The Back Alley Archives

Basketball Confidential, July 17, 2008

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Everybody knew Erik Murphy could shoot from the outside. Everybody already knew about the silky smooth jumper whose range he has extended all the way out to the three-point line through a lot of hard work. Everybody also knew that Murph is a real hustler who runs like a gazelle up and down the floor. What we didn’t know is that he’s got a terrific inside game, that he’s almost equally good with either hand from close range and that while he might be a tad on the thin side, he’s wiry strong and isn’t afraid to stick an elbow into the solar plexus of someone trying to get a little too rough.

In the span of seven days, 2009 Florida commit Erik Murphy (6-10, 215, Southborough, MA, St. Mark’s School, #23 ESPN Top 100) stated his case for not only the nation’s most improved player on the AAU circuit but also for the player that is continuing to improve every time he’s on the floor. He played more than 20 games in seven days last week and by the time Sunday arrived, he was a zombie, just trying to put one foot in front of the other, but by then he had already let the people who rank high school basketball players for a living know that it’s time to throw out all the preconceived ideas and move him up the charts.

If stars are your thing then Murph was generally considered a four-star prior to last Monday when he had Derrick Favors (6-9, 220, Atlanta, GA South Atlanta, #1 ESPN) for lunch in Cincinnati in the consolation game of the adidas It Takes Five tournament. Saying Murphy dominated Favors might be too kind. Destroyed might be a better word. Lit him up. Left him lying in a heap wondering if anyone got the license plate of the 18-wheeler that ran him over.

Now let’s start with the fact that until Murph did that number on Favors, the general consensus was that Favors is one of the top three players in the country and the recruiting class of 2009’s best big man. Another Russell some have said. The second coming of Patrick Ewing others have claimed. All World in terms of potential most would agree.

Chewed up and spit out by Erik Murphy? Nobody saw that coming.

And nobody expected what we saw at the Peach State Showcase in Aiken, South Carolina, either. Since most of the media types had either moved on to Reebok U or LeBron James Skills on Monday when Murph tap-danced on Favors’ head, it was generally thought that Murphy had taken Favors outside and worn him out.

That perception got changed Saturday morning when he scored 28 points going against a pair of 6-9 Division I-bound kids from the Renegades’ Black team. Murphy didn’t take a shot longer than five feet. It was all on the inside where he used that baby hook with either hand and showed that he’s got a dandy little flip shot that also works with either hand. He showed off a couple of step through moves that were pure power and he ran the floor and did his high riser act to take an alley and turn it into a serious power-dunk oop.

He did it again in the afternoon and again that evening. Same song, different verse. All on the inside. Nobody could handle him.

What we were seeing was a kid with a high basketball IQ suddenly figuring out the game right before our eyes. All the stuff he’s been taught by his dad Jay, a former All-Big East big out of Boston College, and by former NBA assistant John Carroll, who coaches Murph on the New England Playaz AAU team, is suddenly coming together faster than anyone could have expected.

Erik Murphy is NOT the second coming and he’s not ready for anyone to anoint him the next Russell or Ewing or whoever else comes to mind. But, he is a tremendous young prospect whose stock is on the rise and who is going to have a chance to be an impact player from day one when he arrives at the University of Florida in 2009.

LOOKING AHEAD: By the time Tuesday rolled around, the talk up in Augusta was that the Gators might have the making of the most dominating front court in the nation in 2009 when you add Murphy, Deshawn Painter (6-9, 200, Chatham, VA Hargrave Military, #23 ESPN Top 100) and Georgetown transfer and former Mickey D All-American Vernon Macklin to an already tall and very deep roster. With those three, the Gators will have nine front court players that are at least 6-7. Nobody in the country is going to be about to match the Gators in terms of depth or in terms of versatility.

This loaded front court is the trump card that I believe ultimately makes the Gators irresistible in 2009 to Kenny Boynton (6-2, 180, Plantation, FL American Heritage, #3 ESPN Top 100) and in 2010 to Brandon Knight (6-3, 180, Fort Lauderdale, FL Pine Crest). It’s one of the reasons why the best 2011 player in the country, Austin Rivers (6-3, 175, Winter Park, FL) has already committed to Billy Donovan and the Gators.

Donovan understands that you attract great guards with bigs, not the other way around. Load up with talented big guys and guards will line up in droves to play for you. Boynton, Knight and Rivers can look at the Florida roster and understand that perimeter defense is going to be a bit loose because the defenders have to slough off and help out on the inside. And if they come out and play tight, then that opens it up for the guards to get into the lane where they either take it all the way to the rack or dump it off and turn the game into a regular dunk-a-thon.

The more I hear from south Florida about Kenny Boynton, the more I believe he will be a Gator when he decides in August. The Dookies are acting rather smug but they’re like Kentucky fans. They think they’re going to get everyone. Everything I’m hearing says they don’t get KB. I think KB is well aware that the only thing softer than the Charmin is the Plumlee brothers.

In the event the Gators don’t get KB --- and I think the odds are very strong the Gators do get him --- then I think the immediate second choice is Mfon Udofia (6-2, 180, Lithonia, GA Miller Creek, #51 ESPN Top 100). Udofia is under a lot of pressure to commit to Georgia Tech, which landed Kammeon Hosley (6-7, 195, Sparta, GA Hancock Central) last week and will probably land Glen Rice (6-5, 190, Marietta, GA Walton) this week. I think that Udofia is starting to believe that it's in his best interests to patiently wait to see what Boynton does before he commits anywhere. I believe Lorenzo Brown 6-4, 180, Roswell, GA Centennial, #35 ESPN Top 100) is a long shot based on his ongoing love affair with NC State but if Boynton wavers and he’s faced with an immediate choice, Brown might make a case for himself and that vacant ship to the UF coaching staff.

It’s Florida-UConn right now for Brandon Knight, who plans to announce his commitment sometime after the early signing period in November. From what I’ve heard from some pretty knowledgeable people, Brandon Knight will be a Gator no matter what KB does, but it will be a much sweeter commitment for him if KB is a Gator.

The backup plan for Knight is probably Doron Lamb (6-4, 180, Brooklyn, NY, Bishop Loughlin) followed by Josh Selby (6-2, 170, Hyattsville, MD DeMatha). The Gators will also be looking at ever-improving Patric Young (6-7, 205, Jacksonville, FL Paxson) as well as Justin Jackson (6-8, 190, Eau Gallie, FL), James Bell (6-6, 200, Montverde, FL Montverde Academy), Harrison Barnes (6-6, 190, Ames, Iowa), Tobias Harris (6-8, 215, Dix Hills, NY Half Hollow Hills West) and Meyers Leonard (6-10, 205, Robinson, IL).

Figure the Gators will sign one for sure and maybe two in 2010.

THE FLORIDA RECRUITING BOARD FOR CLASS OF 2009:

1. ERIK MURPHY (6-11, 220, Southborough, MA St. Mark's School, #21 ESPN Top 100): He is the real deal. The way he is improving I'll be surprised if he isn't listed top 10 by December. COMMITTED TO FLORIDA. STOCK WAY WAY UP

2. DESHAWN PAINTER (6-9, 200, Chatham, VA Hargrave Military, #23 ESPN Top 100): He can rebound. He can block shots. He's got a ton of upside. He's only been playing basketball for 2-1/2 years. COMMITTED TO FLORIDA. STOCK WAY UP

3. KENNY BOYNTON (6-2, 180, Plantation, FL American Heritage, #3 ESPN Top 100): There is a very good reason Billy Donovan and Rob Lanier were there for every game he played in the Breakdown Tournament in Miami. STOCK WAY UP

4. MFON UDOFIA (6-2, 180, Lithonia, GA Miller Creek, #51 ESPN Top 100): Georgia Tech is putting together a nice class and really wants him bad, but is he willing to go to Tech if they don't get Derrick Favors? I can see him waiting to see what Favors and Kenny Boynton do before he makes his choice. HOLDING PATTERN

5. MICHAEL SNAER (6-5, 200, Moreno Valley, CA Rancho Verde, #89 ESPN Top 100): Word is he's not going to leave the left coast. STOCK DOWN

6. LORENZO BROWN (6-4, 180, Roswell, GA Centennial, #35 ESPN Top 100): He says it's NC State and Florida neck and neck. Nobody really believes it's anything but NC State all the way. HOLDING PATTERN

7. ANTHONY MARSHALL (6-2, 180, North Las Vegas, NV Mojave, #92 ESPN Top 100): Another one that talks about the Gators and teams from the east but will he leave the west? HOLDING PATTERN

8. DURAND SCOTT (6-5, 180, New York, NY Rice, #56 ESPN TOP 100): He's been hurt and he got booted out of a game at Peach Jam which cost the Gauchos a chance to make the playoffs. He's still talking Gators so he's still on the list. STOCK UP

9. DERRICK FAVORS (6-9, 220, Atlanta, GA South Atlanta, #1 ESPN): If he wanted to be a Gator they would find a way to add him into the class. HOLDING PATTERN

10. DANIEL ORTON (6-10, 245, Oklahoma City, OK Bishop McGuinness, #15 ESPN Top 100):He had grade issues back in the spring. He does things that make you go wow and then follows that up with something stupid. Rock Chalk Jayhawk or Texas, Okie or Okie State. STOCK REALLY DROPPING

11. ROBERTO NELSON (6-4, 180, Santa Barbara, CA, #93 EPSN Top 100): Not completely off the list but missing an entire semester because of grades makes him iffy at best. STOCK DROPPING

ON THE HORIZON:

ABDUL GADDY (6-3, 180, Tacoma, WA Bellarmine Prep, #14 ESPN Top 100): He would like to play east coast but probably will stay left coast because of family.

FREDDIE RILEY (6-5, 180, Chatham, VA Hargrave Military): He could be a fall back guy if he continues lighting it up when he gets to Hargrave.

AROUND THE SEC:

ALABAMA (12 on scholarship, 3 seniors): Needs point guard, power inside guy and a wing that can shoot.

Commitment (1): Cully Payne (6-0, 170, Schaumberg, IL)

At Peach Jam Payne showed off a lefty jumper that can be lethal if you leave him alone with time to set his feet. He played the wing the whole tournament, allowing Marcus Jordan (6-3, 205, Chicago, IL Whitney Young) to handle things on the point. When Jordan took a seat, Payne showed he can handle the ball and distribute. Not the quickest but far from the slowest ... With Glen Rice (6-5, 190, Marietta, GA Walton) likely to commit to Georgia Tech, Alabama's attetion for a shooting wing could turn to Payne's AAU teammate Nik Garcia (6-6, 180, Skokie, IL Niles West). He's a streaky shooter that needs to get physically stronger. He's got a frame that could easily hold another 30 pounds ... Plenty of speculation about the job security of Mark Gottfried. There are not a lot of happy campers in the Bama nation with DeMarcus Cousins (6-10, 260, Mobile, AL LeFlore, #9 ESPN Top 100) firmly committed to UAB and the state's next best prospect Christian Watford (6-8, 225, Birmingham, AL Shades Valley Tech, #9 ESPN Top 100) evenly divided between UAB and Louisville. Watford might be the closest thing to a must get as there is in the country. If Gottfried whiffs on him, it's going to be very difficult to save his job without making the Sweet 16 or better next year ... Freshman JaMychal Green made the US team for the FIBA Americas Tournament in Argentina.

ARKANSAS (11 on scholarship, 0 seniors): Need low post, power forward and a point guard.

COMMITMENTS (0):

Losing the commitment of Marshawn Powell (6-8, 225, Charlottesville, VA The Miller School, #29 ESPN Top 100) is a huge blow to John Pelphrey. Powell is that rarity who can play equally well facing or with his back to the basket. Powell says Arkansas is still in the mix along with Virginia, which hasn't offered. Virginia, I'm told, won't offer until they see a bigger commitment in the classroom. There are some grade issues here ... Losing Powell will particularly hurt if Anthony Borden (6-10, 220, West Memphis, AR) doesn't improve his grades next year. Right now it's looking like Borden is going to need a year of prep school to get into a Division I school.

AUBURN (13 on scholarship including one transfer eligible 2009, 3 seniors): Need size, more size and a wing that can shoot.

COMMITMENTS (2): Andre Malone (6-4, 200, College Park, GA North Clayton); Robert Chubb (6-9, 200, Peachtree City, GA McIntosh County)

Tay Waller and Frankie Sullivan give the Tigers good enough point guards that Jeff Lebo can shift his focus toward finding a couple more tall players ... One player that has caught Auburn's eye is Tevin Baskin (6-6, 190, Stamford, CT Trinity Catholic, #87 ESPN Top 100), a very athletic wing that can get it going inside or outside. Baskin plays for the New York Gauchos AAU team and he's one of their better athletes ... Daniel Miller (6-10, 235, Loganville, GA Loganville Christian) and Torin Walker (6-10, 225, Columbus, GA Northside) remain the top targets for a big to complement commit Robert Chubb ... Lebo says it's dicey whether Josh Dollard will be able to come back from an injury that sidelined him all last year. Lebo believes that if Dollard and Kovortney Barber could have been healthy all year that Auburn could have challenged for the SEC West championship last year.

GEORGIA (11 on scholarship, 2 seniors): Needs a center, another power player, an athletic wing and a point.

COMMITMENTS (1): DeMario Mayfield (6-3, 175, Carnesville, GA Franklin County)

It's starting to look like Georgia is going to win the battle for Derrick Favors (6-9, 220, Atlanta, GA South Atlanta, #1 ESPN). There were several reports out of Peach Jam that said it's Georgia or Georgia Tech and the same people reporting said Georgia is in the driver's seat. Clemson will have its say before this one is decided but it does look like Favors is going to Georgia ... The deal sealer for Favors seems to be Terrance Shannon (6-6, 220, Forsyth, GA Mary Persons). Shannon and Favors are best buds. Shannon is somewhat of a tweener. He’s a power player but he’s only 6-6. The height will be overlooked if it helps Dennis Felton land Favors ... Georgia desperately needs to land a point guard ... The Bulldogs are still hot after Thomas Robinson (6-8, 210, Upper Marlboro, MD Riverdale Baptist), but Robinson has been discovered by a whole bunch of folks.

KENTUCKY (12 on scholarship including one transfer eligible in 2009, 1 senior): Needs a couple of bigs, a point guard and another shooter.

2009 Commitments (2): Jon Hood (6-6, 180, Madisonville, KY North Hopkins, #100 ESPN Top 100); G.J. Vilarno (5-9, 160, McKinney, TX)

Where to begin? Okay, let's start with John Wall (6-3, 180, Raleigh, NC Word of God Academy, #7 ESPN Top 100). They're drooling over him in Lexington and the Mildcat faithful think he's going to commit to them any day now. I hope none of them have bet the ranch on this one. My money is on Okie State or Baylor, which will come as a shock to the Memphis folks, who also think that JW is heading their way. From my conversation with him at Peach Jam, I think Okie State has him by a WIDE margin ... Next we'll talk about Daniel Orton (6-10, 245, Oklahoma City, OK Bishop McGuinness, #15 ESPN Top 100). That's another one Kentucky faithful think they've got locked up. I was thinking Rock Chalk Jayhawk until I talked to him three times at Peach Jam. I still think he's going to end up at Kansas but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up at either Texas, Oklahoma or Okie State. If Okie State gets Wall, which I think they will, the Cowpokes become my favorite to land Orton as well ... But back to Kentucky ... They've got a great 2010 commit in point in KC Ross-Miller (6-1, 170, Grand Prairie, TX God's Academy) but that doesn't solve the problem for 2009 where Vilarno is definitely not the answer. If DeAndre Liggins doesn't get in school, or if he does and leaves after one year as his handlers think he will (that is, if he ever gets in school), the Mildcats are in deepest linguine for a point guard ... I think the one big the Mildcats have a legitimate shot at landing for 2009 is Chris Braswell (6-8, 225, Chatham, VA Hargrave Military), who is back to Hargrave after failing to qualify for Georgetown.

LSU (13 on scholarship, 5 seniors): Needs a lot of size, a point guard with quickness and some shooters.

COMMITMENTS (1): Brandon Mitchell (6-3, 180, Amite, LA)

You see Trent Johnson everywhere. What you don't hear is kids talking up Johnson and LSU basketball. The Tigers are going to be good in 2008-09 simply because they have all these seniors. Unless Johnson lands some impressive kids in this class, it's going to be a dry spell before LSU is good again ... The Tigers are willing to do a package deal with Colin Reddick (6-9, 245, Atlanta, GA Whitefield Academy) and his teammate Cameron Baskerville (6-6, 220, Atlanta, GA Whitefield Academy). They're both good kids but I can't see either one of them making a difference in the SEC ... LSU may also end up landing Ferrakohn Hall (6-7, 215, Memphis, TN White Station), who started the spring as a red hot prospect but has cooled considerably ... The Tigers probably have a clear path for Johnnie Williams (6-9, 220, Memphis, TN Briarcrest Christian) now that Ole Miss has finished its class ... It will be interesting to see what the Tigers do with Marlon Brown (6-6, 210, Memphis, TN Harding Academy), who wants to play two sports in college. The Tigers are hot and heavy after him as a wide receiver. I can't see Trent Johnson saying no if Brown wants to play basketball for LSU, too.

MISSISSIPPI STATE (12 on scholarship, 1 senior):Needs center, shooter and a point guard.

COMMITMENTS (0):

Rick Stansbury had to like what he saw of Keith Gallon (6-9, 332, Mouth of Wilson, Virgina Oak Hill Academy) from a rebounding and inside power standpoint. I'm sure he'd love to see Gallon trim about 50 pounds. I was told he once weighed 400, however ... The Bulldogs really like Eric Bledsoe (6-0, 160, Birmingham, AL Parker, #76 ESPN Top 100) although I'm hearing he may need to go to Hargrave in the fall if he's planning to actually qualify for Division I. Let's just say I'm hearing some serious grade issues.

OLE MISS (13 on scholarship, 0 seniors): Needs one more big.

COMMITMENTS (1): Reggie Buckner (6-8, 205, Memphis, TN Manassas)

Andy Kennedy has the commitment he wants in Buckner and that's all the room he has in his class now that Murphy Holloway is going to get in school. Holloway has multiple learning disabilities that have been certified and documented since he was a kid so he has been able to re-take some classes orally this summer. Apparently, he'll get in by the narrowest of margins. Holloway is sort of a position-less player. He does so many things well, you just put him on the court and let him play. With Holloway, Ole Miss has a chance to be pretty good next year.

SOUTH CAROLINA (11 on scholarship, 1 senior): Needs at least two bigs, a scorer on the wings and a point.

COMMITMENTS (1): Lakeem Jackson (6-5, 210, Arden, NC Christ School)

Just as we thought, the Gamecocks landed Jackson, who was their number one target all along … The Gamecocks will sign at least four in this class since two of their scholarship players are former walk-ons. They're after two bigs and one of the targets is James Padgett (6-7, 210, Brooklyn, NY Abraham Lincoln), who is an exceptional rebounder that plays taller than 6-7 ... Darin Horn spent a lot of time watching Nike Team Florida point guard Ben Eblen (6-0, 170, Melbourne, FL Florida Air), a very quick lefty shooter that can penetrate. He doesn't have a great outside game but he's capable of generating points off the bounce and with his defense in the open court ... I've been hearing they're in good with Daniel Miller (6-10, 235, Loganville, GA Loganville Christian Academy), who has a lot of people looking at him this summer.

TENNESSEE (13 on scholarship, 1 senior): Needs power forward, athletic wing and a point guard.

2009 Commitments (1): Kenny Hall (6-9, 215, Stone Mountain, GA Redan)

The Vols are still actively recruiting point guards because they still don't know if Bobby Maze is going to get in school. There is a question about a math class he's taken in the past. Maze is taking a math class this summer with the hope that it will be enough for the clearinghouse to approve him ...The Vols are trying to get in position to make a run for Mfon Udofia (6-2, 180, Lithonia, GA Miller Creek, #51 ESPN Top 100) but they may have waited too late to get serious consideration ... Kenny Hall is a power player that can run, which is exactly what UT needs. He's got star quality ... At Peach Jam Bruce Pearl was also taking a good long look at Andrew Fitzgerald (6-9, 245, Baltimore, MD Owings Mill, #75 ESPN Top 100) and Thomas Robinson (6-8, 210, Upper Marlboro, MD Riverdale Baptist).

VANDERBILT (12 on scholarship, 0 seniors): Needs another big.

2009 Commitments (1): John Jenkins (6-4, 180, Gallatin, TN Station Camp, #85 ESPN Top 100)

The Commodores have the shooter they want in Jenkins and now they want one more big before they shut it down. They have decided to pass on finding a point guard in this class. They'll look to add a point in 2010 ... They're taking a good look at Andrew Fitzgerald (6-9, 245, Baltimore, MD Owings Mill, #75 ESPN Top 100) and Kyril Natazazkho (6-10, 250, Bradenton, FL IMG Academy) ... Fitzgerald plays below the rim but he's so wide that he creates plenty of space on the inside ... Natazazkho has come on strong this summer. He runs the floor very well and he's got a very nice offensive skill set. He's also got good grades and that is music to the ears of the Vandy staff.