Justin Coleman Talks Future

Posted by DeAnte Mitchell

Justin Coleman, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, originally committed to Louisville out of high school and held offers from Arkansas, Kentucky, Providence and South Florida.

After failing to qualify at Louisville, Coleman opted to enroll at Marshall University and that's where he plans to play at after sitting out a year.

A whole year to work on academics and basketball proved to be the right decision for Coleman. "I got to work on a lot of my weaknesses," he said.

Coleman is electrifying and always a joy to watch. Once he steps foot on the floor at Marshall, expect a big impact. "I think I'm going to have a big impact," he said. "I have on every other team, so why stop now."

Coleman, who played his high school ball at Huntington Prep (WV), could easily be one of the top freshman in Conference USA. In fact, he listed becoming Freshman of the Year as being one of his main goals next season.

Coleman will have the chance to see the floor immediately, especially with the Thundering Herd losing senior swingman Tirrell Baines.

Marshall did retain it's two leading scorers Damier Pitts and DeAndre Kane, which makes Marshall one of the most appealing rosters in Conference USA.

Not to mention, Johnny Thomas returns and with extra minutes he will only continue to improve.

Marshall has a bright future with Coleman on the roster. Coach Tom Herrion inherits a good wing with solid strength and great athleticism. Coleman is a great volume shooter and capable defender. All of which, will be on display next season at Marshall.

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Jarmal Reid is 'Open to All Schools'

Posted by DeAnte Mitchell

Jarmal Reid a 6-foot-7 forward out of Georgia has been a hot commodity to just about every power six conference.

Reid holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

West Virginia has always seemed to be the program in the lead for the Columbia H.S. star but he said, "I'm pretty much open to all the schools I listed."

That list includes Alabama, Charlotte, Florida, Georgia, Marquette, Ole Miss, South Florida and West Virginia.

Alabama, Marquette and South Florida, however, are really picking up in Reid's recruitment to possibly land the gifted wing.

Reid, a developing wing, is certainly improving as he enters his senior year in high school.

He has always been a strong rebounder at the forward position with his strength and athleticism but the versatile forward is now an effective passer on the wing as well.

Not to mention, Reid is a capable shooter from the outside and with his ability to slash, he's a nightmare on offense.

Headed into the summer, Reid will be continue working on his game as well as continuing to shorten his list. He plans to make his decision, "by the end of the summer."

Academics, the atmosphere and coaching will play a huge part in Reid's recruitment. Those three are the main characteristics he's looking for in a school.

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Catching Up With 2012 Guard Mike Gesell

Posted by DeAnte Mitchell

Mike Gesell a 2012 combo guard is not only one of the more talented players in his class but also one of the smartest as well.

Gesell, a soon-to-be senior at South Sioux City HS (NE) has impressingly strung together a nice list of programs interested in his services.

None more impressive than schools like Stanford and Harvard. Both of which are amongst the schools that are the most interested in acquiring Gesell.

"Probably Iowa, Nebraska, Stanford and Harvard," Gesell said of the schools recruiting him the hardest.

But added, "[I'm considering] Iowa, Stanford, Nebraska, Creighton, Harvard, Boston College, Utah and a few others."

With Gesell you know what you're getting. He plays off the ball now in high school but in college expect him to play exclusively at the one. He's a great shooter off the catch and off the dribble.

Gesell has the ability to knock down the three and finish strong in the lane. His agressive scoring ability will be a plus at the college level. With his athleticism and scoring ability, Gesell can be a steal as he continues to get stronger.

Thus far Gesell has offers from Creighton, Drake, Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska, Northern Iowa and Utah. All of which have systems that Gesell could blossom under.

But style of play is just one of the things Gesell is looking for in a school. "Relationships with coaches, style of play, academics and opportunities," he said of what he looks for in school

When asked what he could bring to a college program Gesell said, "A very hard worker who gets it done in the classroom too; a leader and competitor."

The 2011 Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year plans to make his college decision, "probably at the end summer."

With a open recruitment and no leader, everyone has an equal chance at landing the combo guard out of Nebraska.

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Stefan Jankovic Recruiting Update

Posted by DeAnte Mitchell

Stefan Jankovic a 6-foot-9 power forward from Serbia has been drawing interest from high-majors for years. Jankovic is your typical European forward and some.

He has the ability to knock down that mid-range jumper while also being able to score in the post. Jankovic's skills offensively is off the charts and that lures many high majors.

He does have areas to improve as he approaches the next level

His ball-handle is solid for his size but with his skill set, you have to believe he's looking to improve his handle.

Strength is another big one. At 6'9" Jankovic weighs in at 200. it hasn't hurt his game in high school much but as the competition gets thick, adding weight would be ideal.

"I'm going to hit the weight room hard this summer," he said. "I'm also going to tune my game and make it better overall."

The 2012 prospect is going into his final year of high school with many college offers already. Florida State, Georgetown, Miami (FL), Northwestern, Penn State, Seton Hall, Wake Forest and West Virginia are the programs that have extended offers.

More should inquire quickly as Jankovic said his decision could come, "possibly right after AAU."

Florida State, Georgetown, Syracuse, Wake Forest and West Virginia are the programs that are showing the most interest in Jankovic. Despite recruiting him hard, he's still open to other opportunities.

"I'm considering Wake Forest, Syracuse, West Virginia, Georgetown, Florida State, Miami (FL), USC, Northwestern, Penn State, Seton Hall, Central Florida, Washington, Washington State and Duke," he said.

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Nate Britt Drawing Big Time Interest

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Gonzaga College High School welcomed Nate Britt, originally from Marlboro, Maryland, as a freshman on the basketball team playing behind Duke's Tyler Thornton and Richmond's Cedrick Lindsay.

Playing behind successful Division-one talent certainly played its dividends as Nate Britt emerges as one of the top point guards in the class of 2013.

To say his sophomore season was amazing is an understatement.

Britt reached heights that no player has in nearly six decades. As a sophomore, Britt became the eighth sophomore to become All-MET in boys' basketball since 1957.

He joins Willie Allen, Michael Beasley, Adrian Dantley, Harold Fox, Cliff Hawkins, Fred Hetzel and Chris Wright.

 He also capped off his sophomore season being named the DC Gatorade Player of the Year.

Lindsay wasn't able to attain the Gatorade Player of the Year award but was runner-up when Tyler Thornton won his senior season at Gonzaga College HS. Kris Jenkins, another rising sophomore, was also the Gatorade Player of the Year runner-up this year behind Britt.

It should be noted that Britt was the youngest of all Gatorade POY winners this year and he not only won it as a sophomore but has a chance to win the award multiple times.

In his sophomore season, Britt averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 assist, four rebounds and three steals per game. He was also the catalyst for a 26-8 team that finished third in the ACIT basketball tournament.

Coach Turner spoke very highly of his coveted point guard and went as far as saying, "He's certainly on course to becoming the best [point guard] when he walks out the door."

There are many things Britt is working on this off-season. He's actively working on his strength and according to his coach, "He puts in a lot of time in the weight room."

Britt weighs about 170 pounds but his ability to get to the rim and finish strong is still unmatched. His offensive attack is consistent but outside of scoring coach Turner believes he's a special leader.

"He learned a lot from Tyler Thornton and Cedrick Lindsay, who both played in the NCAA tournament this year," Turner said. "I've always liked his leadership ability. With [Thornton and Lindsay] gone, I've asked for [Britt] to step up and he's come through. He makes guys around him better."

One thing he's really working on developing is his jump shot. Britt, his sophomore season, was a consistent shooter from the field but expanding his range is must for the 6'2'' guard.

So far, many college programs have taken interest in the rising star. Arizona, Baylor, Duke, Georgetown, Miami (FL), Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Texas Villanova, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Xavier are just some of the few programs that have expressed interest.

Florida and North Carolina have also been two big names surrounding Britt's recruitment. He holds offers from Georgetown, Miami (FL), Pitt and Xavier.

But with such a tough decision ahead, coach Turner doesn't foresee any decision being made anytime soon. "I certainly see him playing it out until the end of the summer," he said. "He's looking to gather more information, learn more, and develop a relationship with coaches."

Off-the-court, Britt works just as hard as he does on the court. His academic strengths definitely speaks measures about Britt being a true student-athlete.

Academics will also play a huge part in his decision and according to his high school coach, balance will be the key.

All of the schools that Britt is considering have strong academic backgrounds and could have an equal chance at landing the talented point guard. But, don't assume a decision will be made soon. as noted before, he may wait it out and coach Turner also said, "I don't think there is a timetable for his decision."

For the most part, Britt is a flawless athlete that continues to progress as a student-athlete under coach Turner.

Coach Turner has turned out many great guards during his tenure as head coach and Britt may be the next one out. Britt has tremendous upside and is willing to work on his game to continue getting better.

Heading into his junior season of high school, Britt can continue and hopefully join Thornton as the only player to be apart of 20-win seasons all four years at Gonzaga College HS.

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