Coast2Coasthoops/You Tube
HardwoodEliteDotCom/You Tube in 2011
courtcred/You Tube
Justise Winslow
6'5'', 208 lbs. | Class of 2014
- Hometown: Houston, TX
- School: Saint John's High School
- Position: Small Forward
- Status: Undeclared
Sunday, September 30, 2012
2014 SF prospect Justise Winslow (Houston, TX) 6-5 208
TakeMyTalent/You Tube
Coast2Coasthoops/You Tube
HardwoodEliteDotCom/You Tube in 2011
courtcred/You Tube
Coast2Coasthoops/You Tube
HardwoodEliteDotCom/You Tube in 2011
courtcred/You Tube
2014 Cali PG prospects set to tangle Feb 2013: Parker Jackson-Cartwright vs. Jordan McLaughlin
Parker Jackson-Cartwright
5'7'', 140 lbs. | Class of 2014- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
- School: Loyola High School
- Position: Point Guard
- Status: Undeclared
ny2lasports/You Tube
Jordan McLaughlin
6'0'', 155 lbs. | Class of 2014
- Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- School: Etiwanda High School
- Position: Point Guard
- Status: Undeclared
TrIpLeGHighlights/You Tube
Boys' basketball: Parker Jackson-Cartwright vs. Jordan McLaughlin
"That should bring a nice crowd," Etiwanda Coach Dave Kleckner said.
The other terrific matchup has Long Beach Poly taking on St. John Bosco at 6 p.m.
On Feb. 1, here are the matchups: Orange Lutheran vs. Rialto (girls), 2:30 p.m.; St. Mary's vs. Sierra Canyon (girls), 3:45 p.m.; Saddleback Christian vs. Santa Margarita (boys), 5 p.m.; Brethren Christian vs. Servite (boys), 6:15 p.m.; Eisenhower vs. Mater Dei (boys), 7:30 p.m. and Mater Dei vs. Oaks Christian (girls), 9 p.m.
On Feb 2, the schedule (all boys games): Upland vs. Los Alamitos, 9 a.m.; Ocean View vs. Durango, 10:30 a.m.; Colony vs. Mission Viejo, noon; Fairfax vs. JSerra, 1:30 p.m.; Orange Lutheran vs. Bishop Gorman, 3 p.m.; De La Salle vs. Foothill, 4:30 p.m.; LB Poly vs. St. John Bosco, 6 p.m.; Etiwanda vs. Loyola, 7:30 p.m.; Mater Dei vs. Westchester, 9 p.m.
General admission on Saturday will be $12.
PF Noah Vonleh re-enters Class of 2013
RecruitingNation: Vonleh moves to 2013 class
Noah Vonleh of New Hampton School (Haverhill, Mass.) moves from the No. 4 player the Class of 2014 to No. 7 in 2013. Dave Telep breaks down the surprise change in classification.
TooEasyVideos/You Tube
HomeTeamHoops/You Tube
Noah Vonleh re-enters Class of 2013
By Dave Telep | RecruitingNation
Updated: September 24, 2012, 3:47 PM ET
Noah Vonleh, a blue-chip power forward in the Class of 2014, has decided to enter college with the Class of 2013 after all, shaking up the recruiting landscape by immediately jumping into the top-10 prospects of the current senior class.
Vonleh, who is entering his fourth year of high school at New Hampton boarding school in New Hampshire, announced his intent to reclassify and is working toward playing college basketball in the fall of 2013.
"I'm ready academically to go back up to 2013," Vonleh said. "I just have to change an English class and I'll be ready to graduate. I'm more mature as a basketball player and as a person.
Noah Vonleh
6'8'', 220 lbs. | Class of 2013
Noah Vonleh's versatility makes him a matchup nightmare at the prep level and justifies him maintaining his top-10 status despite the move in class, writes ESPN.com's Paul Biancardi. Blog 
• ESPN 100 | College Hoops Nation
"From a basketball standpoint, I'm working even harder and I'm ready to go to college. I have a better understanding of what it takes to be good and be a student of the game," added Vonleh, of Haverhill, Mass.
Vonleh, ranked as the No. 4 prospect by ESPN in the Class of 2014, was inserted into the current senior rankings at No. 7 overall.
"He's starting to move at a pace that no one has ever seen before," New Hampton coach Pete Hutchins said. "He's really buying into learning about the game instead of just always playing it."
The Class of 2013, with its lack of overall frontcourt depth, added a piece that will be coveted by most if not all of the elite programs. Vonleh's length, rebounding and overall skill set should allow him to play both the small and power forward positions.
"I'm going to try and make a list of 10-15 schools and see what schools have scholarships open for me in 2013 and see who wants to recruit me," Vonleh said.
When asked which programs were recruiting him the hardest, Vonleh said Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio State.
The move up a grade is not unprecedented. In June, ESPN 100 wing Wayne Selden (Boston, Mass./Tilton) opted to insert himself back into his original class and is a senior.
However, Vonleh is among the youngest of his 2013 peers. Top-ranked senior Jabari Parker (Chicago, Ill./Simeon) is younger than Vonleh. Parker and Aaron Gordon (San Jose, Calif./Bishop Mitty) are considered the youngest elite players of the group and Vonleh is sandwiched -- age-wise -- between the pair.
Reclassifying is a trend that had been gaining popularity since 2010. The movement has its roots in New England where many of the nation's elite prep school and postgraduate programs reside.
Nerlens Noel, Andre Drummond, Khem Birch and Selden all are either from New England or spent time in a New England prep school. Each reclassified early in their careers only to insert themselves back into their original classes.
Vonleh's movement back into the senior class also has ramifications for postseason All-Star games. Had he remained in the 2014 class, he would have been ineligible for the McDonald's All American game as a fifth-year senior.
atrojanedbruin note:
"As of September 24, per ESPN CB Recruiting, Vonleh has received offers from Arizona, Boston College, UConn, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Marquette, Maryland, UNC, Ohio State, Pitt, Providence, Syracuse and UCLA. Not sure whether it affects these teams plans of recruiting Vonleh the fact that he is coming to play college basketball a year earlier than expected."
TooEasyVideos/You Tube
HomeTeamHoops/You Tube
Noah Vonleh re-enters Class of 2013
By Dave Telep | RecruitingNation
Updated: September 24, 2012, 3:47 PM ET
Noah Vonleh, a blue-chip power forward in the Class of 2014, has decided to enter college with the Class of 2013 after all, shaking up the recruiting landscape by immediately jumping into the top-10 prospects of the current senior class.
Vonleh, who is entering his fourth year of high school at New Hampton boarding school in New Hampshire, announced his intent to reclassify and is working toward playing college basketball in the fall of 2013.
"I'm ready academically to go back up to 2013," Vonleh said. "I just have to change an English class and I'll be ready to graduate. I'm more mature as a basketball player and as a person.
Noah Vonleh
6'8'', 220 lbs. | Class of 2013
- Hometown: Haverhill, MA
- School: New Hampton School
- Position: Power Forward
- Status: Undeclared
Biancardi: A Hot Commodity Regardless
Noah Vonleh's versatility makes him a matchup nightmare at the prep level and justifies him maintaining his top-10 status despite the move in class, writes ESPN.com's Paul Biancardi. Blog • ESPN 100 | College Hoops Nation"From a basketball standpoint, I'm working even harder and I'm ready to go to college. I have a better understanding of what it takes to be good and be a student of the game," added Vonleh, of Haverhill, Mass.
Vonleh, ranked as the No. 4 prospect by ESPN in the Class of 2014, was inserted into the current senior rankings at No. 7 overall.
"He's starting to move at a pace that no one has ever seen before," New Hampton coach Pete Hutchins said. "He's really buying into learning about the game instead of just always playing it."
The Class of 2013, with its lack of overall frontcourt depth, added a piece that will be coveted by most if not all of the elite programs. Vonleh's length, rebounding and overall skill set should allow him to play both the small and power forward positions.
"I'm going to try and make a list of 10-15 schools and see what schools have scholarships open for me in 2013 and see who wants to recruit me," Vonleh said.
When asked which programs were recruiting him the hardest, Vonleh said Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio State.
The move up a grade is not unprecedented. In June, ESPN 100 wing Wayne Selden (Boston, Mass./Tilton) opted to insert himself back into his original class and is a senior.
However, Vonleh is among the youngest of his 2013 peers. Top-ranked senior Jabari Parker (Chicago, Ill./Simeon) is younger than Vonleh. Parker and Aaron Gordon (San Jose, Calif./Bishop Mitty) are considered the youngest elite players of the group and Vonleh is sandwiched -- age-wise -- between the pair.
Reclassifying is a trend that had been gaining popularity since 2010. The movement has its roots in New England where many of the nation's elite prep school and postgraduate programs reside.
Nerlens Noel, Andre Drummond, Khem Birch and Selden all are either from New England or spent time in a New England prep school. Each reclassified early in their careers only to insert themselves back into their original classes.
Vonleh's movement back into the senior class also has ramifications for postseason All-Star games. Had he remained in the 2014 class, he would have been ineligible for the McDonald's All American game as a fifth-year senior.
atrojanedbruin note:
"As of September 24, per ESPN CB Recruiting, Vonleh has received offers from Arizona, Boston College, UConn, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Marquette, Maryland, UNC, Ohio State, Pitt, Providence, Syracuse and UCLA. Not sure whether it affects these teams plans of recruiting Vonleh the fact that he is coming to play college basketball a year earlier than expected."
Friday, September 28, 2012
2012-13 Roster
Click on name to access profile.
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Thanks to crgreen for letting the BZ faithfuls know that the new roster was up.
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
2013 PG target: Stevie Clark 5-11 175 (OKC, OK)
Thanks to ej for posting this vid on BZ!
Two recent articles on Clark and his move from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas then back to Oklahoma City for his senior year of high school.
Douglass standout Stephen Clark was the boys basketball (and best dressed) Player of the Year as a junior, but he'll spend his senior season at Quest Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas.
As it turns out, star point guard Stephen Clark won’t spend his senior season at Douglass after all.
According to his mother, Dorshell Clark, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound scoring machine flew out Saturday morning to Las Vegas, where he will attend Quest Preparatory Academy for his final year before entering college next summer, in a story originally reported by ESPN.com.
Stephen Clark had toyed with the idea of graduating early and enrolling in college this summer.
While his academics were in order, he felt like he didn’t have enough time to make the proper decision. His options were limited as well, with only a few of the nearly 30 programs recruiting him having an open scholarship spot for the coming year.
The idea of leaving Douglass was prompted in May, when coach Terry Long, a lifelong friend of the Clark family, left the school to become the head coach at Mustang.
“I think Stephen still had his mind made up that he wanted to leave since Terry wasn’t going to be there,” Dorshell Clark said. “He told me he had nothing else to prove here. He didn’t want to win another title without Terry.”
Clark was the leading scorer the last three seasons for Douglass, which won the Class 4A state championship each season. Clark averaged 25 points and 11 assists per game as a junior, earning The Oklahoman’s Super 5 Player of the Year honor, among other notable awards.
He is being recruited by top programs in the state and across the country, from Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, to Kentucky, UCLA and Connecticut. He believes Quest Prep gives him the opportunity to play against more and better competition on a national level to prepare himself for the college game.
“He told me he wants to go play against the best guys out there, and that wasn’t going to be there at Douglass,” Dorshell Clark said. “He deserves to get what he thinks he needs to get to the next level.”
Quest Prep is in its first year of existence. Stephen and Dorshell Clark visited the new campus two weeks ago.
“It’s a brand new place, and they painted a really pretty picture,” Dorshell Clark said. “They want Stephen to be the face of their program.
“He really likes the idea of being away from everybody back here. He feels he can go somewhere and focus on his game. No friends, no girls distracting him.”
Clark’s family will remain in Oklahoma City, including his younger brother, Deondre Clark, a highly recruited football player at Douglass.
Deondre Clark, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior defensive end, already has at least a dozen offers, including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, LSU and Missouri.
Dorshell Clark said they have arranged it with Douglass so Stephen can return to graduate with his classmates in May. He had already passed the proper credits to qualify for graduation earlier this summer.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Two recent articles on Clark and his move from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas then back to Oklahoma City for his senior year of high school.
Douglass basketball star Stephen Clark leaving to attend Las Vegas prep school
As it turns out, star point guard Stephen Clark won’t spend his senior season at Douglass after all.
According to his mother, Dorshell Clark, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound scoring machine flew out Saturday morning to Las Vegas, where he will attend Quest Preparatory Academy for his final year before entering college next summer, in a story originally reported by ESPN.com.
Stephen Clark had toyed with the idea of graduating early and enrolling in college this summer.
While his academics were in order, he felt like he didn’t have enough time to make the proper decision. His options were limited as well, with only a few of the nearly 30 programs recruiting him having an open scholarship spot for the coming year.
The idea of leaving Douglass was prompted in May, when coach Terry Long, a lifelong friend of the Clark family, left the school to become the head coach at Mustang.
“I think Stephen still had his mind made up that he wanted to leave since Terry wasn’t going to be there,” Dorshell Clark said. “He told me he had nothing else to prove here. He didn’t want to win another title without Terry.”
Clark was the leading scorer the last three seasons for Douglass, which won the Class 4A state championship each season. Clark averaged 25 points and 11 assists per game as a junior, earning The Oklahoman’s Super 5 Player of the Year honor, among other notable awards.
He is being recruited by top programs in the state and across the country, from Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, to Kentucky, UCLA and Connecticut. He believes Quest Prep gives him the opportunity to play against more and better competition on a national level to prepare himself for the college game.
“He told me he wants to go play against the best guys out there, and that wasn’t going to be there at Douglass,” Dorshell Clark said. “He deserves to get what he thinks he needs to get to the next level.”
Quest Prep is in its first year of existence. Stephen and Dorshell Clark visited the new campus two weeks ago.
“It’s a brand new place, and they painted a really pretty picture,” Dorshell Clark said. “They want Stephen to be the face of their program.
“He really likes the idea of being away from everybody back here. He feels he can go somewhere and focus on his game. No friends, no girls distracting him.”
Clark’s family will remain in Oklahoma City, including his younger brother, Deondre Clark, a highly recruited football player at Douglass.
Deondre Clark, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior defensive end, already has at least a dozen offers, including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, LSU and Missouri.
Dorshell Clark said they have arranged it with Douglass so Stephen can return to graduate with his classmates in May. He had already passed the proper credits to qualify for graduation earlier this summer.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
High school basketball: Stephen Clark returning to Douglass
Super Five Player of the Year had spent the last month at a Las Vegas prep school, but is returning home to play for the Trojans.
Stephen Clark's Las Vegas experiment is officially over.
Clark is moving back to Oklahoma City with plans to return to Douglass High School for his senior year, according to his mother, Dorshell Clark.
Stephen Clark, The Oklahoman's Super Five Player of the Year last season, spent the last month at Quest Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, but concerns about the first-year school have prompted his return to Oklahoma.
“I gave Stephen a chance out there and we gave the school a chance,” Dorshell Clark said. “But it didn't work out, and it's time for him to come home.”
Dorshell Clark said she was bothered by unresolved concerns about the school's academic programs in relation to NCAA guidelines. She also felt that the environment in Las Vegas left her son with little protection from individuals approaching him to be his representative for college recruiting purposes — in other words, street agents.
Stephen Clark averaged 25 points and 11 assists last season for Douglass. He has been the Trojans' leading scorer for the last three years, all of which ended with Class 4A state championships.
The move to Las Vegas was spurred, in part, by the departure of Douglass coach Terry Long, who took a job at Mustang after last season. Clark did not want to finish his career under a coach other than Long, a longtime family friend.
However, he returns to a team with several experienced players under new coach Anthony Andrews.
Stephen Clark is not expected to face any OSSAA eligibility issues, since he will be returning to the same home at the same school where his eligibility was previously established, without having participated in any contests at Quest Prep. Dorshell Clark said she had already been in contact with administrators at Douglass to begin the re-enrollment process.
Stephen Clark is being recruited by a variety of top programs across the nation and is in the process of scheduling official visits starting in October.
He will visit Oklahoma State, though not likely in an official capacity. Still, the Cowboys are very much in the recruiting mix, which is important for them, considering their needs at point guard.
OSU's coaching staff made a strong impression on the Clarks during their in-home visit. Originally scheduled for the afternoon of Sept. 9 — the first day coaches could make in-home visits with basketball recruits — Travis Ford and two assistants called to reschedule their arrival for midnight.
“They wanted to be the first ones there,” Dorshell Clark said. “That really showed us something.”
Clark is setting up visits to UCLA, Connecticut and Baylor, but has yet to determine where he'll go for the final two of his five allowed official visits.
Read more: http://newsok.com/high-school-basketball-stephen-clark-returning-to-douglass/article/3713047#ixzz27bvAGFbg
Clark is moving back to Oklahoma City with plans to return to Douglass High School for his senior year, according to his mother, Dorshell Clark.
Stephen Clark, The Oklahoman's Super Five Player of the Year last season, spent the last month at Quest Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, but concerns about the first-year school have prompted his return to Oklahoma.
“I gave Stephen a chance out there and we gave the school a chance,” Dorshell Clark said. “But it didn't work out, and it's time for him to come home.”
Dorshell Clark said she was bothered by unresolved concerns about the school's academic programs in relation to NCAA guidelines. She also felt that the environment in Las Vegas left her son with little protection from individuals approaching him to be his representative for college recruiting purposes — in other words, street agents.
Stephen Clark averaged 25 points and 11 assists last season for Douglass. He has been the Trojans' leading scorer for the last three years, all of which ended with Class 4A state championships.
The move to Las Vegas was spurred, in part, by the departure of Douglass coach Terry Long, who took a job at Mustang after last season. Clark did not want to finish his career under a coach other than Long, a longtime family friend.
However, he returns to a team with several experienced players under new coach Anthony Andrews.
Stephen Clark is not expected to face any OSSAA eligibility issues, since he will be returning to the same home at the same school where his eligibility was previously established, without having participated in any contests at Quest Prep. Dorshell Clark said she had already been in contact with administrators at Douglass to begin the re-enrollment process.
Stephen Clark is being recruited by a variety of top programs across the nation and is in the process of scheduling official visits starting in October.
He will visit Oklahoma State, though not likely in an official capacity. Still, the Cowboys are very much in the recruiting mix, which is important for them, considering their needs at point guard.
OSU's coaching staff made a strong impression on the Clarks during their in-home visit. Originally scheduled for the afternoon of Sept. 9 — the first day coaches could make in-home visits with basketball recruits — Travis Ford and two assistants called to reschedule their arrival for midnight.
“They wanted to be the first ones there,” Dorshell Clark said. “That really showed us something.”
Clark is setting up visits to UCLA, Connecticut and Baylor, but has yet to determine where he'll go for the final two of his five allowed official visits.
Read more: http://newsok.com/high-school-basketball-stephen-clark-returning-to-douglass/article/3713047#ixzz27bvAGFbg
Rysheed Jordan Visits St. John’s, UCLA Up Next
Thanks to ej for posting this vid on BZ!
Jordan Visits St. John’s, UCLA Up Next
By Adam Zagoria on September 25, 2012, 12:00PM
ZagsBlog.com
Having visited Steve Lavin’s current program, point guard Rysheed Jordan will next head to Lavin’s former program.
The 6-foot-4 1/2, 190-pound Jordan took an official to St. John’s this past weekend and trips to UCLA this coming weekend.
“It went good,” Jamie Ross, head coach at Philly Vaux Roberts High School, told SNY.tv Tuesday. “He liked the campus. He liked the coaching staff. He got a chance to see the guys and work out a little bit. He overall liked it.”
St. John’s had it’s “Dribble for the Cure” benefit on campus Saturday, when Lavin and several players spoke to the media.
Lavin is focusing on Jordan and forwards Jarell Martin, Jermaine Lawrence and Ish Wainright for 2013.
Martin and Lawrence are both expected to sign in the spring, and Jeff Jones, Martin’s high school coach, told SNY.tv that Martin “will definitely visit St. John’s, just not sure when.”
He will also likely visit Texas A&M, UCLA, Alabama and Oklahoma State, Jones said.
As for Jordan he heads to UCLA on Friday and Ross said “he may be going to Maryland.”
It remains unclear if Jordan will visit Maryland the weekend of Oct. 5 or for Midnight Madness Oct. 12. His AAU coach, Kamal Yard, previously said he would visit for Madness.
“I’m not sure,” Ross said of the date. “I know he’s going.”
Ross said Jordan is also considering Villanova, Temple and Xavier, among others. Rutgers has also been involved.
“He’s still open he’s still lstening to what coaches have to say,” Ross said. “He’s one of the most humble kids that I’ve known, especially with his type of talent.
“He’ll be respectful to everybody and sit down with his family and his other guys and make a decision and lay eveything out on the table.”
Ross said it was possible Jordan could wait until the spring to announce.
“He may, he may,” he said.
Wherever he goes, Ross expects him to be a major factor at the point.
“He’s going to be a kid, if he’s around a team where you got guys that can score and guys that can finish at the basket he can damn near average a triple-double,” Ross said. “He can rebound, he can pass and he can get to the basket.
“If he gets 30 it’s because the team needs him to get 30. He’s at his best when he’s driving and dishing. He’s definitely going to make everyone around him better.”
Jordan Visits St. John’s, UCLA Up Next
By Adam Zagoria on September 25, 2012, 12:00PM
ZagsBlog.com
Having visited Steve Lavin’s current program, point guard Rysheed Jordan will next head to Lavin’s former program.
The 6-foot-4 1/2, 190-pound Jordan took an official to St. John’s this past weekend and trips to UCLA this coming weekend.
“It went good,” Jamie Ross, head coach at Philly Vaux Roberts High School, told SNY.tv Tuesday. “He liked the campus. He liked the coaching staff. He got a chance to see the guys and work out a little bit. He overall liked it.”
St. John’s had it’s “Dribble for the Cure” benefit on campus Saturday, when Lavin and several players spoke to the media.
Lavin is focusing on Jordan and forwards Jarell Martin, Jermaine Lawrence and Ish Wainright for 2013.
Martin and Lawrence are both expected to sign in the spring, and Jeff Jones, Martin’s high school coach, told SNY.tv that Martin “will definitely visit St. John’s, just not sure when.”
He will also likely visit Texas A&M, UCLA, Alabama and Oklahoma State, Jones said.
As for Jordan he heads to UCLA on Friday and Ross said “he may be going to Maryland.”
It remains unclear if Jordan will visit Maryland the weekend of Oct. 5 or for Midnight Madness Oct. 12. His AAU coach, Kamal Yard, previously said he would visit for Madness.
“I’m not sure,” Ross said of the date. “I know he’s going.”
Ross said Jordan is also considering Villanova, Temple and Xavier, among others. Rutgers has also been involved.
“He’s still open he’s still lstening to what coaches have to say,” Ross said. “He’s one of the most humble kids that I’ve known, especially with his type of talent.
“He’ll be respectful to everybody and sit down with his family and his other guys and make a decision and lay eveything out on the table.”
Ross said it was possible Jordan could wait until the spring to announce.
“He may, he may,” he said.
Wherever he goes, Ross expects him to be a major factor at the point.
“He’s going to be a kid, if he’s around a team where you got guys that can score and guys that can finish at the basket he can damn near average a triple-double,” Ross said. “He can rebound, he can pass and he can get to the basket.
“If he gets 30 it’s because the team needs him to get 30. He’s at his best when he’s driving and dishing. He’s definitely going to make everyone around him better.”
After Rutgers Visit, UCLA Next for Peters (UPDATED)
Thanks to ej for posting this vid on BZ!
After Rutgers Visit, UCLA Next for Peters (UPDATED)
By Adam Zagoria on September 26, 2012, 2:26PM
ZagsBlog.com
Roddy Peters, one of the top point guards in the Class of 2013, visited Rutgers this past weekend and heads to UCLA Oct 5-7.
“He had a great visit,” DC Assault coach Damon Handon told SNY.tv. “He really enjoyed hanging with Jerome [Seagears] and Wally [Judge]. He was impressed with the talent Rutgers has.”
The 6-foot-4 Peters is the Rivals No. 9 point guard in the Class of 2013.
He heads to UCLA Oct. 5-7 along with Oklahoma City point guard Stevie Clark.
Philly Vaux Roberts point guard Rysheed Jordan was on St. John’s campus this past weekend and heads to UCLA this coming weekend.
Peters is also considering Xavier, Maryland, Georgetown and Kansas, but has no other visits set, Handon said. He has already visited Xavier.
“He’s an old-school combo guard,” Handon said. “He’s crafty, has good size and great vision. He has a high confidence level and a natural feel for the game.
“I think he’s one of the top five guards in the 2013 Class.”
Handon said he expects Peters to decide this fall sometime.
“I believe so,” he said. “He wants to make a decision soon so he can enjoy his senior year.”
After Rutgers Visit, UCLA Next for Peters (UPDATED)
By Adam Zagoria on September 26, 2012, 2:26PM
ZagsBlog.com
Roddy Peters, one of the top point guards in the Class of 2013, visited Rutgers this past weekend and heads to UCLA Oct 5-7.
“He had a great visit,” DC Assault coach Damon Handon told SNY.tv. “He really enjoyed hanging with Jerome [Seagears] and Wally [Judge]. He was impressed with the talent Rutgers has.”
The 6-foot-4 Peters is the Rivals No. 9 point guard in the Class of 2013.
He heads to UCLA Oct. 5-7 along with Oklahoma City point guard Stevie Clark.
Philly Vaux Roberts point guard Rysheed Jordan was on St. John’s campus this past weekend and heads to UCLA this coming weekend.
Peters is also considering Xavier, Maryland, Georgetown and Kansas, but has no other visits set, Handon said. He has already visited Xavier.
“He’s an old-school combo guard,” Handon said. “He’s crafty, has good size and great vision. He has a high confidence level and a natural feel for the game.
“I think he’s one of the top five guards in the 2013 Class.”
Handon said he expects Peters to decide this fall sometime.
“I believe so,” he said. “He wants to make a decision soon so he can enjoy his senior year.”
2013 Power Forward Beejay Anya Finalizing Visit Dates
fivestarbasketball/You Tube
captiolhoopscom/You Tube
Beejay Anya Finalizing Visit Dates
By Adam Zagoria on September 26, 2012, 2:07PM
ZagsBlog.com
Beejay Anya currently has two officials set, but by the end of Wednesday that number is expected to grow.
The 6-foot-8 center out of DeMatha Catholic already has officials set for Ohio State (Oct. 5) and Indiana (Oct. 19), but DeMatha coach Mike Jones is working on setting visits for Syracuse, Pittsburgh and N.C. State.
“I’m hoping to be able to set up at least one of them today [Wednesday],” Jones told SNY.tv.
Jones said Anya likely wouldn’t visit anywhere the weekend of Oct. 12 because he has Homecoming Oct. 13.
Anya, the No. 3 center in the Class of 2013, has connections to all five schools.
Indiana head coach Tom Crean was in Saturday night for a home visit, and Indiana has the advantage of having a commitment from Anya’s Team Takeover teammate, Stanford Robinson. They also have Kenny Johnson, a former Takeover coach, on staff as an assistant.
“It was good,” Anya said of the visit. “Coach Crean ws there for a long time. He’s a good guy. He was talking to my family and made me feel comfortable. I feel comfortable with him being there.”
Indiana will likely lose star Cody Zeller to the 2013 NBA Draft, which will open up even more playing time down low for Anya.
“He’s saying I would have a good opportunity,” Anya said. “They were going to develop me into a better player and stuff like that.”
Anya will take his official to Indiana for Hoosier Hysteria along with Robinson and Oak Hill wing Troy Williams.
Still, he also has connections to the other schools as well.
Anya played AAU ball with both Syracuse freshman Jerami Grant and Pitt frosh James Robinson. Ironically, both schools will be transitioning to the ACC from the Big East in 2013.
“Pitt has James Robinson, who Beejay’s played with for three years,” Jones said. “Syracuse has Jerami Grant who Beejay’s played with for three years. Basically everybody he’s considering right now has familiar faces.”
Syracuse-bound point guard Tyler Ennis also told SNY.tv he’s working on Anya to join him there.
“Yeah, he talks to me a lot,” Anya said.
Anya said N.C. State commits Anthony “Cat” Barber and Kyle Washington are also in his ear.
“They were both on my [Nike] Global Challenge team,” Anya said of the Wolfpack’s newest commits.
And Nima Ovidvar, the N.C. State video coordinator, is also a former Takeover guy.
“That’s a good thing,” Jones said of all the connections. “No matter where he picks he’ll have a connection that he can rely on.”
What?!? No mention of UCLA?!?
captiolhoopscom/You Tube
Beejay Anya Finalizing Visit Dates
By Adam Zagoria on September 26, 2012, 2:07PM
ZagsBlog.com
Beejay Anya currently has two officials set, but by the end of Wednesday that number is expected to grow.
The 6-foot-8 center out of DeMatha Catholic already has officials set for Ohio State (Oct. 5) and Indiana (Oct. 19), but DeMatha coach Mike Jones is working on setting visits for Syracuse, Pittsburgh and N.C. State.
“I’m hoping to be able to set up at least one of them today [Wednesday],” Jones told SNY.tv.
Jones said Anya likely wouldn’t visit anywhere the weekend of Oct. 12 because he has Homecoming Oct. 13.
Anya, the No. 3 center in the Class of 2013, has connections to all five schools.
Indiana head coach Tom Crean was in Saturday night for a home visit, and Indiana has the advantage of having a commitment from Anya’s Team Takeover teammate, Stanford Robinson. They also have Kenny Johnson, a former Takeover coach, on staff as an assistant.
“It was good,” Anya said of the visit. “Coach Crean ws there for a long time. He’s a good guy. He was talking to my family and made me feel comfortable. I feel comfortable with him being there.”
Indiana will likely lose star Cody Zeller to the 2013 NBA Draft, which will open up even more playing time down low for Anya.
“He’s saying I would have a good opportunity,” Anya said. “They were going to develop me into a better player and stuff like that.”
Anya will take his official to Indiana for Hoosier Hysteria along with Robinson and Oak Hill wing Troy Williams.
Still, he also has connections to the other schools as well.
Anya played AAU ball with both Syracuse freshman Jerami Grant and Pitt frosh James Robinson. Ironically, both schools will be transitioning to the ACC from the Big East in 2013.
“Pitt has James Robinson, who Beejay’s played with for three years,” Jones said. “Syracuse has Jerami Grant who Beejay’s played with for three years. Basically everybody he’s considering right now has familiar faces.”
Syracuse-bound point guard Tyler Ennis also told SNY.tv he’s working on Anya to join him there.
“Yeah, he talks to me a lot,” Anya said.
Anya said N.C. State commits Anthony “Cat” Barber and Kyle Washington are also in his ear.
“They were both on my [Nike] Global Challenge team,” Anya said of the Wolfpack’s newest commits.
And Nima Ovidvar, the N.C. State video coordinator, is also a former Takeover guy.
“That’s a good thing,” Jones said of all the connections. “No matter where he picks he’ll have a connection that he can rely on.”
What?!? No mention of UCLA?!?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Basketball: Poly's Kameron Chatman (6-6 175 SF - Class of 2014) Offered By UCLA
oregonlive/You Tube
Coast2Coasthoops/You Tube
Kameron Chatman
6'6'', 175 lbs. | Class of 2014
Coast2Coasthoops/You Tube
Kameron Chatman
6'6'', 175 lbs. | Class of 2014
- Hometown: Long Beach, CA
- School: L. B. Polytechnic High School
- Position: Small Forward
- Status: Undeclared
Things keep getting better in Jackrabbitland. We already told you that senior star Roschon Prince had committed to USC, and Jordan Bell has offers from a number of Division 1 programs.
It looks like junior Kameron Chatman will be a major recruiting target as well. According to the team's official twitter account (http://twitter.com/LBPolyhoops), Chatman was offered by UCLA's Ben Howland this morning.
So far Poly's practices this Fall have been popular stops for coaches looking for talent. The Jackrabbits have been visited by UCLA, Cal, Michigan, Gonzaga, Arizona, Washington, Washington State, LMU, Cal Poly, Navy, and Boston College, among others.
It looks like junior Kameron Chatman will be a major recruiting target as well. According to the team's official twitter account (http://twitter.com/LBPolyhoops), Chatman was offered by UCLA's Ben Howland this morning.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Westbrook showing off them bunnies (translation: them hops)
One week to training camp… Russell Westbrook will once again kill the rim
Sep 23, 2012, 5:00 PM EDT
The wait is almost over. We’re just a week away from training camp, and the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season. Basketball is almost back. As we get closer we’ll be bringing you reminders of why this game is awesome, what you’ve missed, and what to look forward to.
Russell Westbrook is proof that basketball can be violence can be art.
Some players don’t really put a lot of their personality into their game. Tim Duncan is robotic and clinical, when in reality he’s likeable and funny, for example. But you get the feeling watching him dunk that its’ always some sort of anger management. If he just kills that rim hard enough, people will see how good he is, stop questioning if he’s the problem with the Thunder, stop calling him Robin.
For the rest of us, though, it’s just fun.
Russell Westbrook is proof that basketball can be violence can be art.
Some players don’t really put a lot of their personality into their game. Tim Duncan is robotic and clinical, when in reality he’s likeable and funny, for example. But you get the feeling watching him dunk that its’ always some sort of anger management. If he just kills that rim hard enough, people will see how good he is, stop questioning if he’s the problem with the Thunder, stop calling him Robin.
For the rest of us, though, it’s just fun.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Agent: Davis will be involved with Knicks
Baron posterizes Kirilenko in 2007 (orangino, You Tube)
Agent: Davis will be involved with Knicks
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
August, 24, 2012 7:00 AM ET
Knicks unrestricted free agent Baron Davis will remain with the team in "some capacity," his agent Todd Ramasar told ESPNNewYork.com on Thursday.
The Knicks won't re-sign Davis as a player because the 33-year-old point guard suffered a horrific right knee injury in last season's playoffs, and it's likely he could miss the entire 2012-13 campaign. But since the spring, the Knicks have treated Davis like one of their own. The team has allowed him to do physical therapy with their training staff, and most recently, management has approached him about staying on board this season.
Ramasar said Davis is very excited about the opportunity, but it won't involve a job title or him sitting on the bench during games. Instead, it will likely be more of a mentorship role behind the scenes and during practices.
"He'll still be around the team and could kind of help some of the younger guys just through his experience," Ramasar said. "The Knicks have been wonderful in terms of just extending support to Baron, whether it be through obviously his physical therapy or just having him involved with the organization going forward. He really loves that team and that organization has done an excellent job with Baron, and Baron feels like that's home. He really, really enjoyed last season with the Knicks."
Ramasar said Davis' goal remains the same from the moment he suffered a partial tear of his right patella tendon and complete tears of his right anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments during Game 4 against the Heat. "He wants to make a comeback," Ramasar said.
Davis is now walking around without a knee brace, and without the assistance of a cane or crutches. Ramasar said the last time Davis had a major checkup in early July, doctors determined he was ahead of schedule. The biggest thing right now for Davis is to regain his range of motion since the scar tissue healed.
"From what I'm observing, a lot of his therapy is just coming from walking and strengthening that leg again, and kind of adding some of those muscles that might have atrophied from the time down," Ramasar said. "He's starting to get those muscles to fire again."
In addition to physical therapy in New York and Los Angeles, where Davis makes his first home, he's been busy with two of his companies, Verso Entertainment, which distributes films, TV shows and web content, and his new one, 5 Balloons Interactive, which develops games for mobile devices. He's also been involved with his longtime community work in L.A. Just last week, he hosted an all-star kickball game on UCLA's campus, featuring a dozen pro athletes, to raise money for his foundation, Rising Stars of America.
Ramasar said it's "too early to tell" if Davis will play at all this season, but not to rule anything out. If anyone knows that, it's Ramasar, a former Bruins teammate of Davis' in the late 1990s who witnessed the former All-Star point guard return from a left ACL tear.
"One thing I saw then and I've known about Baron is that when he puts his mind to something, in terms of his will, there's no stopping Baron," Ramasar said. "As horrific and devastating that knee injury was this past season, if Baron's mind and will are into making a comeback and recovering fully, then that's not something that anyone would want to bet against."
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
For more on Baron's injury, check out earlier post (link).
The Knicks won't re-sign Davis as a player because the 33-year-old point guard suffered a horrific right knee injury in last season's playoffs, and it's likely he could miss the entire 2012-13 campaign. But since the spring, the Knicks have treated Davis like one of their own. The team has allowed him to do physical therapy with their training staff, and most recently, management has approached him about staying on board this season.
Ramasar said Davis is very excited about the opportunity, but it won't involve a job title or him sitting on the bench during games. Instead, it will likely be more of a mentorship role behind the scenes and during practices.
"He'll still be around the team and could kind of help some of the younger guys just through his experience," Ramasar said. "The Knicks have been wonderful in terms of just extending support to Baron, whether it be through obviously his physical therapy or just having him involved with the organization going forward. He really loves that team and that organization has done an excellent job with Baron, and Baron feels like that's home. He really, really enjoyed last season with the Knicks."
Ramasar said Davis' goal remains the same from the moment he suffered a partial tear of his right patella tendon and complete tears of his right anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments during Game 4 against the Heat. "He wants to make a comeback," Ramasar said.
Davis is now walking around without a knee brace, and without the assistance of a cane or crutches. Ramasar said the last time Davis had a major checkup in early July, doctors determined he was ahead of schedule. The biggest thing right now for Davis is to regain his range of motion since the scar tissue healed.
"From what I'm observing, a lot of his therapy is just coming from walking and strengthening that leg again, and kind of adding some of those muscles that might have atrophied from the time down," Ramasar said. "He's starting to get those muscles to fire again."
In addition to physical therapy in New York and Los Angeles, where Davis makes his first home, he's been busy with two of his companies, Verso Entertainment, which distributes films, TV shows and web content, and his new one, 5 Balloons Interactive, which develops games for mobile devices. He's also been involved with his longtime community work in L.A. Just last week, he hosted an all-star kickball game on UCLA's campus, featuring a dozen pro athletes, to raise money for his foundation, Rising Stars of America.
Ramasar said it's "too early to tell" if Davis will play at all this season, but not to rule anything out. If anyone knows that, it's Ramasar, a former Bruins teammate of Davis' in the late 1990s who witnessed the former All-Star point guard return from a left ACL tear.
"One thing I saw then and I've known about Baron is that when he puts his mind to something, in terms of his will, there's no stopping Baron," Ramasar said. "As horrific and devastating that knee injury was this past season, if Baron's mind and will are into making a comeback and recovering fully, then that's not something that anyone would want to bet against."
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.
For more on Baron's injury, check out earlier post (link).
Friday, September 21, 2012
NBA’s Top 50 Highest Paid Players for the 2012/13 season
NBA’s Top 50 Highest Paid Players
Source: hoopsworld.com
The following list details the top-50 highest paid players in the NBA for the 2012/13 season.
Name Team 2012-13
Kobe Bryant L.A. Lakers $27,849,149
Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks $20,907,128
Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks $20,463,024
Amar'e Stoudemire New York Knicks $19,948,799
Joe Johnson Brooklyn Nets $19,752,645
Dwight Howard L.A. Lakers $19,536,360
Pau Gasol L.A. Lakers $19,000,000
Chris Paul LA Clippers $17,779,458
Chris Bosh Miami Heat $17,545,000
LeBron James Miami Heat $17,545,000
Dwyane Wade Miami Heat $17,182,000
Deron Williams Brooklyn Nets $17,177,795
Andrew Bynum Philadelphia 76ers $16,889,000
Paul Pierce Boston Celtics $16,790,345
Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder $16,669,630
Zach Randolph Memphis Grizzlies $16,500,000
Rudy Gay Memphis Grizzlies $16,460,538
Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls $16,402,552
Carlos Boozer Chicago Bulls $15,000,000
Al Jefferson Utah Jazz $15,000,000
Andre Iguodala Denver Nuggets $14,968,250
Manu Ginobili San Antonio Spurs $14,107,492
Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies $13,891,359
Brook Lopez Brooklyn Nets $13,668,750
Roy Hibbert Indiana Pacers $13,668,750
Kevin Love Minnesota Timberwolves $13,668,750
Eric Gordon New Orleans Hornets $13,668,750
Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder $13,668,750
Tyson Chandler New York Knicks $13,604,188
LaMarcus Aldridge Portland Trail Blazers $13,500,000
Emeka Okafor Washington Wizards $13,490,000
Luol Deng Chicago Bulls $13,305,000
Josh Smith Atlanta Hawks $13,200,000
Danny Granger Indiana Pacers $13,058,606
Nene Washington Wizards $13,000,000
Andrew Bogut Golden State Warriors $13,000,000
David Lee Golden State Warriors $12,744,000
Tony Parker San Antonio Spurs $12,500,000
Kevin Martin Houston Rockets $12,439,675
Ben Gordon Charlotte Bobcats $12,400,000
Al Horford Atlanta Hawks $12,000,000
Kris Humphries Brooklyn Nets $12,000,000
Hedo Turkoglu Orlando Magic $11,815,850
Kevin Garnett Boston Celtics $11,566,265
Joakim Noah Chicago Bulls $11,300,000
Rajon Rondo Boston Celtics $11,000,000
Monta Ellis Milwaukee Bucks $11,000,000
Corey Maggette Detroit Pistons $10,924,138
Nicolas Batum Portland Trail Blazers $10,825,000
Jose Calderon Toronto Raptors $10,561,982
Other UCLA Bruins:
Arron Afflalo Orlando Magic $8,600,000
Trevor Ariza Washington Wizards $6,790,640
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute Milwaukee Bucks $4,750,000
Ryan Hollins LA Clippers $2,483,333
Earl Watson Utah Jazz $2,000,000
Matt Barnes LA Clippers $1,906,200
Jrue Holiday Philadelphia 76ers $1,741,440
Darren Collison Dallas Mavericks $1,455,690
Tyler Honeycutt Sacramento Kings $775,000
No salary figures available for Baron Davis (NY Knicks), Jordan Farmar (Atlanta Hawks), Jason Kapono (free agent), Malcolm Lee (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Reeves Nelson (LA Lakers).
Sept 10 2012 tidbit on Shabazz investigation
3-point shot: Lance Thomas' legacy at Duke
September, 10, 2012 5:00 AM ET
By Andy Katz | ESPN.com
1. Duke's staff didn't know about Lance Thomas' jewelry purchases or $30,000 cash payment in 2010, according to multiple school staffers. Duke will tell that to the NCAA to show that it wasn't complicit with any of Thomas' decisions. Of course being complicit would hit Duke. But not knowing what Thomas was doing doesn't impact a potential eligibility ruling. Duke is seeking to find out information on the matter now that the lawsuit for the remaining $68,000 jewelry bill (he was given $67,800 in credit) is being pursued. Thomas doesn't have to cooperate with the NCAA since he's no longer a student athlete. But Duke better lean on him hard to do so. The NCAA and Duke need to find out where the money came from and whether he received special treatment. This case cannot be taken lightly and there are questions that need to be answered. The NCAA has long said it can retroactively rule a player ineligible (see Derrick Rose of Memphis). That means the 2010 title and the 35 wins for coach Mike Krzyzewski and Duke could be vacated if Thomas were ruled ineligible. It's a big if, but the lawsuit has opened the need for an investigation as to how Thomas could have made such grand purchases as a college senior.
2. UCLA hasn't started the clock for freshman forward Shabazz Muhammad because he was hurt in August and also wasn't ruled eligible to go the Bruins' trip to China. The NCAA gives schools a 45-day window for players to practice during an initial eligibility process. The Bruins don't start the fall quarter until later this month. The Bruins could conceivably wait to start Muhammad's clock until practice starts on Oct. 12. That means Muhammad could practice for the first month of the season and play possibly in the opener while the NCAA deals with an amateurism/extra benefit issue with Muhammad. The process with Muhammad may drag for a while so by not starting his clock the Bruins have a chance to start the season practicing with their star newcomer.
3. Georgetown coach John Thompson III said that he wants to continue the Syracuse series after the Orange move to the ACC in 2013. Thompson couldn't say when it will resume but he is confident it will happen. He did say the tough decision for the Hoyas and other Big East schools will be how to handle nonconference games when the Big East likely goes to 20 conference games in 2013-14 when there are 18 league members. Thompson said he expects the league to move to 20 games and that means schools like Georgetown will have to decide does it participate in a neutral site event or two, or choose a home-and-home series. A Syracuse nonconference game would fall in the latter category.
2. UCLA hasn't started the clock for freshman forward Shabazz Muhammad because he was hurt in August and also wasn't ruled eligible to go the Bruins' trip to China. The NCAA gives schools a 45-day window for players to practice during an initial eligibility process. The Bruins don't start the fall quarter until later this month. The Bruins could conceivably wait to start Muhammad's clock until practice starts on Oct. 12. That means Muhammad could practice for the first month of the season and play possibly in the opener while the NCAA deals with an amateurism/extra benefit issue with Muhammad. The process with Muhammad may drag for a while so by not starting his clock the Bruins have a chance to start the season practicing with their star newcomer.
3. Georgetown coach John Thompson III said that he wants to continue the Syracuse series after the Orange move to the ACC in 2013. Thompson couldn't say when it will resume but he is confident it will happen. He did say the tough decision for the Hoyas and other Big East schools will be how to handle nonconference games when the Big East likely goes to 20 conference games in 2013-14 when there are 18 league members. Thompson said he expects the league to move to 20 games and that means schools like Georgetown will have to decide does it participate in a neutral site event or two, or choose a home-and-home series. A Syracuse nonconference game would fall in the latter category.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Source: UCLA’s Anderson Expected to Be Cleared by NCAA
 |
| Kyle Anderson (Hudson Reporter.com) |
Source: UCLA’s Anderson Expected to Be Cleared by NCAA
UCLA freshman guard Kyle Anderson is expected to be cleared by the NCAA to play this season, a source with direct knowledge of the case told SNY.tv Thursday.
“The UCLA compliance office is confident that he will be cleared before practice starts Oct. 12,” the source said.
The NCAA looked into the recruitment of the 6-foot-9 point guard in early August, the source said.
Anderson, a McDonald’s All-American out of St. Anthony, was cleared for UCLA’s China trip late last month, and he posted two double-doubles in three games there.
Anderson’s roommate and teammate, Shabazz Muhammad, is also being investigated by the NCAA and has not been cleared. He did not make the trip to China as a result.
Muhammad was injured over the summer and, as Andy Katz of ESPN.com pointed out, he could conceivably play in the team’s opener if the school waits to start his 45-day window when practice begins Oct. 12.
“Currently, there are two men’s basketball student-athletes who have not yet received final amateurism certification from the NCAA,” UCLA AD Dan Guerrero said earlier this month.
“UCLA will not, and cannot, endanger the privacy of our student-athletes or the confidentiality of the process by providing a more specific response at this time to these reports.”
A third UCLA freshman, Tony Parker, was also investigated by the NCAA, but he has since been cleared. He did not play in China due to an injured hamstring.
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2013 Four-star guard Allerik Freeman commits to UCLA on visit
courtcred/You Tube
MeetMeAtTheRim/You Tube
Allerik Freeman has had a very fluid recruitment during the past several months. He originally cut his list to Villanova and Kansas back in March, but then added Ohio State, UCLA and Duke as the weeks passed.
Once Freeman transferred from Olympic (N.C.) to Findlay Prep (Nev.), the Bruins began to make serious headway in his recruitment.
On his official visit to Westwood on Saturday, Freeman made it clear the hard work paid off: he committed to UCLA.
“I'm officially a UCLA Bruin,” Freeman tweeted. “Thank you to all the people who supported me and especially my family! All love. Long way to go though.”
Freeman, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, was once ranked as a five-star recruit in the class of 2013.
Although he dropped to No. 60 in the most-recent rankings, it's still an important commitment for the Bruins.
Freeman is a powerful scoring guard who uses his body to finish around the rim. He has a good mid-range game and can knock down shots off the bounce. Freeman can make plays off the dribble as well. Once he improves his ball-handling and shooting, Freeman can be a major asset in the backcourt.
He is UCLA's second commitment in the class of 2013, joining No. 44-ranked prospect Zach Lavine, a 6-3 point guard from Washington. The two should form a very effective guard pairing over the next few years.
MeetMeAtTheRim/You Tube
2013 Four-star guard Allerik Freeman commits to UCLA on visit
Once Freeman transferred from Olympic (N.C.) to Findlay Prep (Nev.), the Bruins began to make serious headway in his recruitment.
On his official visit to Westwood on Saturday, Freeman made it clear the hard work paid off: he committed to UCLA.
“I'm officially a UCLA Bruin,” Freeman tweeted. “Thank you to all the people who supported me and especially my family! All love. Long way to go though.”
Freeman, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, was once ranked as a five-star recruit in the class of 2013.
Although he dropped to No. 60 in the most-recent rankings, it's still an important commitment for the Bruins.
Freeman is a powerful scoring guard who uses his body to finish around the rim. He has a good mid-range game and can knock down shots off the bounce. Freeman can make plays off the dribble as well. Once he improves his ball-handling and shooting, Freeman can be a major asset in the backcourt.
He is UCLA's second commitment in the class of 2013, joining No. 44-ranked prospect Zach Lavine, a 6-3 point guard from Washington. The two should form a very effective guard pairing over the next few years.
Five questions: Larry Drew II
Five questions: Larry Drew II
September, 13, 2012 11:00 AM ET
By Robbi Pickeral | ESPN.com
Editor's Note: In the buildup to Midnight Madness, we are taking an in-depth look at ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi's top five seeds in a series called Countdown To Madness. In addition to the Insider pieces, Eamonn Brennan will offer Three Big Things about each team, and we'll have Five Questions with a player or coach from each squad.
The last time UCLA senior Larry Drew II played in a regular-season game was Feb. 1, 2011. He recorded nine assists at Boston College. He played 19 minutes off the bench. And he was wearing a North Carolina uniform.
Two days later, the demoted starter suddenly left Chapel Hill, N.C., and his father called UNC coach Roy Williams to tell him Drew was transferring. The player returned home to the West Coast, said he didn’t pick up a basketball for at least two months and opted to transfer to UCLA. This season he aims to prove he can lead, make plays and push his talent-stacked new team to NCAA tournament success.
We recently caught up with Drew, who sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules and is both thrilled and anxious to begin his final college basketball season with his new team:
Coach Ben Howland recently told ESPN’s Andy Katz that you will be the starter at point guard this season. Does it feel like you are getting a second chance?
Larry Drew: Definitely, this is my second chance. For a couple of months, I even had my Twitter name as “2ndChance,” because I’m also the second, Larry Drew II. … But it’s definitely a huge blessing, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity to get back to playing the game I love.
How are you a different player than the last time people saw you in a game? What can people expect?
LD: I’m still a playmaker. I’m still all about getting my teammates involved. Obviously this year, with the players we have, we have a lot of offensive firepower, so I think that’s definitely going to work itself out over the course of the season. So I’ve just been constantly working on everything: getting stronger, my jump shot, everything. One thing that’s just different for me, and what people have been telling me: I look like I’m out there having fun again when I play.
You surprised a lot of people when you left Chapel Hill in the middle of the 2010-11 season. What happened?
LD: I’m sure it shocked a lot of people. But what I will say: It wasn’t a [split-second] decision. I had been unhappy for some time. There was a series of things … and finally, I just got fed up. I just decided to take matters into my own hands. … And I’d just like to take responsibility for everything.
But now I’m here, I’m back in L.A., in my home city, and I’ve got a second chance. Some people might say I’m selfish, I’m this or that or whatever. But I had to do what’s best for me in the long run. And I think it played itself out perfect.
Has it been a distraction to the team, not knowing the status of freshmen Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson (who are awaiting amateurism certification from the NCAA)?
LD: There hasn’t been much of a discussion. We’ve just been going with the mindset to do whatever is necessary. [Muhammad] couldn’t go on the China [exhibition] trip, unfortunately, but we still talk to him on a regular basis so that he knows he’s part of the team even though we were without him in China. It’s all about just trying to stay focused on the task at hand, and that’s winning.
What are your goals for your final college season?
LD: To win it -- to win it all. It would be quite an achievement to win two national championships with two different schools. [Editor's note: Drew was a freshman on UNC’s ’09 NCAA title team.] I’m all about trying to make history.
The last time UCLA senior Larry Drew II played in a regular-season game was Feb. 1, 2011. He recorded nine assists at Boston College. He played 19 minutes off the bench. And he was wearing a North Carolina uniform.
[+] Enlarge
Icon SMIUCLA coach Ben Howland said North Carolina transfer Larry Drew II was the Bruins' "most indispensable player.''
Icon SMIUCLA coach Ben Howland said North Carolina transfer Larry Drew II was the Bruins' "most indispensable player.''We recently caught up with Drew, who sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules and is both thrilled and anxious to begin his final college basketball season with his new team:
Coach Ben Howland recently told ESPN’s Andy Katz that you will be the starter at point guard this season. Does it feel like you are getting a second chance?
Larry Drew: Definitely, this is my second chance. For a couple of months, I even had my Twitter name as “2ndChance,” because I’m also the second, Larry Drew II. … But it’s definitely a huge blessing, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity to get back to playing the game I love.
How are you a different player than the last time people saw you in a game? What can people expect?
LD: I’m still a playmaker. I’m still all about getting my teammates involved. Obviously this year, with the players we have, we have a lot of offensive firepower, so I think that’s definitely going to work itself out over the course of the season. So I’ve just been constantly working on everything: getting stronger, my jump shot, everything. One thing that’s just different for me, and what people have been telling me: I look like I’m out there having fun again when I play.
You surprised a lot of people when you left Chapel Hill in the middle of the 2010-11 season. What happened?
LD: I’m sure it shocked a lot of people. But what I will say: It wasn’t a [split-second] decision. I had been unhappy for some time. There was a series of things … and finally, I just got fed up. I just decided to take matters into my own hands. … And I’d just like to take responsibility for everything.
But now I’m here, I’m back in L.A., in my home city, and I’ve got a second chance. Some people might say I’m selfish, I’m this or that or whatever. But I had to do what’s best for me in the long run. And I think it played itself out perfect.
Has it been a distraction to the team, not knowing the status of freshmen Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson (who are awaiting amateurism certification from the NCAA)?
LD: There hasn’t been much of a discussion. We’ve just been going with the mindset to do whatever is necessary. [Muhammad] couldn’t go on the China [exhibition] trip, unfortunately, but we still talk to him on a regular basis so that he knows he’s part of the team even though we were without him in China. It’s all about just trying to stay focused on the task at hand, and that’s winning.
What are your goals for your final college season?
LD: To win it -- to win it all. It would be quite an achievement to win two national championships with two different schools. [Editor's note: Drew was a freshman on UNC’s ’09 NCAA title team.] I’m all about trying to make history.
Three Big Things: UCLA
Three Big Things: UCLA
September, 13, 2012 12:13 PM ET
By Eamonn Brennan | ESPN.com
In the buildup to Midnight Madness, Insider and our college hoops team are collaborating on a preview of one high-profile college hoops team per day -- based on Joe Lunardi’s top 20 teams in his offseason Bracketology. We're calling it "Countdown To Madness." I'll be tracing three key things you should know about each team we preview. We're calling that "Three Big Things." (Hey, that's snappy!) Today: UCLA.
1. Oh, the uncertainty!
On Wednesday, we talked about North Carolina, and why -- hugely talented and highly used departures, little-used replacements, and so on -- it was such a difficult team to predict. UNC may have its fair share of uncertainty, but it’s got nothing on the UCLA Bruins. Every possible outcome is officially on the table.
Let’s start with the most uncertain dynamic of this roster, which also just so happens to be the most important: The eligibility -- or lack thereof – of Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson. Muhammad and Anderson, the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked small forwards in the class of 2012, and both top-five players overall, are about as highly touted as recruits come. The investigation into Muhammad’s potential acceptance of improper benefits during his recruitment is nothing new; to be safe, UCLA kept him out of its offseason trip to China. Anderson, on the other hand, participated in the China trip.
Whatever the eventual details on both players, what matters is whether they’ll be able to play. As of right now, we just don’t know. If one or (say it ain’t so) both is held out for any length of time, it would be a major blow, as both players are the heart of UCLA’s top-ranked recruiting class and the major cause for sudden renewed optimism around this recently flagging program. Will they both be in uniform on opening night?
2. Even the players we know will be in the lineup come November are uncertain. Incoming recruit Tony Parker's minutes, production and playing style have to fit in alongside forwards Joshua Smith and Travis and David Wear. Or take the Wear twins, who showed flashes of productive hoops last season off the bench, but have yet to justify the large hype they generated during their recruitment to North Carolina, or their eventual transfer to UCLA. Or take Smith, a preternaturally gifted forward with great feet and soft hands -- in another life, he could have made an incredible left tackle -- who has yet to come anywhere close to realizing his potential because he’s yet to come anywhere close to being in college basketball shape.
Or take Larry Drew II. The last time we saw Drew II, he was coming off a season running North Carolina’s offense during one of its worst seasons in decades. The next year, with a guy named Kendall Marshall on the bench, Drew II was ineffective again. When Roy Williams said enough, and rightly told Drew II to come off the bench to make way for Marshall’s gifted passing ability -- a switch that basically unlocked the entire North Carolina attack -- Drew II quickly transferred from the program. Now UCLA coach Ben Howland has given Drew II the keys to his offense; the point guard will run the show in a lineup that will require a deft and balanced touch. This doesn’t seem to make much sense until you consider Drew II’s talent as a perimeter defender; Howland loves great perimeter defenders.
Can Drew II be trusted to handle the task? In today's 5-question feature, the point guard says all the right things about how grateful he is for a second chance, and how much he wants to get his team to the mountaintop (even if his comments about his displeasure at UNC still ring somewhat hollow). But what if it doesn’t work? What if he’s benched again? What, if anything, will that do to UCLA’s chemistry? There are so many questions here.
3. Which brings us, finally, to Howland. The 2011–12 season was hardly a bright spot in the coach’s otherwise illustrious UCLA tenure (which, let’s remember, included three straight Final Fours). Howland began the season dealing with Reeves Nelson’s nonsense and ended it by having his entire program -- including detailed accusations that he coddles star players and lets them run roughshod over his teams -- put under a heat lamp by Sports Illustrated’s George Dohrmann.
Before Howland sewed up the best recruiting class in the country, many UCLA fans argued it was time to cut ties. But Howland deserves a shot to make this talent-rich team work. The question is whether he can. As Dohrmann’s piece highlighted, Howland seems at his best with teams full of smart, hard-nosed, unheralded players. The last time he landed star-studded recruiting classes, many of his players transferred while his program struggled to recover.
The 2012–13 Bruins have more talent than any team Howland has coached. This should be a blessing. But it hasn’t worked in the past, and this year, with Howland’s job almost certainly on the line, the stakes have never been higher.
UCLA may begin the season ranked No. 1. It will almost certainly start in the top five. On paper, that makes sense. But on the court, where it matters, can Howland turn this collection of talented parts into something greater?
Just two months from the start of the season, nothing is guaranteed. Everything is on the table. Stay tuned.
Check out original post on ESPN.com (link) and scope out the heated discussion in the Comments section at the bottom. Folks have some not so flattering things to say about Coach Ben. Their teams probably suck.
1. Oh, the uncertainty!
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastWill Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson be eligible to play this season?
AP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastWill Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson be eligible to play this season?Let’s start with the most uncertain dynamic of this roster, which also just so happens to be the most important: The eligibility -- or lack thereof – of Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson. Muhammad and Anderson, the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked small forwards in the class of 2012, and both top-five players overall, are about as highly touted as recruits come. The investigation into Muhammad’s potential acceptance of improper benefits during his recruitment is nothing new; to be safe, UCLA kept him out of its offseason trip to China. Anderson, on the other hand, participated in the China trip.
Whatever the eventual details on both players, what matters is whether they’ll be able to play. As of right now, we just don’t know. If one or (say it ain’t so) both is held out for any length of time, it would be a major blow, as both players are the heart of UCLA’s top-ranked recruiting class and the major cause for sudden renewed optimism around this recently flagging program. Will they both be in uniform on opening night?
2. Even the players we know will be in the lineup come November are uncertain. Incoming recruit Tony Parker's minutes, production and playing style have to fit in alongside forwards Joshua Smith and Travis and David Wear. Or take the Wear twins, who showed flashes of productive hoops last season off the bench, but have yet to justify the large hype they generated during their recruitment to North Carolina, or their eventual transfer to UCLA. Or take Smith, a preternaturally gifted forward with great feet and soft hands -- in another life, he could have made an incredible left tackle -- who has yet to come anywhere close to realizing his potential because he’s yet to come anywhere close to being in college basketball shape.
Or take Larry Drew II. The last time we saw Drew II, he was coming off a season running North Carolina’s offense during one of its worst seasons in decades. The next year, with a guy named Kendall Marshall on the bench, Drew II was ineffective again. When Roy Williams said enough, and rightly told Drew II to come off the bench to make way for Marshall’s gifted passing ability -- a switch that basically unlocked the entire North Carolina attack -- Drew II quickly transferred from the program. Now UCLA coach Ben Howland has given Drew II the keys to his offense; the point guard will run the show in a lineup that will require a deft and balanced touch. This doesn’t seem to make much sense until you consider Drew II’s talent as a perimeter defender; Howland loves great perimeter defenders.
Can Drew II be trusted to handle the task? In today's 5-question feature, the point guard says all the right things about how grateful he is for a second chance, and how much he wants to get his team to the mountaintop (even if his comments about his displeasure at UNC still ring somewhat hollow). But what if it doesn’t work? What if he’s benched again? What, if anything, will that do to UCLA’s chemistry? There are so many questions here.
3. Which brings us, finally, to Howland. The 2011–12 season was hardly a bright spot in the coach’s otherwise illustrious UCLA tenure (which, let’s remember, included three straight Final Fours). Howland began the season dealing with Reeves Nelson’s nonsense and ended it by having his entire program -- including detailed accusations that he coddles star players and lets them run roughshod over his teams -- put under a heat lamp by Sports Illustrated’s George Dohrmann.
Before Howland sewed up the best recruiting class in the country, many UCLA fans argued it was time to cut ties. But Howland deserves a shot to make this talent-rich team work. The question is whether he can. As Dohrmann’s piece highlighted, Howland seems at his best with teams full of smart, hard-nosed, unheralded players. The last time he landed star-studded recruiting classes, many of his players transferred while his program struggled to recover.
The 2012–13 Bruins have more talent than any team Howland has coached. This should be a blessing. But it hasn’t worked in the past, and this year, with Howland’s job almost certainly on the line, the stakes have never been higher.
UCLA may begin the season ranked No. 1. It will almost certainly start in the top five. On paper, that makes sense. But on the court, where it matters, can Howland turn this collection of talented parts into something greater?
Just two months from the start of the season, nothing is guaranteed. Everything is on the table. Stay tuned.
Check out original post on ESPN.com (link) and scope out the heated discussion in the Comments section at the bottom. Folks have some not so flattering things to say about Coach Ben. Their teams probably suck.
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