Words. High School Hoop
Rule #1 in rebuilding a once-proud college basketball tradition: You have to get talent.
For new St. John’s coach Steve Lavin, that wouldn’t seem like a huge hurdle, since he’s right in the heart of the always-deep talent pool that is New York City. But for a program that has fallen on hard times, convincing high school stars who want to win to sign a Letter of Intent is challenging, no matter the location. MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
In the trendy and ever-evolving business that is basketball recruiting — where power equals influence, which often times equates to commitments — the ultimate powerful influential figure is one William Wesley.
Or is he?
“At least that’s the perception,” said Shawn Teague, whose son Marquis Teague is committed to Kentucky, the main school where Wesley is notorious for having influence. “He’s the guy everyone’s talking about. Especially with Kentucky’s recruiting.” MORE >
Words. Aron Phillips
It’s safe to say that in one year, John Calipari has turned Kentucky into NBA U. With five players slated to go in the first 20 picks of this year’s NBA Draft, and commitments last week from top-five players in the Class of 2010 (Brandon Knight) and Class of 2011 (Michael Gilchrist) - not to mention All-American senior Doron Lamb - you’d think Coach Cal would take a day off. Think again. While there are still some outstanding players who might commit to the Wildcats for next year, Calipari is focusing his attention on the Class of 2012. MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
It’s been more than a month now since junior swingman LaQuinton Ross transferred from Murrah High School (Jackson, Miss.) to Life Center Academy (Burlington, N.J.) to concentrate on bettering his grades and focus.
At Life Center he is playing alongside guard Dion Waiters, a McDonald’s All-American who is signed with Syracuse. We’re hearing from a reliable source that the move has not only benefited Ross, who’s averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds, but also helping Syracuse’s chances of landing him. MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
GREENSBORO, N.C. — P.J. Hairston sits in a rolling chair inside the cramped Dudley High basketball office, legs sprawled in front of him and leaned back with his fingers interlocked behind his head. He’s stylishly underdressed in basketball shorts, a white T-shirt, and a jogging suit top. He’s the picture of tranquility, as he cuts up with his mother Wendy and three of the Dudley basketball coaches. MORE >
Words. Jason Jordan
Lake Clifton-Eastern High (Md.) star Josh Selby is at the center of one of the most complicated and intense recruiting battles that’s been waged in quite some time.
First, he committed to Tennessee last September only to back out of the commitment 10 months later because “I committed too early,” and currently Kansas, Connecticut, Baylor, Oregon, Syracuse, Florida State, Miami, Texas and Kentucky are putting on the full-court press trying to make the Vols’ loss their gain.
Selby’s take?
“I’m just chillin,” says Selby MORE >
