Words. Jason Jordan

Providence High School (Jacksonville, Fla.) forward Patric Young shares a popular theory about the selection process for the McDonald’s All-American game.

“It’s very political,” said Young, a Florida signee. “It has a lot to do with where you’re going (to college). I know a few guys that should’ve made the game. But hey, I’m just happy that I made it.”

Young, a 6-9 forward who is considered one of the best defensive post players in the country, was named to the McDonald’s All-American roster earlier this month. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Everyone has an opinion on what’s going to happen tonight when Duke makes the eight-mile trek down Tobacco Road to face arch-nemesis North Carolina.

But while all the predictions roll in today, how do the Tar Heels and Blue Devils’ stars of tomorrow think it will shake out? We caught up with a few UNC/Duke signed recruits and targets to get their take on who will reign supreme in the most storied rivalry in college hoops: MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Few matchups between hyped-up high schools stars actually live up to the excitement that it builds, but when Winter Park (Fla.) combo guard Austin Rivers tangled with Pine Crest (Fla.) point guard Brandon Knight this past Friday on ESPN2, the performances trumped the hype.

In the end, Rivers had the better supporting cast as Winter Park outlasted Pine Crest, 87-76, at Florida Atlantic University. Knight, ranked No. 2 in the HSH national top 50, pumped in 48 points in the loss, while Rivers, ranked No. 5, dropped 42 points. MORE >

Words. Austin Rivers

Although just a junior, Winter Park (Fla.) point guard Austin Rivers is the 5th-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. He’s been verbally committed to Florida for over a year, but this fall, Rivers decided to open things up and let Duke recruit him as well, making his one of the most captivating recruiting stories in the country.

The younger son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and younger brother of Indiana University PG Jeremiah Rivers, Austin has agreed to give HSH exclusive access by chronicling his thoughts in this regular diary where he’ll keep everyone updated on everything from his personal life to his high school season to his thoughts on Duke and Florida. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Chaminade College Prep (Mo.) scoring guard Brad Beal chose Florida over Kansas, Missouri and Illinois this week. Over the summer, Beal led the U.S. 16-and-under national team to a gold medal in Argentina, averaging 19 points per game.

One of the biggest lures for the Gators was that Beal’s friend, Winter Park (Fla.) star guard Austin Rivers, who is rated the No. 5 prospect in the HighSchoolHoop top 50, is also committed to Florida — albeit a shaky commitment since he’s also heavily considering Duke. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Louisville’s first 2010 recruit? Harrison Barnes hating? Who’s the Player of the Year? Jason Jordan has fielded all of your e-mails and tackles each of these questions and more in this installment of “Mail Day with JJ.”

*** *** ***

Russell Smith’s signing eliminates Marquis Teague for Louisville?

I won’t lie; I’m not happy about Russell Smith (South Kent School, Conn.) signing with us … MORE >