North Carolina

“The next John Wall” switching AAU teams

Words. Jason Jordan

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 >

Bullock beats Hairston in Dean Dome Showdown

Words. Jason Jordan

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In one of the showcase high school games of the season in the Tar Heel State, Kinston H.S. senior guard Reggie Bullock scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Vikings past P.J. Hairston and Dudley High, 68-63, Saturday at the Dean Dome. Hairston, a junior guard, managed 24 points in the loss.

Hairston and Bullock, both committed to UNC, played in front of Roy Williams and the entire Carolina basketball team along with more than 500 fans. MORE >

McAdoo wins USA Basketball award

Words. Jason Jordan

After helping Team USA claim the gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship this past summer, Norfolk Christian High (Va.) forward James McAdoo was named the 2009 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

McAdoo, 16, is the youngest player ever to win the award.

“When they told me that I won the award I was kinda shocked,” McAdoo said. “It’s a great honor. I got a nice plaque with the team’s picture on it and a really nice crystal ball. It’s real nice! This is probably the biggest award I’ve received so far.” MORE >

Giving thanks … The basketball way

Words. Jason Jordan

In between the mouth-watering turkey and perfectly glazed ham, the tasty pies and rich cakes, it’s a customary practice on Thanksgiving to go around the table and voice the many reasons to be thankful.

But from family to health and everything in between, the grateful glorifications have become just a bit cliché. I mean, c’mon, how much can you REALLY appreciate a pet Cocker Spaniel?

That’s why we caught up with five of the top players in the country and had them chime in on which basketball skill they’re most thankful for: MORE >

Mail Day with JJ, 11.18

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 >

Top Five Unsigned Seniors

Words. Jason Jordan

Will they sign during the Early Signing Period (which runs through Nov. 18) or keep us in suspense another five months and sign in the spring? Here’s a look at the top five unsigned seniors and what they will likely do.

1. Harrison Barnes (Ames High, Iowa), 6-6, SF We can all recite the schools on Barnes’ list by now — North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, Iowa State, UCLA and Oklahoma — but come Friday we won’t have to. Barnes, HighSchoolHoop’s top prospect, will announce his decision live on ESPNU at 4 p.m. EST. “Everybody’s making a big deal about me announcing on Friday the 13th,” said Barnes. “It’s crazy to me… I don’t get into all of that spooky stuff.” MORE >