Archive: Basketball
Another Local Hoopster Makes Pick, Will Go to A-10
I'm trying to track down more information on this one, but a good source says that former Wise forward Maxie Esho has committed to play for Massachusetts. Esho, who is 6-7, did not play for the Pumas last season even though he was eligible and has since transferred to Lee...
By Josh Barr | October 7, 2008; 02:09 PM ET | Comments (1)
Indiana Done With Sanctions?
Here's one that every other school will be following closely. Indiana, in the aftermath of Kelvin Sampson's misdoings, says it expects no further penalties from the NCAA. The Hoosiers are operating four scholarships under the NCAA limit of 13 this season, but only one of those is related to Sampson's...
By Josh Barr | October 7, 2008; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (2)
Braswell, Dodson Make New Choices
Wow. Talk about a big day in local hoops recruiting. Chris Braswell and Darnell Dodson have found new homes. Braswell, who played at Suitland and DeMatha and previously committed to Georgetown, yesterday accepted a scholarship offer to play for Charlotte. His other suitors reportedly included Maryland, Virginia Tech and Indiana....
By Josh Barr | October 7, 2008; 09:31 AM ET | Comments (3)
Terps Go to NYC for a Forward
Maryland added to its future roster, getting a commitment from 6-8 forward James Padgett of New York. He averaged nine points and nine rebounds last season and reportedly picked the Terrapins over Pittsburgh, who had just taken a commitment from Bishop McNamara's Talib Zanna....
By Josh Barr | October 1, 2008; 10:23 AM ET | Comments (7)
Former U-Md. Assistant Lands Another Local
Add one more to the commitment list. Severna Park senior forward Brendan Bald this weekend committed to play for Vermont. Catamounts Coach Mike Lonergan, the former Catholic U. head coach and Maryland assistant, has made recruiting the Washington area a priority, with Good Counsel's Jordan Clarke and Georgetown Prep's Garvey...
By Josh Barr | September 29, 2008; 04:13 PM ET | Comments (1)
7-Footer Bound for the Big East
Running out the door, but just got an email from Bishop McNamara Coach Marty Keithline announcing that center Talib Zanna has committed to play for Pittsburgh. More later today......
By Josh Barr | September 29, 2008; 10:38 AM ET | Comments (7)
Local Guard Pledges for Winless Team
I'll have more about this one later in the week, but wanted to post this info. Potomac School guard P.J. Miller tonight gave a verbal commitment to play for New Jersey Tech, which last season became the first Division I team to ever go 0-29 in a season. Miller's dad...
By Josh Barr | September 28, 2008; 08:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
Nation's Top Players/Teams Coming to D.C. Area?
That's what I'm hearing. Talk has been circulating for a few weeks that an end-of-season high school basketball championship will be staged this year, and it appears likely now that the event is going to happen. Details are hard to find -- event organizers wouldn't comment on their plans. However,...
By Josh Barr | September 26, 2008; 08:51 AM ET | Comments (4)
Georgetown Gets in on the Act, Nabs Top Junior
When will the parade of top local juniors making college commitments stop? The latest is Georgetown Prep guard Markel Starks, who yesterday accepted a scholarship offer to play for Georgetown. "My phone has been ringing like crazy," Little Hoyas Coach Dwayne Bryant said. "Angry coaches. You have no idea." The...
By Josh Barr | September 25, 2008; 05:34 PM ET | Comments (3)
Terps, Cavs, Hokies in Hunt for DeMatha Juniors
Last DeMatha post this week? Junior forward Victor Oladipo holds offers "all over the place," according to Stags Coach Mike Jones: Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Providence, Massachusetts, George Mason, Auburn and a few others. "But I don't think he's anywhere near making a decision," Jones said. Junior forward Jerian...
By Josh Barr | September 24, 2008; 05:14 PM ET | Comments (1)
Top Juniors in a Rush to Decide
So what is going on with the rash of top juniors who have already decided on their college choice? DeMatha guard Josh Selby is bound for Tennessee, while last weekend Gonzaga's Tyler Thornton and Courtland's Josh Hairston pledged for Duke. "It's the trend," DeMatha Coach Mike Jones said. "I'm sure...
By Josh Barr | September 23, 2008; 11:50 AM ET | Comments (4)
DeMatha Coach Talks About Guard's Choice
As I was preparing to go on the set last night to reveal this week's football rankings on Washington Post Live, I got a call from DeMatha Coach Mike Jones to talk aboiut point guard Josh Selby's verbal commitment to play for Tennessee. Jones said that he "was standing in...
By Josh Barr | September 23, 2008; 09:45 AM ET | Comments (3)
DeMatha Guard Chooses Tennessee
DeMatha point guard Josh Selby has committed to play for Tennessee after taking an unofficial visit to Knoxville, a DeMatha official confirmed tonight. Selby had a ton of scholarship offers after a terrific summer on the travel-team circuit. I'll have more on it this week....
By Josh Barr | September 21, 2008; 09:29 PM ET | Comments (1)
More on Hairston/Thornton/Duke
Here's my file for tomorrow's paper, though it could update if I get in touch with some folks tonight: Two of the Washington area's top high school basketball players, both juniors, yesterday committed to play for Duke, according to their high school coaches. Courtland forward Josh Hairston, a third-team All-Met...
By Josh Barr | September 13, 2008; 09:07 PM ET | Comments (2)
Wow! Local Pair Commits to Duke!
Just pulled into the Outer Banks for vacation (no Insider next week), unpacked and checked my email to read that Gonzaga guard Tyler Thornton and Courtland forward Josh Hairston -- a pair of top juniors -- today committed to play basketball for Duke, according to Courtland Coach J.T. Nino. I'll...
By Josh Barr | September 13, 2008; 07:00 PM ET | Comments (6)
Basketball Player With a Football Future?
Another basketball player with a football future? How often do you turn down Michigan and other elite programs to play for Western Michigan? But that's what Flenard Whitfield did, choosing to be a college basketball player instead of playing college football. No mention of whether the Broncos football coach has...
By Josh Barr | September 10, 2008; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (1)
Calls, Text Messages Have Richmond in Trouble
Richmond self-reported NCAA violation that dealt with calling and text-messaging recruits too often. Now it appears the school and governing body disagree on just how often rules were violated. The infractions deal with men's and women's basketball. The assistant coaches who committed most of the violations have resigned. However, men's...
By Josh Barr | September 10, 2008; 11:46 AM ET | Comments (0)
Zanna Headed to the Big East?
Rashad Whack isn't the only Bishop McNamara player getting plenty of attention. Mustangs Coach Marty Keithline said that center Talib Zanna has official visits set up later this month for Pittsburgh and Providence, with a trip to Boston College in October. Keithline said that St. Joseph's, Oklahoma, Temple, Southern Methodist,...
By Josh Barr | September 8, 2008; 12:48 PM ET | Comments (0)
Whack Picks George Mason
Rashad Whack did not waste any time making his college choice. The Bishop McNamara shooting guard, on the first weekend he could take an official recruiting trip to a college campus, made the trek to George Mason and committed to play for the Patriots. Mason has been recruiting Whack for...
By Josh Barr | September 7, 2008; 11:39 PM ET | Comments (3)
Dunbar Alum Takes His Game to Top of the World
Here's one you don't see everyday. A former Dunbar High guard has transferred to the University of Alaska to play basketball. Paul Wayne played one year apiece at Salt Lake Community College, College of Southern Idaho and Cal State-Northridge before joining the Seawolves....
By Josh Barr | September 4, 2008; 05:10 PM ET | Comments (0)
Woody Hired at USF; Will Make Sure DirecTV Is On
I'm sure there won't be too much reaction on this one. Done deal. 30k a year. Terrelle Woody is now on the staff at South Florida. He'll be the Bulls' video and conditioning assistant. While Woody has been in Tampa since midsummer, working camp and running open gym for South...
By Josh Barr | August 27, 2008; 02:30 PM ET | Comments (5)
Woody and USF: A Match Made in the Employment Line?
Meant to post this one sooner. Can't wait to see the reaction. Former Maryland/Virginia Tech recruit Gus Gilchrist is at South Florida and could it be because the Bulls are about to hire his personal trainer? At a time when the school is slashing jobs in academia and elsewhere, Terrelle...
By Josh Barr | August 25, 2008; 10:26 PM ET | Comments (2)
Local Player Is A-10 Bound
Potomac School center Brian Freeman has committed to play for Fordham. He also had scholarship offers from Delaware and Northeastern and was getting plenty of other interest. Fordham assistant "Travis Lyons from DeMatha [a 1994 All-Met] had been involved all along," Potomac School Coach Sean Whalen said. "I think it's...
By Josh Barr | August 14, 2008; 05:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Talented Guard Chooses U-Va
Oops. Tried to post this last night after getting confirmation, but for some reason it didn't publish: Tristan Spurlock, who played last season at Montrose Christian, has committed to play for Virginia. It is not much of a surprise. The Cavaliers have long been after Spurlock. It is unclear where...
By Josh Barr | August 13, 2008; 11:08 PM ET | Comments (1)
Local Forward Makes Choice
Colleague Matt Stanmyre passes along this news: Stonewall Jackson rising senior forward Samantha Jordan has orally committed to Lafayette. That gives the Raiders two Division I-bound players after rising junior guard Kyani White orally committed to Virginia Tech earlier this summer....
By Josh Barr | August 13, 2008; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (2)
Nation's Top Recruit Heading to Baylor?
Interesting item here from longtime hoops follower Gregg Doyel: Will Baylor (Baylor?) land the nation's top high school player after hiring his AAU coach? Former Clemson forward Dwon Clifton has been hired onto Baylor's staff, possibly paving the way for Raleigh, N.C., guard John Wall to head to Waco....
By Josh Barr | August 5, 2008; 11:12 AM ET | Comments (1)
Gary Williams On the Hot Seat?
Interesting discussion on rivals.com this morning: Is Gary Williams on the coaching hot seat this season? Of note (for this posting) comes this comment from the writer who says Williams should be on the hot seat: The bulk of the blame has to go to Williams. He's not getting the...
By Josh Barr | August 4, 2008; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (8)
Georgia Tech Nets Local Center
Riverdale Baptist Coach Louis Wilson always thought highly of Bassirou Dieng and now many others are going to have a chance to see Dieng on a larger stage. After one season at Norfolk State and two at St. Francis (Pa.), the 6-9 center has transferred to Georgia Tech. As a...
By Josh Barr | July 30, 2008; 02:29 PM ET | Comments (1)
Montrose Adds Talented Forward
Caught up with Montrose Christian Coach Stu Vetter yesterday and he said that 6-5 forward Dadrian Collins has transferred from Woodside High in Virginia Beach. Here's some highlights on the Division I prospect:...
By Josh Barr | July 29, 2008; 02:34 PM ET | Comments (3)
Episcopal's Kalipinde Chooses Loyola Marymount
Big Boss Man Dan Uthman, fresh off his month-long sojourn (ok, maybe it only felt that long) to Hawaii, has this contribution: Given Kalipinde, a rising senior guard at Episcopal in Alexandria, has committed to play men's basketball at Loyola Marymount. Kalipinde, whose mother and five siblings live in his...
By Jon DeNunzio | July 28, 2008; 03:34 PM ET | Comments (1)
Early Commitments Don't Mean Much
Here's a good read on how those early verbal commitments don't mean too much. "If you went back over the last five to 10 years, of the freshmen and sophomores who committed, over half of them haven't held up," said Clark Francis, editor and publisher of hoopscooponline.com....
By Josh Barr | July 28, 2008; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
More Behind the Scenes with Beasley
Have to say, I've found ESPN's video series on one-time All-Met Mike Beasley extremely entertaining. It's an up-close and inside look at the star player. This week's installment takes you backstage as Beasley gets ready to go to the ESPYs, including a visit from his personal jeweler and Beasley's imitation...
By Josh Barr | July 25, 2008; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (0)
Vegas Links, Day 3
Shawn Kemp Jr. might have the most recognizable name of any player in the Las Vegas summer tournaments, but he doesn't try to meet any expectations folks have for him. He said he has scholarship offers from Auburn and Alabama. Some high scool standouts become role players on their AAU...
By Josh Barr | July 25, 2008; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (0)
Coaches Don't Much Care for NABC Request
I've been meaning to post about this one for a while. All manner of college coaches seemed to agree it was the right thing to do when the National Association of Basketball Coaches suggested it was time to curtail recruiting middle schoolers. The NABC asked - it lacks any power...
By Josh Barr | July 24, 2008; 02:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
Vegas, Day Two
The nation's top prospect in the class of 2009 likes USC, UCLA, Kansas and North Carolina. Here's a great read on a team from Quebec that paid its own way to Vegas. More interesting, AAU one coach blames the tightening economy on shoe companies pulling back their sponsorships, resulting in...
By Josh Barr | July 24, 2008; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (0)
G'town Recruit Gets Glowing Review; Braswell Update
Just got off the phone with D.C. Triple Threat guru Keith Stevens, who was rolling out of his hotel bed at 8 a.m. Vegas time but denied staying out too late last night. Triple Threat won its opening game in the Reebok Summer Championships, 85-77 in overtime over Belmore Shore,...
By Josh Barr | July 23, 2008; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (1)
More Vegas Links
Here's a writeup on how four stars did on the first day of action. While being on the road for the summer recruiting period is a grind for many coaches (and players), it's a brief respite for UNLV's staff, which gets the benefit of having top prospects in their city....
By Josh Barr | July 23, 2008; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (0)
Vegas Report, Day 1
Trolling the Internet for stories from the desert... Remember that line yesterday about GPS is a must-have for coaches in Las Vegas this week? Well, some rental car agencies ran out. Also of note from the first day of competition was a head-to-head matchup of two top players (scroll down)...
By Josh Barr | July 23, 2008; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (0)
Time to Hit the Road
Yep, it's that time of the year. Vegas, baby, as the summer basketball circuit converges on Sin City. With the tournament spread all across the desert, one coach makes this astute observation: "If you don't have GPS, you're in trouble," USC assistant Bob Cantu said....
By Josh Barr | July 22, 2008; 03:15 PM ET | Comments (0)
Braswell Looking Around; Hoyas Still in the Picture
So Chris Braswell is headed back to Hargrave Military Academy for another year of prep school in the fall and now he's taking another look at his college choices. The former Suitland and DeMatha player had committed to play for Georgetown but now is examining all his options. I guess...
By Josh Barr | July 16, 2008; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
Pittsburgh Gets Huge Commitment
Big one here. National Christian forward Dante Taylor, a second-team All-Met has committed to play for Pittsburgh. "They recruited him for over a year now," National Christian Coach Trevor Brown said. "He likes their style of play. They get a lot of New York kids. The academic support they get...
By Josh Barr | July 15, 2008; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Day in the Life of a College Assistant
Ever wonder about the life of an assistant coach on the road? Colleague Zach Berman spent a day earlier this week up I-95 with George Mason assistant Chris Caputo. Among the players Mason is hot after is Bishop McNamara rising senior Rashad Whack....
By Josh Barr | July 11, 2008; 10:42 AM ET | Comments (0)
Recruit Skipping College to Play in Europe
Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings is skipping college to turn pro in Europe and folks are wondering if this could be the start of a trend. I'd also kick into the discussion this thought: Will it put pressure on the NBA to relax its age restriction?...
By Josh Barr | July 9, 2008; 09:54 AM ET | Comments (3)
Vaughn Eligible to Play This Season
Georgetown put out a release (text below) that transfer Julian Vaughn will not have to sit out a season after transferring from Florida State. No reason is listed for the exception, saying that Vaughn wanted to keep things "private." Not sure how everyone feels about this, but not providing a...
By Josh Barr | July 8, 2008; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)
Terps Get Good News on Mosley
So Maryland recruit Sean Mosley reportedly will meet the NCAA's minimum academic eligibility standards and can then apply for admission to the university. That's great news for the Terrapins, who have had a rough offseason. A word of caution, though: Top-tier recruits like Mosley tend to be more scrutinized than...
By Josh Barr | July 7, 2008; 12:14 PM ET | Comments (0)
Vinson Opts Out of National Team Trials for Camps
This one stunned me a bit. Montrose Christian All-Met guard Terrell Vinson pulled out of the USA Basketball under-18 team trials so that he can attend a pair of Reebok-sponsored camps, colleague Stephen Ball reports, passing along this report: Vinson has confirmed that he opted out of this week's USA...
By Josh Barr | July 1, 2008; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (2)
Maryland Set to Add a Big Man
Well, Gary Williams pledged that Maryland wasn't done recruiting for next season and it appears the Terps have landed a center in 6-9, 260-pound Steve Goins from Chicago. His other scholarship offers were from South Florida and Illinois-Chicago, but his high school coach thinks Goins will only get better as...
By Josh Barr | July 1, 2008; 07:39 AM ET | Comments (3)
Another Vote Against Recruiting Pre-Teens
Bob Lipper is one of the more entertaining columnists around and today he sets his sights on Sunday's beginning of the summer recruiting period, especially the trend toward offering scholarships to players who are younger and younger. Says Virginia Coach Dave Leitao: "There's something fundamentally wrong with recruiting youngsters of...
By Josh Barr | June 30, 2008; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (1)
Armwood Out of U-18 Trials; He and Vinson ave Short Lists
Montrose Christian forward Isaiah Armwood opted out of next week's USA Basketball under-18 team trials in Washington because he cannot afford to take off from summer school as he wants to ensure he is eligible to play as a college freshman, Montrose Coach Stu Vetter said. "It's an honor to...
By Josh Barr | June 26, 2008; 01:47 PM ET | Comments (0)
An Inside Look at Beasley
In case you haven't seen, here are three entertaining videos of former All-Met Mike Beasley and his preparation leading up to tonight's NBA draft. They're pretty amusing. And while they don't have anything to do with recruiting, you can see the work required to get better....
By Josh Barr | June 26, 2008; 10:12 AM ET | Comments (0)
Locals Trying Out for U-18 National Team
Montrose Christian rising seniors Terrell Vinson (an All-Met) and Isaiah Armwood are among the 25 players who will compete at Verizon Center next week to be named to the under-18 national team that will compete in Argentina next month. Georgetown incoming freshman Hollis Thompson and Virginia incoming freshman Sylven Landesburg...
By Josh Barr | June 24, 2008; 04:33 PM ET | Comments (0)
Maze Starts Second Career Before U-T
Good god. A buddy just showed me this video of one-time Maryland recruit/eventual Tennessee signee Bobby Maze. Tough to watch the whole thing, but pretty comical. Enjoy....
By Josh Barr | June 24, 2008; 02:20 PM ET | Comments (0)
Top Point Guard to Skip College for Europe?
Keep an eye on this. Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings is keeping open the possibility of skipping college to turn pro in Europe. Jennings, a point guard who played at Oak Hill Academy last season, has yet to meet the NCAA's minimum academic standards for freshman eligibility. If he doesn't qualify,...
By Josh Barr | June 24, 2008; 12:28 PM ET | Comments (1)
Virginia Interested in Georgia Point Guard
Here's a look at Virginia's recruiting prospects, highlighting Georgia point guard Mfon Udofia's performance at the NBA Players Association Top 100 camp last week in Charlottesville. There's also a quick look at rising junior forward Travis McKie from Richmond, who already holds scholarship offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland and...
By Josh Barr | June 23, 2008; 11:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
NABC Wants to Reverse Recruiting Trend
Here's a gem from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which announced it opposes colleges taking verbal commitments from players who have yet to complete their sophomore year of high school. So does this mean the end of college coaches recruiting eighth- and ninth-graders and offering them scholarships? That seems...
By Josh Barr | June 20, 2008; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
South Florida Release On Gilchrist
Here's the official release on Gus Gilchrist heading to South Florida. Wonder what "extenuating circumstances" the USF compliance director is talking about that would lead to Gilchrist being cleared by the NCAA to play this fall....
By Josh Barr | June 16, 2008; 03:02 PM ET | Comments (0)
Gilchrist "Very Confident" He Will Play This Fall
Gus Gilchrist says he is "very confident" he will receive an NCAA waiver to be allowed to play in the fall for South Florida. Here's a guess: Gilchrist continues to say he was never informed by Maryland of the ACC in-conference transfer rules and therefore should not have to sit...
By Josh Barr | June 16, 2008; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (1)
Gilchist Set for South Florida
Done deal, apprently, with an announcement set for this afternoon. Gus Gilchrist is transferring to South Florida. USF will petition the NCAA to make the player eligible this season, but I seriously doubt that will be successful. Of interest (and completely unrealiable) check out the first comment on this story,...
By Josh Barr | June 16, 2008; 11:39 AM ET | Comments (2)
Gilchrist to USF? WVU Seems More Likely
They're all atwitter in Tampa Bay that Gus Gilchrist might enroll at South Florida. Other possible destinations reportedly include Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The guess here is that Morgantown winds up being the place where Gilchrist finally takes the floor. Consider that Bob Huggins hired Dalonte Hill at Kansas...
By Josh Barr | June 10, 2008; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (0)
Where Can the Terps Find Players?
I'm surprised it took this long for someone to follow up on Gary Williams' comment that the Terps are not done recruiting for next season. Matter-of-factly, there aren't any players on the market for next season. Certainly no one who can take the expected role of Gus Gilchrist or Tyree...
By Josh Barr | June 10, 2008; 10:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
Shocking News! Recruit Backs Out on Pre-High School Commitment
Can't say I spent much time looking at this one, but I was shocked to read that a player who committed to DePaul before entering high school now says he will not follow through with the commitment and wants to look elsewhere. Shocked, I tell you, that this sort of...
By Josh Barr | June 10, 2008; 06:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
UMBC Gets Early Commitment
The one and only Dave Yanovitz files this report: St. Mary's-Annapolis guard Nick Groce, a 6-2 junior who helped lead the Saints to the MIAA-B boys' basketball title game following a season-ending injury to star guard Josh Morgan-Green, has made an early verbal commitment to UMBC. Groce, who moved from...
By Josh Barr | June 5, 2008; 06:01 PM ET | Comments (0)
Is Williams to Blame?
So David Steele says that Gus Gilchrist's transfer is no fault of Gary Williams. Don't know that I buy that line of thinking. While I wouldn't blame Williams specifically for Gilchrist's departure, it cannot be argued that Williams oversees a program that seems to be in chaos. From Bobby Maze...
By Josh Barr | June 5, 2008; 02:35 PM ET | Comments (9)
Gilchrist's Career Takes Another Bizarre Twist
So Gus Gilchrist is transferring from Maryland. It's a huge blow for the Terrapins, who are staggering through this offseason. Shane Walker is transferring. Bobby Maze is out, though some might say he was never a good fit. Then there was the mess with Tyree Evans. Now Gilchrist. And Sean...
By Josh Barr | June 4, 2008; 09:04 AM ET | Comments (3)
More on the Evans/Terps Saga
Where to start after the holiday weekend? Well, it broke on Friday afternoon, but the discussion about Tyree Evans and Maryland parting ways is still plenty hot. There had been rumors that all of Evans' criminal record had not surfaced; indeed, there was a plea to a handgun charge in...
By Josh Barr | May 27, 2008; 08:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
More on Sutton/Villanova
Here's more on Maurice Sutton's decision to go to Villanova. Nothing too ground-breaking. Yep, lots of locals on the Wildcats' roster played a part in his decision. And yes, he might redshirt next season, which seems a good bet considering Villanova brings back most of its team....
By Josh Barr | May 22, 2008; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (0)
Sutton Chooses Villanova
"You're a half hour early," Largo Coach Lewis Howard joked as we spoke just now, prior to the 3 p.m. promise he made yesterday. But I'm headed around the Beltway to watch baseball and Howard was in a good mood. All-Met center Maurice Sutton had finally made his college choice,...
By Josh Barr | May 21, 2008; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (0)
One More Day For Sutton
Just got off the phone with Largo Coach Lew Howard and he says that it will be another day before All-Met center Maurice Sutton announces his college choice. He's considering Indiana, Villanova and Seton Hall. "Three p.m. tomorrow," Howard said....
By Josh Barr | May 20, 2008; 12:19 PM ET | Comments (2)
Hokie, Hokie, Hokie High? Recruit Busted
Guess it's not a good idea to sell drugs to an undercover cop. Shocker. Virginia Tech recruit Pete Rose is facing several charges after Amherst County police made arrests following a 10-month investigation. Hokies Coach Frank Beamer pulled Rose's scholarship offer. Instead of looking at opposing offensive schemes, Rose is...
By Josh Barr | May 20, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (1)
Sutton Set to Decide; Will He Be a Hoosier?
Largo All-Met center Maurice Sutton will announce his decision on Tuesday, Lions Coach Lewis Howard said, noting that Sutton had narrowed his choices to Indiana, Villanova and Seton Hall. Sutton has visited Indiana and Villanova in recent weeks and the guess here is that it's one of those two, probably...
By Josh Barr | May 19, 2008; 01:51 PM ET | Comments (1)
Georgetown Gets a Center
Have to say, I got a kick out of reading about Georgetown's latest recuit. Center DaShonte Riley of Detroit recently committed to the Hoyas. A quick Google search for the 6-11 junior turns up a fan Web site - though it isn't too terribly developed. Guess it's never too early...
By Josh Barr | May 19, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (2)
JMU Nets Local Pivot
Heard about this yesterday, and caught up with James Madison assistant Bino Ranson today, who confirms that Friendship Collegiate center Alvin Brown has signed a letter-of-intent to play for the Duke. The 6-10, 200-pound Brown was drawing considerable interest from teams looking to add a big man late in the...
By Josh Barr | May 14, 2008; 02:22 PM ET | Comments (0)
Vaughn Running Pickup At G'town
All-Met Insider Correspondent B.J. Koubaroulis found this interesting story, with soon-to-be-Hoya Julian Vaughn running pickup with his new teammates. Will things pan out for Vaughn at Georgetown? Tough to say. He's obviously talented. And obviously well-traveled....
By Josh Barr | May 14, 2008; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (1)
Rising HS Freshman Is Highly Touted
Meet 14-year-old Justin Anderson. The Spotsylvania resident might attend Courtland High as a freshman this fall. Or he could wind up at a private school in either Washington or Richmond - perhaps O'Connell or Montrose Christian -- drawn by their powerful basketball program. Whatever the case, the 6-foot-5 Anderson is...
By Josh Barr | May 9, 2008; 09:38 AM ET | Comments (0)
Maze Says Go Big Orange, Doesn't Talk U-Md.
It didn't take long for Bobby Maze to find a new home. The one-time Suitland High standout and recent Maryland recruit is bound for Tennessee. "Stevie Wonder could see this is where I needed to be," Maze told the Knoxville News-Sentinel. "They've called me 'The Solution' here [at Hutchinson, Kan.,...
By Josh Barr | May 8, 2008; 04:27 PM ET | Comments (4)
Evans Not a Terp Yet
Maybe I'm reading too much into things. But reading between the lines of this story about Tyree Evans and Maryland and there are some pretty heady implications. With Evans still awaiting admission to the university, Maryland AD Debbie Yow tells The Sun she was unaware that Maryland was recruiting Evans...
By Josh Barr | May 8, 2008; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cooley Signs With Niagara
Reader Tom passes along this item: B-CC All-Met guard Austin Cooley has signed with Niagara. Funny how things sometimes work. Niagara assistant Akbar Waheed was at the Maryland semifinals, ostensibly to check out Springbrook guard C.J. Garner. However, a scholarship offer apparently never materialized for Garner, but things started picking...
By Josh Barr | May 7, 2008; 11:27 AM ET | Comments (0)
G'Town Picking Up Big Transfer?
Is Julian Vaughn bound for Georgetown? That's what the rumor mill has going around. If so, it would be pretty unique to see an ACC-to-Big East transfer take place, and a serious upgrade in programs....
By Josh Barr | May 6, 2008; 03:10 PM ET | Comments (1)
VMI Gets Guard from WCAC
Paul VI Catholic Coach Glenn Farello reports that guard Ronald Burks has signed to play for VMI. Surprisingly, the Keydets' roster does not include any other Washington-area players. Burks averaged 6.8 points last season....
By Josh Barr | May 6, 2008; 02:09 PM ET | Comments (0)
Expectations Too High for Big Frank?
I think so. I empathize with Frank Ben-Eze. He was bound for Harvard, which would have been a good fit. Then he couldn't qualify academically for admission. So he picked Davidson, possibly another good fit for a player whom I think everyone would agree is still quite raw. Then comes...
By Josh Barr | May 6, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (0)
More On Hibbert/Texas A&M
Here's more on DeMatha's Naji Hibbert committing to Texas A&M. Hibbert bcame interested in the Aggies after associate head coach Scott Spinelli saw him at a summer league game last year. Then head coach Mark Turgeon started recruiting him. "They've been here as much as they were allowed to," DeMatha...
By Josh Barr | May 5, 2008; 04:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
Must-Reads On Terps/Evans
Sports Illustrated takes a look at Maryland's gamble on juco guard Tyree Evans. He can score, but he also has quite a checkered past. Personally, I think the key to the marriage between coach and school is buried at the end of this long (and good) story: Williams must hope...
By Josh Barr | May 5, 2008; 04:02 PM ET | Comments (2)
DeMatha Guard Commits to Texas A&M
Naji Hibbert, who transferred from St. Frances of Baltimore to DeMatha last summer, has committed to play for Texas A&M. The 6-5 junior swingman averaged a team-leading 13.8 points this past season with a high of 22 points. I hope to have more on this later today....
By Josh Barr | May 5, 2008; 12:52 PM ET | Comments (1)
Indiana Lands Local Player
Anyone else read about local product Maurice Creek committing to Indiana and just shake their head? The one-time Oxon Hill standout, now a junior at South Kent (Conn.) Prep, has never been to the Hoosier state, led alone on the Bloomington campus. No need, he tells the Indianapolis Star-News. New...
By Josh Barr | May 5, 2008; 10:22 AM ET | Comments (1)
Citadel Picks Up Local Hoopster
Big Boss Man Dan Uthman is hot on the trail of this nugget, passing along that Sherwood forward Bo Holston has signed with The Citadel. Here are some highlights on Holston in action:...
By Josh Barr | May 2, 2008; 11:25 AM ET | Comments (0)
Ben-Eze Bound for Davidson
I'd been hearing talk of this for a few days, and now it seems to be true that O'Connell center Frank Ben-Eze has signed with Davidson. Ben-Eze had committed to Harvard but that no longer was a viable option after a New York Times story late in the season in...
By Josh Barr | May 1, 2008; 04:04 PM ET | Comments (1)
Vaughn Leaving Seminoles, Other Hoops Items
Got a bunch of basketball items to report. First, Reston native Julian Vaughn is transferring from Florida State. He was a much-heralded recruit for Leonard Hamilton and the Seminoles. Next, colleague B.J. Koubaroulis passes along that All-Met guard Anthony Winbush has committed to play for Loyola. His teammate, guard Travis...
By Josh Barr | April 30, 2008; 04:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Vasquez Staying at U-Md., Giving Terps Plenty of Guards
So Greivis Vasquez opted not to take the leap and will return to Maryland next season. While that news should bolster the Terrapins' lineup, it does leave a logjam in the backcourt, especially with the addition of junior college shooting guard Tyree Evans. If the current roster holds, that leaves...
By Josh Barr | April 29, 2008; 09:24 AM ET | Comments (0)
Top Big Man Picks U-Conn
One of the top remaining uncommitted prospects has picked Connecticut. Ater Majok, a 6-10 forward from Sudan who also has lived in Australia, yesterday announced he will play for the Huskies. Majok spent this past season in the hoops hotbed of Martinsville, Va., playing on a club team....
By Josh Barr | April 29, 2008; 09:17 AM ET | Comments (0)
Walker Bolts Terps; Next Move Is?
Shane Walker is out at Maryland. He's decided to transfer. More importantly, that's another scholarship opening for the Terrapins. It's probably not the last movement this spring for the 2008-09 roster....
By Josh Barr | April 28, 2008; 05:49 PM ET | Comments (2)
Sutton a Hoosier?
Read to the second part of this story and you'll learn that Largo All-Met center Maurice Sutton has added Indiana to the group of schools offering him a scholarship. New Hooisers Coach Tom Crean was interested in Sutton when he was coaching at Marquette. Sutton seems interested in Kentucky if...
By Josh Barr | April 22, 2008; 04:10 PM ET | Comments (0)
Top Prospect Chooses Memphis
Derrick Rose is going for the NBA, but Memphis started landing replacements on Wednesday, nabbing Philadelphia guard Tyreke Evans. Evans said he picked the Tigers over hometown school Villanova. Make of it what you will: Evans's signing was the lead story on the Web site of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, but...
By Josh Barr | April 17, 2008; 09:32 AM ET | Comments (0)
Terps Land Juco Guard With Spotty Past
As anticipated, junior college guard Tyree Evans is set to sign with Maryland today. Evans is considered a top talent whose off-court issues have hounded him the past few years. Coming out of high school in Richmond and prep school in Massachusetts, he originally committed to Cincinnati before the scholarship...
By Josh Barr | April 16, 2008; 09:31 AM ET | Comments (0)
More on Beasley's Choice
Here are the writeups on Mike Beasley heading to the NBA. Beasley told reporters his mind wasn't made up until last evening's news conference, but his older brother knew what was coming and Beasley's agent of choice, Joel Bell, also was in attendance. Now, though, Beasley is a basketball adult...
By Josh Barr | April 15, 2008; 08:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
Beasley Headed for NBA
Breaking news here. Mike Beasley's going pro. Stunner, I know. But anyone who thinks he should stay in college is crazy. He's ready for the NBA. Why should he stay at K-State? "I'd like to thank Kansas State and everyone on my team for giving me the love and support...
By Josh Barr | April 14, 2008; 06:21 PM ET | Comments (0)
Czyz, Mosley Shine; U-Md. Rumors Abound
Some thoughts from the Capital Classic. Olek Czyz is tough. He acknowledges needing to work on his jumper and game away from the basket, but he left everyone impressed with his tenacity and willingness to work around the basket. Most guys 6-7 prefer to play on the outside. A late...
By Josh Barr | April 14, 2008; 12:04 PM ET | Comments (11)
Another Local Bound for Wake Forest
Colleague Alan Goldenbach, threatening to take over the insider, reports that H.D. Woodson All-Met Patrice Johnson came back from an official visit to Wake Forest this weekend and committed to the Demon Deacons. The 5-foot-10 senior guard plans to sign on Wednesday, the start of the five-week spring signing period....
By Josh Barr | April 14, 2008; 09:53 AM ET | Comments (0)
Prelim Game Lacks Flash, Players Seeking Colleges
Have to say, no one made much of an impression in the layup-and-dunk prelim game as the District All-Stars beat their suburban counterparts, 131-128. Progressive Christian fifth-year guard Jasper Williams led all scorers with 23 points. He was one of only a handful of players in the game with a...
By Josh Barr | April 14, 2008; 08:52 AM ET | Comments (0)
Beasley Bound for NBA
If you're wondering what K-State (and former Riverdale Baptist All-Met) star Mike Beasley is going to say tonight when he holds a news conference to discuss his future, wonder no longer. Despite his mother, Fatima Smith, saying, "I have no idea," and Coach Frank Martin saying, "Everything's being evaluated," -...
By Josh Barr | April 14, 2008; 06:38 AM ET | Comments (0)
Could Turner Wind Up in College Park?
There are some wild stories floating around the local basketball circuit these days regarding how Maryland ended up with a verbal commitment from Sean Mosley and not Chris Turner last summer. Turner confirms that Mosley accepted the Terps' offer before he did, and he later ended up committing to Oregon...
By Josh Barr | April 8, 2008; 08:44 AM ET | Comments (0)
Mosley Shines in Charm City; Next Stop Comcast
Maryland recruit Sean Mosley and Towson recruit Troy Franklin led the locals to victory in the Charm City Challenge on Sunday. Next up is Sunday's Capital Classic at Comcast Center. Mosley will play in that game for the U.S. All-Stars, but his next in-game appearance be at Comcast seems up...
By Josh Barr | April 7, 2008; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Sutton Picks Up Kentucky, Will Visit Soon
Add another school to the list of Largo center Maurice Sutton - and he's very interested in his latest opportunity as he picked up a scholarship offer from Kentucky last week. Sutton, who is 6 feet 11 and quite athletic, plans to visit the Lexington campus during his trip to...
By Josh Barr | April 3, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
GW Lands Small Forward
George Washington has picked up a commitment from Aaron Ware of Bishop Montgomery High in Southern California. Ware averaged 20.4 points and 9.7 rebounds this past season. He's a 6-foot-5 small forward and expects to contribute immediately....
By Josh Barr | April 3, 2008; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (0)
Bozeman Inks Another
Well, maybe not yet -- but the ink will be dry in two more weeks. Gwynn Park Coach Mike Glick reports that senior guard Sean Thomas has committed to play for Morgan State and Coach Todd Bozeman. Thomas averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds this past season, leading the Yellow...
By Josh Barr | April 1, 2008; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (0)
Coach Postpones Euro Recruiting Trip for Sweet 16
Davidson Coach Bob McKillop knows how important recruiting is to his program and how difficult it can be, given Davidson's rigorous academic structure and its place as one of the smallest colleges fielding a Division I basketball program. So where did he plan to be this week? In Germany running...
By Josh Barr | March 28, 2008; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (0)
Philly Player is MVP; Locals Don't Tear It Up
Philadelphia guard Tyreke Evans, yet to make his college choice, was the MVP of last night's McDonald's All-American game. He is considering Villanova, Texas, Memphis and Connecticut. Not a good night for those with local ties: Virginia recruit Sylvan Landesberg had two points, Georgetown recruit Greg Monroe one. In the...
By Josh Barr | March 27, 2008; 01:58 PM ET | Comments (1)
Coach Says Beasley Should Go
Big news here. K-State Coach Frank Martin says he expects Mike Beasley to turn pro. Ya think? Though you've got to give him credit. At least he doesn't talk about how it might be wise to stay in school another year, blah blah blah. In just a few months, Beasley...
By Josh Barr | March 26, 2008; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (0)
Agents In the House; G'town Recruit Wins Award
Former Post intern Steve Yanda advances tonight's McDonald's All-American game with a story about how agents are still wooing high schoolers even though the NBA now makes them go to college for a year before turning pro. It only makes sense. Agents are recruiting players the same way college coaches...
By Josh Barr | March 26, 2008; 09:41 AM ET | Comments (0)
All-Star Madness Starts Tonight
Yep, time for high school all-star basketball again. Tonight, ESPN2 airs the slam dunk contest from the McDonald's All-American game in Milwaukee, tape-delayed at 11:30. Tomorrow, ESPNU has the girls' game at 7, with ESPN airing the boys' game at 9:30. Maryland recruit Lynetta Kizer of Potomac (Va.) and North...
By Josh Barr | March 25, 2008; 11:12 AM ET | Comments (1)
From Averaging One Point to NCAA Stardom
More on the new sensation Joe Alexander and his road to stardom at West Virginia, including averaging one point a game during his season at Hargrave Military Academy. For those who wonder about dedication, Alexander tried to convince school officials to give him a key to the gym so he...
By Josh Barr | March 25, 2008; 09:56 AM ET | Comments (1)
Beasley Decision Soon?
Well, that might not be the right question, as the guess here is that Mike Beasley's decision to turn pro-- and almost certainly be the top pick in this year's NBA draft -- is already made. The better question is when will the announcement come? I'd think it won't be...
By Josh Barr | March 25, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (0)
Unheralded Recruits Making Big Impact
While it is easier to project a recruit's success in basketball than in football - see Beasley, Mike; Durant, Kevin - there are still plenty of reminders that recruiting is far from an exact science. Consider two of the biggest stars from the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. Beasley,...
By Josh Barr | March 24, 2008; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (0)
Greene Felt "Disrepected" By Maryland
If you don't read anything else today, take a look at this story about last night's Syracuse victory over Maryland in the NIT, where Donte Greene talks about feeling "disrespected" by Gary Williams. Talk about bad timing/planning. Maryland assistant Keith Booth brought Greene in for an unofficial visit at the...
By Josh Barr | March 21, 2008; 12:06 PM ET | Comments (0)
Locals In the Big Dance
Colleague Preston Williams, doing research for this week's Varsity Letter, has a pretty cool chart in today's paper, listing all of the local players participating in this week's NCAA Division I basketball tournaments. The list only mentions local alumni, which means that K-State's Mike Beasley, Duke's Nolan Smith and others...
By Josh Barr | March 19, 2008; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (0)
Maryland Recruit Named JuCo Player of the Year
Nope, not Bobby Maze or Ken Bowman. Women's basketball recruit Dee Liles, a former All-Met at Riverdale Baptist, was named the junior college player of the year by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Liles averaged 11.1 points and 7.8 rebounds for Gulf Coast Community College, helping the Commodores reach this...
By Josh Barr | March 18, 2008; 02:28 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cap Classic Changes
George Mason recruit Andre Cornelius, a guard from Charlotte, has been added to the U.S. All-Star roster. In the preliminary game, Progressive Christian guard Jasper Williams replaces DeMatha forward Kenny Tate on the District All-Stars. O'Connell center Frank Ben-Eze (torn ACL) will not play and Episcopal's Peter Diffley joins the...
By Josh Barr | March 17, 2008; 04:10 PM ET | Comments (1)
Good Workout for Uncommitted Players
Once again, there will be a workout for unsigned high school seniors and junior college players, Thursday night at Wise High at 6 p.m. There will be drills and scrimmages. It is closed to the public, but open to college coaches. For more information, call Wise assistant coach Steve Gerald...
By Josh Barr | March 17, 2008; 01:44 PM ET | Comments (3)
Plenty of Coaches Turn Out at Comcast
For the Maryland high school basketball championships. Less than 24 hours after guiding American U. to its first NCAA tournament berth, Coach Jeff Jones was in attendance to watch Snow Hill guard Trevon Johnson in the 1A title game. Next up was the 3A game, with Seton Hall Coach Bobby...
By Josh Barr | March 17, 2008; 09:04 AM ET | Comments (0)
Five Former All-Mets Start Big East Opener
Just tuning into Georgetown-Villanova on ESPN right now and a quick look at the starting lineup shows three former All-Mets for Villanova and two for Georgetown. 2005 Player of the Year Dante Cunningham is joined by Dwayne Anderson and Scottie Reynolds for Villanova. Georgetown has 2007 Player of the Year...
By Josh Barr | March 13, 2008; 12:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Can USC's Latest Recruit Play Ball?
Here's a story about USC's latest basketball recruit, Romeo Miller, which raises the question: Exactly why is Master P's son getting an athletic scholarship? Because he can play basketball or because he might attract fans and/or interest in a team that probably won't have O.J. Mayo much longer? "If you're...
By Josh Barr | March 13, 2008; 08:58 AM ET | Comments (0)
Montrose Juniors Close to Decisions?
Maybe not yet, but it might not be too far off for the three elite juniors at Montrose Christian. Coach Stu Vetter isn't a fan of early commitments, but he acknowledges that Terrell Vinson, Isaiah Armwood and Tristan Spurlock have been heavily recruited for so long, that each is looking...
By Josh Barr | March 12, 2008; 09:07 AM ET | Comments (0)
Big Center Back On the Block
I heard about this from a colleague last night and here is some confirmation that O'Connell center Frank Ben-Eze no longer will go to Harvard. O'Connell Coach Joe Wootten said that "he was told he needed a certain score on the SAT and after the New York Times [original] article...
By Josh Barr | March 11, 2008; 09:21 AM ET | Comments (0)
Harvard Pushing the Envelope?
Interesting and good story in the New York Times on Harvard and its attempts to improve its basketball program, which includes recruiting two Washington-area players: Gonzaga forward Max Kenyi and O'Connell center Frank Ben-Eze. Among the revelations in the story is that Harvard assistant Kenny Blakeney played pickup ball with...
By Josh Barr | March 3, 2008; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Kenyi and Clark Are WCAC Co-Players of the Year
O'Connell All-Met Jason Clark (Georgetown) and Gonzaga forward Max Kenyi (Harvard) each received five of 10 votes in balloting by the league's coaches and shared the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Other members of the all-league first-team: Carroll forward Rodney McGruder (Kansas State), Gonzaga center Ian Hummer,...
By Josh Barr | February 28, 2008; 04:22 PM ET | Comments (1)
Bozeman, Nickelberry Among Those at P.G. Title Game
Plenty of college coaches at last night's Prince George's County championship game to see fourth-ranked Laurel beat fifth-ranked Gwynn Park, 57-50. And plenty of players for them to see. Laurel center Will Alston had 18 points and six rebounds. Gwynn Park guard Harold Washington had 23 points and backcourt mate...
By Josh Barr | February 28, 2008; 10:30 AM ET | Comments (0)
Recruiters Take Notice of Kenyi
Max Kenyi's terrific season did mote than just help top-ranked Gonzaga win the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title. It also has gotten Coach Steve Turner's phone ringing again as college recruiters re-inquire about Kenyi. Kenyi committed to Harvard before the season, but since the Ivy League does not participate in...
By Josh Barr | February 27, 2008; 01:09 PM ET | Comments (5)
Sutton Picks Up Another Offer
Apparently Maurice Sutton's quick exit from last week's loss to Gwynn Park didn't hurt his future. Largo Coach Lewis Howard reports that Boston College offered Sutton a scholarship and that Seton Hall Coach Bobby Gonzalez was impressed by what he saw from the 6-foot-11 senior. Sutton is working toward meeting...
By Josh Barr | February 25, 2008; 09:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Good Thing Sutton Got Off to Good Start
Plenty of college coaches in attendance last night at Largo. Seton Hall Coach Bobby Gonzalez and assistants, Loyola Coach Jimmy Patsos, Maryland assistant Keith Booth and some folks from Boston College. But it was a quick night for the main attraction as Largo 6-11 center Maurice Sutton was ejected in...
By Josh Barr | February 20, 2008; 09:28 AM ET | Comments (2)
Fredericksburg Sophomore Quite Impressive
The trip to Spotsylvania County took nearly three hours on a Friday afternoon. But it was quickly easy to see why many college recruiters are making the same trek. Courtland sophomore Josh Hairston, a 6-8 forward, has quite a game. Comfortable shooting on the inside. Willing to attack around the...
By Josh Barr | February 19, 2008; 09:04 AM ET | Comments (1)
Good Time For a Roadtrip
So, two big games a few miles apart tonight in Prince George's: Gonzaga at DeMatha and Laurel at Eleanor Roosevelt. DeMatha is the only team to beat the top-ranked Eagles, while Roosevelt should/could threaten second-ranked Laurel's undefeated run through the Prince George's 4A. I, of course, am getting ready to...
By Josh Barr | February 15, 2008; 01:57 PM ET | Comments (0)
Will Those Extra Calls Can Sampson?
So Kelvin Sampson got a few boos and a few cheers and Indiana lost on bank-shot three-pointer. What happens next to the serial caller? Pat Forde says Indiana has four options, none of which seem too appealing. The Indinanapolis Star wonders what's ahead and lists the players Sampson called improperly:...
By Josh Barr | February 14, 2008; 09:47 AM ET | Comments (2)
New Suitor For Local Center
Just got off the phone with Largo Coach Lewis Howard. He reports that 6-11 center Maurice Sutton still has scholarship offers on the table from South Florida, Seton Hall and Marquette, with Boston College, Clemson, Kentucky and North Carolina State still showing interest. South Florida Coach Stan Heath came to...
By Josh Barr | February 13, 2008; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bombshell: Indiana Coach Alleged Lied About Recruiting Violations
Here's today's bombshell: The NCAA considers previously disclosed recruiting violations by Indiana Coach Kelvin Sampson and two assistants to be major violations, meaning they could bring severe penalties. The NCAA alleges that Sampson provided "false or misleading information" to investigators and Indiana Athletic Director Rick Greenspan said the university views...
By Josh Barr | February 13, 2008; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bozeman Gets Another Local
Morgan State basketball coach Todd Bozeman continues to work local recruiting circles, this time landing a verbal commitment from La Plata forward Anthony Anderson, colleague Alan Goldenbach reports....
By Josh Barr | January 24, 2008; 01:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Amaker Watches Recruits
Spent part of halftime at last night's Gonzaga-O'Connell game talking to Harvard Coach Tommy Amaker. He was watching from behind the O'Connell bench, having brought his mom to the game. The Crimson had two recruits playing: Gonzaga forward Max Kenyi and O'Connell center Frank Ben-Eze. Kenyi was terrific, scoring 22...
By Josh Barr | January 23, 2008; 12:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
Top Point Guard Transfer to Riverdale Baptist
Got an email last night from Riverdale Baptist Coach Lou Wilson, saying that junior point guard Javorn Farrell has enrolled at the school. Farrell began the season at Bishop Ireton. The two teams play each other Saturday, though Farrell is not expected to play....
By Josh Barr | January 18, 2008; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
How Monroe Landed at Georgetown
Here's a piece on Georgetown recruit Greg Monroe and what the recruiting process was like for him. Monroe says he picked the Hoyas because of Coach John Thompson III and his demeanor. I thought the most interesting part of the story came when Monroe talked about the different styles of...
By Josh Barr | January 10, 2008; 11:15 AM ET | Comments (0)
Local Team Bests Top Recruits
They played an interesting game this past Sunday over at Friendship Collegiate, not that many people saw it. With one day's notice, Friendship hosted and defeated Pendleton School, 62-58. Pendleton School is the branch of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where Mike Beasley spent his freshman year and this...
By Josh Barr | January 8, 2008; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (0)
More on Gilchrist/Terps
Here's my story today on Maryland recruit Augustus Gilchrist. As I expected, a good source confirmed he and Maryland had appealed to the ACC for a waiver from the conference's policy that a recruit must sit out a year and lose a year of eligibility if he previously signs with...
By Josh Barr | December 14, 2007; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (19)
Gilchrist Ineligible For U-Md. Until Dec. 08? Seems So
Second-team All-Met forward Augustus Gilchrist, who clearly could give the Maryland basketball team a boost inside, will not be able to play for the Terrapins until after the first semester of the 2008-09 school year. According to ACC associate commissioner Shane Lyons, Gilchrist must sit out a season of competition...
By Josh Barr | December 13, 2007; 05:30 PM ET | Comments (21)
Former Carroll Standout Still Hopes to Qualify
Former Carroll standout Jamar Samuels is hoping to suit up for the Kansas State basketball team this season. He's one of two K-State recruits who failed to meet the NCAA's minimum academic standards and is currently taking one class at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass. Of K-State, Samuels said:...
By Josh Barr | December 12, 2007; 11:12 AM ET | Comments (0)
G'town Recruit Will Get Some Air Time
Here's ESPN's high school basketball broadcast schedule, which includes a Jan. 10 appearance by Georgetown recruit Greg Monroe. Interestingly, but not a surprise, there are no local teams scheduled to appear in the 15 games....
By Josh Barr | December 5, 2007; 09:40 PM ET | Comments (1)
Bullis Hoopster Makes Pick
Meant to put this up last week. Bullis basketball coach Bruce Kelley passes along that forward Nick Petkovich, a 6-5 senior, signed a letter-of-intent to play for Lafayette....
By Josh Barr | December 5, 2007; 05:54 PM ET | Comments (0)
Future Hoya, Terp Battle in Baltimore
Friends off the court, Baltimore standouts Sean Mosley and Henry Sims are rivals on it this year and in the future. Mosley, who plays for St. Frances, is bound for Maryland, while Sims has signed with Georgetown....
By Josh Barr | December 5, 2007; 03:43 PM ET | Comments (0)
A Few Quick Items
Sorry, been a busy week with hoops previews and football state title games coming this weekend. Here's a few quick links: Montrose Christian forwards Isaiah Armwood, Tristan Spurlock and Terrell Vinson, all juniors, already hold many top scholarship offers. Naji Hibbert and Josh Selby made a strong debut as DeMatha...
By Josh Barr | December 5, 2007; 01:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Someone Asked About Ray Brewer?
I've gotten a few emails asking the whereabouts of one-time Eleanor Roosevelt All-Met guard Ray Brewer. Saw his dad last week and he reports that Ray is in school at St. Frances (Pa.) and plans to join the school's basketball team next season....
By Josh Barr | December 4, 2007; 02:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
Lady Terps Pick Up a Point Guard
Fresh off its comeback victory over UCLA, the Maryland women's basketball team scored another victory today when it picked up a verbal commitment from junior guard Dara Taylor of Wilmington, Del....
By Josh Barr | November 27, 2007; 12:42 PM ET | Comments (0)
Beasley Impressive, Mason Even More So
Kansas State freshman Mike Beasley was impressive once again, matching his season average with 30 points last night. But, wow, was George Mason and its group of local players even more impressive as the Patriots knocked off No. 18 K-State, 87-77, last night in a tournament in Orlando. Here's the...
By Josh Barr | November 23, 2007; 12:25 PM ET | Comments (0)
Beasley Still Rolling, Mason Up Next
I don't think it's a stretch to say that Kansas State freshman Mike Beasley has had the biggest impact on the college basketball landscape this season. The one-time All-Met at Riverdale Baptist is only averaging 30 points and 20 rebounds in the Wildcats' first three games, all easy victories over...
By Josh Barr | November 19, 2007; 02:02 PM ET | Comments (0)
Recapping the Early Signing Period
With high schoolers making their commitments public earlier and earlier there weren't many surprises durign the early signing period for basketball that began Wednesday. Here's the list of locals that will sign or plan to sign. As for the local colleges, the Maryland men's team signed forward Augustus Gilchrist and...
By Josh Barr | November 15, 2007; 12:17 PM ET | Comments (3)
Vaughn Gives Noles Trio of Locals
At Florida State, one-time South Lakes standout Julian Vaughn is starting at forward, posting eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes in the Seminoles' season-opening 81-58 victory over Nicholls State. With Vaughn, Uche Echefu (an All-Met at Montrose Christian) and one-time Magruder star Isaiah Swann, three Washington-area players are...
By Josh Barr | November 13, 2007; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
Terps' Freshmen Getting In, Impact remains to Be Seen
Let's take a look at Maryland, where the Terps are relying on several freshmen. With a full lineup last night against Hampton - James Gist and Landon Milbourne were suspended for the opener against North Florida, Cliff Tucker led the five freshmen in scoring with six points in 15 minutes....
By Josh Barr | November 13, 2007; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Beasley Debut Is Sensational
With the college hoops season starting - and the early signing period set to begin tomorrow - let's start taking a look at how some local players are faring this season. The obvious place to start is with Mike Beasley, a one-time All-Met at Riverdale Baptist. Now at Kansas State,...
By Josh Barr | November 13, 2007; 10:24 AM ET | Comments (0)
U-Conn. Forward to Transfer, But Might Not Have Much Eligibility Left
Connecticut forward Marcus Johnson was granted a release from his scholarship and plans to transfer closer to his home in Los Angeles. Johnson was considered an elite recruit out of high school, averaged 4.9 points in his first two seasons at U-Conn. One problem with the transfer: Johnson played six...
By Josh Barr | November 6, 2007; 10:12 AM ET | Comments (0)
Hoosier Assistant Resigns Amid Probe
An Indiana University basketball assistant coach has resigned after it was found he made improper telephone calls to recruits. From an outsider's perspective, it seems as if this case is getting ready to blow wide open. Coach Kelvin Sampson, already in the NCAA's bad graces from his time at Oklahoma,...
By Josh Barr | October 30, 2007; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (0)
Dodson Ineligible at Pitt, Heads to Juco
Darnell Dodson got a lot of attention last year as one of the Washington area's top players, earning fi