To those not familiar with basketball, the words "OJ Mayo" would be puzzling. Why would anyone use Orange Juice and Mayo in the same sentence? I'm not a chef but orange juice and mayo probably don't taste good together. That doesn't make sense.
But it makes a lot of sense in the world of basketball. OJ Mayo is the name of a player. Not just any player. He is the next big thing. Possibly the next LeBron James hype-wise. He is considered by many to be that good.
And other things equal, he will play at least one year in college somewhere, starting with the 2007-08 season. Where? That is the big question. One possibility is for a package deal with his HS/AAU teammates. And what a deal that would be! That's what I call a blockbuster program maker package deal. One of his teammates is Billy Walker, one of the Top 10 if not Top 5 players of 2007.
And to make things even more intriguing the players seem to have a relationship with the currently unemployed Bob Huggins, frozen at 399. One set of rumors has Huggins riding the coaching carousel back to West Virginia, and those two recruits mentioned above have links to West Virginia. They could all end up there. But again, these are rumors.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Is OJ Mayo the next LeBron James?
Basketball Recruiting Sites and Links
Fans Only/CSTV
Hoop Scoop Online
Rivals.com
PrepStars.com
Hoopmasters
Scout.com (formerly Insiders)
PrepSpotlight.com
Most of the sites mentioned above provide some free content, but the premium features of their website are for subscribers only. They usually offer monthly or annual subscription plans.
This list will grow organically. If you have any sites you recommend please let me know or add them with a comment.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Two 2008 (!!!) recruits give verbal commitments!
These two did not wait. They have given their verbal commitment already, 6'0" Pierre Jordan to Clemson and 6'6" T. Pryor to Pitt. Details at:
http://interact.cstv.com/recruiting/
In the word games department:
For those not familiar with recruiting, players can give their verbal commitment at any time, but a verbal commintment (or pledge) is not binding and a player can change his mind at any point. They can formally sign (a letter of intent) only during designated signing periods (specific days in April and November). Signing a letter of intent is binding.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Recruits in Action: Magic 32 tourney rerun on CSTV
CSTV will be replaying the five games of the Magic 32 HoopHall classic that took place during the MLK Weekend in January. Check local listings and the CSTV website for air times. A lot of superstar caliber talent was showcased, including Kevin Durant (TX), Taylor King (Duke) and many many more. Schools featured include Oak Hill, Patterson, Arlington Day, Rice, Montrose Christian, St Neumman Gorretti, and South Kent.
Meanwhile in the next few days, the High Definition TV channel (INHD) will be replaying three touted HS games from last year: Greg Oden's Lawrence North hosting Arlington Day, Thornton at Hoemwood-Flossmoor featuring Julian Wright (now at Kansas), and South Gw at Lanier along with the 2005 Reebok Big Time tourney. As always, check local listings.
Available Top 100 recruits (2006 class - Fans Only/CSTV ranking)
According to the Fans Only (CSTV) Top 100 rankings, the following Top 100 players (2006 class) has not pledged yet:
Now I am not sure how many of the reclassified prospects would qualify for the NBA. As long as they and their class graduated last year, and they meet the age minimum they would be eligible for the NBA draft.
I'm sure as we get closer to the 2006 NBA Draft, the websites that cover the draft will come up with a list of prep prospects that would be eligible for the NBA draft.
