The Back Alley Archives

Basketball Confidential, July 29, 2008

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After leading his team to the championship of the big Reebok tournament in Las Vegas last week, there is very little doubt that the best player in the country for 2009 is Kenny Boynton (6-2, 180, Plantation, FL American Heritage, #3 ESPN Top 100). It seems just a matter of time before ESPN has to re-evaluate it's Top 100 and when that happens, Boynton should step to the head of the class.

Xavier Henry (6-6, 220, Putnam City, OK, #2 ESPN Top 100) and Derrick Favors (6-9, 220, Atlanta, GA South Atlanta, #1 ESPN) have their supporters among the nation's services that rank recruits, but the way Boynton has taken Team Breakdown to championships at Chapel Hill and Las Vegas, it's hard to doubt that he has everything it takes to be the very best. Throw in incredible performances at camps like Reebok U and Boynton has proven everything he needs to prove.

One of the top questions about Boynton coming into the summer was could he blend in with the team. As if last year's performance in the AAU Nationals wasnt' enough to dispel the thought that he's not a team first guy, Boynton has come back with a vengeance this summer. He can get 30 points any time he wants but he's saved his big scoring efforts for those games when nobody else on Team Breakdown could hit the ocean from the end of the pier.

What's been most impressive has been the way he's gotten after people defensively. Everybody remembers the three-point bombs and the way KB finishes around the rim. The college coaches drool when they see him locking down another opponent in the half court game and showing amazing instincts to get the ball in press situations.

That brings us to where is he going to school in 2009? The Dookies are awfully smug but they're always smug. They think everyone on the planet is dying to go to Duke. They were shocked when Erik Murphy (6-11, 220, Southborough, MA St. Mark's School, #21 ESPN Top 100) committed to Florida and they're about to let John Wall (6-3, 180, Raleigh, NC Word of God Academy, #7 ESPN Top 100) and Ryan Kelly (6-9, 200, Raleigh, NC Ravenscroft School, #20 ESPN Top 20) get away and they're 20 miles from Durham.

The Dookies do have commitments from the Plumlee Brothers, both of them about 6-10, but you can find pillows that aren't that soft. They aren't going to scare anyone with their rebounding and inside game with Zoubek, Lance Thomas and the Plumlees.

And that's why it will be the upset of the century if Kenny Boynton picks Duke. He knows the value of having bigs that are capable of getting the basketball and stopping opponents on the inside.

That's also why the Florida Gators have the lead. From some very good sources, if Boynton had to make a decision today, there is no question he would be a Gator.

Now, a lot of things can change in recruiting. What's a sure thing today can be tomorrow's pipe dream and that's why you need to keep an eye on Memphis. Memphis is in the middle of a big push to land both Wall and Boynton in the class of 2009. There is no doubt that the Tigers would have the best back court in the nation if that happened.

Right now, that's not in the cards. Wall looks good for Oklahoma State and Baylor (sorry Kentucky, you aren't even in the top three) with Memphis trailing. Smart money is on Oklahoma State.

Boynton is scheduled to be at Florida's Elite Camp this weekend, and if he shows as planned, that's a real plus for the Gators. Back in the spring Boynton said he would decide in August but don't be surprised if he pushes things back a few weeks. A late September or early October decision wouldn't be the least bit shocking because KB might want to do two or three official visits.

Let's see ... if he goes to Duke he might see at least 17,000 at decrepit Wallace Wade Stadium which is right by decrepit Cameron Indoor. If he goes to Memphis, he can go to the aging Liberty Bowl which isn't even on the Memphis campus where 30,000 might be there for a game against a powerhouse like Rice or Tulane.

Or, he might come to Gainesville on September 6 where he can join 90,000 at The Swamp to watch the Gators smoke Miami.

Right now, I'd put my money on Billy Donovan and Florida winning this battle.

CLASS OF 2010: Unless someone transfers out or goes pro early, the Gators will have two scholarships available for 2010. One of them is earmarked for Brandon Knight (6-3, 175, Fort Lauderdale, FL Pine Crest), who is the most complete guard in the class. The battle lines are already set here between the Gators and UConn.

Another player that has caught Florida's eye is Patric Young (6-8, 200, Jacksonville, FL Paxon), who has had a meteoric rise on everybody's charts this summer.

Florida will be looking at James Bell (6-6, 195, Montverde, FL Montverde Academy), who is transferring from Arlington Country Day. Another transfer to Montverde is Justin Jackson (6-8, 200, Montverde, FL Montverde Academy). He's had the Gators eye for some time now. Okaro White (6-8, 175, Clearwater, FL) is skinny but he's a slasher that can get off the floor.

From out of state, the three top prospects are probably Doron Lamb (6-4, 190, Mouth of Wilson, VA Oak Hill Academy), point guard Josh Selby (6-2, 170, Hyattsville, MD DeMatha Catholic) and Travis McKie (6-5, 180, Richmond, VA John Marshall).

THE FLORIDA RECRUITING BOARD FOR CLASS OF 2009:

1. ERIK MURPHY (6-11, 220, Southborough, MA St. Mark's School, #21 ESPN Top 100): After the summer he's had, he should be top 12-14 when they re-evaluate and top 10 by February. This kid is a serious talent and he's growing. COMMITTED TO FLORIDA. STOCK WAY WAY UP

2. DESHAWN PAINTER (6-9, 200, Chatham, VA Hargrave Military, #23 ESPN Top 100): Once he figures it out at the offensive end, he's going to be scary good. Runs the floor like a gazelle. Still learning the game since he's only played for two and a half years. COMMITTED TO FLORIDA. STOCK WAY UP

3. KENNY BOYNTON (6-2, 180, Plantation, FL American Heritage, #3 ESPN Top 100): When they re-evaluate, he should be the nation's number one prospect. Nobody had a more consistent summer and nobody impacts games on both ends of the floor from the guard position. STOCK WAY WAY WAY UP

4. ANTHONY MARSHALL (6-2, 180, North Las Vegas, NV Mojave, #92 ESPN Top 100): With Udofia and Brown off the charts, he's probably the next option behind Boynton. Gonna be hard to get him away from UNLV. STOCK UP

5. MICHAEL SNAER (6-5, 200, Moreno Valley, CA Rancho Verde, #89 ESPN Top 100): He might be the best pure scoring option on the Florida board behind Boynton plus he can handle the ball and defend. He's backed off UCLA and vice versa so he will definitely leave the left coast. If the Gators want him they have to out-recruit Missouri, but that's do-able. STOCK UP A LITTLE BIT

6. DURAND SCOTT (6-5, 180, New York, NY Rice, #56 ESPN TOP 100): Billy likes those New York street smart players and Scott certainly fits that bill. Streaky shooter so he's more scorer than shooter but when he gets hot he can light it up. Not really great at anything but he does everything really well. Glue guy that you like on your team. STOCK UP

7. DERRICK FAVORS (6-9, 220, Atlanta, GA South Atlanta, #1 ESPN): Could he be thinking NC State now that buddies Lorenzo Brown and Richard Howell have committed to play in Raleigh? Georgia is the leader but it's a shaky lead and Favors still hasn't told the Gators no. HOLDING PATTERN

8. DANIEL ORTON (6-10, 245, Oklahoma City, OK Bishop McGuinness, #15 ESPN Top 100): STOCK STILL DROPPING

9. ROBERTO NELSON (6-4, 180, Santa Barbara, CA, #93 EPSN Top 100): I don't like the grade problems of the past, but he's still on the list, particularly now that Udofia and Brown are gone. There's no question he's got the talent, however. STOCK UP A TAD

10. ABDUL GADDY (6-3, 180, Tacoma, WA Bellarmine Prep, #14 ESPN Top 100): He got abused by Boynton, but everybody gets abused by Boynton. If Boynton starts looking like he's Memphis bound the Gators might move in. HOLDING PATTERN

11. FREDDIE RILEY (6-5, 180, Chatham, VA Hargrave Military): He's filled up the basket all summer. If Boynton chooses Memphis, he might be Florida's guy. There's no question he can score and Hargrave will solidify him in the classroom. STOCK UP

OFF THE CHARTS:
MFON UDOFIA ((6-2, 180, Lithonia, GA Miller Creek, #51 ESPN Top 100), COMMITTED TO GEORGIA TECH; LORENZO BROWN (6-4, 180, Roswell, GA Centennial, #35 ESPN Top 100) COMMITTED TO NC STATE

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)

The Alabama folks are thrilled that JaMychal Green played so well in the FIBA Americas Tournament in Argentina. He's a relentless rebounder and a very solid low post scoring option that knows how to get the ball even if nobody passes it to him. The question is can Mark Gottfried get him some help? There is a rumor that DeMarcus Cousins (6-10, 260, Mobile, AL LeFlore, #9 ESPN Top 100) is wavering on his UAB commitment and thinking Alabama but that's pure rumor at this point. Nobody is taking that one seriously ... Right now, the focus is on Christian Watford (6-8, 225, Birmingham, AL Shades Valley Tech, #9 ESPN Top 100) who seems to be talking up Louisville and UAB but only giving faint mention to Alabama. Losing him would be a crusher ... Alabama couldn't seem to pull the trigger on Glen Rice (6-5, 190, Marietta, GA Walton), who chose Georgia Tech. There was a point not all that long ago that Alabama was a clear leader but something happened ... The new target for a shooting wing is Nik Garcia (6-6, 180, Skokie, IL Niles West) and they're amping up the pressure on Shawn Kemp Jr. (6-9, 215, Canton, GA Cherokee County) ... Gottfried could be on the hot seat if he loses Cousins, Watford and Bledsoe unless he makes the Sweet 16 and that's going to be VERY tough to do.

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

COMMITMENTS (0):

A.J. Walton (6-1, 175, Little Rock, AR Hall) has looked everywhere else but now he's back to square one and thinking seriously about Arkansas. It's either Baylor or the Hogs for this very quick point guard and smart money is on the Hogs, who continue to wait for a commitment from Clarence Trent (6-7, 230, Henderson, NV Findlay Prep, #59 ESPN Top 100) ... Arkansas hasn't given up on Anthony Borden (6-10, 220, West Memphis, AR) although it looks likely that he's off to prep school ... Marshawn Powell (6-8, 225, Charlottesville, VA The Miller School, #29 ESPN Top 100) decommitted but he still lists the Hogs among his top two so there remains hope. It's said there are some grade issues. If John Pelphrey could somehow persuade Powell to re-commit, a class that had Trent and Powell would give a foundation for a serious future on the inside.

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)

The Tigers actually have a shot at Omari Lawrence (6-4, 190, South Kent, CT South Kent School), who is athletic and a rather nice shooter from the wing. He's got St. John's, Clemson and Xavier high on his list, but the Tigers have been there all along and they just won't go away ... They need another big to go with Chubb, who has had an outstanding AAU campaign. They are looking at Shawn Kemp Jr. (6-9, 215, Canton, GA Cherokee County), Daniel Miller (6-10, 235, Loganville, GA Loganville Christian)and Torin Walker (6-10, 225, Columbus, GA Northside) ... Auburn is also hanging in there with Tevin Baskin (6-6, 190, Stamford, CT Trinity Catholic, #87 ESPN Top 100).

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)

Dennis Felton really needs to land Derrick Favors (6-9, 220, Atlanta, GA South Atlanta, #1 ESPN) in this class. The Bulldogs need a big time Atlanta commit to at least give the impression that they can recruit this fertile area. With Udofia, Rice and Kammeon Holsey (6-8, 195, Sparta, GA Hancock Central) all committed to Georgia Tech, Brown and Howell committed to NC State and Kenny Hall (6-9, 215, Stone Mountain, GA Redan) going to Tennessee, it's imperative that Felton stops the bleeding. To get Favors he probably also has to get Terrance Shannon (6-6, 220, Forsyth, GA Mary Persons) who is more of a power player than a wing but if that's what it takes to get Favors, then Felton has no other choice ... It doesn't look really good right now for Georgia landing Thomas Robinson (6-8, 210, Wolfeboro, NH Brewster Academy), whom they have spent a lot of time recruiting. Texas seems to have taken the lead and Georgia is now an after-thought ... If Felton can't land Favors, he might be back on the hot seat again. Georgia is going to struggle without Sundiata Gaines (graduation) and Billy Humphrey (dismissed from team after third DUI) so landing Favors is imperative.

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)

The Wildcats are throwing everything into landing Daniel Orton (6-10, 245, Oklahoma City, OK Bishop McGuinness, #15 ESPN Top 100) but they won't get him without a fight. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Texas all are making the big push and a couple of well connected Big 12 types are saying Kansas and Texas are the top two with Kentucky the fall back choice at number three ... Since it's unlikely DeAndre Liggins will be academically eligible this year and there is doubt that he'll ever play at Kentucky the Wildcats are looking for another guard. The guy they would love to get is John Wall 6-3, 180, Raleigh, NC Word of God Academy, #7 ESPN Top 100), but those chances fade on a daily basis. Think Okie State, Baylor and Memphis ... They are making a push for Chris Colvin (6-3, 185, Chicago, IL Whitney Young), who is a good defender and a hard worker but there's a reason he's not at the top of everybody's list ... Kentucky was too late getting into the fray for Dan Jennings (6-8, 240, South Kent, CT South Kent School), who committed to West Virginia ... Kentucky has offered Bawa Muniru (7-0, 230, Madison, AL Madison Academy), whose stock has been rising over the last month on the AAU circuit. Muniru is an African import who has some athletic ability but he is really raw ... Look for Kentucky to also make a move for another African import, this one from Benin. Mouphtauo Yarou (6-9, 236, Woodstock, VA Massanutten Military Academy) reminds a lot of people of Hakeen Olajuwon the way he blocks shots. This is another one that Kentucky might have arrived a tad too late. Looks like UConn, Kansas State and Maryland got there first.

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)

It's pretty weird what's going on with LSU. It's almost as if the Tigers have given up on the 2009 class and turning their sights completely to 2010. They have a lot of 2010 kids talking to them but 2009? LSU is getting a lot of interest from guys like Eddie Ludwig (6-8, 192, Metairie, LA Country Day) who is a low to mid-major type that has been attracting attention from the likes of William and Mary and Louisiana-Monroe and Adrian Coleman (6-3, 180, Stone Mountain, GA Stephenson) whose offer list includes Murray State and South Alabama ... LSU isn't out of the running for Johnnie Williams (6-9, 220, Memphis, TN Briarcrest Christian) or Ferrakohn Hall (6-7, 215, Memphis, TN White Station), but it's pretty obvious that LSU is a last resort for both these guys.

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

COMMITMENTS (0):

Rick Stansbury has put all his eggs in the Keith Gallon (6-9, 332, Mouth of Wilson, VA Oak Hill Academy) basket when it comes to a big. Gallon's sister plays on the Mississippi State women's team so it's long been thought he was a lock for the Bulldogs. However, since his best friend Tommy Mason-Griffin (5-10, 190, Mouth of Wilson, VA Oak Hill Academy, #22 ESPN Top 100) has verbaled to Oklahoma, there is some rumbling that Gallon will decide for Oklahoma, also. If Gallon picks Oklahoma that could be a sure sign that Jeff Capel doesn't think he's going to get Daniel Orton (6-10, 245, Oklahoma City, OK Bishop McGuinness) ... The Bulldogs are about to lock up Shaunessy Smith (6-6, 195, Brooksville, MS Noxubee County, #41 ESPN Top 100), which will give them the shooter from the wing they so desperately need ... They have expanded the point guard search beyond Eric Bledsoe (6-0, 160, Birmingham, AL Parker, #76 ESPN Top 100) to include Ramon Galloway (6-2, 170, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Dwyer) and Ben Eblen (6-0, 170, Melbourne, FL Florida Air).

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

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

It's official that Ole Miss will get prized recruit Murphy Holloway in school. A 6-7, 215-pound rebounding machine from Irmo, SC, Holloway is versatile enough to play three positions. It's a credit to Andy Kennedy, the Ole Miss admissions people and the school administration back at Dutch Fork High School in South Carolina that Holloway will be eligible to play. All of them worked together to document a number of learning disabilities that Holloway had been diagnosed with going all the way back to the fourth grade. When Holloway takes untimed tests verbally, he makes good enough grades but he has problems taking written multiple-choice tests with his reading disability ... Ole Miss has one commit and that's all the Rebels will take for 2009 which has freed Kennedy and his staff to concentrate on 2010.

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)

South Carolina is working hard to land a couple of bigs including Daniel Miller (6-10, 235, Loganville, GA Loganville Christian), David Chadwick (6-8, 210, Charlotte, NC Latin) and Collin Reddick (6-9, 245, Atlanta, GA Whitefield Academy) ... Chadwick's dad played for Dean Smith at North Carolina and was once an assistant coach at Florida ... Miller is being hotly pursued by Georgia and Stanford ... South Carolina could be the favorite for Reddick because the Gamecocks will take his buddy Cameron Baskerville (6-6, 190, Atlanta, GA Whitefield Academy) as part of a package deal ... The Gamecocks would be happy with either Ben Eblen (6-0, 170, Melbourne, FL Florida Air) or Ramon Galloway (6-2, 170, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Dwyer) as the point guard in the class.

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 won't know for sure until fall classes begin if juco point guard Bobby Maze made it in. It's going to be a close call even if he does make it and right now it's 50-50 at best ... If Maze doesn't get in, the Vols are going to be forced to play Josh Tabb at the point or possibly move J.P. Prince. They like Prince as a backup but hope they don't have to take away from his versatility (he plays four positions) to make him concentrate on being a point ... Look for Tennessee to work Ari Stewart (6-7, 215, Marietta, GA Wheeler) extremely hard in the next couple of weeks. Stewart is NOT going to be a package deal with Howell, his Wheeler and Worldwide Renegades teammate who is going to NC State ... Tennessee continues to work Andrew Fitzgerald (6-9, 245, Baltimore, MD Owings Mill, #75 ESPN Top 100) and Thomas Robinson (6-8, 210, South Kent, CT South Kent School). Texas has taken the lead for Robinson and Fitzgerald is really getting the hard sell by Vandy and Pitt among others.

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)

Vandy is looking for one big to finish out its class. The two guys they like best are Andrew Fitzgerald (6-9, 245, Baltimore, MD Owings Mill, #75 ESPN Top 100) and Kyril Natazazkho (6-10, 250, Bradenton, FL IMG Academy). Natazazkho would be a good fit in their offense and he's got grades. Kansas has recently gotten in on Natazazkho, too. He reminds them of recently graduated Sasha Kaun only with better offensive skills at this point.