Now that the 2010 class is front and center and has been for a couple of months there are a few trends starting to take shape. Today we will have a look at some of the most noticeable facts and questions thus far.
1. Ohio State is set to hold down the #1 spot in the rankings. The Buckeyes have five verbal commitments for the class including two of our top five and three of our top fifty. Jared Sullinger is arguably the #1 player in the country, Deshaun Thomas has seen his stock steadily fall at every site except for this one and he is going to be an absolute beast at the collegiate level. Jordan Sibert is also going to produce immediately.
2. Purdue has four verbal commits for the class. Terone Johnson, Anthony Johnson and Donnie Hale are all studs and Travis Carrol is going to be solid. This class could very well end up being the best in the nation if you count the fact that all four are most likely four year players.
3. Dayton is on a roll!! Having already signed two top players in the past three seasons. 2010 looks to be the official breakthrough year. Juwan Staten is a true top tier player. Ralph Hill and Brandon Spearman are both going to make an impact from day one as well.
4. Illinos has some great talent committed. Jereme Richmond, Crandall Head, and Myers Leonard will have the Fighting Illini once again able to fight for a Big Ten title.
5. The Maryland Terrapins have verbals from two of our top 100 players in Terrence Ross and Mychal Parker. Will this be the class that gets coach Williams and the Terps back on track?
6. Will Rick Pitino's off the court issues have any effect on his recruiting? He says it won't. I guess that time will tell. Even if it doesn't effect players wanting to come to Louisville, It could have an effect on his focus on and off the court.
7. Although John Calipari has never been named in any wrong doings, the perception is that he has broken a rule or committed a violation along the way. Will the Derek Rose incident have any effect on his 2010 efforts at Kentucky? As of the time that I am writing this article Kentucky is involved with just about every top un-committed 2010 recruit, but has yet to receive a verbal for the class.
8. Can Coach Crean reclaim the state of Indiana for the Hoosiers? With Indiana being home to about 10 top 100 players in 2011. 2010 has to be the year that Coach Crean makes a move towards reclaiming the state. The Hoosiers have verbals from Austin Etherington and Matt Carlino. But landing Plumlee or Zeller in 2011 would tell the likes of Ohio State, Purdue, Louisville and Duke that the Hoosiers are back.
9. Can coach Pastner keep the momentum alive in Memphis? The news coming down about Derick Rose's academic status and Latavious Williams bolting over seas, have not affected the young coach. He wasted no time in getting verbal commitments from Will and Antonio Barton. Can he add more and keep the Tiger's relevant?
10. Are the Florida Gators losing momentum? Nick Calathes left for Greece, the news came out that Eloy Vargas is looking for a new home. Austin Rivers may not be 100% committed and the Gators are coming off of back to back rough seasons.
Kyrie Irving has narrowed his list of schools via the social networking site Twitter. "Duke Indiana Kentucky Georgia Tech Seton Hall and Uconn are on my list...sorry for not updating it last night..." I would expect more recruits to use social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook in the future to cut their lists and even announce their decision to commit. Irving is currently rated the #16 player in the class of 2010.
Austin Etherington has spent the majority of his high school career sidelined with injuries. Etherington has finally put some distance between himself and his last injury and it has translated into more confident play. As a sophomore, after missing the first 15 games, Etherington burst back averaging 16 points and 7 rebounds per contest. By all accounts the dead eye shooter is among the top guards in the 2011 class and he holds no less than five high major offers.
Recently Full Court Preps Writer David Money was able to catch up with Etherington.
F.C.P. - Could you sum up your game for folks who have not had a chance to see you play?
Etherington- I am a two guard or a three that can shoot the ball and penetrate to the basket.
F.C.P.- What have you been working on this summer?
Etherington- Getting low on my drive. Working on my shot and trying to get more shots up. I am learning to shoot over taller defenders and stuff like that.
F.C.P.- How are you recovering from the injury's?
Etherington- I am 100 percent, I am all good.
F.C.P.- Can you talk about how you guys did at Hamilton last season?
Etherigton- I missed the first 15 games. When I started playing we were about .500 and we ended up plus three. I think we only lost four games when I was playing. I did alright, I averaged about 16 points per game.
F.C.P.- What schools are showing interest in you?
Etherington- I have five offers. I have Xavier, Indiana, Butler, Oklahoma State, and New Mexico. Ohio State is right there, I'm hoping to get that offer.
F.C.P.- Do you have a leader at this point?
Etherington- Not really. It's all open. It's all up in the air.
F.C.P.- Do you plan on taking any visits?
Etherington- Yeah I'm hoping that in the fall I can get out to Oklahoma St. and see what it's like. I'll probably go back to Indiana and Xavier.
Marshall Plumlee has improved a lot since the last time I seen him play about a year ago. He has now progressed to the point to where he can knock down the 15-17 foot jumpshot on a consistent basis. He still needs to get stronger but, he recognizes that fact and is working on it. At the Take 5 Classic in Cincinnati there were many coaches on hand to watch Plumlee, including Tubby Smith, Tom Crean and a bevy of other high major coaches and assistants.
Full Court Preps Writer David Money was able to catch up with the developing post player and ask him about a number of topics including where he stands in the recruitment process:
After the Interview Plumlee told us that LSU has also offered him a scholarship.
Scott County's Ge-Lawn Guyn is among the top handful of players in the state of Kentucky regardless of class and he recently Committed to UNC Charlotte. Coach Lutz's 49ers have picked up a combo guard with few very impressive ability's:
-He can take just about anyone off the dribble
-You can't give him too much room or he will knock down the three.
-He has a great feel for where his teammates are at all times.
"I play the one and two, I can shoot, I can pass, I can do it all. I try to get everyone involved." said Guyn
"I'm looking for a school that plays uptempo, because that's the way that I like to play. The academics, stuff like that, but I'm just being humble and taking everything as it comes."
Guyn is a very confident and talented young man. Look for him to be among our top 100 players in the class of 2010, when we expand our list later this summer.
Remy Abell is becoming a well known player in the 2011 class, especially around the nations heartland. Recently Full Court Preps writer David Money caught up with the talented junior to be:
Abell has an above average ability to do a number of things, including: pass, shoot, defend, and run the floor. Simply put, Abell is gritty. This kid is a giver and he buys into his coaches philosophy's and instructions. Abell is a student of the game and a well rounded young man. We expect huge things from him over the next couple of seasons. Please check back in the coming weeks for a complete dissection of this kids abilities.
Jaylen Beckham is a sophomore to be, that attends Lexington Catholic High in KY. This kid had his talent on display over the weekend at the 13th annual Derek Smith shootout in Louisville. In my opinion, Beckham is definitely one of the top 5 players in the state of Kentucky regardless of class.
One of the best games of the weekend pitted his team against Bowling Green high. Bowling Green's revamped roster now features one of the top forwards in the 2011 class in Chane Behanan (video of Behanan tomorrow). On a couple of possessions Beckham fearlessly drove the ball right into the chest of the phenomenal forward, finishing once and drawing the foul.
The most noticeable asset that this kid posses is his almost complete game. Beckham's defensive instincts are outstanding for a player his age. He demonstrated the ability to blow by defenders, almost at will. Think a young Rajon Rondo, granted this kid may never achieve the same elite status as Rondo, but the similarities are undeniable. Beckham is about 6'1 with long arms and a wiry frame. His unorthodox build coupled with his elite speed and quickness helps him to make difficult plays look relatively natural. He is always in the right position and wreaking havoc seems to be instinctive on both ends of the court. The one weakness in his game is his shooting, which is sure to improve over the next three plus years.
Overall this kid is set to be among the top 60 or 70 players in his class, however if he can improve his inconsistent jump shot then he could find himself firmly within the top 40.
With the class of 2009 basically in the books. It is time to add some 2012 prospects to the database. Scott County High in Kentucky is a good place to start. Tameron Manning is a 6'5 kid that can play the both the two guard and the wing position with relative consistency.
First of all Manning's long arms and suburb coordination help him to shine like a top tier player at times. Some of the passes that this kid deliverers in transition are phenomenal. Manning is also heady and makes finishing around the basket look effortless. This kid runs the court like a gazelle and has the range to consistently shoot from about 15 feet.
However in spurts Manning blends in; which is OK. After all Manning is a sophomore to be and defiantly concedes seniority to some other high profile players in their own right. Manning is highly aware of the team philosophy's at all times and certainly seems to "buy in" to the lessons on the idiosyncrasy's of the game, offered up by his coaches.
Overall this kid has all of the physical tools needed to succeed at the high school level and beyond. If Manning can stay this focused for another three years then the sky is the limit. As of now Manning projects as a top 100 player in his class. We will keep you posted on his progress throughout his career.
Ge-Lawn Guyn is a really impressive player with a multi-dimensional skill set. Guyn has the talent to create havoc at either guard position. This kid can penetrate and finish with the best players in the class. Guyn's quickness often forces opposing teams to double team or trap him, however he has the ability and vision to pass out of the chaos, for easy buckets. Guyn's athleticism and work ethic could help him develop into a lock down defender as well.
Overall, this kid stands out. He plays for a loaded Scott County team that features no less than five future division one players. This kid has an extremely high ceiling and should have no problem attending any number of high major programs.
We also have some nice highlights of Mr. Guyn in action and we should have those ready soon.
Tonight is the Indiana Senior/Junior scrimage at New Albany high. Please check back for the full story.
Trey Williams is a 6'6 kid that can play either forward position. This kid is a consensus top 10 player in the state of Kentucky in the 2011 class. Williams has a motor that doesn't quit and has all of the un-coachable traits that you would look for in a ball player: size, speed, athleticism, runs the floor. However, Williams game is still a bit raw and lacks polish at this point (keep in mind that he is still young). If this kid continues to work hard he could definitely play college basketball at a high major level. Overall Williams is a very polite and well mannered young student/athlete that should continue to improve his game and his collegiate stock and we will keep you posted on his progress.
Please check back tomorrow for more about one of the Scott County kids with a video interview included, we are still working on piecing together some more highlight videos and should have those ready soon as well. On a side note: We are unable to put Lil Wayne on any of our highlight videos for copyright reasons, so the random free instrumentals we have, is what we will be using for now. As always our inbox is open at fullcourtpreps1@yahoo.com (not a link) if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
According to Evan Daniels of scout.com Johnson has decided not to attend USC. Before committing to USC in September of 08' Johnson's list of schools included UCLA, N.C. State, Miami, Wake Forest, UNLV, Texas and Indiana. We had the privilege of watching this young man play in the 09' Derby Classic, where he posted 10 points, 1 rebound, one steal and an assist in about 15 minutes of play.
Below is an article that we wrote awhile back about Johnson's impressive childhood.
As a freshman at Lovejoy High, Johnson was tabbed as one of the top prospects in the state. Now the senior from Fayette County high is one of the top prospects in the nation. However the grounded Johnson keeps everything in the right perspective:
“I just look at myself as just another individual that plays basketball.”
Noel’s family and support system has always had him involved in athletics. Johnson’s father was a star at Wichita State and played one season for the Golden State Warriors. Johnson has inherited his fathers athletic ability to go along with his 6′7, 180 pound frame. The kid has developed the ability to aggressively attack the rim and sports an improved jumper.
Johnson lists his parents as the biggest role models in his life:
“Both of my parents ‘cause they want me to strive to be the best at everything I do.”
Johnson’s father has had Noel mentored and tutored by some of the classiest people associated with the game:
-Xavier McDaniel is Johnson’s godfather.
-Nate “Tiny” Archibald, teaches Johnson ball handling ,court vision and awareness drills.
-Former Hawk Mike Glenn teaches him shooting and helps to mold him into a well rounded student/athlete (Johnson carries a respectable B average)
-The first ever African American to sign a scholarship at UNC, Charlie Scott helps Johnson with offensive consistency.
In December of 2007, while playing in front of a packed gym, including Rick Pitino. Johnson burned Mctinosh Ga, for 42 points and 14 boards. In March of 08′ it was more of the same. Johnson’s late three pointer closed the game out against #7 ranked Miller Grove in the state 3-A semifinals game. Johnson finished the game with 29 points. Johnson finished his junior campaign averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest. The quick rising junior had this to say after his clutch performance:
“We knew they were not going to get rattled,” Johnson said. “We just had to keep our composure.”
Mfon Udofia, who led Miller Grove to its first trip to the semifinals, finished with a game-high 30 points. Johnson went on to be named to the State AAA first team along with Mfon Udofia.
When Johnson was asked what was looking for in a program and coach he added:
“(I’m looking for) A coach that enjoys the game as much as I do but at the same time wants to help each and every player reach the next level.”
“I’m looking at how important the school takes education. Also, I’m looking at how the school takes care of their alumni.”
Photo courtesy of here.
Gold Team
Micheal Snaer- 30 points, Gold Team MVP. Wow, this kid continues to impress us. Snaer (pictured center) has a nose for the ball. Showed a nice touch from the perimeter as well. Snaer doesn't play above the rim as much as you would like him to, but other than that the 6'4 shooting guard has the complete package. Leonard Hamilton has to be anxious to get this kid on the court.
Christian Watford - 25 points. Watford was wonderful. He completed 4 of his 5 and 1 attempts in the game. Watford has a great blend of size and athleticism that should give defenders trouble at the division1 level. Showed a decent stroke as well. Watford is definitely more of a slasher as of now, but given time could develop into a star at IU.
Daniel Orton- 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Orton (above center) was a bit out of his element in this game that went up and down so much, the final score was 151-145. However he showed that he has a strong all around game. Once sealed in the low block the kid is going to be tough to stop. Orton displayed a great feel for the game and seems to always know where to be on the court. After the game Orton told us that: "I am going to sit down and talk about my future with my father all this coming week, but as of now I am still on board wth Kentucky."
Maurice Creek - 17 points. Creek and Watford should complement one another well. The 6'5 guard showed nice touch from the outside as well as a strong ability to finish plays.
Brendan Lane- 15 points. The 6'9 UCLA commit runs the floor well. Showed range on a nice three point basket. Will definitely provide immediate help at the 4 and possibly help at the 3 in the future. Had some heady plays and should fit nicely into the Bruins gritty style.
John Hood- 13 points, The Kentucky signee looked a little sluggish at first but came on strong in the second half. Showing nice athleticism and speed for a kid just a few weeks removed from having a boot on his leg. Should provide immediate spark for the Wildcat's in limited minutes as a freshman.
Maalik Wayns- 10 points, 3 assists. Wayns is going to be a great player while at Villanova. Didn't do anything to hurt or help his ranking in this game. Wayns did have trouble with Siva's speed (something to keep in mind with 2 future Big East players.)
Black Team
Peyton Siva-16 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. We knew this kid was good, but Siva has gotten better. Known as a combo guard in high school the crafty, shifty one has shown that he can handle the point guard responsibility's at the division 1 level and beyond. Had great passes. speed and timing. Looked a cut above the other point guards in the game.
Rakeem Buckles- 24 points, 18 in a row in the 3rd quarter. Buckles started slow. In the second half the kid showed why he is a consensus top 40 player in the class.. Buckles displayed a large arsenal of post moves and slashes. We were very impressed with this kids drive. Buckles did fouls out with just under 4 minutes remaining in the game.
Raymond Penn- 24 points. (pictured above)This young man displayed the best touch from 3, knocking down 5 treys during the course of the game. Penn's shooting was part of a late surge that almost helped his team get over the hump. Penn is a solid built guard who should step in and fill departed senior Byron Eaton's shoes nicely.
Lakeem Jackson- 14 points. Jackson had the best springs in the event. The 6'5 forward was all over the place, getting several baskets off of hustle alone. Runs the court as good as any player in his class, could use a little work on his shooting. Overall Gamecock fans should be pumped about seeing this kid on the hardwood.
There are 4 video's in the player to the right that feature footage from the Derby Classic.
We were able to catch up with the talented guard from Jefferstown High school in Louisville, Ky, while at the Derby Classic. A plus for any program is that Cosby is one of the most well mannered young men that we have met.
If you would like to see video's of some of the kids in action from the Derby Classic then check out video player to the right.
