The 2009 November Signing Period was again very productive for the nation’s collegiate basketball programs with 88 of our Top 100 seniors, and 177 of the Top 200 either signing with or making a commitment to a Division I institution.
Our rankings for each college’s recruiting class are based upon our All Star Sports evaluation grade on each player signed. Plus, bonus points are added for how well each college achieved their targeted recruiting goals (signed their top priority prospects); and how the players signed will strengthen their respective programs next season.
Following is our analysis of the Top 30 Fall Recruiting Classes:
1. Ohio State 6 recruits Grade:117
Coach Thad Matta’s Buckeyes were the only program to sign six (count’em, 6) Top 100 players, headed by the nation’s best big man, Co-No. 1 rated, 6-9 C Jared Sullinger, Columbus, OH/ Northland; and No. 5 rated, 6-7 P/WF DeShaun Thomas, Fort Wayne, IN/ Bishop Luers. Other talented future Buckeyes are No. 60 rated, 6-5 2G Jordan Silbert, Cincinnati, OH/ Princeton; No. 91 rated, 6-6 WF J. D. Weatherspoon, Sullinger’s teammate at Columbus, OH/ Northland; No. 93, versatile 6-3 combo guard Lenzelle Smith, Zion, IL/ Zion Benton Township; and No. 96, “crafty” 6-3 1/2G Aaron Craft, Findlay, OH/ Liberty Benton. This class comprises a complete team, plus one. And, based upon our analysis is clearly the best in the nation.
2. Memphis 7 recruits Grade: 102
Many have rated this large Memphis assemblage as the top class. New head coach Josh Pastner did a remarkable job of not only getting some highly regarded national players among his seven recruits, but also signing the top three seniors in his home city of Memphis. That in itself is a feat not recently accomplished. However, Pastner might need to hire a “chemistry teacher,” or make a request to play with more basketballs if he is to fill the insatiable urges that his key recruits have to control or shoot the ball. But, on paper this is a very strong class, and time will tell how these youngsters fare at the collegiate level. The top rated newcomers are 5th year senior, 6-6 G/F Will Barton, now at Wolfeboro, NH/ Brewster Academy; No. 17 rated, Joe Jackson, Memphis, TN/ White Station, and No. 31 rated, 6-6 G/F Jelan Kendrick, who transferred this year to Marietta, GA/ Wheeler. Other promising future Tigers are No. 73, much improved 6-9 C Tarik Black, Memphis, TN/ Ridgeway; No. 152, 6-4 shooting guard Chris Crawford, Memphis, TN/ Sheffield; No. 198, 6-8 PF Hippolyte Tsafack, Charlottesville, VA/ The Miller School; and Top 250 prospect, 6-0 1/2G Antonio Barton, Fitchburg, MA/ Notre Dame Prep, and the younger brother of Will Barton. Again, kudos to Josh Pastner for his amazing recruiting success, and our best wishes that this class will provide him with a strong foundation at Memphis.
No. 3 North Carolina 3 recruits Grade: 81
The Tar Heels signed only three recruits, but what a terrific trio! All are rated in our national Top 10, and Coach Roy Williams landed the three players he most wanted to fill his three available scholarships. That is is ultimate success in recruiting. Heading the Tar Heels new recruits is Co-No. 1 rated, 6-7 G/F Harrison Barnes, Ames, IA/ Ames. Barnes is a highly skilled, multi-dimensional wing player that we compare to Kobe Bryant as a high school senior. He should be an immediate starter for UNC next season. No. 6 rated, 6-6 2G Reggie Bullock, Kinston, NC/ Kinston, is one of the nation’s most consistent outside shooters, and the top prospect in the state of North Carolina. No. 9 rated, 6-3+ PG Kendall Marshall, Arlington, VA/ Bishop O’Connell, is the best playmaker, floorleader and team player at the point guard position in the Class of 2010. He is an ideal fit for North Carolina’s style of play. In a nutshell, Coach Roy Williams outworked everyone, and was successful in signing the players he most wanted for his program next year.
No. 4 Wake Forest 5 recruits Grade: 78
The Demon Deacons find themselves in somewhat unfamiliar territory by pulling off the No. 4 national recruiting class. Coach Dino Gaudio and his staff signed a talented five member group that could comprise a future team. Heading this class are three Top 75 recruits, No. 40 rated, intense competitor 6-6 WF Travis McKie, Richmond, VA/ John Marshall; No. 46 rated, rapid rising big man, 6-11 C Carson Derosiers, Lawrence, MA/ Catholic Central; and No. 65 rated, sharpshooting 6-3 2G J. T. Terrell, Charlotte, NC/ West Charlotte. Wake Forest also signed No. 110 rated, and a likely Top 100 finalist, 6-8 PF Melvin Tabb, Raleigh, NC/ Enloe; and No. 158 rated, 6-2 combo guard Tony Chennault, Philadelphia, PA/ Neumann-Goretti. This group should strengthen the Wake Forest program for their future ACC battles.
No. 5 Texas A&M 4 recruits Grade: 76
Coach Mark Turgeon and his hardworking staff signed four gifted newcomers to have the top recruiting class in the Big 12 Conference. All four of the Aggies’ recruits are ranked in the Top 100, including 5th year senior 6-9 C/F Kourtney Robinson, a 2009 signee, who did not qualify academically, and is now at Kingsville, TX/ Christian Life Academy. Robinson was rated No. 90 last year. Other top Texas A&M recruits are No. 39 rated, 6-8 PF Tobi Oyedeji , Bellaire, TX/ Bellaire; No. 71 rated, 6-8 P/WF Daniel Alexander, Dripping Springs, TX/ Dripping Springs; and No. 95 rated, unheralded, but with enormous potential, 6-9 C Keith Davis, DeSoto, TX/ DeSoto. Turgeon & Co. stocked up with much needed, physical and talented big men.
No. 6 Syracuse 4 recruits Grade: 74
Veteran head coach Jim Boeheim has consistently had national Top 10 recruiting classes, and the trend continues. The Orangemen missed on a couple, but still signed four gifted recruits. The top newcomer is highly skilled and versatile, No. 19 rated, 6-3 combo guard Dion Waiters, Burlington, NJ/ Life Center Academy. He can play either guard position for Coach Boeheim. Also, No. 34 rated, massive Brazil native, 7-0 C, Fabrico De Melo, Weston, FL/ Sagemont; No. 135 rated, wiry long, still developing, 6-11 C/F Baye Moussa Keita, Mouth of Wilson, VA/ Oak Hill Academy; and skilled prep school player, 6-7 WF C. J. Fair, Wolfeboro, NH/ Brewster Academy. The Orangemen may look to add another player in the spring.
No. 7 Auburn 6 recruits Grade: 73
In this year of “recruiting surprises” Coach Jeff Lebo and his fine staff signed six gifted players to rank atop the SEC in the early period. The best future Tigers are prep school star, 6-10 C/F Shawn Kemp, who signed with Alabama last year, but went to Chatham, VA/ Hargrave Military Academy for a post-graduate year. He chose to sign in November with cross-state rival Auburn. Also, two highly regarded junior college players, blazing quick 5-11 PG Anthony Salters, Iowa Western C.C.; and rugged 6-8 PF Adrian Forbes, Trinity Valley, TX, C.C. Promising high school signees were No. 159 rated, 6-7 P/WF Allen Payne, Cincinnati, OH/ Winton Woods; No. 181 rated, 6-7 PF Heath Houston, Powder Springs, GA/ Hillgrove; and No. 193 rated, 6-3 shooting guard Jalen Steele, Knoxville, TN/ Fulton. Jeff Lebo is an excellent coach, and he now has the incoming talent to take his Tigers to a higher level next year.
No. 8 Michigan State 4 recruits Grade: 69 (tie)
Coach Tom Izzo continues to annually restock his Spartans’ program with high level recruits that keep Michigan State as Final Four contenders. Coach Izzo signed three Top 100 recruits, and another that could be rated among that elite group this season. The new Spartans are No. 25 rated, high flying 6-10 C Adreian Payne, Dayton, OH/ Jefferson; No. 35 rated, 6-3 combo guard Keith Appling, Detroit, MI/ Pershing; No. 89 rated, skilled marksman, 6-6 G/F Russell Byrd, Fort Wayne, IN/ Blackhawk Christian; and No. 127 rated, solid big man, 6-9 C Alex Gauna, Eaton Rapids, MI/ Eaton Rapids. Michigan State successfully recruited the players needed to fill voids in their program next year. They may add another recruit in the spring.
No. 8 Oklahoma State 5 recruits Grade: 69 (tie)
Coach Travis Ford and his staff landed five recruits to strengthen their program next year, including two ready to play junior college transfers. Joining the Cowboys are junior college standouts, athletic 6-6 WF J. P. Olukemi, Vincennes University, IN; and 6-8 PF Darrell Williams, Midland College, TX. Top high school recruits are No. 56 rated, 6-9 PF Michael Cobbins, Amarillo, TX/ Palo Duro; No. 117 rated, multi-talented 6-4 shooting guard Markel Brown, Alexandria, VA/ Peabody; and No. 156 rated, 6-4 G/F Brian Williams, Baton Rouge, LA/ Glen Oaks. The Cowboys are riding “tall in the saddle.”
No. 10 Marquette 4 recruits Grade: 68
Completing our national Top 10 recruiting classes is Coach Buzz Williams’ Marquette program. The Golden Eagles landed four newcomers, including two rated in the Top 100, and an outstanding junior college player. The immediate help juco talent is lanky 6-10 C/F Monterale Clark, Hill College, TX. Top high school signees are No. 42 rated, 6-3 1/2G Vander Blue, Madison, WI/ Memorial; No. 85 rated, 6-6 WF Jamail Jones, Decatur, GA/ Greenforest Christian; and No. 142 rated, 6-1 PG Reggie Smith, Chicago, IL, Harvey, IL/ Thornton. Coach Williams has the Golden Eagles soaring in the Big East.
No. 11 Tennessee 3 recruits Grade: 67
Coach Bruce Pearl pulled off a stunning late recruiting coup by signing ultra-talented No. 8 rated, 6-8 P/WF Tobias Harris, Dix Hills, NY/ Half Hollow Hills West. It had appeared that Harris might choose Syracuse or Kentucky. Harris is a primetime player and a program turning addition for the Volunteers. Tennessee also added multi-talented No. 29 rated, 6-5 swingman Jordan McRae, Hinesville, GA/ Liberty County; and No. 90 rated, high scoring 6-2 shooting guard Trae Golden, Powder Springs, GA/ McEachern. Coach Pearl is an amazing recruiter, and the future looks bright in “Big Orange” country.
No. 12 South Carolina 5 recruits Grade: 66
In his second year Coach Darrin Horn had exceptional recruiting success at South Carolina. The Gamecocks added five outstanding newcomers, including the top two seniors in South Carolina. Their recruits are No. 57, jet propelled 5-11 PG Bruce Ellington, Moncks Corner, SC/ Berkley, who was also offered by the Gamecocks and others as a football quarterback; No. 80 rated, 6-8 PF R. J. Slawson, North Charleston, SC/ Fort Dorchester, who will become an impact player with added strength; No. 84 rated, 6-9 C/F DaMontre Harris, Fayetteville, NC/ Trinity Christian; No. 182 rated, 6-5+ 2G Brian Richardson, Wilson, NC/ Greenfield School; and No. 192 rated, stocky 6-0 PG Eric Smith, who moved from Mullins, SC, to Arden, NC/ Christ School. Coach Horne has the incoming talent to take his Gamecocks up the ladder in the tough SEC.
No. 13 Duke 3 recruits Grade: 65 (tie)
Coach Mike Krzyzewski signed three Top 75 recruits; but, did not get the one he most wanted, 6-7 Harrison Barnes. Nonetheless, the Blue Devils added necessary personnel to help fill next year’s needs, particularly at the point guard with No. 12 rated, 6-3 Kyrie Irving, Elizabeth, NJ/ St. Patrick. Irving appears destined to replace Jon Scheyer. Duke signed one of our personal “favorites,” No. 18 rated, multi-talented 6-8 P/WF Josh Hairston, who moved this year to Rockville, MD/ Montrose Christian Academy. Hairston has the potential to become a Kyle Singler-type player at Duke. Also, No. 69 rated, 6-2 1/2G Tyler Thornton, Washington, DC/ Gonzaga, provides strong depth. The Blue Devils primary goal now is to sign a talented wing forward in the spring.
No. 13 Illinois 3 recruits Grade: 65 (tie)
Once again Head Coach Bruce Weber brought in a strong recruiting class at Illinois, with three signees rated among the Top 50. Heading the list is No. 14 rated, “do everthing” wing player, 6-7 Jereme Richmond, Waukegan, IL/ Waukegan. Also, No. 37 rated, skilled 7-0 C Meyers Leonard, Robinson, IL/ Robinson; and No. 48 rated, 6-3 2G Crandall Head, Chicago, IL/ Crane Tech, the younger brother of former Illini player, Luther Head. Coach Weber appears to have the young talent with back-to-back successful recruiting classes to make a run at the Big Ten title.
No. 15 Missouri 4 recruits Grade: 64 (tie)
Coach Mike Anderson added four excellent newcomers for his Missouri program, including Texas scout Mike Kunstadt’s #2 and #3 rated seniors in the Longhorn State. The Tigers class includes No. 26 rated, 6-8 P/WF Tony Mitchell, Dallas, TX/ Pinkston; No. 43 rated, 5-9 PG Phillip Pressey, Dallas, TX/ Episcopal School; top 200 rated, 6-8 PF Kadeem Green, Charlotte, NC, United Faith Christian; and top 200 rated, 6-5 G/F Ricky Kreklow, Columbia, MO/ Rock Bridge. Coach Anderson’s newest Tigers appear ready to roar next season.
No. 15 Stanford 5 recruits Grade: 64 (tie)
Second year head coach Johnny Dawkins is off to a great start in strengthening his Stanford program. This year The Cardinal flew far and wide to sign five recruits, including two in the national Top 80, No. 55 rated, skilled 6-6 WF Anthony Brown, Huntington Beach, CA/ Ocean View; and No. 79 rated, 6-10 C Dwight Powell, Bradenton, FL/ IMG Academy. Also, No. 146 rated, 6-10 C John Gage, Vashon, WA/ Vashon Island; No. 171 rated, 6-7 WF John Huestis, Great Falls, MT/ C.M. Russell; and No. 189 rated, quickster, 5-11 PG Aaron Bright, Bellevue, WA/ Bellevue. The Cardinal looks ready to soon fly high.
No. 17 Virginia 5 recruits Grade: 63
New head coach Tony Bennett began his era with a strong five man recruiting class at Virginia.Topping the list are Top 100 prospects, No. 64 rated, 6-8 PF James Johnson, Wildomar, CA/ Elsinore; and No. 76 rated, 6-4 2G K.T. Harrell, Montgomery, AL/ Brewbaker Technical School. Also, No. 108 rated, 6-9 C/F Will Regan, Buffalo, NY, Nichols School; No. 140 rated, 6-5 G/F Joe Harris, Chelan, WA/ Chelan; and top 300 rated, 6-7 P/WF Akil Mitchell, Charlotte, NC/ Charlotte Christian. Coach Bennett has added excellent depth for his Cavaliers program.
No. 18 California 4 recruits Grade: 62
In his second year at California Coach Mike Montgomery signed four newcomers, all with a high skills set, and the abilities to make his program very competitive in the Pac-10. Heading the list are Top 100 prospects, No. 52 rated, high scoring 6-3 1/2G Gary Franklin, Santa Ana, CA/ Mater Dei; and No. 94 rated, unheralded 6-5 2G Alex Crabbe, Los Angeles, CA/ Price. Also, No. 106 rated, powerful 6-9 C/F Richard Solomon, Los Angeles, CA/ Price; and No. 136 rated, 6-5 G/F Alex Rossi, Winnetka, IL/ New Trier. Again, with these talented additions the Golden Bears appear to have a glowing future.
No. 19 Pittsburgh 3 recruits Grade: 59
Coach Jamie Dixon brought in another Top 20 class with his three fall signees. The newest Panthers are “super slasher, No. 44 rated, New York City product, 6-5 G/F J. J. Moore, now at South Kent School in Connecticut; one of the nation’s top prep school point guards, 6-2 Isaiah Epps, Chatham, VA/ Hargrave Military Academy; and high scoring shooting guard, No. 75 rated, 6-4 Cameron Wright, Cleveland, OH/ Benedictine. Pittsburgh has definitely reloaded their backcourt.
No. 20 Maryland 4 recruits Grade: 58
Coach Gary Williams continues to bring in talented newcomers for his Terrapins program. Maryland’s fall signees are headed by No. 33 rated, multi-talented 6-6 WF Mychal Parker, a North Carolina resident now at Charlottesville, VA/ The Miller School. No. 88 rated, 6-6 WF, Terrance Ross, an Oregon resident now at Rockville, MD/ Montrose Christian, committed, but did not sign early with the Terps. Other recruits were No. 129 rated, 6-2 1/2G Terrell Stoglin, Tucson, AZ/ Santa Rita; and, No. 170 rated, 6-8 Ashton Pankey, Jersey City, NJ/ St. Anthony. Maryland appears to have successfully recruited players needed to fill voids in their program next year.
No. 21 Purdue 4 recruits Grade: 55
Now in his fifth season at Purdue, Coach Matt Painter has emerged as one of the top young head coach recruiters in the game. He does not always get the high school All-Americans; but, he consistently signs team-oriented players with a high skills set who play with tenacity. This he learned that from his mentor, Gene Keady. The Boilermakers only Top 100 signee was No. 77 rated, 6-3 2G Terone Johnson, Indianapolis, IN/ North Central. However, Coach Painter landed three Top 150-rated blue-collar players with much upside. They are No. 122 rated, 6-4 2G Anthony Johnson, Chicago, IL/ Whitney Young; No. 137 rated, 6-9 C/F Travis Carroll, Danville, IN/ Danville; and No. 143 rated, 6-7 P/WF Donnie Hale, New Albany, IN/ New Albany.
No. 22 Dayton 5 recruits Grade: 54
Coach Brian Gregory has proven that he can compete with the “heavyweights” to get talented recruits. This year the Flyers signed five newcomers, topped by No. 53, superb playmaker, 5-11 PG Juwan Staten, a Ohio resident, now at powerhouse Mouth of Wilson, VA, Oak Hill Academy. Other talented incoming Flyers are No. 113 rated, 6-4 2G Brandon Spearman, Chicago, IL/ Simeon; No. 185, 6-6 WF Ralph Hall, Westerville, OH/ Westerville North; No. 190 rated, 6-1 1/2G Jesse Berry, Lafayette, IN/ Jefferson; and Top 250 rated, 6-7 WF Devin Oliver, Kalamazoo, MI/ Central. Coach Gregory has the talent to compete for top honors in the Atlantic 10.
No. 23 L.S.U. 4 recruits Grade: 53
In his second year a head coach at L.S.U., proven recruiter Trent Johnson landed four talented newcomers to have the fourth best early signing class in the SEC. The Tigers’ class consists of No. 92 rated, skilled marksman, 6-6 WF Matt Derenbecker, Metairie, LA/ Metairie Park Country Day; No. 112 rated, super athlete, 6-6 G/F Ralston Turner, Muscle Shoals, LA/ Muscle Shoals; No. 116 rated, tenacious 6-8 PF Jalen Courtney, Jackson, MS/ Provine; and No. 200 rated, 5-10 PG Andre Stringer, Jackson, MS, Forest Hill. Coach Johnson has reloaded his Tigers for next season.
No. 24 Florida State 3 recruits Grade: 52
Florida State landed three recruits, including No. 49 rated, gifted athlete, 6-8 PF Okaro White, Clearwater, FL/ Clearwater; and powerful junior college big man, 6-9 C Bernard James, from local Tallahassee, FL, C.C. The Seminoles also signed No. 86 rated, sharpshooter, 6-3 1/2G Ian Miller, Charlotte, NC/ United Faith Christian. This trio should bolster the Seminoles’ aspirations of moving up in the ACC.
No. 25 Connecticut 3 recruits Grade: 50
Veteran Head Coach Jim Calhoun added three talented newcomers to strengthen his Connecticut program. The top recruit is No. 68 rated, prolific scoring, 6-5 2G Tyler Lamb, Norcross, GA/ Norcross. Also, still developing big man, No. 150 rated, 6-10 C Michael Bradley, Chattanooga, TN/ Tyner; and hard-nosed prep schooler, 6-8 PF Cleveland Melvin, Fitchburg, MA, Notre Dame Prep. Melvin may wait until spring to sign.
26. Kansas State 3 recruits Grade: 46 (tie)
Coach Frank Martin and his Wildcats’ staff signed three recruits this fall. The top addition is impressive junior college post player, massive 6-10 C Freddie Asprilla, Miami-Dade Junior College, FL. Asprilla was the 2009 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year at Florida International. However, new head coach Isaiah Thomas refused to grant him a release, so he went to Miami-Dade JC this year. The Wildcats also signed No. 124 rated, 6-6 WF Shane Southwell, New York, NY/ Rice; and No. 150 rated, 6-1 PG Will Spradling, Shawnee Mission, KS/ South.
26. Notre Dame 3 recruits Grade: 46 (tie)
Tenth year Head Coach Mike Brey signed three highly skilled backcourt players for his Notre Dame program. Heading the list is No. 72 rated, multi-talented 6-1 PG Eric Atkins, Baltimore, MD/ Mt. St. Joseph’s. Also, No. 100 rated, 6-5 G/F Jerian Grant, Hyattsville, MD/ DeMatha; and hot shooting, No. 161 rated, 6-6 WF Alex Dragicevich, Northbrook, IL/ Glenbrook North.
26. Iowa 4 recruits Grade: 46 (tie)
Now in his third season at Iowa, Coach Todd Lickliter signed four newcomers that appear to be ideal for the Hawkeyes style of play. No. 119 rated, 6-9 C/F Cody Larson, Sioux Falls, SD, Roosevelt; No. 144 rated, skilled marksman, 6-2 1/2G Ben Brust, Mundelein, IL/ Mundelein; No. 162 rated, athletic 6-5 G/F Roy Marble, Lathrup Village, MI/ Southfield-Lathrup; and No. 164 rated, 6-7 P/WF Zach McCabe, Sioux City, IA/ Bishop Heelan.
No. 29 Vanderbilt 3 recruits Grade: 44
Coach Kevin Stallings and his staff landed three quality recruits for their Commodores program. Highest rated is No. 95, athletic 6-8 combo forward Rod Odom, Concord, NH/ Middlesex School. Also, No. 151 rated, under-the-radar talented big man, 6-11 Josh Henderson, Roanoke, VA/ Cave Spring; and No. 160 rated, 6-0 PG Kyle Fuller, Moreno Valley, Rancho Verde. Vanderbilt literally went coast-to-coast to get the players they wanted.
No. 30 Xavier 4 recruits Grade: 43
First year Head Coach Chris Mack got off to a great beginning with a national Top 30 recruiting class. The Musketeers signed four newcomers, all with much potential.
No. 120 6-7 WF Justin Martin, an Indianapolis resident once committed to Louisville, and now at Beckley, WV, Mountain State Academy; No. 130 rated, 6-8 PF Jordan Latham, Baltimore, MD/ City College; No. 173 rated, sharpshooting 6-5 G/F Jay Canty, Oak Ridge, NC/ Oak Ridge Military Academy; and No. 200 rated, 6-8 PF Griffin McKenzie, Cincinnati, OH/ Moeller.
Top 10 Fall Recruiting Classes with Two or Less Signees
No. 1 Villanova 2 Signees, plus 1 commitment
The Wildcats signed No. 41 rated 6-6 WF James Bell, Montverde, FL/ Montverde Academy; and No. 107 rated, powerful 6-8 C/F Markus Kennedy, Winchendon, MA/ School. Villanova recently received a commitment from No. 22 rated, 6-6 PF Javaughn Pinkston, Brooklyn, NY/ Bishop Loughlin.
No. 2 N.C. State 2 Signees, plus 1 commitment
The Wolfpack signed one of the nation’s Top 5 prep school players, 6-4 1/2G Lorenzo Brown, Chatham, VA/ Hargrave Military Academy; and No. 27 rated, 6-0 PG Ryan Harrow, Marietta, GA/ Walton. N.C. State also has a somewhat questionable, “soft” commitment from 5th year senior, 6-8 PF Luke Cothran, Red Springs, NC/ Flora McDonald Academy.
No. 3 UCLA 2 Signees
The Bruins got No. 15 rated, 6-9 C Josh Smith, Covington, WA/ Kentwood; and No. 45 rated, points producing 6-5 2G Tyler Lamb, Santa Ana, CA/ Mater Dei. Coach Ben Howland and his staff plan to sign two more players in the spring.
No. 4 Florida 2 Signees
The Gators snapped on No. 21 rated, 6-9 PF Patric Young, Jacksonville, FL/ Providence; and No. 51, 6-5 G/F Casey Prather, Jackson, TN, North Side. Florida is still hopeful of landing No. 3 rated, 6-3 PG Brandon Knight in the spring.
No. 5 Georgetown 2 Signees
The Hoyas, signed No. 23 rated, multi-dimensional 6-9 C/F Nate Lubick, Southborough, MA/ St. Mark’s School; and No. 74 rated, gifted 6-1 PG Markel Starks, North Bethesda, MD/ Georgetown Prep.
No. 6 Baylor 2 Signees, plus 1 commitment
The Bears signed the top prospect in Texas, No. 16 rated, 6-11 C Perry Jones, Duncanville, TX/ Duncanville; and No. 145, 6-4 2G Bakari Turner, Plano, TX/ Plano West, who is currently not playing after earlier changing schools. Coach Scott Drew also has a recent commitment from Top 200 player, 6-2 1/2G Stargell Love, Winston-Salem, NC/ Quality Education.
No. 7 Virginia Tech 2 Signees
The Hokies landed No. 32 prospect, vastly under-rated, 6-7 WF Jarrell Eddie, Concord, NC/ Cannon School; and No. 114 rated, 6-1 1/2G Tyrone Garland, Philadelphia, PA/ John Bartram. They may add another player in the spring.
No. 8 Alabama 2 Signees
The Crimson Tide rolled on getting No. 62 rated, superb playmaker, 6-0 Travis Releford, Shawnee Mission, KS/ Bishop Miege; and No. 128, and perhaps rated too low, 6-4 G/F Charles Hankerson, Miami, FL/ Coral Reef. Alabama is looking to add to others to their class in the spring.
No. 9 Oregon State 2 Signees
The Beavers fared well getting No. 82 rated, 6-8 P/WF Devon Collier, Jersey City, NJ/ St. Anthony; and No. 165 rated, jet-quick “mighty mite,” 5-8 PG Ahmad Starks, Chicago, IL/ Whitney Young.
No. 10 Michigan 2 Signees
The Wolverines signed Top 10 rated prep school player, versatile 6-9 P/WF Evan Smotrycz, New Hampton, NH/ School; and No. 98 rated, 6-4 2G Tim Hardaway, Palmetto, FL/ Palmetto.
Close behind was Washington with 1 signee, and 1 commitment. The Huskies commitment is from Turkish standout, 6-9, 240-lb., overpowering post player, Enes Kanter, Simi Valley, CA/ Stoneridge Prep. Washington also signed No. 109 rated, 6-8 PF Desmond Simmons, Richmond, CA/ Salesian.