Xavier Basketball 2010 Committments

Justin Martin (6'7, SF), 4-star recruit, Ranked 83rd on the Rivals150.
Jordan Latham (6'8, PF), 3-star recruit, Ranked 121st on the Rivals150.
Jay Canty (6'5, SG/SF), 3-star recruit, Ranked 130th on Rivals150.

Not to mention Mack has another recruit, Darwin Davis, committed to Xavier for the class of 2011. Davis is a 5'9 PG that is Ranked 68th on the Rivals150.

Amazing how a new head coach in the A-10 can get three Rivals150 recruits to commit to a small D-1 university after a highly-touted coach leaves for the PAC-10. Is Xavier really a mid-major?

As an argument to this how much weight do you place on recruiting website rankings? For instance, both Darnell Wilks and Anthony ("Biggie") McClain of UC were Rivals100 recruits and haven't lived up to the hype yet. However, Deonta Vaughn and Derrick Brown weren't "highly ranked" recruits...

Jamail Jones Takes 2nd Visit to Xavier

Jamail Jones, a 6'6 stud from Georgia, recently took his second visit to Xavier University with his parents this past week. Jones is the 64th ranked recruit for the 2010 class on Rivals. Jones has offers from Xavier and Cincinnati but also has offers from more than 10 other major D-1 programs. We could use a quality small forward so I wouldn't mind having him. And Kentucky... stay out of this, you already have enough top recruits on your team fighting for playing time!

Moeller Star Griffin McKenzie Receives Offers from Xavier and Cincinnati

Griffin McKenzie, a 6'9 power forward out of Moeller high school, recently received scholarship offers from Xavier and Cincinnati. McKenzie was injured most of last year and averaged only 9.7 points per game in limited time. The senior to be also recently picked up offers from Tennessee and Wake Forest. Many sites have rated McKenzie as the #2 power forward in Ohio for the class of 2010 behind Adreian Payne.

I like Xavier's chances of getting McKenzie. They seem to do a good job of recruiting local talent, especially from the GCL (i.e. Josh Duncan, Johnny Wolf, etc.).

2010 Recruiting Class: Best Ever in Northern Kentucky High School Football?

This upcoming high school football season will questionably have the most talent ever showcased on the football field in Northern Kentucky. More than 10 players will more than likely receive Division-1 scholarships, some of which have already signed with big programs. Listed below are the top-tier players to watch this upcoming season:

Miles Simpson (Simon Kenton - RB)
Simpson was unstoppable last season rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground. He scored 40 total TD's in just 15 games! Yes, you're not seeing things, he did run for 37 TD's and is drawing comparisons to Boone County great Shaun Alexander. Simpson single handily led his team to the 6A state championship where they eventually lost in the finals but he is hoping to get back to the championship game this upcoming season. Simpson is currently being highly recruited by several local teams and has scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky, Purdue, Indiana and Illinois.

Tate Nichols (Ryle - TE)
This 6'7, 240 pound monster committed to play for the Cardinals of Standford back in April of this year. Nichols only played in six games because of a injury last year. In the limited time he played last season, Nichols caught 11 passes for 98 yards. Nichols is projected as a tight end but could also play offensive line because of his stature. Prior to verbally committing, Nichols had other offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky and Indiana.

Austin Collinsworth (Highlands - WR/DB)
Son of former Cincinnati Bengal, Cris Collinsworth, Austin played wide receiver and defensive back for the state champ Bluebirds. Collinsworth is mainly being recruited as a WR/DB as he caught 47 passes for 840 yards and five touchdowns last season and also intercepted four balls. However, coach Dale Mueller has said he would like to use Collinsworth as a running back this year as he put up 190 yards and a score on just 11 carries last season. Collinsworth currently has offers from Louisville, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

Tyler Grubbs (Highlands - OL)
Grubbs is a 6-6, 280 pound behemoth and the core of the offensive line for the Bluebirds. Grubbs has verbally committed to play for the Miami Redhawks and prior to verbally committing also held offers from Western Kentucky, Ohio, Central Michigan and Troy.

Jordan Hansel (Simon Kenton - OG)
Another offensive lineman, Hansel stands 6-4 and weighs in at 285 pounds. Hansel anchors the Pioneers line and has currently received one offer from Ball State. He's also receiving interest from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky.

Nick West (Conner - QB)
West is described as a "dual-threat" quarterback. Not only did West pass for 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns last year, he also ran for 622 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. West is being looked at by Alabama, Cincinnati, Indiana, Louisville and Ball State.

Other Notable Players:
Will Bardo (Highlands - QB): being looked at by Cincinnati, Tennessee, Boston College, Kansas State and Western Kentucky.
Charles Quainoo (Boone County - RB): being looked at by Cincinnati, Kentucky and Miami (OH).
Ryan Wilson (Dixie Heights - QB): being looked at by Cincinnati, Akron, Hawaii, Marshall, Toledo and Western Kentucky.
Seth Chappie (Lloyd - RB)
Andy Roenker (Holy Cross - RB)
Nick Buten (Highlands - WR)
David Hogue (Highlands - WR)
Kevin Connaughton (Covington Catholic - OG)
Brandon Roller (Highlands - LB/TE)

If you would like to view preseason rankings put together for the 2009-10 season, click here.

Lance Stephenson to Cincinnati?

Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson becoming a member of the University of Cincinnati basketball team has been a rumor that swirled around recruiting circles several months ago. It seems as if this rumor is picking up more steam now. Lance Stephenson visited the University of Cincinnati campus again over the weekend and recently even attended a game at the Deveroes Summer League. Look for Stephenson to decide on the University of Cincinnati befor the end of next week.

Lance Stephenson hails from Lincoln High School in New York City, the same school as Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair. Stephenson is widely considered one of the top 15 players in the country. He has seen his face grace the cover of many national sports magazines and his high school games have been shown on ESPN. His publicity is not without its downfalls though. Many high profile schools have passed on Stephenson due to his cocky attitude, poor relationships, questionable amateur status, and recent legal troubles.

Stephenson is widely considered a one and done player who is NBA ready right now. Cincinnati has one scholarship remaining for 2009. His addition would be a huge one and include instant offense to the team. In addition, it may help to bring greater attention, money, and fanfare to the university which is something that has been lacking since the departure of Bob Huggins.

Darwin Davis commits to Xavier

New Xavier head coach Chris Mack has received his first big recruit signing. Darwin Davis, 5'9" guard from Bloomington South, helped lead his high school team to an Indiana state championship. Davis is obviously a bit undersized for his position but his game is to slash and attack the basket. He uses his low center of gravity and speed to his advantage making him a very elusive guard. Davis was drawing interest from schools such as Purdue, Ohio, Butler, and Cincinnati. Many scouts believe that teams were staying away from Davis because of his size but feel that Davis has the ability to be a big time star for the Musketeers.

Justin Martin Rescinds Louisville Scholarship, Xavier and Cincinnati Possible Suitors

Justin Martin, the #56 ranked recruit by rivals.com for the class of 2010, has decided to part ways for the moment with Louisville by backing out of his commitment.

Martin has scholarship offers from six schools including Xavier, Cincinnati and Dayton. Kentucky and Arizona have also expressed interest in the 6'7 small forward.

When Martin originally committed he narrowed it down to two schools, Louisville and Xavier. Now that Sean Miller has left Arizona could be a strong suitor if they decide to pony up a scholarship. Martin averaged 10.4 points for a stacked Lawrence North team last year.

Louisville has recruited several others from Lawrence North. The high school is most known for two highly touted recruits by the names of Greg Oden and Mike Conley.

John Wall Signs with Kentucky

Sorry for the delay on the news, traveling today. But big news for the Kentucky Wildcats all around. National #1 ranked recruit Point Guard John Wall has signed to play for the University of Kentucky. Wall will be the highest ranked recruit to sign with the Kentucky Wildcats. I have never been so happy to be wrong. Most of my reports on here about Wall had him leaning toward Miami, which I really felt was true. A news conference will be scheduled at 2pm at Wall's high school on Wednesday. So lets look at what the Wildcats have coming in to the program next year:

Five Star PG- John Wall
Five Star PG- Eric Bledsoe (who qualified today!)
Five Star PF- Demarcus Cousins
Five Star C- Daniel Orton
Four Star SF- Darnell Dodson
Four Star SG- Jon Hood

This freshman class alone could contend for a national title. Add to that Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, and Darius Miller this team could be freakishly good. But lets not let the cart get ahead of the horse. Calipari still needs to get these kids to buy into his system and go out and win games. They do not award any titles in the summer. But this is looking to be a very very bright year for the Cats!

Holmes' Ricardo Johnson and Elijah Pittman Named Top Two Recruits in 2010 Kentucky Class

The Holmes Bulldogs were crowned as the Kentucky state champs in March and now the teams two studs have been named the best players in the state by a respected recruiting website.

State Tournament MVP, Ricardo Johnson, was ranked No. 1 followed by teammate Elijah Pittman at number two.

Johnson is being looked at by a number of teams including Kentucky, Xavier and Cincinnati. He's received one offer from Bradley.

Pittman is also being looked at by a number of teams including Kentucky and Xavier.

Without a doubt Holmes will be projected to repeat as state champs with the return of Johnson, Pittman, Jeremiah Johnson and Kevon Rice. The last team to win back-to-back Kentucky men's basketball state championships was Louisville Male in 1970 and 1971. Can Holmes break the 35+ year drought?

John Wall to make Decision Soon

Reports are indicated that John Wall could be making his decision on where he will bring his talents as early as some time this week. Although as many of you who have followed Wall know this could change at the drop of a hat. Several outlets have confirmed that Wall is down to UK and Miami. Although Duke is still potentially in the running. Duke is where a lot of his AAU camp and "posse" would like him to end up more than likely so they can stay as close to him as possible and cash in on their lottery ticket when he is drafted. I am still thinking that Wall is leaning more towards playing for Miami. There are two very different situations with Kentucky and Miami. He can come to Kentucky and play on a team with a lot of talent, a group that has the potential to contend for a title. Or, he can go to Miami where they will compete in the ACC, probably make the tournament, but Wall will be the absolute go to guy and get all of the shots. Kentucky will have a number of top notch players in the stable next year that could help Wall, but also will take some of Wall's opportunities for scoring. I don't think either choice will affect his NBA recruiting, unless he completely bombs out his freshman year. From what I have read NBA scouts look at efficiency more than just pure scoring. So if Wall goes to Miami and puts up 40 every night, they are going to look at his shooting percentage. It may fare better for Wall to come to Kentucky and become a more efficient player. But I still think that he is leaning toward heading to South Beach. So for now as usual it is a wait an see game with John Wall.

John Wall's List of Schools

John Wall has yet to narrow his list of potential schools and told a reporter with Rivals.com that he will probably narrow that list next week. Wall was scheduled to visit NC Central this weekend but did not end up making the visit. No real shock because I would not think that Wall would have much of an interest playing Division II but Wall played for their new coach and was more than likely doing him a favor. Most would prognosticate that Wall's list is down to Duke, Kentucky, Miami, and Florida. But as we have seen with Wall, only he really knows. A lot of the reason why Wall's recruitment has carried on this long is because he shut it down last year due to his mother being hospitalized with an illness. There have been a lot of questions surrounding Wall's academic eligibility which is still yet to be determined. Either way this kid is keeping a lot of people in the basketball community on their toes. Wall should be able to take his time and make the decision. In my outside opinion, don't be surprised if you see Wall in Miami. He is a one and done guy without a doubt, and wouldn't you rather spend that one in South Beach? He can win with Miami, maybe not a National Championship but at least get them to the tournament.