by Alex Schwartz

A pair of New Jersey post-grads made some recruiting news today. Skylar Scrivano '11 of Peddie School (NJ) made his verbal commitment, while Isaiah Williams '11 of The Robinson School (NJ) cut down his school list.

According to a source close to the situation, Skylar Scrivano made his decision to attend Columbia. Scrivano, a Pennsylvania native, is a big, talented 6'9 power forward. The news was broken by Northstar Basketball via our Twitter page this afternoon. Recruit Recon lists no prior commitments for Columbia in the class of 2011, so it seems that Scrivano has kicked off the recruiting class for Lions in the crop of rising seniors.

Isaiah Williams came onto the scene during his senior year at Shabazz (NJ) and then broke out during the summer. He is headed to The Robinson School for a post graduate year, and he is now considering just 10 schools. According to his new high school coach, Vincent Robinson, Williams has trimmed his list. The 6'7 power forward is down to DePaul, Iowa State, Robert Morris, Morgan State, UMES, UTEP, Marshall, Manhattan, Nebraska, and Iona.

Note- photo of Scrivano is from http://www.suburbanonesports.com/

by Alex Schwartz

Northstar Basketball broke a pair of commitments in the past few days, as some local clas of 2011 standouts took their names off the board. Via our Twitter account, we reported that Khalid Lewis of Trenton Catholic (NJ) had decided on Delaware and then that Stephen Zack of Red Land (PA) had opted for La Salle.

Khalid Lewis, who is one of two returning starters for the defending NJSIAA Tournament of Champions champion, picked the Blue Hens over schools such as Manhattan, Robert Morris, and Wagner. That is according to his AAU coach with Team NJABC, Matt Pauls.

At 6'3, Lewis is best suited as a shooting guard, but has has the ability to play the one or even the three at times. He became the second player to commit to Delaware in the past week and a half, following Tyquan Goard '11 out of George Washington (WV). Lewis will face his former high school teammate in CAA play, as TCA graduate Frantz Massenat '10 is now a freshman at Drexel.

Stephen Zack has flown under the radar some, as many Keystone State players from outside of Philadelphia do, but he had a nice summer with the York Ballers. At 6'10, Zack has ideal size for a post player and thus should be able to develop into a solid player for the Explorers.

Zack is the second member of La Salle's 2011 class, joining Jerrell Wright of Dobbins Tech (PA), who made an early decision to attend the Atlantic-10 school. With Zack standing 6'10, Wright pushing 6'8, and 2010 signee Matt Lopez checking it at 6'10, John Giannini will have a nice core of young bigs to work with.

Note- photo is of Zack and is from http://www.pennlive.com/

GUEST COLUMN

AAU basketball is considered by many to be one of the last pure things left in terms of corruption in sports. That’s not to say that a cockeyed conspiracy theorist couldn’t uncover a few doping rumors here or there, or maybe a little unsavory conduct in the scouting department.

But anything even Joseph McCarthy could find would only reflect on the individual and not the organization.

The Amateur Athletic Union, being a not-for-profit, volunteer-based sports organization, wouldn’t bring about any scrutiny if it did smell like stale fish. Not saying it does. In fact, this multi-sport organization is surprisingly clean – and “surprisingly” takes on a whole new meaning when speaking of the AAU basketball program.

Its budding popularity in the mainstream does cause a little cringe among enthusiasts whose hopes and dreams for these young men doesn’t involve allowing them to become commodities.

The AAU has been partnered up with Disney and ESPN since the 1990s, but it’s the explosion of digital cable in recent years that’s bringing the AAU to people’s living rooms.

Just like poker was always poker, it wasn’t really “poker” until ESPN brought the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to their main channel and glorified it. Now there’s billions of dollars exchanging hands, not even counting what’s won and lost on the tables.

Even a lot of gamblers thought, why play online roulette when I can bet on Hold’em?

The point: having the AAU become a cash cow for sports books is the last road this organization needs to go down.

There’s no real threat of that happening yet. But something in us all can smell the disaster looming each time the basketball gains a little more coverage.

It’s a double-edged sword. It’s fantastic for the organization, for the players involved and for the all-around good it’s doing for communities. Then, however, enters the money – people looking to capitalize on these young men and sullying the sport with greed.

Once the sharks smell blood in the water, every sports book and casino on line will have an AAU betting option. And being such a large league with many small local spots, referee influence and point-shaving players could easily creep into the mix.

At some point, a question needs to be posed. Do you protect something like this league, or do you simply hope for the best and let evolution take its course?

AAU gambling-specific sites located on the same page as blackjack sites would be a sad sight indeed. But another bump or two in popularity is a good thing for everybody.

For right now, the best solution is to keep a watchful eye and have the brooms on standby to swat the vultures away should they make their move.

by Alex Schwartz

A few days ago, I posted updates on five of the top uncommitted point guards in the class of 2011 in the nation and where things stand in their recruitment. One of them (Trey Burke) has since made his college choice (he committed to Michigan), while the other four (Chasson Randle, Jabarie Hinds, Kendren Johnson, and Shane Larkin) are still on the board. I also provided an update on another top-flight uncommitted lead guard, Ryan Boatright, in an article I wrote for ScoutFriars.com.

I have also had the opportunity to catch up with another pair of uncommitted 2011 floor generals, both of whom are ranked in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100. I got updates from #25 6'2 BJ Young of McCluer North (MO) and #79 6'2 Jerome Seagears of Flora MacDonald Academy (NC).

While Young did not provide an extended update, he did list the schools currently pursuing him. Young rattled off a list that consisted of Indiana, Baylor, Marquette, Arkansas, North Carolina State, Ole Miss, Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Louisville, Missouri, and Providence.

Are those the only schools that Young is still considering? "[There are] probably one or two more like Cincinnati and one or 2 more. I can't think of em right now," Young said via text message.

Seagears, who has flown under the radar a bit, also has a long list of schools involved in his recruitment. He mentioned West Virginia, Clemson, Maryland, North Carolina State, Arizona, Miami, Boston College, UTEP, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Florida, DePaul, Providence, "and a few more" as well.

The DC Assault standout does not have any favorites and claims offers from all of those programs. He plans to "trim down" his list before committing, but is not sure of who will make it or when that will be. "No sir, got to take my officials first," Seagears said.

Seagears has just one visit planned as of now. "Cincinnati this weekend," he said. He has previously tripped to Rutgers, West Virginia, Seton Hall, and George Mason.

Note- both photos are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

by Alex Schwartz

Ryan Boatright of Aurora East (IL) has been a hot name amongst Providence fans of late. The 5'10, 160-pound class of 2011 point guard recently set up an official visit to the Big East school and ScoutFriars.com caught up with him to discuss that and his recruitment as a whole.

West Virginia, UConn, Kansas State, Miami, UTEP, Wake Forest, Providence, DePaul, and Minnesota were the schools Boatright listed. He claims offers from all of them and noted that others are involved as well.

“Not really, I’m pretty much still wide open, I [have yet to] take my visits or nothing,” said Boatright of whether he has any favorites.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for ScoutFriars.com, click Here.

by Alex Schwartz

With the July Live Evaluation Period now well in the rear view mirror, class of 2011 prospects are beginning to trim their lists and inch closer to college decisions. In about a week and a half, these players will also be allowed to start taking official visits to colleges and the commitments could come in large numbers, just as they did right after July.

I reached out to a number of uncommitted seniors today to get updates on where things stand in their recruitment. Today I focused on point guards, and over the next several days I will get recruiting updates from some of the top players at other positions as well. Below are the updated recruiting statuses of Trey Burke, Chasson Randle, Jabarie Hinds, Kedren Johnson, and Shane Larkin.

Northland (OH) 5'11 point guard Trey Burke was at one point committed to Penn State, but reopened his recruitment prior to the start of the July Live Evaluation Period. The #99 ranked player in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100 is now down to just two schools, and while one is in the Big Ten, it is not PSU.

"I narrowed my list down to two. [It is] Michigan and Cincinnati," Burke said. Asked what he likes about each school, Burke began with Michigan, saying, "Michigan is a great opportunity for me, not just when I'm there, but after college and after basketball and I loved the campus. The coaches were cool."

As for Cincinnati, Burke remarked, "I have been interested in Cincinnati for some time now. They were one of my first and it's also close to home. They are in the Big East, which is a great opportunity for me."

Will Burke take official visits to both schools still on his list? "No, I probably will just end up visiting where I commit," said the All-Ohio Red AAU standout. He has already visited both schools. "I went to Mich this past Wed and Cincy about a month ago," Burke said by text.

"I plan on committing here in a couple of days," Burke said. As for what the deciding factor in his choice will be, he said, "Wherever I feel most comfortable at and see myself living for the next couple of years."

Ranked as the #37 player in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100, 6'2 Chasson Randle of Rock Island (IL) is a true, consummate point guard. Randle confirmed reports that he is down to just three schools in Illinois, Stanford, and Purdue.

"No leader, but yea, that's my 3," said Randle via text. He noted that he has set up official visits to all of the schools remaining on his list. "Yes, officials to all 3. Purdue [is on] Sept 25th, Stanford [is on] Oct 8th, and Illinois [is on] Oct 15th," said the Prairie State star.

Randle is not positive on when he will make his college choice, but does have a point that he would like to have it out of the way by. "Not sure," he said. "Hoping before the high school season."

While Randle did not say specifically what he likes about each of the trio of schools still remaining, he did describe what they all possess that he likes. "I can say that in general that each school has recruited me very hard and I have gotten the chance to start to build a relationship with each head coach and their staffs," Randle said.

"How [is] my comfort level with each school, and the players who will be my teammates," Randle said of what the key factors in his decision will be. "Also the opportunity that is out there, and the vision the coaching staff has for the team and how I fit into the system."

The #50 ranked player in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100 is 5'11 Jabarie Hinds of Mount Vernon (NY). Like Randle, the New York native is down to just three schools.

Oklahoma State, West Virginia, and UNLV are definitely the final three schools on Hinds' list, he confirmed. While he plans to take official visits to all three, "none [have been] scheduled yet," he said.

Hinds, who does not have a favorite of the trio, discussed what he likes about each program that still has a shot to land him. "Oklahoma State has a very nice campus," Hinds said. "It's located in a nice, chilled atmosphere and I like the style of play the team runs."

"UNLV, Vegas tells it all lol [lough out loud] and the head coach knows what it takes to get players to the next level," said Hinds via text. "Great style of play also."

"West Virginia [is a] very nice place," Hinds remarked. "Coach Huggins cares about his players and after 2011 a true point guard isn't gonna be there and they need one."

Asked when he plans to make his commitment, Hinds responded, "Wanna make it before the season starts." As for what the prime factor in his choice will be, Hinds commented, "Basically when I go on the visit and whichever school I really can see myself playing for and being comfortable with it."

Although not ranked in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100, 6'4 Kedren Johnson of Marshall County (TN) will debut in when our top 150 is released shortly and he is one of the better floor generals in the nation.

Louisville, Florida, Alabama, and Vanderbilt are the schools that remain on Johnson's list. He has "no favorites" at this point and "all of them have offered" scholarships.

That list of four has a slight change from the one Johnson provided in early July. Why is that? "Louisville made a big effort to get back on and Memphis didn't," Johnson explained.

As for whether this is his final list, Johnson remarked, "Yea that's it, but Georgia Tech [is actually] coming in on a home visit to try to convince me to take an official [visit there]." Asked if the Yellow Jackets have a shot, Johnson replied, "I mean, they know it's slim, but they [are] still trying."

Jonson has has "all four set up" when it comes to official visits to his finalists. "Vandy [is on] Sept 4, Bama [is on] Sept 11, Florida [is on] Sept 24, Louisville [is on] Oct 8," Johnson said by text message.

"Before my high school season starts in Nov," said Johnson on when he plans to commit. On what the primary factors in his decision will be, Johnson said, "Who I will be playing with, my relationship with the head coach and just a gut feeling." He added, "And who I feel can help me get to the next level."

Dr. Phillips (FL) 5'11 Shane Larkin was also not ranked in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100, his fantastic summer with the Showtime Ballers will change that when out top 150 is released.

"No list, [I am] still open," said Larkin of where things stand with his recruitment. He does not have any favorites at this point and said "maybe January" when asked when he plans to commit.

The son of former MLB star Barry Larkin, Shane claims offers from a plethora of schools. He listed Alabama, South Florida, Central Florida, Florida State, Colorado, Wright State, George Mason, DePaul, Penn State, Temple, and Boston College as the programs that have extended offers.

While Larkin has yet to schedule any official visits, there is one school that he knows he will for sure take a trip to. "I'll definitely make one over to Colorado to see how it is over near the West Coast," Larkin said.



Note- all photos are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

by Alex Schwartz

- While it has been a busy day for commitments, the biggest news that came down on Monday may well be a decommitment. According to multiple media outlets, DeAndre Daniels '11 of Taft (CA) has reneged his pledge to Texas. Daniels, who might be attending Brewster Academy (NH) next year, is ranked #15 in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100. One of the top forwards in the nation, as well as one of the most versatile and talented players in general, Daniels had been part of a big-time four-man class of the Longhorns.

- The other news about a top 100 player was much more surprising than the oft-rumored decommitment from Daniels. Seemingly out of the blue, LaQuinton Ross '11 of Life Center Academy (NJ) committed to Ohio State, according to multiple reports. Ross, a Mississippi native, is ranked #70 in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100. He is the second player in the class of 2011 to pick the Buckeyes, joining Shannon Scott of Milton (GA), who is ranked #45 and is the son of former North Carolina star Charlie Scott.

- Northstar Basketball broke the news via our Twitter page that Durand Johnson '11 of Brewster Academy (NH), was announcing his college decision tonight. Johnson, who is from Baltimore, soon after made his verbal commitment to Pitt. He is the third player to pop to the Panthers in the class of 2011, joining Jaylen Bond of Plymouth-Whitemarsh (PA) and John Johnson of Life Center Academy (NJ).

- Multiple media outlets reported that Monmouth picked up a pair of commitments today. High school teammates at Eastern York (PA) and AAU teammates with the Jersey Shore Warriors, Andrew Nicholas '11 and Austin Tillotson '11 are both headed to Monmouth. Nicholas was at one point committed to Rutgers, but reopened his recruitment when the coaching regime changed.

- According to reports, North Texas landed a major commitment today when in-state standout Jordan Williams '11 of The Colony (TX) made his pledge to play for the Mean Green.

- A source informed Northstar Basketball that Nkereuwem Okoro '12 of St. Raymond's (NY) will be taking an unofficial visit to St. John's on Wednesday.

Note- photo is of LaQuinton Ross and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

by Alex Schwartz

To say that Jabril Trawick '11 had a great summer would be a major understatement. The 6'6 wing from Abington Friends (PA) enter July as a mid-major prospect with a handful of offers. He left the month as a high-major prospect with over 20 offers, including ones from ACC and Big East programs.

Recruit Recon checked in with Trawick to discuss where things stand with his recruitment.

There had been rumors that Trawick trimmed his list down, and he confirmed that notion. Georgetown, Florida State, North Carolina State, VCU, Cincinnati, Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte "is it I guess," said Trawick of what his list looks like right now.

To read the rest of his article I wrote for Recruit Recon, just go to the website's main page.

by Alex Schwartz

Anthony Davis '11 of Perspectives Charter (IL) has taken his name off the board, making a verbal commitment to Kentucky, according to multiple media outlets. Davis, a 6'9 power forward, was ranked #6 in the NBE Class of 2011 Pre-Live Period Top 100, but will move up even higher when our post-summer top 150 comes out.

Davis was the story of the spring and summer. He came from complete obscurity to be one of the most coveted recruits in the class of 2011 and regarded by most, including yours truly, as the best long-term prospect in the crop of rising seniors. He was barely even known by people in the Chicago area, as he was merely a 6'3 guard, before growing six inches and turning into the big-time prospect that he is today.

The Windy City superstar has gone through one of the biggest blow ups between junior high school season and senior high school year in memory. Some have said it is reminiscent of the way Tracy McGrady blew up, but it could be even bigger considering all of the media coverage there is now and the fact that Davis was truly an unknown even locally as recent as March.

Davis had just one high-major offer, from Syracuse, entering the spring and turned it into interest from just about every big-time program in the nation. He cut his list down to Kentucky, Ohio State, and Syracuse before the July Live Evaluation Period began.

North Carolina did its best to get involved, but could not. DePaul was able to get a visit, but it was not enough. In the end, Kentucky landed the skilled soon-to-be senior. Ohio State was the leader for Davis back at NBPA Top 100 Camp (he was named Most Outstanding Prospect), DePaul got the last visit, and Syracuse—who did not get a visit—was the first major school to offer, but the Wildcats won out.

There was some major controversy around Davis' decision. Ten days ago, his father told Scout that they had made their decision and were waiting to announce it. A few days later, an article on the Chicago Sun-Times website said that Davis was headed to Kentucky and that the Wildcats were rumored to have paid $200,000 for his commitment, sparking major criticism of the newspaper. While the article was removed, the Sun-Time did not withdraw its claims, controversy loomed, Davis' father denied allegations and threatened to sue, Kentucky sent the newspaper a letter, and there was much hubbub.

At the end of the day, regardless of the controversy and such, the fact remains that Anthony Davis has committed to the Kentucky Wildcats. This is a major coup for John Calipari and Co., who continue to load up on elite talent in Lexington.

In 2009, Calipari brought in the top recruiting class in the nation—and one of the best ever—in John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, Eric Bledsoe, Jon Hood, and Darnell Dodson. The first four would join Patrick Patterson as five Wildcats to be selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft, with Wall going number one, Cousins going fifth, and Patterson being a lottery pick. Before that, the Wildcats were ranked number one for a portion of the year, won the SEC regular season, the SEC Tournament, and made the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky's haul in 2010 was again the best in the country. The Wildcats landed three players in the top eight of Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010 Terrific 125 in #3 Brandon Knight, #6 Enes Kanter, and #8 Terrence Jones. In addition, UK got another in the top 15 (#14 Doron Lamb), another just outside the top 25 (#26 Stacey Poole), and a big-time JuCo transfer (Eloy Vargas). Despite losing so much talent from the 09-10 squad, the Wildcats should again be a great squad in 10-11 due to the great talent coming in.

Now, it appears that Kentucky will have the top class in 2011, making it three for three in Calipari's years in Lexington. He already had commitments from the best player in the nation, 6'7 small forward Michael Gilchrist of St. Patrick's (NJ), and the best point guard in the nation, 6'1 Marquis Teague of Pike (IN). Now the top power forward in the nation will join Big Blue Nation as well.

There are six player in the class of 2011 who have separated themselves from the pack. They are, in no order, Gilchrist, Davis, Teague, SG Austin Rivers of Winter Park (FL), SF Quincy Miller of Westchester Country Day (NC), and SG Brad Beal of Chaminade (MO). Thus, half of the truly elite level players in the country are headed to Kentucky.

Of those six, four of them—Beal (Florida), Davis, Gilchrist, and Teague—are committed, meaning that three of the top four committed players in the country are headed to Kentucky together. The Wildcats are also considered contenders for Miller and sleepers for Rivers, so this class could add another elite player, though it is a longshot. Kentucky is involved with numerous other superb players, including power forwards Johnny O'Bryant of East Side (MS) and Chane Behanan of Bowling Green (KY).

Just how great this Kentucky class ends up being remains to be seen, but it would be a shock if it is not the top class in the country. Generally that is the case when three players ranked number one at their position are committed to the same school.

Anthony Davis is the most recent top-notch player to join the fold for Kentucky, and he will continue to his meteoric rise to stardom in Lexington next fall.

Note- photo of Davis is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/; Kentucky logo is from http://www.genuinekentucky.com/

by Alex Schwartz

- Tom Izzo and Michigan State continue to reel in the commitments. According to multiple reports, 6'8 power forward Matt Costello '12 of Bay City Western (MI) popped to the Spartans today. He is the fifth player to commit to the Big Ten school in the past 12 days, following Kenny Kaminski '12, Branden Dawson '11, Travis Trice '11, and Denzel Valentine '12.

- The Recruit Scoop recently reported that elite rising freshman big man Dakari Johnson '14 will attend St. Patrick's (NJ), and I have confirmed that with a source with knowledge of the situation. Johnson, a 6'8 power forward, was originally expected to attend Scout County (KY), but will instead be playing for the Celtics. He is one of the best players in the class of 2014 and will immediately be one of the top players on Kevin Boyle's roster.

- The Hartford Courant is reporting that arguably the best player in the class of 2012, Andre Drummond of St. Thomas More (CT), may actually end up as a 2011 recruit due to NCAA rules. Drummond had been a 2011 prospect, but relcassified due to how young he is. Now, he could wind up back in the class of 2011 after all.

- A number of class of 2011 players in New Jersey made their commitments during July and August. There are now 11 players in the crop of rising seniors in New Jersey who are off the board with commitments to Division I basketball programs. In addition, there are also two who were in New Jersey last year and are transferring out-of-state as well one who committed for another sport and will be a basketball walk-on. The committed players are listed below in alphabetical order.
     - Chandler Fraser-Pauls, The Pennington School, Lafayette (soccer & basketball walk-on)
     - Sterling Gibbs, Seton Hall Prep, Maryland
     - Michael Gilchrist, St. Patrick's, Kentucky
     - Derrick Gordon, St. Patrick's, Western Kentucky
     - Sean Grennan, Monsignor Donovan, Davidson
     - John Johnson, Life Center Academy, Pitt
     - Tyrone Johnson, Montrose Christian (MD), Villanova
     - Jarrel Lane, St. Patrick's, UMBC
     - Matt McMullen, Christian Brothers Academy, Colgate
     - Luke Piotrowski, Atlantic Christian, Richmond
     - Rob Poole, Paul VI, Siena
     - Derrick Randall, South Kent (CT), Rutgers
     - Chris Santo, Cherry Hill East, Vermont
     - Shawn Valentine, Winslow Township, Rider

Note- photo is of Matt Costello and is from http://www.mlive.com/