Thursday Afternoon News

The Duke Blue Devil's are showing increased interest in 2011 forward Rodney Hood. During the summer observation period the Blue Devil's who are still looking to add players to both the 09' and 10' classes, are spending increasingly more time watching the Mississippi native in action.

The Illinois State Redbirds have signed their sixth prospect of the 2009 class. Power forward Jackie Carmichael (pictured) is a 6'9 post player originally from Manhattan Kansas that played his high school ball for South Kent school in Connecticut. Carmichael will add front line depth to a stellar class that coach Tim Jankovich has assembled. Jankovich knows a thing or two about Manhattan Kansas (graduated from Kansas State in 1981) that couldn't have hurt when talking with Carmichael. The Redbirds should be able to add to their 24-10 record from last season. It is possible that one more player could be added to the roster if point guard D'Mitri Riggs decides to come aboard.

More Lance Stephenson news has both Arizona and Saint Johns out as possible destinations. It is now looking ever more likely that Lance could opt to play in Europe.

If your disappointed with your teams recruiting class rank according to Rivals, Scout or ESPN. Keep in mind that these rankings are not the ultimate indicator of your teams success or lack there of. Last seasons Missouri Tigers team that finished with a 31-7 record and an elite 8 appearance had not 1 rivals top 100 player on the entire roster:

Rivals.com final ratings for members of the 2008-09 Tigers

STARTERS

Leo Lyons- 112
J.T. Tiller- 136
DeMarre Carroll- 148
Matt Lawrence- NR
Zaire Taylor- NR

BENCH

Kim English- 111
Marcus Denmon- 150
Laurence Bowers- NR
Keith Ramsey- NR
Justin Safford- NR
Steve Moore- NR
Miguel Paul- NR
Michael Anderson Jr.- NR

We will be releasing our final top 10 recruiting rankings for 2009. One team every day, starting 5/11, leading up to the 5/20 signing day finale and our last #1 ranking of the 2009 class. Have the Kentucky Wildcat's knocked the North Carolina Tar Heels out of the top spot? Will USC still be ranked among the top 10? Find out here starting May 11 with our most in depth class breakdown yet.