The 2006 Jordan Brand All-American Classic was highlighted by a co-MVP performance from two of the NCAA’s top players this year, Kevin Durant from the University of Texas and Thaddeus Young from Georgia Tech.  Young posted 28 points and 13 rebounds to lead his team to a 108-95 victory.  Durant finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

 “These Jordan Brand All-Americans continue to represent the future of basketball,” said Larry Miller, President of Jordan Brand.  “The game will again feature the best players in the country at the World’s Most Famous Arena and benefit a great cause in the Children’s Aid Society.”

Sponsored by Jordan Brand, the event is also annually attended by some of sport and entertainment’s biggest stars, who have included Michael Jordan, Spike Lee, LL Cool J, Warren Sapp, Terrell Owens, Floyd Mayweather, Kanye West, Ahmad Rashad, Al Harrington and Vince Carter.  Atlanta-based rap sensation, T.I., performed at the 2006 All-American game.

Recent Jordan Brand All-Americans have included NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul as well as current NCAA standouts Durant, Young, Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Brandan Wright (North Carolina), Corey Brewer (Florida), D.J. White (Indiana) and Spencer Hawes (Washington).

In addition to the game, the Jordan Brand All-Americans have a number of special events around New York City.  Last year’s players held an autograph session at a local Foot Locker with artists Fat Joe and Trey Songz, participated in a basketball clinic at the Children’s Aid Society’s Dunlevy Milbank Center in Harlem for over 100 New York City kids, visited Ground Zero, toured BET’s studios and attended an intimate awards dinner with Michael Jordan where they received their All-American rings.

This year’s event doubleheader will begin with the Regional Game at 6:30 p.m., followed by the All-American Game at 9:00 p.m.  The regional rosters will be announced in early March. 

Tickets are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, the Madison Square Garden box office, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 212-307-7171.  For more information, please visit the official web site, www.JordanBrandAllAmerican.com.

Media Contacts:
Dinusha Gooneratne , Jordan Brand   Kevin Foley, Position Sports              Larry Torres, MSG Properties
P: 503-671-3117                                    P: 480-248-6645                                P: 212-631-5178

E: dinusha.gooneratne@nike.com            E: kevin.foley@positionsports.com       E: larry.torres@thegarden.com

January 29, 2007

By Staff

This would be our fourth year attending the NIKE Hoop Summit.  It will be held on April 7th, 3:00 PM (CT) at the FedEx forum in Memphis, TN.  the NIKE Hoop Summit is the country's premier annual basketball game featuring America's top 10 senior high school boy players taking on the World Select Team.  The players will be 19 years old or younger.  The players of the World Select Team are not yet known.  The 2007 NIKE Hoop Summit will be preceded by a preliminary game, the Memphis All-Star Classic which showcases the top prep senior players from the Memphis area. The game will tip off at 12:30 PM (CT).  

The USA Roster is loaded with many Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine top players in the nation.  

1st- Michael Beasley- F- 6-9

2nd- Donte' Greene- F 6-9

3rd- O.J. Mayo-  G- 6-5

4th- Kevin Love- F- 6-9

5th- Derrick Rose- G- 6-4

6th- Kyle Singler- F- 6-9

7th- Jerryd Bayless- G- 6-3

8th- Jonny Flynn- G- 5-11

9th- Patrick Patterson- F- 6-8

10th- Nolan Smith- G- 6-4

January 9, 2007

By Staff

6-10 Jared Berggren of Princeton High School committed to Wisconsin.  Jared is a big man, plays hard, has good skills and rebounds well.

January 8, 2007

By Staff

6-11 CJ Giles a transfer from Kansas has landed at Oregon State.  Former Georgia Mason forward 6-5 Sammy Hernandez transferred to Florida Atlantic.  Marques Johnson a transfer from Tennessee has landed at NC State.  

11/26/06

By Harry Douglas

6-1 PG Brandon Jenning shocked the basketball nation and commits to USC Trojans.  Jenning is one of the best PG in Class 2008.

11/22/06

By Harry Douglas

6-7 shooting guard Nate Miles of San Antonio Cornerstone Christian in Texas commits to UConn.  Miles reminds me of a former Huskie Richard Hamilton.  Miles is long, athletic and can shoot the lights out of the basketball.  

11/18/06

By Harry Douglas

6-9 PF Herb Pope committed to New Mexico State.  Pope who is one of the nation's top players surprised the prep basketball world.  Herb is a beast and a very strong, athletic big man.  This is a big steal for New Mexico State.

11/08/06

By Harry Douglas

6-11 PF Keenan Ellis had a great summer at the NIKE all-American Camp playing for his All Ohio Red summer team.  Ellis is a long, lanky athletic player who has put on weight.  He has good up-size.  Ellis committed to UAB with Coach Mike Davis and his staff.  His commitment came at no surprise to me.  UAB assistant Head Coach Tracy Dildy is one of the best recruiters out there.  When I observed Coach Dildy's attendance to every summer game, I knew that UAB would close the deal with Ellis.  Look for UAB to win C-USA year in and out because the staff will get the players.  Keenan Ellis is currently ranked # 70 Nationally by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  Ellis is an Ohio native but attends prep school at American Christian in Aston, PA.  Watch out and don't be surprised if 6-7 SG Nate Miles make a commitment to UAB.  This would really be big-time for UAB because Miles is one of the best shooting guards in the country.

11/07/06

By Harry Douglas

6-6 WF James Anderson from Junction City, Arkansas (Junction City High) made his commitment to Oklahoma State Cowboys.  New Coach Sean Sutton has gained a very athletic wing player who had a super summer.  Anderson is ranked # 32 Nationally by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.

11/05/06

By Harry Douglas

There are some top flight players who are still available:  6-8 Herb Pope from Aliquippa, PA, 6-8 Marcus Morris from Philadelphia Prep charter, 5-8 PG Jal Lucas from Houston, TX, 6-8 Patrick Patterson from Huntington, WV, 6-2 Tyrel Reed from Burlington, KS, 6-6 Leonard Washington from Lake Charles, LA, 6-5 O. Jay Mayo from Huntington, WV and 6-6 James Anderson from Junction City, AR.

Memphis Coach John Calipari is known as a top dog in recruiting.  6-3 Derrick Rose committed to Memphis Tigers yesterday.  Rose is ranked Nationally # 9 by youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  He was a big-time player this summer on prep hoops circuit.  This is a big catch for Memphis.  

11/02/06

By Staff

6-8 WF Damien Saunders from Fitchburg Notre Dame has committed to Marquette.  6-8 PG Kraiden Woods from Pottstown, PA committed to Arizona State.

10/31/06

By Staff

6-5 SG William Buford, a junior from Toledo, OH has committed to Ohio State.  7-1 C Clarence Holloway from Chicago Boys to Men committed to Louisville.  6-10 PF Papa Dia South Kent Prep (CT) committed to SMU.

10/27/06

By Staff

6-9 WF Kyle Singer made it official and committed to Duke.  Singer is a big-time player.  6-6 WF Billy Walker of Cincinnati, OH committed to Kansas State.  Walker has graduated and will attend Kansas State this fall.

10/25/06

By Harry Douglas

6-6 Combo Guard Scotty Hopson from Hopkinsville, KY committed to Mississippi State Bulldogs.  Coach Rick Stanbury has received a stud.  Hopson can play the 1-2 or 3 positions. This young man is such a  versatile athlete, he reminds me of Penny Hardaway, but stronger.  Hopson has the total package.  I give Rick Stanbury and Phil Cunningham an "A" plus on this recruit.

10/24/06

By Staff

Georgia State Panthers get a commitment from 6-5 Deandre Bynum who is from Memphis White Station High School.  Coach Mike Perry's Panthers are playing big-time basketball.  

10/23/06

By Staff

6-10 F/C Jabari Edwards is from Newark, NJ (St. Benedict's High School).  Edwards is a 5th year senior and has verbally committed to Coach Karl Hobb and Roland Houston's staff.  Edwards is long, athletic, a good shot blocker and rebounder with good size.  

10/22/06

By Staff

Manuel Cass committed to UTEP.  He is a very athletic 3-man who has worked hard this summer improving his game.  This is a big steal for new coach Tony Barbee.

10/16/06

By Staff

A. J. Stewart of Arlington Day in Jacksonville, FL committed to Kentucky Wildcats.  Stewart is ranked # 120 by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine. Stewart could be a big-time player if he works hard.  He's very athletic and played up and down this summer.

10/15/06

By Mike Patrick

6-3 Eric Gordon is ranked # 35 in the nation by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  Gordon is one of the best combo guards in the country.  He played extremely well this season.  He led his summer team Meanstreet to several National Finals.  Gordon who will be a McDonald All-American decided  to remain home and play for the Hoosiers.  This is big for the new staff and Head Coach Kelvin Sampson.  Once he gets there, Gordon will make an instant impact.  What I admire about Gordon is that he's a very humble young man.  Gordon has the ability to score and defend. He has good size.  Gordon reminds me of Toney Douglas who attends Florida State University.  He's tough to defend and the interesting situation is Gordon's teammate Derek Rose will lean towards Indiana.  After all, Illinois thought they had Gordon.

10/14/06

By Staff

LSU gets a big seven feet player- 7-2 James Tyler of The Paterson School in Lenoir, NC.   committed to Coach John Brady and Coach Butch Pierre Bayou Tigers.  

10/12/06

By Harry Douglas

Today at 4:30pm at Wheeler High, Hickson along with coach and teammates, made a decision regarding his college selection.  Hickson chose to go down the tobacco road and play for North Carolina Wolf Packs.  Hickson is Georgia's # 1 Player by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine and # 20 Nationally. He is a  physical and skillful player with nice size.  Hickson has a big body and knows how to use it. He plays great with his back against the basket and can also step out and hit a 10 to 12 feet jumper.  This young man continues to work and get better.  Throughout his college career, he will be a phenomenal player.  This is huge for Coach Sidney Lowe and his staff.  Hickson potentially could be a McDonald's All-American this year.  He played for World Wide, a top  AAU Club in the country.  J. J. Hickson is the front runner for Georgia Mr. Basketball along with Gani Lawal, Chris Allen and Senario Hillman.

10/10/06

By Staff

6-6 Dorenzo Hudson who many thought would end up at Clemson was landed by Coach Seth Greenberg staff.  Hudson is a very athletic, tough wing player with good size.  Virginia Tech will be Hudson's home for the next four years.  6-1 Chris Wright of Washington, DC, St. John High is one of the top point guards in the country.  He's a scorer and a quick athletic guard with good floor vision..  He's a solid pick up for the Hoyas.  

10/09/06

By Mike Patrick

6-10 PF Anthony Randolph that attends Woodrow Wilson in Dallas has made his decision.  It came down to deciding between Texas and LSU and LSU won.  This is big time for the LSU Tigers who has one of the top assistants, Coach Butch Pierrie.  Randolph is a Top 15 Player in the country.  I project that he would play one year and be done.  Randolph has good up-size and is very difficult to guard.  6-7 Dejuan Blair of Pittsburgh, PA attends Schenly High School.  He chose to remain home and play for the Pittsburgh Panthers.  This is big because Blair's friend Herb Pope also committed to Pittsburgh and played on the same AAU team with Blair. Despite Pope having some difficult challenges this summer, Coach Jamie Dixion would  not let Pope get away.  

09/29/06

By Harry Douglas

7-2 Solomon Alabi has committed to Florida State.  I spoke with a Florida State staff member and his  commitment was confirmed.  This is big for Florida State and Coach Leonard Hamilton.  Florida State already has a commitment from 6-10 Julian Vaugh.  Solomon is one of the most improved big men in the country.  He had a great NIKE All-American and a good NBA Players Camp.  Solomon is a good shot blocker and rebounder.  He scores around the basket and has a nice sky hook.  

09/28/06

By Harry Douglas

5-11 PG Korie Lucious committed to Michigan State.  Lucious is from Milwaukee, WI and attends St. Pius.  

09/27/06

By Harry Douglas

7-0 Center Mike Williams commits to Kentucky.  Williams is from Alexander, VA and attends Bishop Ireton High School.  6-2 PG Fred Brown of West Palm Beach,  Dwyer High School committed to Kansas State.  Brown is one of my sleepers around the southeast.

09/26/06

By Harry Douglas

Venoy Overton a 6-1 PG commits to USC.

09/24/06

By Harry Douglas

Chicago's 6-9 Mac Koswal who attends Boys to Men Academy decided to remain home and play for the Blue Demons at DePaul.  Mac is a big, strong physical power forward with great size and strength.  He chose DePaul over Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas Marquette and Michigan.  

09/23/06

By Harry Douglas

Chicago's 5-10 PG Aaron Johnson who attends Hubbard committed to University of Alabama Birmingham.  Johnson is a solid point guard who is very underrated.  This is a great pick up for Mike Davis and assistant Coach Tracy Dildy who is from Chicago.  Johnson played for Illinois Warriors this summer.

5-11 PG Jacob Pullen commits to Kansas State.  Pullen is from Maywood, IL, Proviso East High School.  Pullen had a very good NIKE Camp.  He is a flashy point guard who can break down defenses.  

09/22/06

By Harry Douglas

Desmond Hendrix, a 6-10 PF from Wabush Valley Community College commits to LSU Tigers.

09/21/06

By Harry Douglas

6-5 WF Darquavis Tucker from Saginaw, MI and who attends Arthur Hill High School has committed to DePaul.  Tucker is very athletic and is one of the best wings in the country.

09/20/06

By Harry Douglas

6-2 Keegan Bell made an earlier commitment to Georgia but withdrew from the Dawgs to seek other options.  Keegan finally decided to stay in the SEC but with another team.  He committed to Vanderbilt, Head Coach Gene Stalling Commodores.

09/18/06

By Harry Douglas

Jeff Teague, a 6-1 PG out of Indianapolis, IN Pike High School committed to Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  6-4 Cameron Long commits to George Washington.

09/12/06

By Harry Douglas

6-7 PF Gaby Ngoundjo is headed to UNC Charlotte.  Gaby is a big, strong physical player.  He has a nice body and uses it to rebound and block shots.  He's also good around the basket.  Offensively, Gaby is an very underrated player.  This is a great pick up for Charlotte.  Martavis Kee, a Florida Point Guard leaves for the east coast.  Kee is from Fort Lauderdale.  Miles Beatty, a 6-2 Combo Guard can light it up from anywhere on the floor has committed to George Washington.  He's a big pick up for Coach Karl Hobb and Assistant Roland Houston.  Beatty is from Jersey City, NJ.  6-10 Ijila Mulutonovic, a Power Forward committed to Oregon State.  Texas 5-10 PG Tommy Griffin has committed to John Brady LSU Tigers.  

09/06/06

By Harry Douglas

Virginia Tech Coaches who have been recruiting heavily in the Maryland, DC area lands an athletic guard.  Malcolm Delaney had a good spring and summer with his most impressive show at the 17 Under NIKE Super Showcase.  He led his team in scoring and to the Finals against SYF.  Delaney is a shooting guard who can light it up.  This is a great pick up for Virginia Tech and Coach Seth Greenberg. 

 6-8 PF Alexis Wangmere commits to Texas.  Alexis is from San Antonio, TX, Central Catholic High School.  6-1 PG Maurice Miller commits to Georgia Tech.  Miller is from Memphis, Raleigh High School.  Coach Paul Hewitt landed Memphis Thaddeus Young last year and has started a pipe line to Memphis.

6-11 Daniel Watts commits to Elon College.  This is a steal for Elon.  I think Watts is a low to mid-major player that  just needs to be seasoned. 6-8 PF Jerai Grant commits to Clemson.  Grant is from Hyattsville, MD, DeMatha High School.

08/29/06

By Harry Douglas

James Johnson had a great summer, especially at the NIKE All-American Camp.  Johnson has good size and is very athletic.  He's one of the top power forward in the country.  He can play the 3 and 4 position.  This is a big-time pickup for Demon Deacon.  

08/28/06

By Harry Douglas

6-8 Small Forward George Goode who is very athletic forward took a visit to Louisville over the weekend and made a commitment to Rick Pinto Cardinals.  Goode had a phenomenal NIKE Camp.  He had several offers including Missouri, Miami, Florida, Tennessee, Marquette, Baylor and Oklahoma State.  George stated that he liked Rick Pinto and the campus.  Coach Pinto likes his style of play.  

08/27/06

By Harry Douglas

Chandler Parson, a Floridian who will travel with teammate Nike Calathes to University of Florida.  Parson who is a pure shooter and very competitive player.  He needs to get stronger.  

08/15/2006

By Staff

Memphis Assistant Tony Barbee has been named JTEP Head Coach.  Virginia 5-9 PG T. J. Bannister will transfer after three years.

08/13/06

By Harry Douglas

Jamal Coombs and 6-9 Alex Oriakhi were  impressed going through the showcase as 15 year olds.  Their team BABC was loaded.  The best player of the team was 5-6 PG Phil Pressly.  Look for UCONN to lock him down.  Coombs is a young player who is a complete player who can score and  play defense. 6-9 Alex is a beast, very strong and athletic.  He rebounds and scores effectively around the basket.

08/10/2006

By Harry Douglas

6-7 Trevor Mbakue commits to Marquette.  Trevor is currently ranked # 54 Nationally by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  He chose the Warriors over Iowa State,  Trevor is a very athletic player who plays up and down.  However, will will get better as he matures.  

08/09/2006

By Harry Douglas

James Harden of Lakewood (CA) Artesia has committed to Arizona State.  Harden who played great this summer is currently ranked # 30 by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  

08/04/06

By Harry Douglas

Julian is a player that Coach Leonard Hamilton liked for a while.  The staff followed Julian the entire spring and summer.  6-10 Julian Vaughn is a 4 Star Player who is fundamentally sound.  He plays the game hard and he's a great young man. Julian is from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) in Virginia.   He is currently ranked in the Top 100 of Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  

By Staff

08/02/06

Alabama Nick Williams commits to Marquette University.  Williams is in the Class of 2008.  This commitment is a surprise.  

By Harry Douglas

07/28/06

Former Florida player 6-4 David Huertas who transferred has found a home back in the SEC.  Huertas will suit up for Ole Miss's Andy Kennedy Rebels.

By Harry Douglas

07/25/06

6-11 Deandre Jordan commits to Texas A & M.  Jordan is from Houston, TX.  He chose Texas A&M over several major schools, such as LSU, Texas, Indiana and Florida State.  Jordan is a Top 100 Player and he's ranked among the top center forwards.  6-9 Kodi Augustus committed to Mississippi State.  Kodi is from Texas and will travel south to Mississippi.  He's a big-time player.

07/19/06

By Harry Douglas

6-8 Scott Martin from Valporaiso (HS), IN commits to Purdue.  This make the third Top 100 Player that committed to the Boilermakers.  These three players are summer teammates.

07/17/06

By Mike Patrick

6-8 Robert Hummel from Valparaiso committed to the Boilermakers.  Hummel makes the third Top 100 Player who committed to Purdue.  He is a solid wing player who had a very good NIKE Camp.  Purdue is on its way back.  Hummel will fit in well with the Boilermakers.

07/16/06

By Harry Douglas

6-10 Nick Evans is a late bloomer who will play only to get better.  Evans impressed me at the Adidas Rising Superstar Camp, in Indianapolis.  Evans is considered a diamond in the rough.  He attends Red Hill High School in Bridgeport, IL.  Evans plays summer ball for the Indiana Elite II.  

07/15/06

By Harry Douglas

E'twaun Moore committed to Purdue over Indiana.  Moore is a very athletic combo guard who has good size.  Moore will make an instant impact for Purdue. This is a big catch for Boiler Maker.  Moore is a very unselfish player.  He is coachable and had a great camp at the NIKE All-American Camp.  Moore was one of the top 5 guards in the camp.  

07/10/06

By Staff

Corperryale Harris whose middle name is Manny is one of the most underrated guards in the country. Harris has been lighting it up this spring and summer.  He played well in the NBA Players Camp.  He topped it off this week at the NIKE All-American Camp with solid camp performance and the Michigan staff was right there to watch.  6-5 Darquavis Tucker from Saginaw, MI is heading to Louisville.  Tucker is one of the best athletic players in the country.  He played good this spring and summer and had a top notch performance at the NBA Players Camp and the Reebok ABCD Camp.  Tucker is a big-time player.

07/06/06

By Staff

The dust has its settled,  O. J. Mayo has committed to Tim Floyd USC Trojans.  He's the # 1 player in 2007.  Hold your horses, I have a feeling that this is not final.

06/30/06

By Staff

6-6 Evan Turner commits to Ohio State.  The 6-6 WF from Westchester, IL chose Ohio State over many major offers.

06/28/06

By Staff

6-10 JaJuan Johnson commits to Purdue.  Johnson is from Indianapolis and attends Franklin Central.  He is a big, long athletic big man.  

06/26/06

By Staff

6-9 Michael Beasley from Mouth of Wilson, VA (Oak Hill) commits to Kansas State.  Beasley who could have gone to any school will play for Bob Huggins Kansas State Wildcats.  

06/24/06

By Staff

Michael Beasley is currently ranked #3 nationally by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting  Magazine.  Beasley is a long athletic player who is a lefty.   He is  smooth and scores good around the basket.  Beasley first committed to UNC Charlotte.  Coach Huggins is getting the job done and could have a top 5 recruiting class or a number 1 recruiting class if Billy Walker  and J. J. Hickson commits to KSU.

06/24/06

By Staff

6-6 WF Eric Wallace from Kernersville, NC, Robert B. Glenn High school has made a commitment to David Leito and staff.  Wallace is currently ranked 84 nationally by Youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  

06/20/06

By Harry Douglas

6-5 SG Jeremy Jackson of Brandon, FL is the state's best kept secret.   Jackson is getting the attention of schools such as Miami, Virginia, Florida State and South Florida.  Jackson is a long athlete who can play the 1 or 2 position.  He visited Virginia last week and he's scheduled to visit other schools.  Jackson will suit up and play for Inner Strength in Atlanta, GA.

06/18/06

6-6 WF Nate Rakestraw is a good fit for hometown Arkansas Hogs.  First, he's a smart student with good grades and second, he's a solid player who can shoots the lights out of the ball.  Nate also has good size, is strong  and he rebounds well.  6-9 PF Shane Walker committed to Maryland.

6/12/06

6-5 WF Cory Stokes of St. Benedict's in Newark, NJ commits to Villanova.

6/5/06

6-7 SF Jarryd Cole of Winnetonka in Kansas City, MO commits to Iowa.

05/23/06

By Harry Douglas

6-9 PF Jeremy Mayfield is a sleeper.  Mayfield has good size and runs the floor well.  He is a good fit for UAB and Coach Mike Davis.  UAB already has 6-8 Howard Crawford and  6-9 Curtis Nickson.  The Blazers don't have to worry about the inside present.  Look for UAB staff to fish in a big-time talent.  Don't be surprised that Texas Longhorn transfer 6-9 Mike Williams ends up at UAB.  Davis is close to family.

JUCO Stefhon Hannah is headed to Missouri.  The Chicago native is a pure PG who looked at Kansas State, but signed with Missouri.  Hannah played JUCO ball at Chipola Junior College.  6-8 Matt Shaw, former Temple commit will suit for UNLV Runnin Rebels.  7-0 Jr. Kosta Koufas has made an early commitment to Ohio State.  Coach Thad Matta knows that Greg Oden is only going to stay at Ohio State for a year.  The future insurance has  already taken place.  Kosta is a top twenty Jr.  Damion James from Nacogdoches, TX signed with Texas after he de-committed from Oklahoma after Kevin Sampson left.  6-9 PF Mike Williams transfers from Texas.  6-10 Jimmie Sutton transfers from Florida to Florida Atlantic.  6-1 Drew Shiller transfers from San Francisco to Stanford.  

05/08/06

By Staff

Trevor Mbakue once lived in Atlanta Metro area.  This 6-7 stud is gifted and talented with a nice body.  He is a physical player with good upsize and his stock is rising.  Darrell Arthur will take his show to Kansas.  This 6-9 Dallas Texan chose  Manhattan Kansas over Baton Rouge and Luddack Texas.  Lance Thomas will travel down I-95 South to Duke where he could step right in and start.

2006 USA Junior National Select Team

Head Coach: Herman Harried- Lake Lifton High- Baltimore, MD

Assistant Coach: Pat Fitterer- Eisenhower High- Tacoma, WA

01/30/06

Harry Douglas

Herb Pope stated that he is not in a rush to make a commitment and that Pittsburgh is still on his list.  He just wanted the opportunity to explore his lists: Pittsburgh, Louisville, Maryland, Memphis, Ohio State and Xavier.    Jonathan Peoples of St. Joseph, IL, Westchest High School committed to Notre Dame.  Justin Burrell of Bronx, NY Our Savior Lutheran committed to St. John's.  Kelvin Grady committed to Michigan East in Grand, MI.  Sophomore 6-6 Terrelle Pryor of Jeannette (PA) committed to Pittsburgh.

January 15, 2006

By Mike Patrick

The Blue Devils have two McDonald All Americans in the Class of 2007.  Nolen Smith, who many thought would attend Louisville because of his deep roots were wrong.  Smith opted to go somewhere else.  On the other hand, Taylor King is a Californian native and many thought that he would be an UCLA product with Ben Hollins.  Duke is a great fit for King who shoots the ball very well.  The Blue Devils have reloaded. 

Oak Hill 6-6 SF Anthony Wright is headed to Michigan.  Wright is a Two Star player.  6-7 WF Jamelle Horne is a Top 30 Player Nationally from Hoover High in San Diego, CA.  He has committed to the Arizona Wildcats.  Horne is an athletic and talented player.

January 6, 2006

By Staff

Appleton is an athletic guard who can score.  He is from East Chicago.  Purdue and Indiana missed out on this top notch guard and Virginia Tech gets a quality player.  Jr. 6-1 Chris Wright is a Top 20 Guard Nationally.  This Washington DC  native attends St. John.  Wright chose NC State over Maryland, Texas, Virginia and Notre Dame.  

November 11, 2005

By Staff

Jerryd Bayless decided to stay home and play for Lute Olsen Arizona Wildcats.  Bayless is a scorer, very athletic and he had a great summer.  7-0 Chas Mcfarland commits to Wake Forest.  6-5 Will Harris commits to Virginia.

November 8, 2005

By Staff

Baton Rouge I leave.  The Bayou 6.0 PG D. J. Augustin will take his show down to Austin, TX and suit up for the Texas Longhorns.  6-8 Jeremy Mayfield is a Sooner.   Mayfield is an athletic forward who runs the floor well.  He is a great fit for coach Sampson Sooner.

October 24, 2005

By Harry Douglas

Thaddeus Young is very athletic, versatile and a warrior. Young announced Monday at his Memphis High School (Mitchell) that he would be attending Georgia Tech.  This is big time for Coach Paul Hewitt's Program, who is not used to being at the bottom of the ACC prediction of 9th out of 12th team.  Coach Paul Hewitt has recruited the Nation's Top High School Player. Look for Georgia Tech to be back at the top.  The concern is how long would Thaddeus remain at Georgia Tech because he is a pro.  Thaddeus chose Georgia Tech over Kentucky and Memphis.  

October 20, 2005

By Staff

Louisiana native Perry Stevenson made commitment to Tubby Smith Kentucky Wildcats.  Stevenson had offers from several major schools.  Stevenson is from Lafayette, CA.

October 17, 2005

By Staff

Duke Crews out of Virginia decided to commit to Bruce Pearls Tennessee Volunteer.  Crews is a big strong Power Forward.  Brandon Wright is a Tar Heel.  It came down to Kentucky Wildcats and the Tar Heels.  Wright commitment to the Tar Heels gives North Carolina four McDonald All Americans and the number one recruiting class.

6-8 PF Howard Crawford from Green County, AL will play for UAB Blazers.  Coach Mike Anderson has a steal.  Crawford is a load strong.  Athletic 6-7 SF Evaldas Banivilis commits to South Carolina.  Evaldas is from Melbourne, FL and plays at Florida Air Academy.  This young man came out of nowhere.  

October 10, 2005

Chicago PG Jeremore Randle will pack for the west coast.  This year Randle committed to Cal Bears.  Randle was one of the most underrated PG.

October 11, 2005

By Harry Douglas

Stanley Robinson one of the Top Southeast Players is headed to the northeast.  Robinson was overwhelmed on his visit to Storrs, CT., stated his uncle Jeremy Waldon.  Stanley thinks UConn is one of the top 3 basketball schools in the country.  Robinson was impressed  with the school and it's academics.  Robinson's GPA is 3.15 and ACT score 20.  Robinson is very athletic with serious hops.  He had a great summer especially at the Addidas Superstar Camp in Atlanta and the NBA Top 100 Camp in Richmond, VA. Robinson played for the Tallahassee Wildcats.  Robinson stated that Georgia Tech was right there along with Alabama, Memphis and Florida.  Robinson's uncle stated that Robinson called Paul Hewitt, Mark Goffried, John Galipari and  Billy Donovan to inform them of his decision.  

October 11, 2005

By Staff

6-9 PF Alex Stephenson of North Hollywood, CA, Harvard Westlake High School is going to Chapel Hill, NC to play for the Tar Hills.  The Tar Hills have landed another California player last week, 6-10 Deon Thompson of Torrance, CA (HS).  

October 10, 2005

By Harry Douglas

The Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech lands a Floridian.  6-8 PF Zach Peacock of Norland High, Miami, FL commits to the Yellow Jackets.  Other interests were Maryland, Purdue, Florida, Miami and others.  

October 1, 2005

By Staff

Jaspers played this summer for EBO/EA Sports with 7 players who will play D-1 basketball this fall.

Willie Kemp chose Memphis over Tennessee.  Kemp is a quick point guard who may fit Memphis style of play.

September 28, 2005

Harry Douglas

6-8 Gaberial Blair from North Carolina will play where his heart is at with Coach Stokes.  Coach Stokes showed Gaberial the most love and was there from the start.  Gaberial played for Charlotte Royal Team this summer, and his talent placed him as one  of the Top 10 Forwards in the Country.  Gaberial had several major offers from Notre Dame, Tennessee and others.  6-2 PG Willie Kemp is a flash point who is very quick and plays up tempo.  The Memphis Tigers fits his style of play.  He is a solid guard for the Tigers.  6-8 WF Earl Clark is a New Jersey native but will take his show on the road to the Derby State.  Yes Rick Pitino has done it again with another Top 50 Player.  Clark is a versatile player who can cause difficult with match up problems.  The Louisville Cardinals will be solid for years.  Georgia Tech adds a big man Brad Sheeham from Latham, NY, Shaker High School.    

September 17, 2005

By Harry Douglas

It's official! 6-7 WF  Pondexter called a press conference and committed to Coach Romar's Washington Huskies.  This is no surprise to me. I spoke with Quincy two and half months ago and Washington was high on the list.  Pondexter who is from California will have a chance to play not too far from home.  Basically, it didn't really matter to him.  Alabama's Stanley Robinson stated that he will make his visits and afterwards, he would narrow his choice to two schools.  Robinson has five schools interested: Alabama, Georgia Tech, UConn, Florida and Memphis.  My guest of his choices are Alabama and Georgia Tech.

September 8, 2005

By Harry Douglas

William Graves who played for Georgia Hurricanes committed to UNC Tarheels.  Graves went to Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC.  6-6 WF Brandon Rush is eligible to play for the Kansas Jay Hawks, cleared by NCAA.  

September 4, 2005

Harry Douglas

Dennis Horner of Absecon, NJ commits to NC Star.  Clemson grabs a big man Laron Dendy of Greer High School  in SC and 6-8 A J Tyler of Palm Harbor, FL. 

By Harry Douglas

August 8, 2005

6-6 WF Jeff Ryan commits to Northwestern.  Ryan is a solid player with good fundamentals.  He has good size, can shoot the ball well and makes good decisions on the floor.  6-5 SG Ramar Smith of King High in Detroit commits to UConn.  6-9 PF John Fields commits to East Carolina.  6-1 Trevon Hughes will stay home and play for Wisconsin.  According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Hughes chose the Badgers over the Hawkeyes.

By Harry Douglas

August 2, 2005

Pondexter is a Nation Top Player

His play this summer proved his top playing.  Pondexter led his team to the three major victory events.  North Carolina Superstar 6-2 Brandis Raley of Gaston Day school has committed to South Carolina.  Raley wasted no time when he was offered.  Brandis Raley played summer ball with a hot team the Charlotte Royal.  Raley is a flashy guard who is a solid player with good size: 6-2 185 pounds and able to play the 1 or 2.  He is a great fit for the Game Cocks.  

Quincy Pondexter is long and athletic.  I recently talk with Pondexter about his recruiting.  Pondexter informed me that he has narrowed his school selection to five: Kansas, Washington, UConn, Memphis and Louisville.  All of these schools have offered him.  He does not have a frontrunner, he's just open.  He's looking for a place at home away from home.  It does not matter if it's the east coast or west coast.  I have this unction from speaking with Quincy  that University of Washington maybe the stop, and why not?  Coach Romar has proven himself that he is one of the best coaches in the business.  He also has great relationships with his players.  Also Quincy will be the first big-time recruit of 2006.  Plus Washington's style of play fits 6-6 WF Quincy Pondexter.  Pondexter reminds me of old school player Special K (Larry Kinnon) of ABA.  Pondexter is very underrated.  He is a Top 30 Player by youth Prep Stars Recruiting Magazine.  Pondexter was the MVP in the Atlanta Adidas Showtime.  He helped his team win three major events this summer.  

By Harry Douglas

July 12, 2005

Crittenton, Drummond and Harris Makes it Official

Crittenton AAU Coach Wallace Prather is smiling in heaven.  Coach Prather was a big  fan of Paul Hewitt.  It's good to see that Coach Hewitt and Staff got the job done.

Villanova keeps getting rich.  Coach Jay Wright landed  6-0 Center Caisen Drummond from Bloomfield (Tech), NJ.  6-6 WF Will Harris will suit for UConn Huskies.  Huskies gave a verbal commitment to Coach Calhoun. 

By Harry Douglas

July 8, 2005

Jarvis Crittenton was a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket from the start.  There was no way that Coach Hewitt was going to let this phenomenal athlete get from under him.  Crittenton is a hometown player who draws many local and fits Hewitt's style.  Georgia Tech will have one of the best back courts in the ACC.  

May 22, 2005

6-5 WF Gerald Henderson commits to Duke.  Henderson is the son of former VCU standout Gerald Henderson Sr. who played several years with the Boston Celtics.

Florida gets a big man 6-11 Marice Speights from St. Petersburg, FL.  Duke lands a 7 footer Brian Zoubek of Hanndonfield, NJ.

May 10, 2005

5-10 PG Rios Stays Home and Plays for Hurricanes Coach Frank Haith has started out in 2007

with one of the best Point Guard in the country.  Edwin Rios recently committed to to Miami.

By Staff

April 29, 2005

6-9 PF Deandre Thomas from Chicago will play for the Missouri Tigers.  Thomas is a solid

big man and a good post player.

Lamar Robeson a 5th year player has committed to the Cougars.  This Louisiana will play for the Houston Cougars.  Roberson attends Mt. Zion Christian in North Carolina.

By Staff

April 12, 2005

Jared's hard work had paid off.  He will remain home to play for Kentucky Wildcats.  Jared's success is no surprise to me.  I saw him a lot last summer and everyone was high on him.   

The Gators lands 6-0 PG Walter Hodge of Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, FL.  Hodge played 3A and helped his team to win two back-to-back State Championship.  Hodge was MVP of the tournament scoring a game high of 31 points.  Hodge went to the NIKE All-American Camp this past summer.

By Staff

April 11, 2005

Jamont Gordon of Oak Hill Academy committed to Mississippi State.  Gordon is currently ranked in the Top 30 of Class 2005.

By Mike Patrick

April 7, 2005

Jamont Gordon of Oak Hill Academy is the best available player who hasn't signed.  But this will change soon. Gordon will visit Mississippi State.  Tennessee, where Gordon is from was in the mix.  It looks like Gordon has other ideas.  Gordon is currently ranked # 15 Nationally.

By Staff

April 7, 2005

James will Play in Big 12

Damion James is one of the top players in the Class of 2006.  Damion made a decision to play at University of Oklahoma.  The Texan is staying close to home.  James is currently ranked # 5 nationally.   Kraidon Woods committed to Villanova.  Trevor Ferguson committed to Pittsburgh and Maurice Thomas committed to UNLV.  

By Harry Douglas

April 4, 2005

Jared Carter is a fundamental sound big man.  He has great hands and is very good in the post.  Coach Smith will make Jared a  Top Center in the SEC.  

By Staff

March 22, 2005

Daequan Cook will stay in state to play for the Buckeyes.  Cook is a solid player and is currently ranked # 9 by YPS.  

March 14, 2005

The Giant twins stay in Bay.  Brook and Robin Lopez (Fresno, CA)  will play for the Stanford Cardinals.  

March 12, 2005

6-11 Robbie Jackson (Aberdeen, MD)  stays on the East coast.  Coach Ed Pinney and Head Coach Jay Wright have a steal in Jackson.  Jackson will be a great fit for Nova.  

February 2005

6-0 PG D. J. Augustine who is one of the nation's top player in Class of 2006 has his choices: North Carolina, LSU, Wake Forest and Georgetown.  Merthie commits to Marshall.  Coach Ron Jirsa and staff are putting together a good recruiting class. 

December 29, 2004

My sources tell me that 6-0 Jr. PG D. J. Augustine will head to LSU with Tasmin Mitchell.  Augustine already favors LSU. 

Auburn landed an athletic power forward, 6-8 Emanuel Willis, a transfer from USC.  Willis is from Mendenhall, MS.

By Staff

November 14, 2004

Merthie commits to Marshall.  Coach Ron Jirsa and staff are putting together a good recruiting class.   Marshall's recruiting class looks like this: 6-5 WG Markel Humphrey, 6-9 JUCO Jean Francois Bro-Grebe and  6-4 Travis Alkens.  

Merthie is a quality point who played summer ball with the Tallahassee Wildcats.  Merthie is a steal for Marshall.

November 8, 2004

6-6 Kov Barber will sign this week with the Auburn Tigers.  Oh what a relief.  The Auburn staff has landed a big time recruit.  The Tigers recruiting class is looking good.  Barber is the next big high school recruit Auburn was able to get.  Coach Lebo did not waste anytime making the contact and closing the deal.  Last year this time it was Toney Douglas.  Barber is a man among boys, very strong and athletic.  He's a little under size, but his athletic ability and quickness would make up for it.

Mayfield's decision wasn't hard to make after all.  The Wolf pack is coming off a NCAA Final Four appearance in 2004.  Mayfield sees that he can come in and make a big impact his freshmen year.  Recruiting analyst Harry Douglas thinks that Mayfield is one of the most raw talent big men in his class.  Nevada has a steal.  Mayfield is very athletic and runs the floor well.  He's a good post player.   6-7 PF Kyle Marks committed to Nebraska.  Marks is from William T. Dwyer High in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. 6-3 SG Keaton Grant of Gateway high committed to Missouri. 

November 1, 2004

By Harry Douglas

6-6 Kov Barber still loves Auburn, but like Georgia.  Barber stated that Auburn is a frontrunner, but he doesn't know if he would sign in November.  Barber was a little disappointed that someone stated that he committed to Auburn. Barber is one of the top players in the country and should be a strong candidate for the McDonald All-American.  We wish Barber the best. 

November 1, 2004

By Staff

6-6 SF Shane Clark commits to Maryland.  Clark attends  Hargrove Military in Virginia. 6-8 PF Josh Dollard commits to Auburn.

October 21, 2004

By Bob Smith

UAB Lands a Big-time Tennessee Player- 6-7 WF Lawrence Kinard commits to Mike Anderson UAB Blazers.  Kinard fits Coach Anderson's style of player.

October 15, 2004

6-5 SG Adam Williams stays with Kentucky.   He committed to Kentucky last year but went to prep school. He re-committed to the Cats. 

6-8 PF Terrell Briggs of Don Bosco Prep Ramsey in NJ commits to Pittsburgh Panthers. Briggs gives Coach Jamie Dixion's Panthers a solid player at forward.  Briggs is a strong post player with good skills.    6-3 PG Chris Howard Middleburg of Virginia commits to South Florida.  6-6 PF Joey Shaw Chandler, AZ commits to Indiana.

October 13, 2004

6-7 PF Josh Dollard has committed to Auburn.  Dollard is from Pickens, SC.  He is athletic, a little undersize for power forward and could play wing forward.  Dollard is a good player for Auburn Coach Lebo Tigers.  

October 12, 2004

6-9 PF Joey Cameron commits to Auburn.  this would be Cameron's third commit within a year.  Hopefully this is his last stop.  He is a good pick for Coach Lebo Auburn Tigers.  Cameron is a Top 150 Player Nationally.  

September 22, 2004

Memphis 6-7 WF Anthony Mason, Jr. will play for St. John's.  Mason is one of the top Small Forwards 

in his 2005 Class.  

The Mississippi State Bulldogs get two quality young men which puts the Bulldogs recruiting in the Top 6.  

6-9 PF Brandon Costner who played big this summer for the Playaz Basketball club will take his show down Tobacco Road to play for the North Carolina Wolf Packs.

6-5 PG Bryon Eaton finally says yes and is a Cowboy.  Coach Eddie Sutton has a stud on the way.  Eaton is a strong PG who is complete.

6-6 WG Marcus Johnson follows boyhood friend and once AAU Teammate.  Johnson is a UConn Huskies.  He will team up with another Californian 6-2 Marcus Williams.  Johnson is a big-time player.

5-10 South Carolinian commits to Cincinnati:  Devon Downey is a Bearcat.  He's a quick, streaky shooter who reminds you of 5-9 Andrew Lavender who plays at Oklahoma. 6-6 WF Marcus Williams commits to Arizona.  6-2 PG Austin Johnson committed to Oklahoma.  6-2 PG Floridian Denis Clemente stays home to play for the Hurricanes.  Clemente plays his high school ball at Miami Calusa.  6-7 F Alvin Mufunanya commits to St. Joseph's.  6-4 WF Mamadil Diane commits to the Virginia Cals.  6-8 CF Allen Taylor of South Carolina Irmo in Columbia, SC goes west to Texas Christian.

By Harry Douglas

September 16, 2004