Scramble at The Top: Who Is The Best Athlete In The 2011 Recruiting Class?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to MaxPreps.com

This summer, College Basketball fans have become more interested in recruiting than ever. You have three athletes that could be the No. 1 overall player.

One athlete jumped into the picture this summer. In fact, Anthony Davis is considered to be the No. 1 overall player to a lot of scouts. He was once a guard but his seven-inch growth spurt has him playing forward. I assume you can guess what kind of player he is.

You also have Quincy Miller. Miller has opened a lot of eyes this summer with his play on the Olympic team. He hit the game winning shot to seal the victory. The U.S went on to receive gold medals and Miller is considered to be the No. 1 player.

Lastly, you have Michael Gilchrist. Gilchrist has always been considered to be the No. 1 overall recruit. He has about everything you would want in a wing threat. He has great offense that commends his defensive intensity. I mean, Gilchrist is one of the most complete forward I've seen in a while.

So, is there really a top ranked player? Let's find out.

F Anthony Davis 6'10''

When every recruiting site updates their rankings a familiar name will rest at the top of the board. Anthony Davis will potentially be the name. Davis was 6-foot-3 about a year ago. He played the guard position and didn't lure the attention of many college coaches.

However, this off-season, he showcased his new 6-foot-10 frame in a Nike Skills Camp and ESPN along with scouts all over the world fell in love. He was immediately thrown Kevin Durant comparisons.

He still has great handle, a jump-shot and post moves. If you incorporate that all into a 6-foot-10 frame it only spells mix-match.

He is definitely tough to guard now. With a player his height being able to handle the ball it'll be tough guarding him one-on-one. If you try to put small forwards on him, he'll use his strength to score; and power forwards are too slow.

F Michael Gilchrist 6'7''

Do you want a mature player that is ready to contribute right away? Well that's too bad because Kentucky already has him. Gilchrist, no question, is one of the best scorers in his class. He can score the ball in almost any way. It doesn't come with flash either. It's whatever gets the job done.

With the play of Gilchrist the US team was able to stay competitive.

But as soon as the US won the gold medal, Gilchrist went off and played in the Nike Peach Jam the following day. Yes, it's the same tournament were Anthony Davis gained his fame.

According to ESPN, Gilchrist went to sleep at 5 A.M and woke up at 9 A.M. to play in the Peach Jam. He was still successful and came away with 26 points. Oh yeah, Anthony Davis had the duties of holding Gilchrist that day.

F Quincy Miller 6'10''

In my opinion, Miller is the best all-around forward this class has to offer. Miller for his size has great ball-handling skills. He has the ability to get anywhere on the court he wants. With that comes a great shooting touch and explosiveness.

If anybody has the ability to be the next Kevin Durant it's Miller. He has great length but is equipped with a smaller frame. But that doesn't stop him from scoring the basketball at will.

If you remember what I said above, Miller hit the game winning shot on the biggest stage. That alone shows you his maturity as a basketball player. He wants to be the go-to-guy and has the mentality you need to succeed as a basketball player.

But overall, no matter what the rankings say, these three players are the best in the class. Like in College Basketball, the No. 1, 2 and 3-teams are always the best. But does that mean No. 1 is any better?

One thing is apparent with these three players and that’s a bright College Basketball future.

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College Thrice: What Prospects Can Join Forces to Create a Big-Three?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The biggest thing buzzing in the sports world lately has been LeBron James joining the Miami Heat with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. 

That was a good move, just bad execution. However, the buzz that has been surrounding this only sparked an idea.

In the 2011 recruiting class, there are a ton of players that are most likely one-and-done. 

I say that because quite-frankly they're just that good. I surely hope to have Quincy Miller, Michael Gilchrist, and others for all four-years, but we all know that's not happening.

But what if in the years we had these prospects they joined forces with a team to win a National Championship? 

Something like James, Bosh and Wade has done with Miami.

It wouldn't be crazy to think it couldn't happen, in fact, if it did here are the players that I think could join forces and win a National Championship; and where they should go.

Quincy Miller is the first piece to the puzzle. He is the dynamic 6-foot-9 guard-forward. He is very long and has the ability to be a very successful player.

He rebounds, scores, and brings more passion to the game than any other prospect in the country.

With his maturity and mentality to step up in big games, he is a must for a lot of college programs out there. He kind of reminds me of Kevin Durant.

He almost does just about everything Durant did on his way to college. 

Miller has a lot of interested colleges after his services. Yesterday's tweet said he was a "student-athlete, not an athlete-student" means he could go anywhere in the world if he wanted to.

Next up, on the wing is Michael Gilchrist. To many recruiting sites, Gilchrist is the best the 2011 class has to offer. He is 6-foot-7 and has the ability to do just about anything he wants.

He isn't about flash, but he knows how to get the job done. He puts his team in position to win every game.

Not to mention, he is a potent-rebounder and has the ability to develop into a weak-side shot blocker.

Lastly, add Austin Rivers to the mix. Rivers is a great scoring threat. He can be Mr. Everything on offense. 

He has the ability to stretch the floor with his deadly three-point shot. Not to mention, he is one of the most difficult defenders to grasp in the one-on-one. He showcases nifty jab steps and crossovers before scoring on the defender.

He gets good lift on his shot and is so hard to block because of his quick release.

Along with his shot, he likes to take it to the rim a lot. He has the ability to finish strong through contact with both hands.

Rivers isn't rated the No. 2 overall prospect for nothing.

So, if you get Miller, Gilchrist and Rivers together, to create a College thrice, where would they go?

Well, the only similar college on their list of interest is Kentucky. However, I wouldn't want to see each of these players go to Kentucky and not win a thing again. 

They'll need to go somewhere with depth, talent, a great coach and the ability to win games.

There are several colleges out there that fit the criteria, so I'll give you three scenarios.

Louisville Cardinals - Head Coach Rick Pitino

So with a familiar college on Miller's list, Louisville could be a possible destination. Louisville could surround these three collectively with young playmakers.

Not to mention, they have Rick Pitino, one of the better college coaches in the nation.

Teaming up in Louisville will be a very smart thing if this was to happen.

Look at the projected starting lineup:

[PG - Peyton Siva, SG - Austin Rivers, SF - Michael Gilchrist, PF - Quincy Miller, C - Gorgui Sy Dieng]

Now you can't tell me you wouldn't live with that roster. Also, coming off the bench would be: Kyle Kuric, Rakeem Buckles, George Goode, Jared Swopshire, and Terrence Jennings.

Indiana Hoosiers - Head Coach Tom Crean

Indiana has always been a basketball state. However, the proceeding year, Indiana has been on the wrong side of the losing column.

Now with Tom Crean at the helm, Indiana should be back on its feet. Indiana is on Gilchrist's list as a possible destination, even though he committed to Kentucky.

However, with these three players in the basketball capital, they could make history.

Look at the projected starting lineup:

[PG - Austin Rivers, SG -Maurice Creek, SF - Michael Gilchrist, PF - Quincy Miller, C - Christian Watford]  

Off the bench would be: Verdell Jones III, Jordan Hulls, Victor Oladipo, Will Sheehey, and Guy-Marc Michel.

Florida Gators - Head Coach Billy Donavan

Earlier last decade, Florida was back-to-back National Champions in college basketball. They had a big-three of Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer.

Billy Donavan has done a fair share of developing players. So why not choose Florida? This is a familiar college on Rivers list.

Florida would be the best possible fit. Not only are they equipped with talent already, but Donavan will help as the coach.

Look at the projected starting lineup:

[PG - Kenny Boynton, SG - Austin Rivers, SF - Michael Gilchrist, PF - Quincy Miller, PF - Patric Young]

Off the bench would be: Ray Shipman, Erving Walker, Casey Prather, Cody Larson Kyle McClanahan and Erik Murphy.

Now if this was to happen, I would like to see these three in one of the destinations above. However, I doubt this is being thought of.

A big three in college basketball is rare, but if it was to happen, these three players would be the ones I would want to see join forces.

There would be no doubt in my mind that these three could win it all. Miller has leadership, Gilchrist has the winner’s mentality, and Rivers provides the scoring. What more could you ask for?

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2011 College Basketball Recruiting Prospects: Who Is No. 1?

It seems like every year college basketball recruits take the game by storm. You have the game-changers, or as Dickie V would say "Diaper-Dandies" or "P.T.P'ers, Prime Time Players." 

It really doesn't matter what you call them, because they're still going to give your their all every-minute while on the court.

These are the players that college programs wish they could, or grateful to have. The 2011 recruiting class is jam-packed with a lot of talent. 

You have the up-and-coming players like a Luke Mergerson. He is a 6'7'' Power Forward that makes the opposition look invisible on the low block.

Then you have Quincy Miller, and Michael Gilchrist. These two are arguably the two best forwards in the recruiting class. But, who is the No. 1 overall recruit?

Here are four prospects, you choose:

Marquis Teague PG 6'2'' 

School: Kentucky

Marquis Teague is the best point guard in the upcoming recruiting class. He is 6'2'' and has the ability to create for others. 

He displays great vision and the ability to get into the gaps and make the right passes.

He is a smart player that knows a lot about the game. That works well on both offense and defense.

What makes him the best point guard in the recruiting class is his ability to be a big-time scorer. He can create for himself just like he can create for others.

He changes speed better than any player in the country. He looks like he will be more comfortable in an up-tempo offense but I think he would fit in any kind of offense. 

He has already committed to the Kentucky Wildcats for the 2011 season, and I think Coach Calipari will turn him into a lottery pick once he decides to leave as well.

Quincy Miller PF 6'10''

School: Undecided

Quincy Miller is a big time player. He has the winners’ mentality and cannot be stopped on the court.

He can be one of the greatest players in the class of 2011. In my opinion, he is the best!

He has the ability to score at will. When he gets around the painted area, he finishes strong around the rim, highlighted by a lot of dunks on defenders.

Not just that, he has the ability to control the rock at 6'10''. 

With his ball-handling skills come a lot of crossover dribbles that sends defenders to the floor and follow-up jumpers.

What makes Miller the best player in the recruiting class is his attack mode.

Once he is zoned in and he is looking to attack you all game. It's nothing pretty. He can put down 50 a night if he wanted to.

But while in his attack mode, he shares the ball, runs the offense, makes his team better and most importantly defends the ball.

He has the ability to be a weak-side shot blocker showing great lateral quickness and good jump on the ball.

Whichever team acquires Miller is looking forward to a big time player. Everybody wants him, but only one team can have him.

Michael Gilchrist SF 6'6''

School: Kentucky

To many college basketball scouts, Gilchrist is the best player in the upcoming 2011 recruiting class. 

He has good ball-handling skills that he incorporates well into his offense. He crosses defenders over, and beats them off the dribble. 

In transition, he can play the point guard role and push the ball. It's a lot of things Gilchrist can do well, but the most notable one is compete.

He is a joy to have on your team. He is always eager to get better, and compete with the best. He constantly is working on his game, what some would call a gym rat. Not to mention, he is an all-around team player.

He is a potent offensive player that can score in many ways. He can pull up with range to about 20 feet, and attack the lane better than any small forward in the country.

However, when he is on the court it isn't all about him. He can create for others as well. He can pass the ball efficiently setting up his teammates whenever he can.

He displays point guard like vision, at 6'6'' and the ability to pass the ball.

There has been word that Gilchrist may decommit from his verbal agreement with the University of Kentucky, so he may not be a lock.

It really doesn't matter what school he goes to, they're going to drool over his potential and skills.

Austin Rivers PG/SG 6'4''

School: Undecided

Austin Rivers is the son of current Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers. With that, you can understand that he has a high understanding of basketball.

Rivers is a very versatile guard. Many have him as a shooting guard, but he can also play point guard. While being present at the Elite Youth Basketball League, I noticed he took the more traditional role of playing point guard.

He hit three-point jumpers consistently and started getting his teammates involved with the offense. However, he came down with an ankle-sprain, which pulled him out of the game.

Along with his ability to stretch the floor is his aggressiveness. He likes to penetrate the lane. Most defenders like to play him close because of his deadly range, but that's when he penetrates and scores around the basket.

He handles the ball very well and displays a lot of go-to-crossover moves. His most famous, jab step and shoot is the most effective, but he can also do other moves to send defenders to the floor.

Not to mention, he is a very explosive guard. He has major leaping ability and likes to throw it down when he can. He has countless dunks over defenders and that will continue the more he plays basketball.

He is a big-time player that can give you key minutes at any guard position. The Florida Gators seem to be his front-runners but Duke, KU, and Kentucky has also been added to the mix.

His recruiting process will be interesting to see.

So what do you think? Who is the best 2011 college basketball prospect, Miller, Rivers, Teague or Gilchrist?

Written by DeAnte Mitchell