EJ Montgomery Commits to Kentucky

Photo credits to Rivals.com

Consensus five-star power forward EJ Montgomery added to an already impressive Kentucky recruiting class, according to a report by 247Sports, giving John Calipari another talented player to add to his rotation.

“I made my decision to go to Kentucky,” he told Evan Daniels of 247Sports. “Just the coaches and their track record with their players. I can go get developed and be the best that I can be.”

Montgomery joins fellow five stars Keldon Johnson of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia and Immanuel Quickley of Bel Air, Maryland, along with four star Tyler Herro of Greenfield, Wisconsin.

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Trey Lyles to Kentucky

On his birthday, Trey Lyles held a press conference and announced his commitment to Kentucky.

On ESPNU, Lyles announced with a big pause that he would be attending the University of Kentucky.

The five-star ranked forward by Rivals is the fourth commitment for Kentucky in 2014. He joins fellow five-star Karl Towns (Metuchen, NJ), four-star point guard Tyler Ulis (Chicago Heights, IL) and Devin Booker (Moss Point, MS).

Lyles expects to be a one-and-done player, and chose Kentucky "because of Coach [John] Cal's track record with players."

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Booker to Kentucky; Looney to UCLA

Moss Point (MS) shooting guard Devin Booker announced today that he is playing his college basketball at the University of Kentucky.

Booker chose Kentucky over Michigan, Michigan State and Missouri.

Kentucky picks up its third recruit in the class of 2014. Booker joins Rivals five-star center Karl Towns of St. Joseph's (NJ) and point guard Tyler Ulis of Marian Catholic (IL).

The Wildcats could add another piece to the puzzle this evening. Five-star shooting guard James Blackmon is announcing his college decision, and Kentucky is in good position.

Harrison Twins Announce for Kentucky

The No. 1 point guard and No. 2 shooting guard in the country, according to ESPN are heading to the same school.

Aaron and Andrew Harrison announced on ESPN Recruiting Nation that they will both be attending Kentucky.

They chose UK over SMU and Maryland.

Nerlens Noel Commits to Kentucky

Nerlens Noel, the No.1 rated prospect in 2012 by ESPN and No. 2 by Rivals, announced his commitment to Kentucky on ESPNU's Signing Day Special.

Noel, who many considered to be committing to Georgetown, decided to step in for future No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Anthony Davis, although he has yet to announce for the NBA draft yet.

"I thought it was the best fit for me," Noel said.

Noel joins, the newly-rated No. 1 rated recruiting class by ESPN, that features two McDonald's All Americans in shooting guard Archie Goodwin, power forward Alex Poythress, four-star center Willie Cauley and North Carolina State transfer Ryan Harrow.

Grant Secures First Big Win Against Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Down 20-points on the road against the Alabama Crimson Tide (11-7, 3-1 SEC) wasn't something John Calipari and his twelfth ranked Kentucky Wildcats (14-4, 2-2 SEC) envision.

One game removed from losing to Arkansas 70-65, and shooting 2-of-10 (20%) from deep, Alabama picked up its first marquee win on the season.

Alabama deserved this win after taking the lead with 11:01 left in the first half and not allowing Kentucky to get back into the game.

JaMychal Green paced Alabama with 18-points, and 11 rebounds on 7-of-15 (46%) shooting. "I just knew i had to come out here and give it my all and that's what I did," said Green following his magnificent performance.

"I wanted to win badly and my teammates did a great job on offense and defense."

Sophomore Tony Mitchell provided his contributions to the upset loss of Kentucky. Mitchell scored 15 points, and grabbed seven rebounds, despite picking up his fourth personal foul with 10-minutes left to play.

"I just helped my team as much as possible," said Mitchell. "I tried to do whatever I can to contribute to my team."

This loss places Alabama at (3-1) and in the driver seat of the SEC conference. With a solid core of players in Green, Mitchell, and freshmen Trevor Releford, Alabama could be looking at its first SEC divisional championship since '05.

For Kentucky, the Wildcats drops to (2-2) and is now tied for third place in the SEC East.

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Oriakhi Stepping Up for UConn

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Alex Oriakhi was conceived to be the cream of the crop for the (No. 7 AP, ESPN/USAToday No. 9) Connecticut Huskies.

During his freshman year, he stepped in to possibly commend the shoes of Hasheem Thabeet, and earned a spot on the Big East All-Rookie team as the result.

Now, after watching the golden opportunity to start for the Huskies (5-0) this season fall in his favor, Oriakhi has stepped up for UConn.

After averaging five points, and 6.6 rebounds per game last year, Oriahki is up to 13.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks per game.

During both upsets of the No. 6 Michigan State Spartans, and the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats, Oriahki was in double-figures in points and rebounds.

He currently averages 16.5 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks per game against ranked opponents.

Kemba Walker stole the show this season thus far scoring 30-points per game, but Oriahki has become a great second option.

With Walker, and Oriahki in the starting lineup for the Huskies, UConn can continue its dominance. The Huskies have now been inserted into the top-25, and has a chance to continue dominating their non-conference slate of games.

The Huskies are in action next when UConn takes on the New Hampshire Wildcats (3-1) on November 30, at 7:30 ET.

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Connecticut Huskies a Legit Title Contender?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Connecticut Huskies lost both Jerome Dyson, and Stanley Robinson from last year's squad leaving talented guard Kemba Walker to fend for himself in a tough Big East conference.

The Huskies were tabbed as the No. 10 team in the Big East, and wasn't expected to make such a statement early in the season.

However, that is exactly why they play the game. UConn was not anyone's choice to possibly contend for the National Championship, or even contend with a team like Michigan State, or Kentucky.

If you believe in preseason hype, UConn came from being a team in turmoil transitioning into one of the best teams in all of College Basketball.

UConn has knocked off the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans, and the No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats in two days. Their days out of the top-25 should be over once the new poll is released, but high expectations also follow.

Many point the finger at Walker for scoring 132 points in four games, more impressively 90-points in the previous three outings, three-points shy of a NCAA record.

However, the Huskies success has come from more than Walker's ability to light up the stats sheet. The Huskies were able to pull down a season-high 18 offensive rebounds against Michigan State that resulted in an upset victory.

A day later, the Huskies out-rebounded Kentucky, shot 58 percent from three, and dished out 16 assist.

There is many things that the Huskies are doing good right now. UConn is pulling down 44 rebounds a game, and scoring 81 points per game, while holding their opponents to dismal 67.6 points per outing.

Despite Walker scoring 30-points per game, the Huskies have a lot of balance on offense. Alex Oriakhi has averaged 13.4 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Shabazz Napier averages 9.6 points, Roscoe Smith jumps in the scoring column with 7.6, with many other player chipping in for UConn.

A so-called transition season for the Huskies has become more significant. Head coach Jim Calhoun has led his Huskies to a (5-0) record, with two top-10 victories under their belt once selection sunday approaches.

With a great start by the Huskies, the stage is set for UConn to prosper this season. The Huskies can only go as far as Walker takes them, and I believe it could be deep in the NCAA tournament.
 
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UConn a Contender With Kemba Walker Leading the Way

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Before the season started, Kemba Walker was not a familiar name for many. The Connecticut Huskies were selected to finish tenth in the Big East Conference by the coaches.

However, the UConn Huskies and Walker have surprised teams this season.

Walker led the Huskies with a season-high 42 points against Vermont and came away with a 89-73 victory.

Led by Walker's 29-point performance in the second half, the Huskies were able to pull away from the Wichita State Shockers 83-79.

One night later, Walker continued his dominance with a 30-point performance on the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans and came away with a upset 70-67.

Over the last three games, Walker scored 103-points, averaging 34.3 points per game. Not to mention, shooting 55 percent from the field.

The one-man wrecking show of Walker has the Huskies undefeated, and dangerous. UConn is still undefeated after playing the No. 2 team in the nation, and has the chance to knock off another top-10 opponent in the No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats.

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Brandon Knight Scores 17 As Kentucky Wildcats Beat Buccaneers, 88-65

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

No John Wall, no problem. The Kentucky Wildcats had nothing to worry about and they didn't even lose a single notch, beating the East Tennessee Buccaneers, 88-65, in the team's season-opener.
While Wall is dishing it out in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, Brandon Knight is the new-coming of Wall for the Wildcats. Knight is a point guard and can make great plays also. John Calipari was quoted saying that Knight is in fact a better shooter than Wall. That's good to hear.

Speaking of Knight, he had 17 points and a handful of great highlights, with a few dunks, too.

Calipari was worrying if prized center Enes Kanter will play or not. But there was no need to worry as the freshman stood up. Terrence Jones had 25 points and twelve rebounds and Doron Lamb had 20 points.

"Our freshmen played well," Calipari said. "They've got to get steadier, got to get rougher and tougher."

The Wildcats shot a solid 50-percent from the three-point line along with only just ten turnovers.

"I think we're the best team that can shoot 3s, that's what coach said, in the country," Lamb said.

Isiah Brown led the Buccaneers with 25 points, but it wasn't enough as UK had too much talent.

New news came out of Kanter, however. According to the Associated Press:

The school is appealing an NCAA ruling Thursday declaring Kanter permanently ineligible because he received more than the necessary benefits while playing for a club in Turkey two years ago. Kanter can practice with the Wildcats while the case is on appeal and watched the game from the bench in a white sweatsuit.

That's a big hole in the Kentucky's frontcourt, but I personally think they can get past it. Calipari's respects the decision but hopefully he hopes it can be overturned sometime soon.

"[Maybe] people will look at this in a common sense way and say the kid deserves better than this," Calipari said.

It was a great game by Kentucky. Last season, Kentucky could never really get those three-pointers in. Now they can. It's about time.

"Last year ... we didn't make any shots and I kept telling them 'we're good shooters, we're good shooters," Calipari said. "This team, they make shots."

The Wildcats will face the Portland Pilots next in an away game next Friday.

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SEC Basketball: New No. 1 Leader Not Named Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Kentucky Wildcats almost ran the tables in the SEC. They were rarely tested and prevailed by big numbers every game. However, Tennessee, Florida, Ole Miss and Georgia all have something to say about that this year.

This upcoming 2010-11' season the Florida Gators are conceived to win the SEC. They did return all five starters from last year's NCAA Tournament squad that lost a heartbreaker to BYU. Not to mention, the Gators picked up a highly touted freshman in Patric Young that will pose as a key threat off the bench.

With Chandler Parson leading the way for the Gators Head Coach Billy Donovan should be smiling a lot during the conference slate of games.

The Gators received eight first place votes with the Ole Miss Rebels trailing with three, and the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers each with two.

Ole Miss returned their senior lead guard Chris Warren, and surrounded him with an elite freshman like Demarco Cox. Not to mention, starters Zach Graham, Murphy Holloway, and Terrance Henry were reserved for the upcoming season.

Expect the Rebels to be dancing this season rather making a run at the NIT Championship.

Kentucky, as expected, reloaded for another year of College Basketball. They retained DeAndre Liggins, and brought in Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter and many other freshmen that can make an instant impact.

With the notion that Kanter will not receive eligibility, the Wildcats deserve the spot given. With Kanter, the Wildcats could challenge for the top spot in the SEC.

My sleeper is the Alabama Crimson Tide. Freshman guard Trevor Releford will have the Tide rolling high with returning players JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell, Senario Hillman, Chris Hines and more.

This year's team to watch is the Georgia Bulldogs. Yes, they received one first place vote, but they should have gotten more. Trey Thompkins, and Travis Leslie both returned for the Bulldogs. Last season, the duo almost scored 50 percent of the Bulldogs points.

This year they added freshman Marcus Thornton, and returned starters Jeremy Price, along with Dustin Ware.

With electrifying Travis Leslie, the Bulldogs will challenge for the first place slot in the SEC. Brandon Knight of Kentucky, Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins of Georgia, Jeffery Taylor of Vandy, and Chris Warren of Ole Miss were all First SEC-Team.

Overall, the SEC Conference should be among the toughest basketball conferences in all of College Basketball. The SEC has some of College Basketball's most electrifying athletes.

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John Calipari's Young Pupils Face Off In Intense Battle Last Night

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

Derrrick Rose came out on top in the young and rising point guard competition versus rookie John Wall as the Chicago Bulls improve to 1-2, beating the Washington Wizards in a 107-96 win, dropping the Wizards to 2-1.

Rose had 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists while Wall had eleven points and six assists.

"When you're on the court, you want to see where a player is," Rose said. "It's just the way I am. I'm always going to attack and make sure a player is on his heels.

"It's challenging, knowing you can guard a guy that fast. It gives me confidence for the next time I'm out there against somebody that mobile. He's a good player."

Both players have both played for head coach John Calipari, who attended the game to watch his college projects perform well.

Kirk Hinrich played well against his old squad, after playing for the Bulls for the past seven seasons.

"([t's] a little bit [weird], being in the other locker room," Hinrich said before the game. "I've never seen it before. It was weird the first time I put on this uniform, too, but I've gotten over that."

He received a great ovation from the crowd.

"He don't even look right in that jersey," Rose said.

Kyle Korver had 17 points and Joakim Noah had twelve points, along with eleven rebounds for the Bulls.

Gilbert Arenas led the Wizards with 16 points.

Rose was drafted as the number one pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, playing under Calipari for the Memphis Tigers. Wall was the number one draft pick this season, playing for Calipari with the Kentucky Wildcats.

"I told these guys, don't get crazy. It's exhibition," said Calipari, adding that his advice to both players was to be "humble and hungry."

It went a bit slow in the first half, but when the second half rolled by, things started to get competitive between the two.

"I thought [Rose] gave us real good flow by getting guys involved and moving the ball," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "And then in the third quarter, he got real aggressive and took the ball inside."

The Wizards were outrebounded by Chicago, 48-32, most importantly because of their three-guard line-up.

"Our team has to rebound," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said. "It's not our guards getting beat on the glass, it's our bigs."

Saunders didn't want Wall to read Rose too much in his first match-up versus the young Bulls' guard.

"I think if John has a great game, I don't want him to think he's arrived already," Saunders said. "If he has a bad game, I don't want him to think he's not worth a [darn]. ... I think John will be more excited to play against him than he'll look at it as a measuring stick. John loves to compete, no matter who he plays against.

"[Rose and Wall] play each other four times a year, and [these matchups] are how they're going to be judged."

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The Kentucky Wildcats Need Trevor Lacey

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kentucky Wildcats have the best 2011 recruiting class without a question. The Wildcats have acquired four of the best players in the country. Not to mention, they have players still considering the program, and could possibly commit.

With so much talent you wouldn't assume the Wildcats would need another top-tier player to commend their already talented four superstars. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

The Wildcats are still contenders for 2011 combo-guard Trevor Lacey. According to sources, Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua recently visited the guard and let him know they were still interested.

Lacey, a 6-foot-3 threat out of the backcourt, has a lot of qualities that Kentucky could use. His range and jump shot would be a key asset to Kentucky in 2011-12.

Not to mention, he can finish strong around the rim, does not play selfish, and is the definition of a team player.

Lacey could commend the four players that already committed very well. He usually takes what the defense gives him, and doesn't force anything. That is very beneficial, especially when playing with athletes that Kentucky was able to acquire.

With little or no interest in acquiring Tony Wroten Jr, the Wildcats need Lacey to commit to there program. He is a huge asset, and could play both positions in the backcourt. With Lacey, the Kentucky 2011 recruiting class is extraordinary, without him they're elite.

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DeAndre Daniels: Bye Texas, Hello UK?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

DeAndre Daniels initially enhanced the 2011 Texas Recruiting class. His 6-foot-8 frame, comes along with ball-handling, shooting, rebounding and defense. He was a well-rounded player that was going to be the main asset for Rick Barnes 2011 class.

However, today he said goodbye to the Texas program and opened back up his recruitment.

The first destination most outlets assume is Kentucky. Head Coach John Calipari is not a stranger to pulling in elite talent.

Look at their current 2011 recruiting class. The Wildcats retain three of the top athletes in the country; and still adding more.

The most likely candidate, is newly decommited prospect, Daniels. Daniels freed himself up from Texas, likely to be with the Wildcats in 2011-12. Kentucky had been present in his recent recruitment before he gave commitment to Texas back in 09.

He is still considered being a talented athlete, and I could see him committing to the Kentucky Wildcats to play with guys like Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague and Michael Gilchrist. Just think how much flexibility Coach Calipari could have with with Daniels. (G - Teague G - Gilchrist F - Daniels and F - Davis) 


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After The Anthony Davis Commitment, Tony Wroten May Be Thinking Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kentucky Wildcats embrace one of the best recruiting services in the nation. They have wheeled in the best recruiting classes three years and running.

Their 2009 class that featured John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton are still considered one of the best freshman tandems we've seen. Their 10' class features, Brandon Knight the raining Gatorade Player of the Year, and frontier force Enes Kanter.

Their11' class features arguably the top three players from their respective positions.

Anthony Davis Jr committed to playing for Kentucky, and that sets up a commanding trio.

Davis Jr, Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague will be in the nations spotlight immediately after they step foot on campus.
However, the Wildcats are still in for a wild recruiting ride. Head Coach John Calipari is not going to stop recruiting now. The 2011' class is still a work in progress, despite the competence.

In an earlier article, I said for this trio to work they would need to persuade at least LeBryan Nash, Tony Wroten and Trevor Lacey.

Well despite the infirm recruiting of Wroten Jr, I believe, he still appreciates the Kentucky program and what they can make him become.

Wroten Jr has always favored the University of Kentucky. However, number two on his list came Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals.

It was speculated that Wroten Jr, Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello could come in a package deal for Louisville. However, the 6-foot-4 guard from Seattle, Washington is sensing the Kentucky effect.
After Davis Jr's verbal commitment, a few UK Students preferred to conduct a concise recruiting on their own, that makes it sound like Wroten is UK-bound.

It would not be shocking to witness him commit here in the next month or so. With Davis Jr committing, Coach Calipari freed up time and could gratify the 6-foot-4 Seattle star.

Either way, the dominoes are starting to fall for the UK program. They have acquired the No. 1 recruiting class in 09', 10' and preferably '11.

One thing we all have to do is respect John Calipari. He sure does know how to recruit and put Kentucky in prime position to win the game.


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Anthony Davis Jr Helps Form The College Version Of The Miami Heat's Trio

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to ESPN.com

Well all know for sure that Anthony Davis Jr will be attending Kentucky. There was speculation that his decision was going to happen as early as Tuesday. Today was the day if you asked his father. He decided to let the press know that his son was committing to play for the Kentucky Wildcats.

It is not surprising to many, but it certainly did surprise me. I thought he would stay in his hometown and play basketball with Oliver Purnell.

My notion was inaccurate, and Davis Jr decided Kentucky was better suited for him.

Davis Jr impressed a lot this summer with his impressive length and upside. He can play just about every position on the floor, except point guard because his ball-handling is still a work in progress.

Either way, his commitment to Kentucky has arisen one of the best freshman  classes I've seen. Note that I also witnessed John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousin and Daniel Orton.

What separates this class from the preceding class is the star power. They have arguably the top three players in the class. To make it seem even better, the No. 1 point guard, small forward and arguably the best power forward.

In his 'John Calipari' ways, I expect more talented players to attend the University of Kentucky in '11-12.

Now, if you follow CoHoops, you know that I explained how much Kentucky needed Davis Jr. I said, if he committed to the program, I believe they will be able to compete on a national level.

Davis Jr, Marquis Teague, and Michael Gilchrist sound like the best trio in College Basketball. Three well in-depth scorers, leaders and athletes with tremendous upside.

It almost reminds me of the Miami Heat trio . Davis Jr and Gilchrist are almost the same players. Each can be a double-double guy on a given night, a leader, scorer or just anything you ask for.

Davis Jr will be the post threat, while Gilchrist creates havoc on the wing. Teague will lead the offense and make sure things go as planned. 

Similiar to the team that went to the National Championship with Calipari at Memphis, these three inherit essential qualities and Kentucky will have fire power in the post, on the wing and in the backcourt.

That all sounds like the winning formula to me. I expect  to see Kentucky run deep in the 2011-12 NCAA Tournament. They are ill-suited for the long run and will make it.

Do not assume the recruiting stops here, it has only just begun.


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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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