commit to Kansas and enjoys the thought of them recruiting him. When asked about the rumor, Jackson said, "yes, that is true."

He did also state that other teams are not out of the picture. Saying other teams embrace the opportunity to sway him away from the Jayhawks, "things could change." 

He was for sure about one thing, and that is his decision. When asked about his timeline, Jackson replied "I'll probably commit next year!"

Jackson is an instant update to any college roster. His scoring ability can not be taught. Right now, Jackson is considered to be one of the top shooting guards in the country at 6-foot. Once he finishes the last two years of High School, we might be looking at the best guard in the 2012 class.

His leader is the Jayhawks, but he does have offers from Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas. Need I remind you, he is now entering his junior year of High School. More offers will come with his progression.


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Fabyon Harris Will Attend Howard In Springs, Texas

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

5-foot-9 guard Fabyon Harris was the granted his release from the University of Houston earlier this week. It was reported that he left for family and personal reasons.

His High School coach said that Fabyon may be homesick. The hardships he has faced when he loss key family member, has not been overcome.

Either way, the 5-foot-9 guard, told me today (August 18, 2010) where he was headed via facebook.

He was assumed to be headed back to his hometown to play for the DePaul Blue Demons.

However, he threw everyone a curve ball "I'm going in Big Springs, Texas," Harris said. "It's a good school for, it is just a good fit."

The Howard College Hawks won the National Championship last year on the Junior College circuit. They have produced NCAA Division-1 athletes and could do the same with their talented class this year.


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