In the last week Oklahoma State has called and offered Chane Behanan Last week Travis Ford from Oklahoma State came in to watch him personally. Also last week assistant coaches from WKU, West Virginia and Mississippi State there to watch him and the kids in open gym. As most of you have probably heard by now since Jody Demling of the Courier Journal had it on Friday along with a few other folks. Chance took an unofficial visit to the University of Kentucky on Saturday and toured the facilities, watched the UL – UK football game and hung out with Calipari, staff and players. By all accounts He was blown away and really had a great time.
A few things that are exclusive to this site as of now are are that: Tomorrow Bob Huggins is coming in to visit and then Travis Ford will come in about an hour later. On Tuesday Rick Stansbury from Mississippi State will be in. Please check back for more on on this ultra talented player as details unfold with all of the visits. As of now the list looks of schools for Behanan looks like this: (in no particular order)
Alabama
Georgia
Kentucky
Tennessee
Mississippi State
Oklahoma State
Penn State
Purdue
Cincinnati
West Virginia
Western Kentucky
Wichita State and Kansas State both offered 2012 forward Perry Ellis (pictured) today. Ellis is widely considered to be a top 5 prospect in the class. His list of suitors include a who's who of the NCAA's elite, including- Kansas, North Carolina, Arizona and Kentucky.
Bowling Green's (KY) Chane Behanan's current list of suitors are: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Oklahoma State Univ, West Virginia University, Western Kentucky and Cincinnati. Most of them will be coming in this month to see him and several are trying to get him on campus sometime this fall for an unofficial visit. No front runner at this time, he is just enjoying the process.
Greenup County (KY) forward Trey Williams has heard from VCU and Marshall, not sure how interested Marshall is but, VCU is becoming increasingly infatuated with the versatile Williams. The staff is expected to visit Williams sometime this month.
2011 guard Darius Clement is receiving interest from a couple of prestigious NAIA schools- Robert Morris College in Chicago and Auburn University at Montgomery.
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.
Tony Kimbro is a versatile guard that is super strong with his left hand. He has a superb slashing game and an improving perimeter jump shot. Defensively he is a hustler, though he is out of position at times.Kimbro recently told us that he plans on visiting Oklahoma State, Louisville and Duke. Kimbro also told us that he liked Kentucky in this recent interview.
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.
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.
In the last week Oklahoma State has called and offered Chane Behanan, Coach Ford said that he is their #1 priority for that recruiting class. His uncle and Coach Sherrill have also been contacted by the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, West Virginia University and the University of Kentucky. None of these have offered, but they have all made contact and have all indicated that they are interested and will be actively recruiting him. The Courier Journal should be reporting this soon.
No matter what happens or where this ultra talented player ends up, I wish him nothing but the best. Behanan is currently rated #19 in the class of 2011.
George Fant is one of the most promising prospects in the state of Kentucky regardless of class. He is very bouncy and has a great motor. His long arms coupled with his athletic abilities lead easy baskets in transition and one on one situations. Overall Fant's game remains a bit on the raw side. If he continues to operate within his limits and improve, then he could develop into a top 100 player in the 2011 class.
Recently Full Court Preps writer David Money was able to catch up with the talented junior to be.
Oak Hill Academy currently has four players rated inside of our 2010 top 100. Coach Smith lost three very talented players from last season's team in Keith Gallon, Lamont Jones and Glenn Bryant. So he wasted not time in adding two of the most talented players in the nation in guard Juwan Staten and forward Roscoe Smith for the upcoming season.
Doron Lamb- He is definitely going to visit Oklahoma and Kansas. Lamb plans on committing at some point "during the school season". Lamb's list of schools are Kentucky, Kansas, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Arizona, Clemson, Marquette, St. John’s, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, and Florida. The smooth guard currently sits at #17 overall in the class of 2010.
Peshon Howard- Recently gave us this list of schools. Harvard, Rutgers, USC, UCLA, Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Former teammate and close friend Glenn Bryant is already at Arkansas. One would think that gives the Razorbacks a little leverage. Howard is currently rated #97 overall in the class of 2010
Roscoe Smith- Smith has offers from just about every high major program in the nation. The only thing that Smith made certain during a recent interview was that he is attending Oak Hill for his senior season. "They're all the same; no different right now," Smith said of the chances for each school. "It's still a long list and everybody has a chance. I want to take some visits in the middle of the (senior season), so I can get the list shorter." Smith checks in at #25 in our class of 2010 top 100.
Juwan Staten- Recently transferred to Oak Hill. Staten is committed to Dayton and is among the better players in the 2010 class that the nation is unaware of. Staten checks in at #76 in our most recent shuffle of the top 100 in the class of 2010.
Chasen Campbell- Served as Keith "Tiny" Gallon's primary backup. Campbell fought injuries during his senior season. He is going to prep for a year and reclassify as a 2010 prospect. He already holds an offer from IUPUI.
Fabricio DeMelo is a big, mobile kid, that runs the court extremely well. At one point during the game he got himself trapped by a double team, managed to spin out of it, and shoot a graceful hook shot, that was all net. DeMelo then hustled down the court to draw a charge only seconds later. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch this sequence on film. The court was so crowded with fans, parents, players, and coaches that it was tough to get a clean shot during stretches of the game. The video does show DeMelo's excellent foot work and passing abilities, at one point he hits 2010 Louisville commit Josh Langford with a nice no look drop pass for an easy dunk. This kid is an amazing prospect with a bright future ahead of him.
Coaches that were on had to watch DeMelo include: Billy Donovan, John Calipari, Roy Williams, and a slew of other high major division one coaches. After the game DeMelo's high school coach Adam Ross delivered this list of schools to us. "Connecticut, Louisville, Florida State, Syracuse, Florida, Texas, Miami and Kentucky. In no particular order."
Tony Kimbro's game and personality have flourished over the last year while attending the Christ School in Arden, North Carolina. His frame is noticeably more muscular and his skills as a whole look more polished. Recently Full Court Preps writer David Money was able to catch up with the talented junior to be.
F.C.P.- Could you tell us what you have been working on?
Kimbro- Trying to get better with my right hand and being a better passer and playing better defense.
F.C.P.- Could you talk about how things are going at the Christ school?
Kimbro- Well it is really different down there because your playing against better competition. I had to adjust because I was so used to going left and they were forcing me right. I had to work on my jump shooting, point guard, and shooting guard skills.
F.C.P.- What was it like playing with Lakeem Jackson and Marshall Plumlee?
Kimbro- It was real good because they was the go to players and they work real hard and they motivated me.
F.C.P.- What schools are showing interest in you?
Kimbro- Oklahoma State, Kentucky, Louisville and Duke
F.C.P.- Do you have any offers right now?
Kimbro- Oklahoma State has offered.
F.C.P.- Has the new staff at Kentucky been in contact with you?
Kimbro- They have been in contact with my father. Louisville has too.
F.C.P- What are some of the things that you are looking for in a school?
Kimbro- Basically a school that can get me to the next level.
F.C.P- Do you plan on taking any visits any time soon?
Kimbro- I think I'm going to take visits to Oklahoma State, Louisville and Duke.
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.
On the first day of play at the Take 5 classic Vinny Zollo showed why he is going to attend a high major program. Throughout the day he showed flashes of brilliant play. He displayed the ability to score in a number of ways in the post, he also demonstrated a slightly improved ability to handle and pass the ball.
Full Court Preps writer David Money caught up with Zollo and discussed a number of topics, including his recent de-commitment from Kentucky:
Overall, Zollo is a sound player who will be on a division one roster in the next couple of years. The only question at this point is: Who's roster?
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.
An interesting little nugget from TwinCities.com writer Charley Walters:
"The latest buzz is that 6-foot-6 Harrison Barnes, the consensus No. 1 incoming senior prep basketball player in the nation and someone of whom the Gophers have been in hot pursuit, is leaning toward Kansas."
We haven't spoken with Barnes in sometime but his commitment to Kansas would deal huge blows to Duke, Kentucky's, Iowa State, UCLA and UNC's 2010 efforts. It is apparent that Barnes is now the top shooting guard prospect for the Kentucky Wildcats, after Will Barton's recent unexpected commitment to the Memphis Tigers. The Bluedevils also have a lot riding on the possibility of signing the heralded prospect. If coach Self lands this kid, the Jayhawks could soon be featured in the finals the big dance once again.
Dakotah Euton is a versatile 6'8 power forward out of Scott County High in Kentucky. This kid has a consistent jump shot and is an excellent rebounder. Euton was committed to Kentucky under Billy Gillispie, but opted to de-commit shortly after John Calipari took the helm.
"Coach said that if your not an athlete your not going to play much. So I went ahead and decided to open things back up." Euton recently told us.
This kid is a nice young man and he and his family have been through a lot over the last couple of years. Whichever school lands Euton will be getting a solid rebounder and a kid who can shoot the three very well. Euton is a hustler, who may not be the best athlete, but makes up for that with a high IQ and solid fundamental play.
We are experiencing a few technical difficulties so please don't be alarmed if the site looks different for a few hours on 6/9/09
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.
