Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello to Baylor?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Baylor Bears have been all over the highly-rated recruits since acquiring Perry Jones, the 6-foot-10 forward that can play almost every position on the court.

This year, Baylor is after Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello. Miller and Bello, current High School teammates have been paired throughout the recruiting process. At a point, the Louisville Cardinals seemed to be a favorite and ideal situation for the two to coexist.

However, it almost seems as if Baylor is the leader now. Miller and Bello was both very excited about the visit to Waco, not to mention, they have relationships with Stargell Love, Jones, and most of the basketball team.

It would not be surprising to see the two commit soon after their visit to Baylor. Angel Nunez, Louisville's newest member to the 2011 recruiting class, solidifies the notion that Baylor could be the best possible place for the two.

If both of these athletes were to commit they could possibly play with Love when the two arrive on campus. That would form a rotation that would be favorable to any team in the country.

Not to mention, they will have the chance to play in the toughest conference in College Basketball. The Big 12 helps form future NBA prospects, and could work the same magic for the two.

Nonetheless, Louisville is still in the running for the two prospects. But, Baylor seems to be the leader.

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Angel Nunez Headed to the Big East

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Angel Nunez, a 6-foot-7 forward from Notre Dame Prep verbally committed to the Louisville Cardinals. Nunez, an athlete with tremendous potential joins an already stacked 2011 recruiting class that features Chane Behanan, Wayne Blackshear, Zach Price, and Ryan Taylor.

Nunez will fit on the wing perfectly. With his length, size and cutting ability, Louisville will possess a true wing threat. Not to mention, Nunez has a fluent jump shot that is hard to stop once he gets going.

Not to mention, he is a decent defensive player. With commitment to defense, Nunez can become one of the best players in the country. Point guard Tony Wroten Jr may favor Louisville even more after Nunez announced his commitment.

Not to mention, With this commitment Louisville has enough talent to lure highly-touted recruit Quincy Miller into town.

Miller took his visit to Louisville early September and enjoyed it. He was also reportedly throwing up the "L" for Louisville once the Kentucky Wildcats ran out the tunnel.

Nonetheless, with such a talented recruiting class more players are going to look at Louisvillle as a favorable program. Miller and Wroten jr could be the next to join Louisville's 2011 recruiting class.

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Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello Not a Lock at Louisville?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Quincy Miller a 6-foot-9 forward and Deuce Bello a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, both were present at the Louisville Cardinals season opener against the Kentucky Wildcats. Miller to Kentucky died once Anthony Davis Jr, and Kyle Wiltjer decided to join their 2011 class.

Bello has always been a fan of Louisville. Before the Kentucky offer was too flattering to pass up for Miller, Bello liked Louisville. Now, since Miller will not be attending Kentucky, the Cardinals are the only team that makes sense for the two.

You may have been the lucky person to catch Miller "throwing up the L" at the Louisville game, but it's reported that the two will not rush their decision.

Baylor could be the next destination for the two. Baylor, with one commit in the 2011 class, could use two athletes like Miller and Bello. Coach Scott Drew has done a good job at luring in recruits. Check the 2012 class that features Isaiah Austin or 2013, which includes improving center Kyle Wilson.

Coach Drew could work his magic and lure the two away from Louisville. 

Nonetheless, Miller and Bello will continue to be a hot recruiting topic until they announce their commitment. Miller and Bello collectively are key assets to any College Basketball program lucky to attain the two.

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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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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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College Basketball Rumors: Quincy Miller a Lock at Louisville?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The past week, the Louisville Cardinals were brought up for all the wrong reasons. Their Head Coach Rick Pitino was involved  in a situation where Karen Sypher allegedly extorted money. She was found guilty of all six counts, and Rick Pitino is left with happiness.

I said it before the trial, I did not think it would effect the recruits considering the program.

In fact, a remarkable highly-touted recruit is still considering the program after what happened. It's not Rick Pitino, but the newly acquired assistant coach Tim Fuller.

Fuller has a strong relationship with Quincy Miller.

According to HighSchoolHoop.com, Miller is favoring the Cardinals, and would like to attend Louisville but has his doubts. Rick Pitino is not a coach that supports one-and-done players. 


That is what Miller can become, and under Coach Pitino that thought could be out of the picture.

Miller and his best friend Deuce Bello have both received offers from Louisville, and I think that is where they are headed. I've said it all along, Miller and Bello will commit to Louisville and bring other recruits with them.

Tony Wroten still favors Louisville, as well. Recruiting Wayne Blackshear, Wroten Jr., Miller and Bello spells top-five recruiting class.

However, as we know, anonymous sources say a lot of wild things. This may be just speculation or a wake-up call for the Louisville program.

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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 Hoops Rumors: Miller, Bello and Wroten To Louisville?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

If you follow college basketball recruiting, you can understand why most of the top players consider Kentucky as their college choice. But, in reality, Kentucky cannot acquire every single recruit that wants to attend their school.

Then again, Kentucky isn't the only school that prospects consider. You'll hear Kansas, Connecticut, Syracuse, North Carolina, Duke and many other schools.

Nowadays, prospects consider a college that wins games and gives players a chance to improve. Sometimes it's not that way with the program I listed. Sometimes, players team up and go somewhere they all can benefit.

I think that is going to happen this year with a lot of recruiting programs.

With the emergence of Anthony Davis, the Wildcats have taken notice. Davis is considering the Kentucky program after listing their previous five first-round draft picks as an "eye-opener."

Now, in my mind, Davis will be attending the University of Kentucky in 2011-12. With that said, I don't believe they'll be able to snag Quincy Miller as well.

That's when Louisville comes into the picture. Miller has heard a lot from the program. He almost seemed like a long shot, but now he's in the picture. He hasn't reported major interest in the program but is considering the offer.

Now, Miller has a best friend named Deuce Bello. Bello earlier this month expressed how much interest he had in the Louisville program.

Bello, before this summer, was only considered an explosive dunker. He was showcased on ESPN for putting the ball between his legs and dunking it during a game.

But now, he has shown his ability to be a true guard out of the backcourt. Obviously, he is a great leaper. But he has added handle and a mid-range jumper.

Tony Wroten Jr. today proclaimed that his recruiting was wide open. That, in fact, Kentucky was his leader and no decision would be made anytime soon. His second college choice was Louisville.

It almost seems as if he would be a perfect fit with Rick Pitino and the Cardinals.

Rick Pitino wants him and Louisville guard Peyton Siva also wants him as well. Siva posted on his Twitter account, "Yea I want him to play in the backcourt w/ me." This was a reply to a tweet that said, "@206PS3 (Peyton Siva) your boy @ToneTone13 (Tony Wroten Jr.) was ballin this morning."

He then said this later on that day, "Ima need all my LOUISVILLE ppl to follow my bro @ToneTone13 (Tony Wroten Jr.) we need him in the backcourt wit me y'all show him love"

With that said, I think each of these three recruits will either commit to Louisville once basketball season starts, or on signing day in April.

ESPN suspects a huge class coming in for Louisville and so do I. With Wayne Blackshear already verbally committing, you'll have the best recruiting class in the nation when you add Bello, Miller, and Wroten. 

College Basketball Rumors: Can Coach Calipari Get Davis and Miller?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Coach John Calipari has had success luring in five-star recruits over the years. Not just getting them to the program, but also helping them get to the next level.

He has been successful at UMass, Memphis and Kentucky with recruiting and improving his players. He has done a great job at both. During his first year of coaching at Kentucky, Calipari pulled in one of the most electrifying recruiting classes college basketball has ever seen.

However, with such a lineup—that featured John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton—the Wildcats were still unable to win a National Title.

But they did bring the Kentucky program back into the national picture.

That same season, every starter on their team was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NBA draft. That should be hard to replace right? Not if your name is John Calipari.

He has done more than reloaded. He has pulled in recruits that are going to keep the winning tradition alive in white and blue.

But after this year, I can foresee a lot of players going to the 2011 draft. So once again, Calipari will reload and continue his success.

In the 2011 recruiting class, showcases Quincy Miller, who I believe is the No. 1 overall player. Then you have Anthony Davis, who has made a late spurt and is categorized as a sure top-five prospect.

You can understand how Coach Calipari would want both of these players, but I think he can only have one.

The case of Miller and Davis is really tricky. Both seem to have the same style of play and will require major playing time wherever they decided to go.

But with both players, Kentucky happens to be at the top of their list. They’re both tall forwards that can play guard if they needed to. But also bang inside and make plays.

So how could Coach Calipari land both of these recruits? To me it’s not possible.

With Miller he wants to be in the limelight. He is a superstar type player that should be the No. 1 option on the team. Not to mention, he is a great leader on the court. If you didn’t hear, he was mature enough to step up for his US team and hit the game winning shot to win the gold medal.

Now does that sound second-option caliber?

Talk about a guy that dribbles the ball at 6-foot-9 better than your typical guard. Or the fact that he creates match-up problems at both the three-and-four position.

Everything you want in a basketball prospect Miller has. He has heart, determination, dedication, willingness and a great head on his shoulder.

Now with Davis, he is still up-and-coming, but the attention he is getting for his play only makes him hungrier to improve. He is a guard-forward that is at his best with the ball in his hands.

He can dribble outside the painted area, attack power forwards and create mix-match problems all day. 

Because of his seven-inch growth spurt he has acquired the ability to dominant the inside-out game.

With just one summer of hard work he has already been thrown Kevin Durant comparisons.

Not to mention, every college in the country took notice and is throwing offers his way left-to-right.

But overall, both of these players are similar but very different. Davis has yet to do achieve the fates, Miller has overcome.

However, with the recent improvement in Davis’ game he will be host to many scouts his senior season.

Coach Calipari has the chance to get one of the two players. However, I don’t believe he will be able to get both.

The decision of Davis will come before Miller decides where he wants to go. I think Davis’ decision will have a huge impact on Miller. If he does decide to go to Kentucky, I think Miller will weigh his options and go somewhere else where he can play up to his full potential.

But don’t count out the idea. Just last year, Coach Calipari was able to acquire both John Wall and Eric Bledsoe—two very quick and explosive point guards. So this is not out of mind.

Coach Calipari could snag both of them and use them as he did with Wall and Bledsoe.

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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