Devin Coleman Commits to Clemson

Brian Snow of Scout.com is reporting that Devin Coleman (SG, 6’3″, 2011) has committed to the Clemson Tigers. Coleman has seen his stock and interest rise over his senior season but decided to play for the Tigers in the ACC instead of some of the schools closer to his home state of Pennsylvania. Coleman also had offers from Delaware, Drexel, La Salle, St. Joseph’s, Temple and St. Bonaventure.

Clemson Lands Small Forward

Clemson has landed Kevin McDaniels (SF, 6’5″, 2011), a player from Birmingham, AL, and who committed to the Tigers just a few days after receiving an offer.

It was no secret that McDaniels favored Clemson, after his visit he said as much and said the visit had been the best so far. This is the third commitment for Clemson head coach Brad Brownell in the 2011 class.

ACC Basketball Recruiting Roundup March 10

One day before the ACC Tournament begins, let’s take a quick trip around the league to see what the latest recruiting news has to offer.

Clemson

Kendall Williams (SG, 6’2″, 2010) has chosen to play at New Mexico, picking the Lobos over Clemson despite Clemson’s best efforts to land him. Clemson has already gotten a commitment from Marcus Thornton (SF, 6’7″, 2010) for the class but is still looking to land Juco forward Ricardo Ratcliff (PF, 6’9″, 2010). Ratcliff is also considering Arkansas, Missouri and Alabama.

Virginia

Virginia has already pulled a large class for 2010 and is still looking to bring in more. With James Johnson (C, 6’8″, 2010) anchoring the class that includes K.T. Harrell (SG, 6’3″, 2010), Will Regan (C, 6’8″, 2010), Joe Harris (SG, 6’5″, 2010), Billy Baron (PG, 6’1″, 2010) and Akil Mitchell (PF, 6’7″, 2010), the Cavaliers will be looking to bring in a major new look next season. 2011 is still wide open for the Cavs.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest is in the top three for Tyler Olander (PF, 6’9″, 2010), who is also being pursued by Virginia but doesn’t list them as a favorite. Wake’s main competition for Olander is UConn (he’s from Storrs, CT) and Florida. Wake already has commits from Carson Derosiers (C, 6’11”, 2010), Travis McKie (SF, 6’6″, 2010), J.T. Terrell (SG, 6’3″, 2010), Melvin Tabb (PF, 6’8″, 2010) and Tony Chennault (PG, 6’1″, 2010).

North Carolina

This year’s North Carolina team has had to deal with unexpected losses on the court and the whispers about talented recruits coming in next year. Without a doubt, UNC is loading up on guards and wings with possible one-and-done superstar Harrison Barnes (SF, 6’6″, 2010), along with Reggie Bullock (SG, 6’6″, 2010) and Kendall Marshall (PG, 6’3″, 2010). These players will have to shore up a depleted back court and try to get the ball in to the UNC big men.

Duke

The pride of the 2010 class for the Blue Devils is Kyrie Irving (PG, 6’2″, 2010), who also might be gone after one year. Duke also landed Josh Hairston (PF, 6’8″, 2010) and Tyler Thornton (PG, 6’2″, 2010), both solid players who should see court time quickly.

Maryland

Maryland missed on Tobias Harris but landed Mychal Parker (SF, 6’6″, 2010) , Terrell Stoglin (SG, 6’0″, 2010) and Ashton Pankey(PF, 6’8″, 2010). Pe-Shon Howard (PG, 6’2″, 2010) is also in the class but it’s unlikely he’ll be able to step in and replace Vasquez’ output by himself. Maryland also has a commitment from Hankur Palsson (SF, 6’6″, 2010).

We’ll cover more of the ACC next, and work in our coverage of the first round of the ACC Tournament (in person).

Noel Johnson Commits to ACC; NBA Draft Notes

Last summer we tracked Noel Johnson (6’6″, SF, 2009) as an ACC recruit, but despite looking at several ACC schools, Johnson ultimately committed to Tim Floyd and USC. However, Tim Floyd was found to be guilty of recruiting violations and is now no longer the head coach of the Trojans.

Johnson decided to withdraw his commitment from USC and now has decided on Clemson, giving Oliver Purnell some talent on the wing to help replace K.C. Rivers and Terrence Ogelsby.

Sean May, Raymond Felton & J.J. Redick

A quick note on some former ACC stars, if you watched the NBA Finals a few days ago you know that J.J. Redick has played well but seems to be underutilized by the Magic. However, it is apparent that he’s going to stay in the NBA for now, and I expect the Magic to try and trade JJ and Rafer Alston during the draft.

Meanwhile, two former UNC stars from the Tar Heels’ 2005 national championship team are seeing their careers continue in different directions. The Charlotte Bobcats have decided not to make a qualifying offer to Sean May, which would make him a restricted free agent. At the same time, Charlotte has made a qualifying offer to Raymond Felton. A qualifying offer is just a starting point, which means that the player can look at other teams but the Charlotte has the first right to match the offer in order to keep the player.

I’m not surprised with Felton, one of the few bright spots for the Bobcats and one of the more underrated starting point guards in the NBA. The Bobcats have never been a serious playoff contender and thus, no one on the Bobcats gets much publicity, not even Gerald Wallace or Emeka Okafor.

With Sean May, it’s all about injury. He’s been injured or dealing with chronic pain for nearly his entire stint in the pros. In three seasons he’s been unable to play even one season’s worth of games. The reality is that the Bobcats still might sign Sean, but the team can’t keep money tied up at the PF spot when they are so thin there. I believe that the move not to offer May is a sign that they want to see what they can get in the draft.

NBA Draft

Ah, the NBA draft. One of the most annoying things about the NBA is how much they promote personalities over teams, and it often starts right here on draft day. This year the perennial losing L.A. Clippers are sitting on the number one draft pick, and everyone expects them to take Blake Griffin, a monster PF who should be an impact player. I like Griffin’s game, which involves basically leaping from the half court line and dunking on anyone who gets in his path. The only concern I would have is that when UNC thumped his Oklahoma Sooners in the NCAA tournament, he seemed to have a hard time handling the double team and doesn’t seem to have much mid range game. Still, the NBA is about man-to-man and he is an athletic freak.

I see a lot of mock drafts picking UConn’s Hasheem Thabeet as the number 2 pick, and I’ve got to say I see that as a huge mistake. I’d take Ricky Rubio, Brandon Jennings, James Johnson or Stephen Curry over Thabeet. I think Thabeet is the most overrated player in this year’s draft.

Most underrated player going into the draft? Possibly Tyler Hansbrough. It’s fashionable to hate Hansbrough and claim he’ll be a joke in the pros. Throw all the college awards out the window, because they mean nothing to the NBA, but in Hansbrough, I see a better version of Glenn “Big Baby” Davis or Corliss Williamson. He has developed a better shot than either of those players but he will need to be more of a rebounder in the pros. Charlotte worked out Hansbrough, Gerald Henderson, Steph Curry, K.C. Rivers and Ben McCauley over the past couple of weeks. Charlotte’s roster move with Sean May could make room for Hansbrough at the 13th pick. Most drafts have Tyler going late first round, but it’s probably going to depend on the Bobcats. There aren’t many PF players to pick from this year, and the ‘Cats will have to decide if they want to take the best player available (which could be Brandon Jennings) or draft for need.

Ryan Kelly and John Wall are Superbad; Thornton commits

The Raleigh News&Observer is gushing over the fact that high school basketball in Raleigh this winter will have two major superstars, Ryan Kelly (PF, 6’10”, 2009, Duke), and John Wall (PG, 6’4″, 2009, uncommitted) playing their senior seasons in town this season:

There have been players like John Wall before and players like Ryan Kelly before — but never have there been two that good, among the absolute best in the country, at the same time.

Kelly is going to shock some people when they see him play in the ACC, especially if he continues to improve at the rate he has in the past. Wall still is one of the biggest prizes that colleges are still after, so no telling at this point what’s going to happen with him.

Marcus Thornton

There’s no doubt any longer about forward Marcus Thornton (PF,6’7″,2010), who has decided to play for the Clemson Tigers. Thornton had other ACC offers from Wake Forest, Virgina Tech and Maryland, and although he’s listed as a combo forward on several sites,I think he’s a pure post player at this point. He’s a guy who understands how to play in the paint.

ACC Basketball Recruiting Roundup

Jamil Wilson (SF/PF, 6’7″, 2009) eliminates the ACC, and according to Scout.com, he’s cut his list to Oregon State, Marquette, Texas and Michigan State. Wilson had at one time listed Duke as a possible destination, but did not receive a reported offer and Duke is no longer an option. Thus, we’re no longer tracking Jamil as an ACC prospect.

Trae Golden

Trae Golden (PG/SG,6’1″,2010) the player who de-committed from Ohio State over the summer, seems to have completely fallen out of touch with the Buckeyes, but has Georgia Tech, Clemson, Wake Forest and now Virginia Tech following his recruitment. Kentucky has also been in the mix for Golden. North Carolina and Florida State have also been mentioned as possible options.

Clemson and Georgia Tech have reportedly already offered Golden, as has Kentucky.

Ryan Kelly

Rumors abound that Ryan Kelly (PF, 6’10”, 2009) will make a decision this week.

Elijah Johnson cuts list

Elijah Johnson (PG/SG,6’2″, 2009) is another player cutting his list and had eliminated the ACC some time ago, but we’re making it official as he’s trimming his list to Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma.

Derrick Favors, Derrick Favors

Has Derrick cut his list to five. His recent comments to Alex sure seem to indicate it:

Georgia Tech, Georgia, Memphis, North Carolina State, and Florida State

If you didn’t spot the missing school…it’s Kentucky. In fact, Favors tells Alex that reports of him considering Kentucky are inaccurate.

As always, if you’re a college basketball fan who can’t get enough of this stuff, sign up for the email list.

Kevin Parrom: A fit for Clemson?

Kevin Parrom (6’5″, SF, 2009) may be from NYC but he is still considering South Carolina and Clemson, as stated in this interview with Alex of Northstar Basketball:

NB: You mentioned colleges, what are some of the schools that you’re considering right now?
KP: Xavier, St. John’s, Pittsburgh, Clemson, Marquette, [and] South Carolina

There are two things that Alex digs into that are important to note is that Parrom had an altercation with his previous head coach (yikes!) and that the game Alex scouted he did nothing of note:

Flat-out, Kevin Parrom didn’t show the crowd all that much in the game I saw him play. He didn’t stand out at all. The 6’4 junior was almost non-existent in first half, when he scored just three points and was only 1/3 at the free throw line. In the second 16 minutes of play, Parrom was a bit better. He drove to the hoop and was aggressive. Overall, though, this was a poor performance for Kevin, and not a great game to judge him on.

The thing to note here is that Oliver Purnell has made it clear with the 2008 recruiting class that he goes after players who not only can play at the ACC level but are good students and represent Clemson well. It’s hard to say at this point if Parrom is a good fit for Clemson.

This is not to say this is the full story, so stay tuned…

Cheek still interested in Wake, Negedu to visit IU

Dominic Cheek (6’6″, SG, 2009 ) may be off the UNC radar, but he’s still on the Wake Forest prospect list, and he’s certainly interested in the Demon Deacons, according to this interview at Rivals.

Negedu sets up Indiana visit

Emmanuel Negedu ( 6’7″, PF, 2008 ), a Georgia Tech recruit has set up a visit at Indiana for June 3.

Scout.com is reporting that following his Indiana visit, Negedu will visit Georgia Tech on the 8th, Tennessee on the 10th and Memphis on the 12th.

Daniel Orton no longer considering ACC

According to several recent news reports like this one, Daniel Orton ( 6’10”, C, 2009 ), is no longer considering any ACC schools, with his list now consisting of Oklahoma, Ohio State, Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA and USC. Too bad for Maryland, who could have used Orton’s physical presence inside.

Brandon Knight

Amazingly, Brandon Knight ( 6’3″, SG, 2010 ) plays in the same backcourt as Kenny Boynton (6’2″, SG, 2009 ), and still has emerged as a spectacular player and lists several ACC schools that are interested, including Florida State, Georgia Tech and Clemson.

ACC Basketball Recruiting Roundup, 5/26/2008

So much to get to today, we might as well dive right in…

Derrick Favors

According to this article which discussed the 2008 Bob Gibbons TOC, Derrick Favors ( 6’10”, PF, 2009 ) has narrowed his list to ….fourteen schools. Also, I never thought Favors fell out of the #1 spot and it seems like his play this weekend solidified that.

John Wall, Derrick Favors, Kenny Boynton video

Meanwhile, WRAL in Raliegh has posted some video of John Wall (6’3″, PG, 2009 ), Derrick Favors, Kenny Boynton (6’2″, SG, 2009 ) and others who participated in the TOC.

Florida in the mix for Kenny Boynton

Now it appears that Florida is in the thick of Boynton’s recruitment following a campus visit.

Dominic Cheek

Is Dominic Cheek ( 6’6″, SG, 2009 ) still being recruited by North Carolina? At one time, it was considered a lock, but now some people think things have cooled and UNC may not even be recruiting Cheek anymore. This may be the case, as Cheek now lists his schools as Villanova, Wake Forest, Kansas, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Florida, Connecticut, Texas and Maryland. So Wake and Maryland are options, but no UNC is listed.

Nolan Dennis, Ryan Kelly

Meanwhile, two more UNC targets, Nolan Dennis ( 6’5″, SG, 2009 ) and Ryan Kelly ( 6’10”, PF, 2009 ) , played their games at the Dean Dome. Kelly has been coming on strong and looked good at the tournament. Dennis is a hot target for UNC right now.

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DeShawn Painter chooses Florida

Scout.com is reporting that DeShawn Painter (6’9″, PF, 2009), who had offers from ACC schools Clemson and Virginia, has chosen the Florida Gators as his school.

Peyton Siva to Louisville

I mentioned a few days ago that Peyton Siva (5’11”, PG, 2009) was one of the point guards offered by Miami but wasn’t considering the Hurricanes, has decided to attend Louisville and is officially ‘off the board’ for the ACC.

Danny McElroy

A note on a player who already commited, Danny McElroy (6’7″, PF, 2009) had agreed to attend Cincinnati but has now backed out and is opening his recruitment back up. No idea if he is considering ACC schools yet.