Tony Wroten Jr Really Likes Louisville

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Before the  U-17 team took the Gold Medal not many people knew Tony Wroten Jr. In fact, because of his play during the tournament his recruiting elevated and his name grew as a result.

Wroten Jr, a 6-foot-4 guard, opened eyes with his sensational play off the bench for the U-17 team, and during summer camps.

If you ask someone with knowledge of Wroten Jr's recruitment, you understand that his two favorites are the Louisville Cardinals, and Washington Huskies.

The weekend of September 25th, Wroten Jr took a visit to Louisville. If you're a follower on his Twitter account you knew just how much fun he had. Not to mention, he was really impressed with the new Yum Center.

Foregoing his college visit to Louisville there were already rumors out that Wroten Jr committed to the Cards. He silenced the rumors, but did say "really liking Louisville now."

Wroten Jr to Louisville could lure more top-tier talent in hopes of competing with John Calipari's 2011 recruiting class. Nonetheless, we still have a while before Wroten Jr makes his final discretion. Washington is still in the running for Wroten Jr and we're prepping for another mini-decision on October 7th at Garfield High.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

College Basketball Rumors: Tony Wroten Reached His Decision?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Tony Wroten's name has been mentioned in a lot of speculation lately. Every since Anthony Davis decided to attend Kentucky, sources thought Wroten Jr couldn't turn down a chance to play with such a talented roster.

Wroten Jr, a 6-foot-4 guard broke out during his time with the USA team. He played the back-up role and exceeded expectations.

His recruitment picked up from there and never slowed down. As a result, Wroten Jr has been faced with a very tough decision.

Last time we heard from Wroten Jr his top list looked like this: Louisville, Washington, Kentucky, UConn, Villanova and Miami.

Now according to his Twitter account and many sources, Wroten Jr has made a decision. His discretion will become public news October 8th at his High School, according to sources.

All signs seem to point at Louisville. However, don't be surprised if he selects Washington.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

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.
 For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

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) 


For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Despite The Class, Andre Drummond Will Still Be The Best Center

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Earlier last year, there were rumors that Andre Drummond would reclassify to the class of 2011. The reports went unconfirmed and the switch seems impossible.

There is one thing that is confirmed: Drummond has game.

Drummond has drawn many comparisons to NBA superstars at the age of 17. The one you'll hear a lot is Amare Stoudemire.

Drummond has the speed, athletiscm, explosiveness, and ability to hit the mid-range jumper. All characteristic of a young Stoudemire.

Unlike Stoudemire, though, Drummond has a great feel for the defensive end.

He's very active on defense and can be an ultimate paint protector. His ability to block and alter shots with his magnificent length--reported 7-5 wingspan--makes him one of the best young talents.

Now equip that high-powered offense with solid defense and add 275 pounds and you have the No. 1 player in the class of 2012.

Drummond is a terrific kid, does a great job on and off the court. His work ethic is off the charts and that is why you see so much improvement.

He continues to add weight, work on his mid-range game, and curb his post moves. Once he hits a college campus, Drummond could be a very special player.

***Update***

Andre Drummond does plan to graduate this year (2011) but plans to return to Connecticut Prep School for post graduate. CBS's Jon Rothstein recently reported that Drummond trimmed his list to Duke, Georgetown, Louisville, Pitt, UConn and UNC.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

College Basketball Rumors: Zisis Sarikopoulos Leaving Ohio State?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo by Sandra Mu

The Ohio State Buckeyes relied on Evan Turner throughout most of the 09-10' season. However, under the impression that he was leaving, Head Coach Thad Matta needed to fill huge shoes. Turner averages could not be achieved by any High School player, or many veterans. Nonetheless, I believe the Buckeyes did a fantastic job of recruiting enough talent to compete with their National Player of the Year.

The Buckeyes brought in one of the best recruiting classes that highlights Jared Sullinger. Sullinger alone will spark the post, with Jon Diebler and David Lighty on the wing, the Buckeyes' should not have a problem overcoming the lost of Turner.

Back in 2008, the Buckeyes revealed a 7-foot transfer that could spark their front court. In his two seasons with Ohio State, the 7-footer did not play a lot of minutes. When he did receive minutes, you could tell rebounding was his strong suit.

According to EuroBasket.com, the 7-footer Zisis Sarikopoulos has signed with Greece. It is not a huge loss for the Buckeyes, but it is noteworthy.

Although he never saw the court a lot, the 7-footer did add size to the post and could have worked towards cracking the rotation. His .9 points, 1.4 rebounds and .4 blocks a game makes you want to shrug your shoulders and get on about your day.


Read the actual story here.


For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Ellis' Mother Says: 'Perry Doesn't Have Any Favorites at this Time.'

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo credits to USABasketball.com

College Basketball recruiting, despite the class, is consistently infiltrated with speculation. That was the situation once I assumed Perry Ellis was leaning towards Memphis as his college choice.

He could potentially select Memphis, but he could also serve KU, UK, KSU, Stanford or any other program that he is considering.

Perry Ellis a 2012 recruit has picked up a lot of momentum this summer. His progression towards the wing rather than the post adds versatility and makes him difficult to defend. Wichita Heights Head Coach says Ellis has been working hard on expanding his jump shot range.

In fact, this summer I witnessed Ellis launching the ball from the three-point line and connecting.

Despite the year, the 6-foot-8 forward has opened eyes even wider, and more speculation has arisen about his recruitment.

To some, Memphis is the leader because of the Josh Pastner-Ellis association or maybe because his sister attends the University. However, Kansas State has been a huge player in the recruitment, KU and UK, as well. His 4.0 gpa also says Stanford could be a perfect fit.

The speculation rumors of Perry were silenced by his mother Fonda Ellis.

"Perry does not have any favorites currently," she said. "He has a lot of great programs after him and plans to narrow his list next summer."

"Coach Josh (Pastner) has a great relationship with our family, which is very true. He has invited us to come back to the Memphis Madness on October 15th. We have not decided if that will work out yet."

That should remove the notion that anyone is leading. Savannah, Ellis' sister was also brought into the picture, and she had something to say about that. "We had a great time last year in Memphis. Perry's (Ellis) sister Savannah loves the U (University) of Memphis, but she is not pressuring Perry."

"She wants Perry to decide what is best for him."

Currently, the Memphis Tigers, Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas Jayhawks, Louisville Cardinals and Stanford as well as a few more teams could possibly land the 6-foot-8 forward.

He could go anywhere, and no clear favorite is in mind with two years left of High School.

He elected not to attend the Elite 24 this year because he is more focused on school work rather than basketball. According to his mother, he is taking harder classes this year and striving to keep his 4.0 gpa intact.


For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Chris Allen To Iowa State Would Benefit Both Parties

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Michigan State Spartans made an arduous judgment excusing would-of-been senior guard Chris Allen. Reportedly, the phone was ringing off the hook once Tom Izzo excuses Allen from his duties as a Spartan.

It is not stunning to realize that either. He was a key element to the Final Four run with the Spartans last season. His leadership, defense and three-point shooting ability would enhance any team in America.

Under Tom Izzo, Allen was able to develop and tweak a few skills on his way towards full potential.

Allen could perchance take his talents to a selection of schools. However, one thing is evident—Allen will not play basketball anywhere in Michigan.

The first stop on his college journey was with Fred Hoiberg and the Iowa State Cyclones.

The Cyclones are facing a significant problem. They lost so much this past season and collared one promising piece of the puzzle. With a new coach, hardly any talent and facing one of the toughest basketball conferences in America, the Cyclones are clearly in for a tough test.

Royce White was the first talented transfer to answer their cries for help. He was one of the top wing players in the county coming out of high school. Instead of attending other colleges, he elected to stay home and play basketball with the Gophers. 

He got into legal trouble, quit the team and now is an Iowa State Cyclone.

According to NCAA rules he is not allowed to play this season but will be suiting up for the Cyclones during the 11-12' season. Now, if you add Chris Allen, the Cyclones could have a special roster.

The Cyclones have done a decent job with their 2011 recruiting class by acquiring Elgin Cook one of the hottest wing players in the country. They have also gained the attention of a few more High School stars that could identify Ames, Iowa as home.

With Allen, White and Cook the Cyclones could be out of the slump in no time. Allen would bring leadership and complete scoring ability. With the Spartans, they were consistently a strong team. They grappled a second-unit that could start for most college programs. Not to mention, Keith Appling was not helping the cause either.

With the Cyclones, Allen would seize maximum flexibility to score in bunches. He almost shot 40 percent from three last season, and he could do that for the Cyclones.

He and his mother both agreed with enrolling now, so he could be allowed to play in ‘11-12.

However, the deadline to enroll in fall classes is creeping up on Allen. He has reportedly only visited Iowa State, and I suppose they have the best chance of landing Former-Mr. Georgia.

That would set up a place for him to showcase his full potential and potentially overwhelm NBA scouts throughout his final year as a Collegiate Athlete.


For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

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.




For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

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.


For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Corey Fisher: 105 Points Or Not, The Villanova Wildcats Are In Good Hands

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

The Villanova Wildcats were appreciative for hoisting Scottie Reynolds in the backcourt all four-years. His tenure with the Wildcats exceeded his initial expectations.  As soon as the Wildcats opened their arms to Reynolds they expected one thing and got another.

Reynolds led the Wildcats throughout his career. After his freshman season he was considered a lottery selection but elected to stay and play more College Basketball.

It was a bad decision from an NBA standpoint but all smiles for Villanova. If you ask Head Coach Jay Wright, Reynolds was the face of Villanova Basketball his four-year career. For obvious reasons, he was Big East Rookie of the Year, scored 40 points on UConn, 2010 AP All-American 1st team and 2010 All-Big East 1st team to name a few.

Once he left, I could understand the notion of Villanova thriving for another 'Reynolds' like player. He did so much for the program, kept them competitive and it's hard to say goodbye to a player of his caliber.

They did grasp Corey Fisher the 6-foot-1 guard that has shown promise his first three seasons. Fisher played behind Reynolds or beside and Coach Wright suspected him to step up and fill the role. He was known for his potent shooting ability but his leadership ability was still a question.

This summer, Fisher reportedly played in a New York Summer League game and scored 105 points. Sources say he hit 23-of-28 three points or he had 72 points in the second half, 56 by half and 76 once the final stanza was reached.

I don't know how believable it is, because it's almost like the LeBron James, Jordan Crawford situation. The rumor is in the air but until the video is released, it almost seems unreal. Not to mention, unlike Crawford, Fisher has yet to confirm his performance publically or via Twitter.

Fisher un-real and un-documented performance puts him in the nations spotlight next season. Everybody wants to witness how realistic his scoring ability is. This could be a positive for the Villanova program or negative.

Regardless, the Villanova Wildcats are in good hands with Fisher at the helm. His almost four assist per game as well as 39 percent shooting from downtown solidifies him as the main team player and scoring threat.

The Wildcats will have the liberty of relying on Fisher to make plays, lead the team and get them over the hump next season. Kind of similar to what Reynolds achieved during his four-years as a Wildcat.

With Fisher at the helm, you can only expect great basketball with a lot of scoring. We care to know if the story is true but that is not the reason 'Nova is in good hands. He will have the ability to lead the team and should pick up right where Reynolds left off.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

College Basketball Rumors: Chris Allen to Rock UConn Blue In 11-12?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Former Michigan State guard Chris Allen was reported to transfer to a different school mid-season. He was later suspended before the Big Ten Tournament loss to Minnesota for violating team policy. Head Coach Tom Izzo wasn't optimistic about it and neither were fans in East Lansing.

It wasn't like Allen did anything to cool down the rumors either. But it never withheld him from putting on a Spartan uniform. After the Big Ten Tournament, Allen boxed out the rumors and played basketball.

Despite the injured foot, Allen was a key element to the Spartans Final Four run.

Nonetheless, after the loss to Butler, the speculation began to sluggishly elevate again but this time around Tom Izzo responded. There was really a few ways to go about this. Izzo considered by dismissing Allen, it would benefit the Spartans the most.

For those who don't consider it's a big deal, Allen is the first player dismissed in the "Izzo era" at Michigan State.

However, following his departure, the 6-foot-3 guard started going through the recruitment process once again.

According to his mother and a few other sources, a lot of teams are buzzing about the possibility of landing Allen. She started off by naming a Big East school and then said Connecticut.

In response, a source close to the Huskies' stated that nobody from the Connecticut coaching staff contacted Allen about transferring.

Either way, the speculation continues to grow as it did mid-season. Allen could transfer to select places in the Big East or Conference USA. Picking the right fit for him is beneficial. After this year there will not be any other transfers, just a departure.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email