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 >
Upper Room Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) point guard Rodney Purvis has decided to switch from the CP3 All-Stars AAU to the Boo Williams Summer League for the upcoming AAU season, because BWSL is allowing him to run the point exclusively.
“At this point, I want to concentrate on being a point guard full-time,” said Purvis, who will run with the 16-and-under team. “I just think it’s important for me to continue to develop.”
That might sound a bit extreme since Purvis is just a 15-year-old freshman, but when you’re good enough to be dubbed “the next John Wall” things have a way of taking off fast. MORE >
Now THIS is how Terrence Ross always envisioned the scenario playing out: Big-time schools putting the full-court recruiting press on him, calling countless times, giving sales pitches, telling him how well he’d fit into a system.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted,” said Ross, a 6-6 wing from Montrose Christian in Rockville, Md. “At the same time, I didn’t know it would be this hectic. Maaaan it’s crazy! But I love it.”
Ever since Ross de-committed from Maryland two weeks ago, Kansas, Kentucky and Duke have jumped in, trying to make the Terps’ loss their gain. MORE >
Just days after Montrose Christian (Md.) senior shooting guard Terrence Ross de-committed from Maryland, the Terps got a commitment from Oak Hill Academy (Va.) shooting guard Pe’Shon Howard, also a senior.
Howard, who is averaging 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Warriors, picked the Terps over UCLA, Georgia Tech, South Florida, Virginia and Northwestern. MORE >
Before Will Bynum was collecting checks from the League, and Sean Dockery was doing damage at Duke, the two used to battle in their native Chicago. The other day someone unearthed footage from the 2001 reality series, “PREPS: Chicago Hoops,” which documented the life of basketball stars (including Eddy Curry) in the Chicago area. Though he’s not one of the featured players, Bynum is presented as Dockery’s main rival in the Chicago Public League - Dockery, the floor general at southside’s Julian High School, while Bynum was the PG at westside’s Crane High School. Make sure you check out all three videos.
Signed with North Carolina. Barnes combines a flawless and versatile offensive repertoire with an intensity on both ends that separates him from his peers.
You’d be hard pressed to find someone faster in the 2010 class and beyond. Knight seems to make the right plays every time and has an array of breakdown moves that create easy scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Signed with Ohio State. Sullinger is a master at using his big frame to absorb contact and finish in traffic. He’s active, has great hands and a wide array of low post moves.
Somewhat committed to Florida. Rivers’ quickness makes defenders want to back up, but his shooting ability makes them have to guard him close. Add in wicked passing skills and Rivers is the complete package.
Signed with Duke. Quick, fast and skilled, Irving is a big time scoring point guard who also makes his teammates better with his exceptional court vision.
Big-time scorer who doubles as an underrated passer, Wroten fills up the stat sheet and plays with a confidence that translates into success. However, he could miss his entire junior season after injuring his knee playing football.
Combines a quick first step with some of the best handles on the list to dominate opponents. Teague is a gifted scorer in a variety of different ways and involves teammates to balance his repertoire.
Versatile enough to breakdown defenders on the wing and athletic enough to put them on a poster, Leslie may very well have the best high-wire act on the list.
Signed with Texas. Thompson defines the new age big forward, slim and versatile player who reaps the benefits of running the floor. Thompson is constantly active, which allows him to excel on the offensive and defensive glass.