- This bullet point and the next one both deal with some additional information to add to the School Lists post that was just put up. A source with knowledge of the situation has indicated to me that Juan'ya Green is "probably going to Villanova [and]  . . . is leaning towards Villanova." The source went on to say, "with Maryland coming after [Green's stepbrother] Joey [Gripper], Juan'ya might switch up and want to go to Maryland because [his] little brother might accept Maryland if they offer."

- In addition, the aforementioned source with knowledge of the Green situation, also gave me some insight into Joey's recruitment. "Gripper is favoring Harvard," said the source, who went on to say that the point guard's "stock is rising." As well, I was told that "if Juan'ya commits to Villanova, then Joey becomes high priority for St. Joseph's and Maryland [and] . . . Joey will accept Maryland if they offer."

- Pierre Hayden '11 of Skyline (TX) has received some new interest from "Arkansas, Maryland, and Western Kentucky."

- I was at the Philly Hoop Group Classic at the Palestra on Friday afternoon to see Hartford defeat NJIT and Niagara wallop Monmouth. Niagara-signee Andre "Scooter" Gillette '09 of Neumann-Goretti (PA) was on hand to see his future team play, and seemed to have a good time. With him were N-G teammate Lamin Fulton '11 and N-G Assistant Coach John Mosco.

- Saturday night I was able to get back to the Palestra and watch Penn State demolish Towson as well as Villanova nip Rhode Island. On hand for the games at different points throughout the night were  Niagara-bound Andre "Scooter" Gillette Tyreek Duran '10, Mustafa Jones '10, and Lamin Fulton '11of Neumann-Goretti (PA). Villanova-signee Maalik Wayns '09 of Roman Catholic (PA), Markus Kennedy '10 of Living Faith (NJ), John Johnson '11 of Girard College HS (PA) were also in attendance. Huntington Park Warriors (PA) AAU coach Richard Guillen was there too.

- Here are a few college notes:
     - Jimmy Baron of URI is the real deal. He is a lights-out shooter and plays solid D, though he'll have to work on his passing if URI wants to hang with the big boys and also if he wants to be effective at the next level. Either way, I do think that the Rams have a legitimate shot at being an NCAA Tournament team. 
    - I saw Villanova play twice this week, as I saw them host Monmouth on Tuesday night. One thing that stood out for this team is just how good Dante Cunningham is. He and Reggie Redding may well be the key to the 2008-2009 Wildcats. though obviously stars Corey Stokes, Corey Fisher, and Scottie Reynolds are vital as well. 
    - Niagara is a very good team and is one to watch for as the season progresses. The Purple Eagles combine good post play with solid guard play to form a quality club. 
    - Troy Franklin of Towson is a very good shooter and a solid player, but the Tigers will need more from the rest of the squad if they want to make some noise in the CAA. 
    - Penn State has a nice team this year. Expect the Nittany Lions to improve a great deal from the past few years. Expect the team to finish seventh or eighth in the Big Ten.