DePaul offers Phenom University (WI)

Alex Antetokounmpo pictured. Photo credit to nbadraftroom.com

DePaul got off to an early start heading into the summer. The Blue Demons wasted very little time offering potential student-athletes as they handed out plenty of offers yesterday, going mostly to players in Milwaukee playing with Phenom University.

Catching Up on Some More Recent 2011 Commitments

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

6-foot-7 prospect Wayne Martin has verbally committed to Central Florida. Martin, a native of Jacksonville, chose UCF over the likes of Arkansas, Ole Miss, Colorado, and Miami (FL).

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have earned the verbal commitment from Georgia guard Josiah Moore. Moore, a 6-foot-5 swing man can play both the two and three positions with his impressive all-around play.

Connecticut prospect Phil Gaetano has decided to remain in-state with his collegiate decision, offering his verbal intentions to attend Sacred Heart in 2011. The 5-foot-10 guard is a native of Wallingford, Connecticut.

6-foot-8 power forward Taylor Abt, a native of Bethesda, Maryland, is headed to the Patriot League. The big man will attend Holy Cross over the likes of Loyola (MD), Bucknell, Cornell, and Iona.

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott has picked up yet another verbal commitment. 6-foot-5 forward Nevin Johnson joins the Blue Jays class of 2011, alongside Avery Dingman and Geoffrey Groselle who have each committed in the recent weeks.

Jordan Baker, one of the top guards in Arizona, will attend Pepperdine. Considered the 53rd best point guard in the class by ESPNU, Baker choose to head to Pepperdine over the likes of Fresno State, Weber State, and UC-Riverside.

Jervon Pressley, a 6-foot-7 power forward out of Charlotte, North Carolina, is headed to Georgia State. Pressley is considered one of the top power forwards in the class and with his excellent size and hands should be a great addition. Pressley made his decision to attend Georgia State over Clemson and South Carolina.

Mid-major prospect Xavier Ford is headed to the MAC after giving his verbal commitment to attend Buffalo. Ford, a 6-foot-8 forward also considered Northeastern, Tulsa, Northern Colorado, Portland, and Loyola-Marymount.

6-foot-5 Brooklyn native Manny Thomas is headed to Marist. The Red Foxes who are coming off a horrendous season this past year will look to move forward and the verbal from wing man Manny Thomas should help.

Brian Darden is headed to Radford. The 6-foot-2 Virginia native is a consistent shooter who can score in bunches.

New DePaul head coach Oliver Prunell has picked up a strong verbal from one of the top shooting guards in the state of Illinois. Macari Brooks is headed to the Big East after choosing DePaul over the likes of Southern Illinois and Dayton.

Remy Abell, a 6-foot-4 guard out of Louisville, Kentucky, is headed to Bradley. Abell chose the Braves over the likes of Marshall, Penn State, Seton Hall, Akron, Morehead State, and Wright State.


*Photo: Macari Brooks *Credit: ny2lasports.com

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College Basketball Rumors: 2012 Recruit Kyle Anderson to DePaul?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to ZagsBlog.com

Last season, under Coach Wainright, the Blue Demons were the worst team in the Big East while riding a 20+ plus losing streak that dated back to season ago, and fans in Chicago ever wondered if things would change.

The DePaul Blue Demons under Coach Oliver Purnell should embrace a bright future. Coach Purnell has a series of turnaround seasons on his resume and could do the same for DePaul faster than expected. That is why he received the job as Head Coach.

He was a part of Old Dominions seven post seasons runs. We give credit to Purnell for turning around Radford and making them a 20-plus win team. Clemson and Dayton have also felt the Purnell effect.

The DePaul Blue Demons will feel it sooner or later. Coach Purnell has the opportunity to make one of the biggest acquisitions in the history of DePaul. This would transpire if Anthony Davis Jr. elected to accompany the Blue Demons in '11-12.

If that does not fall into place, the Blue Demons could acquire another newcomer in the 2012 class that could avail the turnaround causes. Kyle Anderson the 6-foot-7 guard-forward from St. Anthony High School has shown a lot of interest in DePaul.

While, in Chicago for an Adidas Nation Event, Anderson took an unofficial visit to the program.

Anderson enjoyed himself a lot, while catching up with old friends, as well. According to ESPN's Eric Angevine, Anderson seems remarkably enthusiastic about the Blue Demons program.

He has an exceptionally close relationship with Billy Garrett that dates back to when he first touched a basketball.

DePaul will be a suitable player in his recruiting trails. The 6-foot-7 forward connection with Garret and Brian Ellerbe could sway him away from questionable schools and favor DePaul.

The DePaul program is making a lot of strides towards bringing in elite talent. The Blue Demons will not be the Big East’s worst team any longer.




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Anthony Davis Jr. Decision Coming as Early as Tuesday?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to Scout.com

College Basketball recruiting induces incremented anxiety to the game. The high school players now-a-days are mind-boggling and so talented that every college in the country wants them playing for their program.

That's how it unfolded for Anthony Davis Jr. He made one of the biggest growth spurts that made him 6-foot-10 and drew comparisons of Kevin Durant as well as being drowned by college mail from almost every college in the country.

We all understand he made his top three known; DePaul, Kentucky and Ohio. He also acknowledged that he had a school in place but wasn't ready to confirm the winner of the Davis Jr. sweepstakes.

On August 9th, 2010 we watched or at least heard for the most part, Isaiah Austin determine Baylor was his college choice. I'm sure Davis Jr. took notes on how to announce it and a few sources say he could announce his college decision to the world this upcoming Tuesday (August 17, 2010).

However, with no official word it's just speculation. That also doesn't mean you completely ignore the fact that he could make his decision.

Each of his college choices is even and according to Davis Sr., for those who consider him a lock at Kentucky "keep guessing."

As the days pass by the speculation rises and most of us are greatly anticipating his college decision. If he chooses Kentucky, they'll contend for a title. If he chooses DePaul they'll have one of the biggest turnarounds and if he chooses Ohio State he'll improve the most as a player mentally and physically.


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Examining The Three Possibly Destinations For Anthony Davis Jr.

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

I'm certain everyone tuned in to LeBron James "Decision" to go to the Miami Heat. It was fun to speculate and once he made his decision everyone tuned in. Well since that happened in the NBA, CoHoops didn't cover it. However, with the Anthony Davis saga, I'm going to have fun with this.

I'm addressing it like a mini-decision. It sure feels like one and Anthony Davis Sr. jokingly labeled it a "decision" as well.

Indeed, Davis Jr. requires a lot of eyes or ears witnessing his decision. He is the closest athlete to a Kevin Durant clone. He has a 6-foot-10 frame that comes with ball-handling, shooting range as well as an inside game. His ball-handling and shooting range is still a work in progress but you can't be displeased at the progression he has made this summer.

He has jumped from unknown to potentially the best player in a class that features Quincy Miller, Austin Rivers let alone Michael Gilchrist.

Once Davis Jr. gained fame, colleges from across the nation intended to recruit him. However, only three had been fortunate enough to be considered for his services--Kentucky, DePaul and Ohio State University.

Everyone with knowledge of the situation seems to peg Davis Jr. with Kentucky. However, after long speculation and personal opinion, I think each of the three schools have an equal shot at landing him.

Nonetheless, here is how each of the teams will commend the 6-foot-10 forward

Ohio State University

The Buckeyes have continuously been a commendable recruiting service. They acquired Greg Oden, Michael Conley, Jared Sullinger, Deshaun Thomas and more.  Next year, the Buckeyes' will have four scholarship seniors leaving as well as Sullinger and Thomas who are one-and-done talent.

That will leave Ohio State at least six scholarships to work around Davis Jr. That will also mean he can be the main contributor for a program on a national stage.

The Buckeyes' have already received a verbal commitment from one of the top guards in the class, adding Davis Jr. will only attract more recruits.

Ohio State has a great chance at landing him. It's not that far from home, he could be "the guy" on a national stage as well as improving--i.e. Evan Turner.

Ohio State would be a great for Davis Jr. I understand how he could see himself on the campus. Having Davis Jr. around will remind a lot of Turner's magical year as a Buckeye.

DePaul University

From my personal opinion, DePaul is the best possible choice for Davis Jr. Now before you get defensive here is why. The Blue Demons jumped into his top three to everyone's surprise. DePaul is the closest school to home and that's where I could honestly see him.

He could stay home, play in one of the toughest conferences in America while still improving. Not to mention, he could improve his leadership ability and become that all-around player he is shooting for.

The Blue Demons will have some flexibility with scholarships to help surround Davis Jr. with a few more All-American type players. With Oliver Purnell and Davis Jr. DePaul will certainly start acquiring a winning streak in the Big East versus the losing streak their accustom too.  

Purnell has a long track record of turning programs around, and I know he will do just that with Davis Jr. wearing a Blue Demons jersey in 2011-12.

Kentucky Wildcats

The Kentucky Wildcats and Davis Jr. match perfectly well. The Wildcats can offer him winning, talent, improvement and a shot to be a one-and-done player.

With Marquis Teague and Michael Gilchrist poised to be Kentucky players in 2011-12, Davis Jr. could join and form one of the greatest trio's College Basketball possibly will ever witness.

Two versatile players on the wing with Gilchrist and Davis Jr. while Teague makes sure the offense runs smoothly. My last time seeing a big three form was Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer. However, Teague, Gilchrist and Davis Jr. will come out of high school in a better arrangement.

They can compete with other programs as a National powerhouse during their freshman year. However, for this to occur he will need to commit first.

Overall, I believe each of the three programs suit Davis Jr. well. Ohio State offers a great coach that is familiar with Mr. Versatile and improving players. DePaul offers him the chance to compete at high levels in a tough Big East conference as well as being the teams’ No. 1 option. Lastly, Kentucky offers winning and a chance to be one-and-done.

Who has the edge? I don't know its all speculation right now. Until his mouth forms the words Kentucky, DePaul or Ohio State we'll never know for sure.

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Anthony Davis Could Throw The First 2011 Recruiting Curve Ball

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to Scout.com

A few days ago, stories circulated that Anthony Davis has made his decision. However, he isn't prepared to pledge his elected college, just yet.

One source says that he just doesn't know how to tell people. They've thought of on TV or in person. They want to tell the media but are you puzzled at how to go about it. Jokingly, Davis Sr. labels it a mini-decision.

Foregoing the Nike Peach Jam Tournament, many never knew who Davis was. He was a very good prep star but still unknown.

After showcasing his skill-set in the tournament against the other elite talent, scouts took notice. Since acquiring media attention, Davis has garnered offers or looks from almost every college in the country. That didn't indicate they contained an opportunity to acquire the forward either.

DePaul, Ohio State and Kentucky all rest inside his top three college choices. Plenty of fan and media outlets seem to steer Davis towards Coach Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats. Although I do believe Kentucky has the best chance to bag the forward, I wouldn't be overwhelmed if he went with DePaul or Ohio State.

It has happened before. The coach at Baylor seemed to make all the right moves to lure-in the McDonald's All-American Perry Jones. It could be the same situation with DePaul and Oliver Purnell. In fact, the Blue Demons must possess something that Davis likes because they're competing against two powerful recruiting services.

As for Ohio State, he did turn down future visits with the Buckeyes but he has also been present on the campus plenty of times. Not to mention, Ohio State has done a great job of recruiting Davis. They sent three coaches to his last game while Kentucky wasn't present. They also, have made sure to be there when Davis is playing.

Nonetheless, the more we guess, the more this looks like another decision featuring Anthony Davis. I actually think that's where it's headed. It's not surprising, especially since we're in the aftermath of LeBron James "decision."

Now, here comes the fun part—waiting. If there is one thing you can do Kentucky, DePaul and Ohio State fans, it's not get your hopes up.


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Anthony Davis' Secret: I'm Thinking Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to BuckeyPlanet.com

Anthony Davis has made great contributions this summer to become one of the Nation's top recruits. His ability to play up to four positions has scouts over the world drooling over his potential.

A player of his caliber usually likes the attention and waits to the last minute before making their college decision. Similar to his unorthodox game on the court, Davis brings that off the court as well.

After finishing up his visits to the schools he is considering the 6-foot-10 big man decided to make an announcement. 

According to Scout.com, Illinois native Anthony Davis has made his college decision. However, his discretion is his own secret. The 6-foot-10 forward decided he would wait before releasing his decision.

Before, if you didn't read my last post on Anthony Davis, I said that he could contend for a National Championship if he committed to John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats.

He has a lot of reported interest in the program and I think that's where he could be headed.

Nonetheless, Davis is still considering DePaul, Syracuse and Ohio State. DePaul recently jumped into the picture and I believe they embrace a chance to court Davis as much as Kentucky does—same for Ohio State and Syracuse.

On July 31st, Ohio State sent three coaches; Syracuse sent Rob Murphy while Kentucky and DePaul was a no-show.

He could end up anywhere. In the words of Dave Telep of Scout.com "wait a few weeks."

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