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.
Perry Ellis is among the better 2012 prospects on the nation and the sophomore to be has just added his most recent offer from Oklahoma. As of Friday 8/21/09 Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis and Oklahoma have offered the 6'8 Wichita native. He is quickly becoming one of the hottest commodity's in the class.
Ellis is extremely athletic and he is versatile enough to play either forward position or in the post. As of now Ellis projects as a top 10 player in the 2012 class. UCLA, Arizona, Texas A&M, Indiana, Kansas State and Western Kentucky have all showed strong interest in Ellis as well.
A brief caveat, The 2009 Take 5 classic drew talent from all over the country to Cincinnati's campus. The tournament directors Criss Beyers and Mike Duncan did a marvelous job and should be commended for their hard work and dedication to the sport. Thanks guys!
One of the most popular prospects of the first day was former Louisville commit Justin Martin (pictured with his coach). Martin recently withdrew his verbal commitment to play for the university of Louisville and despite recent rumors the Cardinals are still in the running for his services. A slew of division one coaches were on hand for his games including: Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Sean Miller, Bob Huggins, Josh Pastner and a who's who list of other top coaches. Martin played a couple of very impressive games and showed flashes of being a very versatile and explosive player. He didn't stuff the stat sheet with points, but his strong overall play certainly stood out.
Full Court Preps writer David Money was able to catch up with the talented youngster for a little Q & A:
F.C.P.- Could you talk a little about how the game against the Shining Stars went?
Martin- The first half we was a little rusty. The second half we came out ready to play.
F.C.P.- Could you tell us where everything stands in the recruiting process?
Martin- Right now I'm wide open. I'm not looking to make a decision until after I take my official visits.
F.C.P.- What schools are you hearing from?
Martin- Right now I'm hearing from Arizona, Oklahoma, Memphis, Kentucky, Miami, Florida, Xavier and Marquette.
F.C.P.- With you recently de-committing from Louisville are they not in the picture anymore at all?
Martin- No their still in the picture, I still hear from them and we still talk.
F.C.P.- What about the local schools Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue?
Martin- I haven't heard from any of them except for Notre Dame.
F.C.P.- Any time table for a decision?
Martin- After I take my officials.
F.C.P.- Do you plan on taking any visits or going to any camps soon?
Martin- Since I reopened my recruitment I have yet to take any visits. I have been focusing on summer school and things like that so I haven't really had time.
F.C.P.- You mentioned Kentucky and coach Gillispie's staff was recruiting you in the past, have they re-initiated things now that coach Calipari is there?
Martin- Yeah, they came to our open gym at Lawrence North. They were actually there to see Dominique. After I de-committed they called me and re-established things. Calipari recruited me while he was at Memphis before I committed to Louisville so we know a little bit about each other. Right now I'm just looking to build a relationship with coaches.
F.C.P.- With you and Dominique both un-committed have you two discussed the possibility of playing together?
Martin- Dominique is like my brother but, we really don't want to play for the same school. I mean if it happens, it happens. We have been playing together since the eight grade.
F.C.P.- Is there any certain style of play that would suit you best?
Martin- Run and gun, that's the style that I like best.
----- Original Message -----
From: UK Athletics Assoc. - Main Media Dist. List
To: UKAAMEDIA@LSV.UKY.EDU
Sent: Wed May 27 22:47:21 2009
Subject: UK Media Advisory
In response to Memphis receiving a letter from the NCAA...
STATEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY First and foremost, there are no NCAA allegations against UK Head Men's Basketball Coach John Calipari. Coach Calipari was forthcoming with the University of Kentucky during the hiring process about any issues under investigation at the University of Memphis at that time.
It is normal procedure for the NCAA to ask a former coach to participate in a hearing. Therefore, Coach Calipari will participate as requested.
Coach John Calipari has received a letter from the NCAA stating that he is not at risk of being charged with any NCAA violations in this case.
This is a University of Memphis issue and the University of Kentucky will not comment any further.
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH JOHN CALIPARI "Even though I'm not at risk, I will fully cooperate with the NCAA hearing. Beyond that, I concur with the statement from the University of Kentucky and will have no further comment."
DeWayne Peevy
Associate AD / Media Relations
University of Kentucky
The allegations include "knowing fraudulence or misconduct" on an SAT exam by a player on that season’s team, which finished runner-up in the NCAA tournament, The Commercial Appeal reported on its Web site. Today was a bad day for Memphis, Kentucky, Calipari and college basketball.
This news becoming public knowledge has to damper the mood somewhat at both schools. Memphis was finally starting the process of rebuilding without Calipari. Young and energetic first year head coach, Josh Pastner just received a commitment from Latavious Williams. Calipari has revitalized a once demoralized fan base and team at Kentucky.
Now, the two schools will once again be mentioned together, at least until the June, 6 hearing. Hopefully the end result turns out to be o.k. for Memphis. Violations at any school are unhealthy for the entire game.
According to this site. Williams will choose to play for the University of Memphis at his 2 p.m. press conference this afternoon.
"According to a source from a Junior College in Texas, 2009 PF Latavious Williams is expected to announce for Memphis in a 2pm press conference today. "
Williams would be a huge get for first year head coach Josh Pastner. Who seemed to be scrambling to fill his roster for the upcoming season in this recent video.
We have finally received word that Eric Bledsoe will be taking his game to Lexington, Kentucky and not to Memphis. Bledsoe will choose Kentucky at his 11 AM est, news conference.
"Bledsoe believes that Calipari will make him a better player and help him get where he wants to go in life." Our source said by phone early Wednesday morning.
Bledsoe is not shying away from the challenge of possibly having to compete with John Wall for playing time. Bledsoe will be recruit number 5 in the Calipari era at Kentucky. Joining Daniel Orton, John Hood, DeMarcus Cousins and junior college standout Darnell Dodson. One thing that is for sure, the sturdy guard will catapult the Wildcat's 09' class into the top 5 nationally.
Bledsoe is a strong, tough guard that averaged over 25 ppg, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as a senior. The last question that remains to be answered (for the Wildcat's) is if Mr. Wall wants to play with another elite point guard in Bledsoe.
My Fox Memphis will be streaming the press conference live Click Here to watch. Below is a video from the morning news on My Fox Memphis regarding Bledsoe:
Eric Bledsoe is still in Lexington, Kentucky on his official visit. Word is that he will spend some time with the team today before heading back to Alabama tomorrow. Bledsoe should have his decision made by Wednesday.
John Wall skipped his visit to North Carolina Central that he had planned for last Friday.
“Didn’t go,” Wall wrote in a text. “Had SAT class.”
The No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2009, Wall said he didn’t know if he would take the visit some other time.
Wall also will put off narrowing his list of schools again. He told Jerry Meyer of Rivals.com today that he would make no decisions this week and then would narrow the list next week. Meyer believes that Kentucky and Duke are the favorites with Florida and Miami just behind.
New developments with Lance Stephenson. Word is that he will decide by the end of the week and that his likely destinations are Arizona or Memphis
The Mississippi State Bulldogs had a huge weekend signing two potential future lottery picks in Renardo Sidney and John Riek.
Top 2010 recruit Harrison Barnes led his All Iowa Attack team to the 17 and under Championship at the 2009 Jayhawk Invitational. This kid is the next big thing, a 30 point game, 7 rebounds and a couple of blocks are all in a days work. Not to mention his kind demeanor and his ambitions of being great.
Word is spreading quickly that one of the top 30 players in the 2010 class is all set to verbally commit to the Kentucky Wildcat's. Will Barton is a smooth 6'6, 170 pound shooting guard out of Baltimore Maryland. Barton would be the Cat's first commitment of the 2010 class under new coach Calipari.
On April the 21 Kentucky Coach John Calipari and his close friend Indiana coach Tom Crean were both on hand at Lake Clifton High to watch a workout by Barton.
Word is that Jim Boeheim of Syracuse, Gary Williams of Maryland and several others were also in the gymnasium. Barton already has offers from Georgetown, Memphis, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Providence and Virginia.
Here is a short video of Barton in action:
In other news channel 3 in Memphis was on hand as Eric Bledsoe arrived in town for his visit to the University of Memphis. Here is the video:
This is an interesting nugget from the mouth of new Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari. Yesterday Calipari spoke at a luncheon in Lexington at the Joe Craft Center (home to basketball practice facilities) and some of his comments were interesting to say the least.
"Calipari had a luncheon today at the Craft Center with donors and two people there both told me that he talked about a number of subjects. One of his main points was that he recruits givers and not takers. He said that there is a top 10 recruit “begging” to come to Kentucky but that he was a “taker” and thus wasn't interested in him. We all can guess who that is (Lance Stephenson?) but I do like the attitude expressed. That is a good way to look at top players and I hope Calipari keeps consistent with that theme." - Source
In other news Eric Bledsoe's high school coach has made it clear that that the visit today to Memphis and the visit Saturday to Kentucky will be followed by a commitment to one of the two schools within the next week.
“He’s going to Memphis Thursday and then going to Kentucky Saturday,” said Maurice Ford, Bledsoe’s high school coach at Birmingham (AL) Parker.
Are any other schools in the mix?
“That’s it,” Ford said.
And when will Bledsoe decide?
“Probably toward the end of next week,” Ford said.
One of the top remaining usnsigned players in the 2009 class, Eric Bledsoe will visit Memphis and Kentucky. First, a stop on Thursday to visit new Memphis coach Josh Pastner. Followed by a weekend visit to Lexington. Bledsoe and John Wall are the top two remaining unsigned point guards. Wall's list is subject to daily change and Miami has made a late strong push for his services.
A commitment from Bledsoe to either program would be huge. Memphis has had a slew of departures and the Wildcat's haven't had a true point guard since Rajon Rondo departed for the draft.
Bledsoe participated in the 2009 Derby Classic in Louisville earlier this month and posted 9 points in limited action. Bledsoe has a strong build and decent size ala a young Chauncey Billups.
John, can you give us your current list of schools?
John Wall: Memphis, Kansas, Baylor, NC State, Kentucky Miami, Duke, Carolina, Florida.
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Eric (Corbin, KY): john have you thought about the possibilty of playing with demarcus cousins and xavier henry?
John Wall: Yes. I think that would be great to play with those guys. They're both great, but I have to look at the siuation and see what's best for me.
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Mike (Denver, Colorado): To John Wall: John, what would you say is the most important factor for you in making your college decision? i.e. Coaching style, playing close to home, TV exposure?
John Wall: Staying close to home, making sure I get along with the coach, the community of the school. You have to feel that you feel safe and like a family.
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Phil (Hopkinsville, KY): Wall, you are one freakish dude, where did you learn to play like that?
John Wall: I don't know, really. I just thank God, he blessed me with that talent. The rest came from hard work and dedication.
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JD (Glasgow, KY): John Wall, I've seen videos of you using your left hand and I've heard you are ambidextrous. Is this natural or did you work to become this way?
John Wall: It's pretty natural. I really worked on my left hand a little more. I use both hands, but I think my left hand is stronger.
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frank louisville,ky: what can you bring to a team and how big of a impact will you have on the game?
John Wall: I think I bring in being a great PG, as well as doing anytihng I can to help win a national title. I think I can hav ea great impact, Stay humble and hungry and does what the coach asks, I think I can have a bigt impact.
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Phillip: (Lubbock, TX): Is kentuckys still a strong possibility for you?
John Wall: Yes they are.
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Patrick Lexington, Kentucky: When can we expect a decision ?
John Wall: I don't know yet. It's pretty tough.
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Scott, Louisville, KY: John, How does the tremendous success that Coach Calipari has had putting point guards into the NBA factor into your decision?
John Wall: A little bit. THat's something I look at. Lok at the way the PGs have progressed along the years. Coach Cal has a good history with his point guards.
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Tommyboy Bowling Green, Ky: John, would you say that playing in front of large crowds makes you play better or is there a intimidating factor there?
John Wall: No, when the lights are on, it's time to perform. I try to play to my best and show people that I'm supposed to play here.
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mike: Paducah Kentucky: Is there any on player you want to go against?
John Wall: Not really. It doesn't matter. You play against anybody. You have to be ready for the challenge.
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Adam (Charleston, SC): Being from NC, are you a big fan of ACC basketball?
John Wall: Yeah. That's a great conference. THat's someting I'm looking at too, to play in a great conference. If you want to bea good player, you want to play against the best. The ACC, Big East, SEC, Big 12 they're all great conferences.
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Jonathan (Lexington, Kentucky): John, whats your greatest accomplishment to date?
John Wall: Playing for the Nike Hoops Summit. And playing in all these other things is great, but to put the USA across your chest, it's an honor.
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Andrew (Birmingham, AL): John, who are you most looking forward to playing with or against this week?
John Wall: It really doens't matter. I've played against most of them. It should be a great game if we play like we are supposed to. IT's basically the last high school even tbefore college, so just go out and have fun.
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Billy (Vermont): What do you believe is your greatest weakness?
John Wall: Jumpshot.
John Wall: Thanks for all the support. I just hope that no matter what school I pick you support me in the future.
Buzzmaster: Thanks John!
Buzzmaster: Hey everyone, we've got a special treat! Xavier Henry, while not in Bristol today with the rest of the guys, will join us in the chat anyway! Send us your questions!
Buzzmaster: Xavier will be with us at 4 p.m. ET everyone.
Buzzmaster: Xavier is here!
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John T. (Lexington, KY): Xavier, what's the official list of top contender schools?
Xavier Henry: Kansas, Memphis and Kentucky.
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Evan (Kansas): Xavier, Does the fact that Sherron and Cole are returning next season impact your decision at all?
Xavier Henry: Not really. It just helps to know that we'll have a good team if we go to Kansas.
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Daniel: (Lexington, KY): Do you prefer playing in a fast paced offense or a set half court offense?
Xavier Henry: A fast pace. Everybody gets touches in a fast pace and none of your teammates get mad.
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Chris, Louisville: So are you and your brother a package deal?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, it turned out that way. I think we're going to do that, go to the same school. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapel Hill, NC: Xavier, how important is it for you to play college basketball at a tradition rich program such as Kansas, where both of your parents played?
Xavier Henry: It wasn't a deciding factor, but it's kind of cool if your whole family went to the same school. It's not a deciding factor, but it's cool.
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Mckenzie (Erlanger KY): does calipari's offense affect your overall decision in any way?
Xavier Henry: It's a big factor, the style that he plays and how his team works. Now he has to start all over and the team is not going to play like it has. It will be different than what its been in Memphis.
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Mark Columbus, OH: When do you think you will decide?
Xavier Henry: I haven't put a timetable on it, but it will be as quick as possible. After these games.
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Aaron Sivori (Louisville, Ky): What is the highest number of threes you have hit in a single game?
Xavier Henry: Honestly, I don't know. It was probably a lot! I know one time, this past year in Missouri, I think it was the ''Show Me Classic'' I think I had 10 or 12, or maybe it was 10 of 12.
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Kevin (Louisville Ky): Love your game! what do you base your decision on?
Xavier Henry: There are a lot of things. Me and my brother making sure we're happy where we're going. Keeping my family happy and keeping them together is what I'm basing my decision on.
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Ross (Lawrence, KS): How good of a relationship do you have with Self? Calipari?
Xavier Henry: We have real good relationships. They've been recruiting me over the years. They know my families well. We keep communicating all the time.
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Lawrence, KS: Xavier- How important is being able to play on an established national championship caliber team for you now preparing to make your college decision?
Xavier Henry: It's real important. That's what you go to college for, to win it all and prepare yourself to be the best. I'm fortunate to have those schools looking at me.
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Nathan (Bowling Green, Ky): What NBA player would you say has a game similar to yours?
Xavier Henry: I don't know. I take different parts of a lot of people's games and make them my own.
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Parker: Memphis, TN: Did you have much of a relationship with coach Pastner before Cal left for Kentucky?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. That was the main guy that was recruiting me, Coach Pastner. He's a positive guy and we have a good relationship.
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Matt (Lexington, KY): Do you plan on taking anymore visits before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, I plan on taking one visit with my brother to Kentucky. We've never been out there. After that, we'll take a couple of days and probably make our decision.
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Taylor (Baton Rouge, LA): Have you already made your decision and you are waiting to announce or are you still struggling with making a decision?
Xavier Henry: I'm still deciding where I'm going to go. If I knew where I was going, I would have made the announcement a long time ago. I'm not trying to hold out on anybody.
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Jeff (Asheville, NC): What player did you most admire growing up?
Xavier Henry: My brother. Always getting to see him play. He taught me a lot.
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Brian (Chicago): Will you wait to hear from the NCAA on CJ's status next year before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. CJ's a big part of my decision. I'm waiting to hear about him before I decide where I'm going.
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stephen (Dallas,TX): Xavier, you once pinned one of my lay-ups on the backboard so hard that I thought the ball was going to pop. What are you most excited for going into next season?
Xavier Henry: Just seeing how good they can prepare me to be for the next level. Seeing how they can take my game and being with my brother the whole year and my family.
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Rod, Los Angeles, CA.: Do you get tired of all the recruiting and hype?
Xavier Henry: After a while it gets boring. Just stagnate. I'm just waiting for it to be over with so I can go on and go to college and further my career.
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Ryan (Lexington, KY): How much does Jodie Meek's decision to stay in the draft or come back next year affect your opinion of coming to UK? Could you all play well together?
Xavier Henry: That would. That changed the team and the whole outlook of the team. I'd have to look at that if he decides to stay in or play at Kentucky. We'd have to talk about it.
Xavier Henry: Thank you for following me!
full chat here
Pastner has served as an assistant on the Tigers staff and on the Arizona Wildcats staff. He is widely considered on of the top young coaches in the nation. The focus is surely to shift to the 2009 recruiting class and the current roster. If Memphis could hang onto their signees then they could put a pre-season top 25 team on the court.
It would be ironic if Gillispie wound up at Memphis. After all he may be the best coach available for the job. Dan Wolken of the Memphis Commercial appeal wrote a great piece that, touched on this and where Memphis stands with their coaching search. Also note that it is rumored that 5 star big man Daniel Orton would consider following Gillispie if he was to land a division 1 job in the near future.
"The appearance of trading coaches with Kentucky would be odd, if not off-putting to some. But let's face it. If Calipari had gone anywhere else, who's the best, most accomplished coach available? There's no doubt, it's Gillispie, who has been coach of the year in the Big 12 (2005, 2007) and the SEC (2008). Two years ago, nobody was hotter than Gillispie. And he wants the job. Wouldn't it be a heck of a story if the two parties who got wrecked by Kentucky join forces, both with something to prove? Now that's a "Wow" hire."
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