by Alex Schwartz

Over the past week I caught up with a number of talented seniors from across the East Coast, many of which were uncommitted. From these players I received updates as to what they plan on doing next year. Here' s a look at what those uncommitted ballers are looking to do:

Khalil Murphy ’09, APEX Academies (NJ)
The top uncommitted senior in the state of New Jersey, Khalil Murphy gave me the following school list: “Western Kentucky, Oral Roberts, San Francisco, Central Florida, Siena, [and ] I’m hearing from a few more.” The 6'7 small forward added, “Nothing [besides those five that] I’m really considering.” He said his decision would "pretty much" be between those schools. “UCF has not [offered] yet, and Siena has interest," stated Murphy. Right now, the other three schools are at the top of his list. “Western Kentucky, Oral Roberts, and San Francisco [are my favorites]," though he informed me that he does not have an individual favorite. “Hopefully [I will commit] before the 20^th [of May, when the late signing period ends],” mentioned Khalil.

Anali Okoloji ’09, Benjamin Banneker (NY)
“I just took my SAT [on] May 2^nd. [I am] just focused on getting qualified,” is the first thing the talented wing said when I asked him about his plans. Okoloji, who had started his senior year at Charis Prep (NC), but came back home, went on to say, “I got a [few] new schools [looking at me]. Southern Miss, North Carolina State, [and] Central Florida are highly interested. . . . [Also] Houston,” adding, “Oh yeah, add St. John’s to the list of schools. . . . They didn’t offer , [but] they are interested. I took an unofficial [visit there] last week [on] Thursday.” Okoloji claimed a half dozen scholarship offers: Morehead State, Albany, St. Bonaventure, La Salle, DePaul, and TCU. “I don’t have one [single favorite] right now, but if it came out tomorrow [that] I had to chose, it would be [a school in the] Big East, but I will have to take a visit to any school before I decide. Also, my mom [and I] will discuss different options before I choose," stated Anali, but something he said right after that makes it appear as if DePaul just might have a leg up on the competition: “My favorites are DePaul, TCU, North Carolina State, and Southern Miss.” The Blue Demons are the only Big East school in that quartet, so if he really does want to play in that conference, he may end up playing for Jerry Wainwright and Co.

Reggie Lewis ’09, Bedford (OH)
Reggie Lewis was a player who impressed me last summer at Hoop Group Elite Camp. Lewis, though, is still on the board. “No, not yet, I still have no offers, and I had a good season this year,” replied Lewis when I asked him if he knew what he would be doing in 2009-2010. “[I may go to] Genesis One. It’s a prep school [and I have] talked to the coach there,” said Lewis. Located in “Jackson, Mississippi,” Genesis One is an established program that does a good job of producing players. So does Lewis think he will indeed end up at prep school next year? “Yeah, if nothing else comes up.”

Tywon Clarke ’09, Hyde School (CT)
A talented player who works hard and plays defense, Tywon Clarke, who played with New Heights for his AAU ball, has yet to make up his mind on where he will be next year. “No, [I am] not [sure] yet. It’s crunch time though, so I’ll have an idea soon enough. I’ll keep you posted.” In fact, Clarke is not even entirely sure of what his choices will be, saying, “[I am] not sure yet,” when I asked him about his options.

Chris Cantino ’09, Rise Academy (PA)
A Philadelphia native who is doing a post-grad year at Rise Academy, Chris Cantino is a scorer who is still on the board. “No, [I am] about to start visiting [schools],” responded Cantino when I inquired as to whether he had decided on what to do next year yet. “Southern Miss, Oklahoma State, New Orleans, [and] more, [such as] . . . Rhode Island [and] Marquette," was the list that Chris gave me, though he did add, “I don’t know [who has offered], to tell you the truth.” Despite that, he does have a leader: “Southern Miss [is my favorite].”

Henry Smith ’09, Monsignor Bonner (PA)
Another baller from the City of Brotherly Love who is still undecided on what he will do next year, Smith has three very different options. “A lot of DIII schools” are looking at Smith, such as “Neumann, Becker, Immaculata, [and] Albright.” Henry, who does not have any favorites, told me, “I might prep for a year.” In addition he mentioned the possibility of attending “Independence Community College in Kansas.” So Smith could end up at a DIII school, a prep school, or a junior college.

Chasen Campbell ’09, Oak Hill Academy (VA)
“I’m going [to go to] prep [school. I am] considering Fork Union [Military Academy in VA]. I’ll be [in the] class of 2010 for better recruiting [options]," said Campbell, a 6'8 big-bodied post player at the national power. “I don’t know where else I should look,” stated Chasen. I heard from the big man again this evening, and he is still unsure where he will PG at next year.

Antoine Brown ’09, Bishop Loughlin (NY)
The Big Apple baller told me that he will definitely be at a JuCo next year, and it's just a matter of which one. “I’m looking at a couple JuCos,” said Brown. He went on to specifically mention a few schools: “Pensacola JC, Gulf Coast JC, Southwest Texas, Chipola, and some others.”

Steve Samuels ’09, Windsor (CT)
While I did not get to talk to the gifted floor general himself, I caught up with his UMBC-bound high school teammate Adrian Satchell '09. The forward gave me some good information, letting me know that Samuels would be committing soon, though he was unsure where.

Rico Winston ’09, Jericho Christian Academy (MD)
“[I am] just trying to find a school,” said Winston, another kid who was quite good at Hoop Group Elite Camp Session II this past summer. “Well I got looks from Ball State, Central Connecticut State, Binghamton, Norfolk State, and a couple JuCos.” Does Winston have any offers yet? “Well, nothing solid right now, but my coach [and I] are working on some things, but I will definitely let you know.” Winston has considered the possibility that he may not get an offer from a place he wants to go, and he has other options. “If time starts to run out and I don’t have nothing, then yeah [I may PG or go to a JuCo].” Rico has very good grades and would prefer to go to a prep school, but would consider a JuCo.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/