Will Barton, arguably the best high school two-guard in the Class of 2010, may not be able to play his freshman season at the University of Memphis.
On his Twitter page yesterday, Barton wrote, “It dont get no worse than this. The hardest thing I ever had 2 face is here. Need vision cuz everything blurry now. Where do I go from here?”
Hours later, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Barton had been ruled academically ineligible. If he can’t play at Memphis, Barton may go overseas or play in the NBA’s D-League for a year. He can then enter the 2011 NBA Draft. MORE >
Featuring top-ranked athletes from throughout the nation, USA Basketball today announced the first nine members and the coaching staff for the 2010 USA Junior National Select Team, which will face off against the World Select Team in the 13th annual Nike Hoop Summit at 7:00 p.m. (PDT) on Saturday, April 10 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. MORE >
Mabry better than Roscoe? Cory Joseph a Runnin’ Rebel? Is the Naismith Award Selby’s to lose? 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.”
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Feeling Mabry over Smith
Great scoop on TaShawn Mabry (Rocky Mount High, N.C.). Do you think he will get a Duke offer soon? Also, what is going on with Roscoe Smith (Oak Hill Academy, Va.)? I actually like TaShawn a little better.
- S. Crystal
Most people would call you loony for saying that you like TaShawn better than Roscoe, but most of those people just read and believe what they see on recruiting sites. MORE >
Yesterday afternoon I went up to The Sports Club/LA to watch the kids from the Boost Mobile Elite 24 train and practice before tonight’s game. With 24 of the best high school players in the country, competition sets in when you’re playing in front of the media. MORE >
Rivers' quickness makes defenders want to back up, but his shooting ability makes them have to guard him close. No player in the country hunts and finds his shot as aggressively as Rivers, who tallied more 40-point games than anybody in the country this summer. The scary part is that he's getting better and better every day.
Miller dominates all facets offensively, but his best attribute may be his ability to keep the defense off balance with his shooting ability from deep. Miller averaged 32 points during the 2010 AAU season.
Committed to Kentucky. Combines a quick first step with some of the best handles on this list to dominate opponents. Teague is a gifted scorer in a variety of different ways and involves teammates to balance his repertoire.
Committed to Texas. Kabongo may be the best leader in the senior class, and his ability to create for his teammates is exceptional. He's ultra quick and breaks down the defense with ease to finish in the lane or knock down the jump shot.
Committed to North Carolina. Solid with his back to the basket, but better at finishing plays. He's skilled enough to knock down the short jumper and has an overactive motor.
Muhammad is smooth but effective, evidenced by his 31-point average during the AAU season. His jump shot is accurate and he uses his big, strong body to absorb contact and finish in the paint.
Committed to Kentucky. Lean and quick, Davis uses his athleticism and skill to dominate in the paint. He's versatile enough to consistently knock down jump shots and has a solid handle. Davis gave opposing big men fits all summer.
The youngster ranked this high? Yes indeed! Purvis is the perfect combination of athleticism and skill and has a gear that most only dream about. His jumper has improved, and he's a lockdown defender that gets to the cup whenever he wants against whoever he wants.
Committed to Ohio State. Don't let the height fool you, Ross is quicker than most perimeter defenders and long enough to finish in the lane for high-percentage shots, yet has the ability to consistently hit outside shots. He's added a fadeaway that's almost as automatic as a layup.
