Good Summer for Telfair Getting Better

A name to watch in the class of 2014 is point guard Ethan Telfair (Northwest Catholic, CT). Telfair, the younger brother of Sebastian Telfair, could emerge as one of the top guards in his class when it's all said and done.

Last season, the sophomore received limited minutes at Lincoln averaging 1.8 points and 1.6 assist per game, which didn't help him out at all in gaining college interest.

This summer with more minutes, however, he did that and more. "I did play really well all summer long," he said. "A lot of college coaches told my AAU coach that they got their eye on me and that I'm looking better."

His solid play this summer with Long Island Lightning didn't bring in any scholarship offers but he did pick up interest from two college programs.

Oklahoma and St. Peters both contacted his AAU coach inquiring about the 5-10 lead guard.

In his first season at Northwest Catholic, Telfair has the opportunity of his life to continue getting better and  keep up the momentum he created this summer on the AAU circuit. Playing with five-star small forward Kuran Iverson and Zach Lewis will only help his cause.

It also helps when you have a brother who went through the same process. His brother, Sebastian, who decided to play professionally rather than go to college, still went through the recruitment process.

In fact, before he decided to play professionally, he committed to Rick Pitino and the University of Louisville.

Jamel Thomas, also went through the process and signed his letter of intent to play at Providence.

Sebastian and Jamel, are constantly in his ear providing him with advice and guidance. It will ultimately make him a great basketball player and a positive young man.

"Both of my brothers, Jamel and Sebastian help me a lot," he said. "Sebastian taught me how to play under pressure, keep focus and not letting anything get to my head.

"Jamel taught me the game, taught me to love it and it will me back. I workout everyday. He has the blueprint and he tells me hard work can get you anywhere you want to go."

There's nothing about Telfair that says he won't live up to his lofty expectations. He hasn't made much of an impression on many colleges yet but with two more years of high school and AAU ball, he will surely command the attention of many high-major programs.

There's plenty of evidence to suggest that Telfair will eventually be one of the top point guards in his class. His AAU coach Shandue McNeil speaks very highly of him, he's a hard worker, has a great work ethic and continues to develop his game.

"I can make my teammates better," he said. "I get them open shots with my penetration and I can finish at the rim with both hands." He continued by saying, "I'm a good pick and roll player. I read the defense really well and knock down jump shots off it."

But that's only a tidbit of what he can actually do offensively. "He's been our linchpin," McNeil told the Marc Raimondi. "He makes everyone go. He gets us out in transition. He finds guys. He's been making shoots, too. He's been solid. He left July feeling good about himself."

But it doesn't stop there. Telfair may be smaller than most guards but he's smart and more notable, the kid has a ton of heart. "I'm not the biggest or strongest person on the court," he said. "But my heart makes up for that."

Still, just like every player, Telfair has his weaknesses. "I'm not a great spot up shooter," he said. "I shoot better off the dribble." He added, "I have to [play defense] better. I play the passing lanes pretty well but I need to get better on defense as well."

Jordon Granger Hearing From High-Majors

Jordon Granger (McCluer North, MO) has yet to commit anywhere or narrow down his college list for that matter. "I haven't narrowed it down to a short list yet," he said. "I'm still open to high-major programs."

Right now, Arkansas stands as his only high-major offer. Coach Mike Anderson, former Mizzou head coach, recruited Granger back when he was with the program and once he became a Razorback he kept recruiting Granger.

But Arkansas isn't the only high-major interested. He's picked up interest from Auburn, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Nevada has also recently shown interest and his scholarship count could grow drastically over the next few months.

Right now, he's gotten offers from Arkansas, Detroit, Illinois State, Missouri State, Murray State, Ohio, Saint Louis, Tennessee-Martin, Tulane and Tulsa.

Granger is considered one of the better mid-range shooters in his class. The 6-8 combo-forward has the ability to play in the post and on the wing.

He has great handle for his size, the ability to shoot and score in the post. Arkansas has been on him hard for a long time and his former teammate BJ Young is also a Razorback. Despite his obvious connections with the Arkansas program, he said he has no favorites.

"Not really," he said. "Because there is always somebody new calling."

But at 6-8, 195, most programs want to see him add more weight and that's exactly what's he's working on right now. "I don't have any scheduled visits just yet," he said. "Right now, I'm trying to get my body together."

Granger is set to have a big impact in his senior year of High School. He told me he plans on making his final decision this November but right now, his recruitment is open.

Calaen Robinson commits to Arizona State

Calaen Robinson had emerged on the scene this summer, showcasing his ability as a true point guard. After having a successful showing during the first live period, Robinson started receiving interest from Clemson, Colorado, UNLV, Virginia, Washington State.

But instead of playing things out, he already knew where he was headed. Early Wednesday afternoon, Robinson verbally committed to Arizona State.

He'll likely join Jahii Carson in the backcourt next season at ASU, which will be one of the more dynamic backcourts in the Pac-12.

Johnson Lands UNC Offer

Brice Johnson (Edisto, SC) picked up another scholarship offer when North Carolina coach Roy Williams phoned him late last night and extended an offer.

Johnson now has offers from Clemson, UConn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, Ohio State, and South Carolina.

Johnson, 6-9 power forward, has really emerged as one of the top big men in the class of 2012. He was the Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina last season after averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven blocks, three assist and two steals per game.

Johnson is an intriguing athlete with a mixture of size and athleticism that allows him to be dominate in the frontcourt.

He can also step outside the paint and knock down that mid-range jumper.

After the summer he's had, his phone has been ringing off the hook lately. Last time I spoke with Johnson, he said, "[I want to go play] anywhere I can go play and get a degree."

Jaylen Bond to Texas


The Texas Longhorns picked up its seventh commitment in the 2011 class early Tuesday from a flying under the radar, three man in former Pitt commit Jaylen Bond.

"[Rick Barnes is] a great coach, the city is nice and I can play right away," Bond said. Texas did end up losing its three superstars in Cory Josephs, Tristian Thompson and Jordan Hamilton but have reloaded completely.

Bond joins a class that features Myck Kabongo, Sterling Gibbs, Sheldon McClellan, Jonathan Holmes and Julien Lewis to name a few.

Swopshire waiting on offers


Jordan Swopshire (Fort Zumwalt South, MO) has yet to pick up any offers despite being one of the most talented players in the class of 2013. On the day when Swopshire could receive calls from schools, he received nothing.

"Shocking," he said by text. "I was promised four or five calls." But, things may have gotten a little better for the 6-6 wing. Following our brief conversation, he informed me that he was selected to represent USA in Rome, Italy.

"I'm totally honored," he said. "I can't wait to get back to work." Swopshire has heard a lot from VCU and Memphis, with interest in Arizona, Florida, Georgetown, Illinois, Louisville, Miami (FL), Missouri and Tennessee.

Seton Hall Leads for Kanty

Xavier has always been a major player in the recruitment of 6-foot-1 point guard Kareem Canty (Westwind Prep, AZ). He's had them as his favorite and was even very close to committing to the program.

After re-opening his recruitment and slowing things down, Canty realized that he would no longer consider Xavier as a possible destination.

After adding point guards Semaj Christon and Myles Davis, Canty has ruled out Xavier in his top three and is now considering Florida State, Miami (FL) and Seton Hall.

He also added that Seton Hall was leading.

During the last few chats that I've had with Canty he's continued to say that he has no timeline on his decision. But you have to think, Seton Hall is in great position to land Canty.

Recruiting Rundown


*Juco point guard Josh Mason received an offer from Alabama State and it only took him a day to figure out that's where he wanted to attend college and play basketball. He will be eligible to join the school during the 2011-12 school year.

*TJ Warren (Brewster Academy, NH) has narrowed his list of schools down to eight with Florida, Georgetown, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Texas.

*Travis Jorgenson (Rock Bridge, MO) has picked up major interest after some big-time performances this summer but has already put together a list of favorites. Jorgenson currently favors Boston College, Kansas State and Virginia.

*Jordan Loveridge (West Jordan, UT) was phenomenal during the Adidas 64 Showcase in Las Vegas. He has very soft touch around the rim, physical rebounder and has a very established and still developing inside-out game. After averaging around 27 points per game during the Adidas 64 he immediately picked up an offer from Santa Clara. He also has offers from BYU, Colorado State, Hawaii, Utah, Utah State and Weber State.

*Jodan Price (Detroit Country Day, MI) continued to rack up the scholarship offers. This past week before the second evaluation period, Price picked up three offers from DePaul, Duquesne and Minnesota. He has yet to narrow down his list of schools but with the clock ticking you'd expect it to come after July.

Calaen Robinson Shines on the AAU Circuit

It's been a very good summer for Arizona point guard Calaen Robinson (Corona Del Sol, AZ). Robinson has improved his game tremendously and many high-major coaches have taken interest.

Robinson showcased his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball but his offensive game is what really made an impression on everyone at the Fullcourt Press Cream of the Crop.

"It just let me know that all the work that I've ever put in is now being presented in front of big time colleges," he said. "The fact that I did well was a big milestone."

Since his magnificent performance, Robinson has picked up interest from Clemson, Colorado, UNLV, Virginia and Washington State.

Arizona, Arizona State, Clemson, UNLV, Virginia and Washington State are the schools in the mix right now and depending on how things go in Vegas, he has the potential to expand that list.

"I have no clue," he said of the schools that are suppose to be watching him the rest of July. "I know the ones that are on my list are going to be there but there could be more."

Right now, he said everyone is pursuing him equally without anyone really sticking out. With the second evaluation period right around the corner, Robinson has soaked in the interest and is now focused on continuing to stay consistent.

Right now, his offense is probably his biggest weapon. He has great size and athleticism for a lead guard and could play some two if needed.

He has said that he needs improvement with his potential to win games and his attitude that he brings to the court since he's currently corrected most of his flaws that was previously evident this past year.

Arizona State, Brigham Young, St. Mary's and Weber State have all offered but after July, more offers will be present. Robinson has said that he hasn't put in any thought of favoring a program but will likely make a decision after July or before his senior season of high school.

More offers for Marcus Hunt

Marcus Hunt (North Clayton, GA) has made a case this summer that he is one of the top athletes in the state of Georgia. It could also be argued that he has more offers than any other prospect in the Georgia area.

This past week, Hunt has picked up offers from Louisville, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Texas and Virginia Tech. 

He already had offers from Alabama, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgetown, Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville, Kansas, Massachusetts, Memphis, Miami (FL), Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Tennessee, UTEP, VCU, West Virginia and Wichita State.

Hunt continues to expand his scholarship list and this week was just a glimpse of what schools are after his talents. I expect him to continue to pick up more offers with consistent play.