2010 Louisville commit Josh Langford is a very talented player that has had stints ranked in all three of the mainstream publications. Currently we have Langford rated #52 in the 2010 class. Recently Full Court Preps writer David Money was able to catch up with the talented senior.
Ten 2010 Trends and Questions
| Dayton Flyers, Eastern Illinois, Florida Gators, Indiana Hoosiers, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Maryland, Memphis Tigers, Ohio St. Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
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.
Highlight Video of 2011 Guard Tony Kimbro Jr.
| Duke Bluedevils, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Ohio St. Buckeyes, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Tony KimbroTony 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.
Catching up With 2011 Forward George Fant
| Alabama Crimson Tide, George Fant, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Wak, Warren Central High, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Xavier MusketeersGeorge 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.
Summer Update: Oak Hill Academy
| Arizona Wildcat's, Arkansas, Chasen Campbell, Dayton Flyers, Doron Lamb, Juwan Staten, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Pe'shon Howard, Roscoe Smith, Tennessee, UCLA Bruins, USC Trojans
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.
Catching up WIth 2011 Louisville Commit Michael Chandler
| Lawrence North High, Louisville Cardinals, Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler is an ever improving 2011 prospect whose ability's were seldom seen last year at Lawrence North high (IN). Chandler was fellow Louisville commit Stephen Van Treese's back up last season. The 2010 season is full of promise for this young man and he seems ready to take on the challenge. On this day, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino and assistant Walter McCarty were both on hand to watch Chandler play.
Recently Full Court Preps writer David Money was able to catch up with the talented junior to be.
F.C.P.- What have you been working on?
Chandler- Getting bigger, playing defense and getting rebounds. I have really been putting in work on my defense though.
F.C.P.- Have you grown a little bit?
Chandler- I think that I have and people say that I have, but I honestly don't know.
F.C.P.- Have you been working out?
Chandler- Yeah I have been trying to get bigger, stronger, and faster. Things like that.
F.C.P.- Ideally where would you like to be physically?
Chandler- Right now I am about 230. I would like to be about a solid 250.
F.C.P.- Are you still firm in your commitment to Louisville?
Chandler- Oh yeah real firm. You know the facilities, the coach. Everything is right for me, so I am real firm.
F.C.P.- Does it make you feel good having the staff here watching you today?
Chandler- I try not to pay attention to that stuff. I just try to go out and help my team win.
Highlight Video: Fabricio DeMelo
| Connecticut Huskies, Fab Melo, Florida Gators, Florida St. Seminoles, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Miami Hurricanes, North Carolina Tarheels, Syracuse Orangemen, Texas LonghornsFabricio 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."
Catching up With 2011 Prospect Tony Kimbro
| Duke Bluedevils, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Team Loyalty, Tony Kimbro
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.
Justin Martin is Wide Open
| Arizona Wildcat's, Florida Gators, Justin Martin, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Marquette, Memphis Tigers, Miami Hurricanes, Oklahoma Sooners, Take 5 Classic, Xavier MusketeersA 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.
Scott County's Ge Lawn Guyn: Charlotte Bound
| Alabama Crimson Tide, Ge-Lawn Guyn, Indiana Hoosiers, Louisville Cardinals, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Oregon State, Scott County High, UNC Charlotte, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Xavier Musketeers
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.
Highlight Video: Lexington Catholic's Jaylen Beckham
| Alabama Crimson Tide, Chane Behanan, DePaul Blue Demons, Indiana Hoosiers, Jaylen Beckham, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, LSU Tigers, Washington Huskies, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
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.
2012 Player Introduction: Tameron Manning
| Florida Gators, Indiana Hoosiers, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Scott County High, Tameron Manning, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
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.
Catching up With Scott County's Ge-Lawn Guyn
| Dayton Flyers, Ge-Lawn Guyn, Indiana Hoosiers, Louisville Cardinals, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Scott County High, South Carolina Gamecocks, UNC Charlotte, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Xavier Musketeers
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.
Weekend AAU Notes From Abroad
| Arkansas, Connecticut Huskies, Kansas Jayhawks, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Marquette Golden Eagles Basketball, Oklahoma Sooners, Pittsburgh Panthers, Stanford Cardinal, Syracuse Oragmen
-Will Barton posted a 36 point game over the weekend at the MDC. Though Barton was unable to match that effort again, he was by all accounts among the best prospects at the tournament.
-2010 prospect Keala King lists Oregon State, Kentucky, USC and Arizona over the weekend. King is 6'5, lanky and explosive. This kid goes hard to the rim and after the ball when rebounding as well.
-Syracuse commit Dion Waiters scored a game high 27 points to win MVP honors. The 6-3 Waiters is a strong guard that is ranked the # 20 prospect in the Class of 2010.
-St. Patrick of Elizabeth (N.J.) student athlete Michael Gilchrist, the #1 player in the Class of 2011, was an opposing teams nightmare all tournament posting multiple 20 point games.
-The New York Gauchos Doron Lamb listed Pittsburgh, Marquette, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, St. John’s, Connecticut, Syracuse, Louisville and Arkansas. The 2010 guard could be taking some visits in June to Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma according to scout.com.
-Class of 2010 center, Will Regan is being pursued by Maryland, Virgina, Stanford and Arizona State
-Ky Madden is hearing from Florida, Oklahoma, Kansas, Memphis, Kentucky, Baylor, Arkansas, Texas, and LSU. Madden is a 6'4 shooting guard from the class of 2011
-By all accounts 2010 forward Terrance Jones had a huge weekend. Jones listed UNC, Washington, California, Washington St., Georgetown, Oklahoma, Florida, Indiana and Texas as possible destinations.
-Josh Selby continues to impress as his Baltimore Elite squad went heads up with Harrison Barnes squad. Selby was impressive posting 25 points.
2009 Derby Classic Movers and Shakers
| Florida St. Seminoles, Indiana Hoosiers, Kentucky WIldcats, Louisville Cardinals, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, South Carolina Gamecocks, UCLA Bruins, Villanova Wildcats
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.



