by Alex Schwartz

I spoke to the #27 ranked player in Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010 Terrific 125 within the hour, and he provided some major news on his recruitment. Gary Franklin, a 6'2 combo guard from Mater Dei (CA), who was originally committed to USC, but decommitted when Kevin O'Neill was hired as the head coach has taken his name off the board. "Today I just committed to Cal," stated Franklin, who popped "this morning" to the Golden Bears. Asked when he made up his mind, Franklin said, "I guess last night." The talented scorer picked Cal over Arizona State and Baylor. Coincidentally, Scout actually broke the news of Franklin's commitment while I was on the phone with him, but Northstar Basketball is the first to speak to the player himself.

So how did Franklin decide that Cal was the school for him? "I guess I sat down and talked to my family about it and we felt it was the best situation for me. It's close to home and my family can see me play. . . . It's a good academic school and I'm a West Coast guy. I've always wanted to play in the Pac-10 because those are the games I grew up going to." Gary did not think it would be weird at all for him to play against USC when he gets to college. "I don't think it's really something that's going to cross my mind because there's a lot of schools in the Pac-10 that recruited me . . . that I could have gone to."

I inquired of Franklin when he actually eliminated USC from contention, and he replied, "I guess when I decommitted." He still did take an unofficial visit to the school after reopening his recruitment, but did not feel is was the right fit anymore. "I don't think they were too sure what was going to happen with the NCAA rules [violations and possible punishments]." Speaking of decommitments, Franklin had told me when we spoke at NBAPA Top 100 Camp in June that he felt his AAU teammate Dwayne Polee '10, who was also committed to Southern Cal, would decommit if he did, but that has yet to happen (click the link for the exact wording). Where does Gary feel Polee stands now? "I don't want to influence his decision because as a friend I want him to do what's best for him, but I think he's thinking about opening up his recruitment." The 6'7 small forward is the #92 ranked player in Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010 Terrific 125.

If Polee decides down the road that he wants to join Franklin in Berkeley—and that is still a long way away from happening, as he is still committed to USC—he would be joining a top-notch recruiting class. Mike Montgomery and Co. have already secured commitments from four players in the class of 2010, three of whom are ranked by Northstar Basketball in Franklin, #93 6'9 C Richard Solomon from Price (CA), #107 6'5 SF Alex Rossi of New Trier (IL), and 6'3 SG Allen Crabbe of Price (CA), who just missed being listed. Franklin seems excited about the group of players that will be joining him at the Pac-10 program in his class. "Well, as for the guys they're bringing in, we all bring different things to the table. Obviously with Richard, his height [is a factor and he] . . . plays defense. [He can] . . . score in the post and is a freak athlete. . . . Allen [and I] will compliment each other well. I'm a guard that can handle it and score, and with the way he shoots [it will be good]. . . . The other kid, Alex, he's a never-miss kind of shooter."

Before he heads to college, Franklin still has one year of high school ball left at Mater Dei, one of the best programs in the nation. The Monarchs were ranked #1 in the country most of last year, before losing twice down the stretch including once to Westchester (CA), Polee's school. Gary feels that the team can accomplish some major things this season. "Being ranked fourth in the country, I think we'll have a shot to be national champs, but our goal is to win CIF and states as well. Also, to go undefeated. No team wants to lose during the season." Mater Dei is led by a trio of players ranked top 50 by Northstar Basketball, in Franklin, #43 6'4 UCLA-bound SG Tyler Lamb, and #50 6'5 Arizona State-commit Keala King.

In Franklin, Cal is getting a combo guard who can really stroke it from beyond the arc. At NBAPA Top 100 Camp, Franklin averaged 10.2 points per game, good enough to tie for 22nd at the camp. He was ranked as a top 35 performer at the event by Northstar Basketball. Franklin is also a winner—his high school and AAU teams were both amongst the best in the nation—as well as a polite and respectful person. His commitment gives Cal a top 15 recruiting class and the makings of a quality team down the road.

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