Chane Behanan is a Kentucky player, but is being recruited by Indiana and Purdue. I caught up with Chane after one of his games at Tuesday’s Adidas Invitational, and he updated me on his recruitment, and how he feels about IU and Purdue.
Question: Since your performance at the NBPA Camp, what are the new schools that have jumped in your recruitment?
Answer: Indiana offered, Ohio State and Kentucky are on me more, and Texas is recruiting me.
Q: What did you think about your new (top 30) status in national rankings?
A: I like it, but I don’t pay attention to those too much, you know everyone has their own opinion.
Q: Last I heard West Virginia and Lousiville were on top of your list, is that still the case?
A: Yeah, I’ve been talking to both schools a lot, and they came to my games today.
Q: Can you talk about IU and Purdue a little bit, and have you visited either school yet?
A: Both schools have offered me, and I went up to Purdue a couple Saturdays ago. Purdue showed me around the campus, and they showed me the new basketball facilities they are building. I got to meet some of the Purdue players, I liked the visit and they showed me a good time. I haven’t been to Indiana yet, but they offered me a scholarship and I hope to get up there whenever I get the time.
Q: How soon after the NBPA Camp did Indiana offer you?
A: They offered me about two days after the camp, because I had a good performance.
Q: You said Ohio State is turning up the heat, are they trying to get you to visit, and would you visit there?
A: Yeah, I would like to visit there. Ohio is my home state so I could make it up there.
Q: Has Kentucky expressed interest in you?
A: Yeah, they've called and congratulated me on my performance at the NBPA Camp, but they haven't offered.
Q: Do you notice which schools are here watching you?
A: Yeah, I see the coaches from Lousville and West Virginia, especially Rick Pitinio and Bob Huggins. I like that they are watching me, I’m used to watching them.
Q: Are you close at all to committing to a school?
A: No, I’m going to wait until Feburary to make my decision. My brother gets out of prison then and I want to wait until he’s with me.
Q: What’s going to ultimately be the biggest factor in your college decision?
A: I’ll go to the team that accepts me with open arms, and where I feel most comfortable. I want to go somewhere with good academics, and somewhere I bond with the players and coaches.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Player Profile: 2011 Darwin "Dee" Davis
Name: Darwin "Dee" Davis
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 5'10 160
High School/AAU: Bloomington South/Meanstreets
Position: Point Guard
Schools Considering: Committed to Xavier University (Offers from Purdue and Ohio)
Commitment Date: 06-22-09
Scouting Report:
Davis is an undersized point guard who is lightning quick with the ball. What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in speed and athleticism. Davis is a great finisher near the basket, and possesses acrobatic moves that allow him to convert tough baskets. He has a good first step and is able to take defenders off the dribble and get to the rim. In the full court he is one man fast break, able to dish for an open bucket if necessary. The key for Davis to succeed is to maintain shooting consistency and add a little bit of strength to handle larger opponents.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
One of the Top Performances I've Ever Seen: Eric Gordon vs. Loyola Academy
Rewind to Feburary 1st, 2007. It was a cold winter night, and I just wanted to watch some basketball. I went with a friend of mine to watch Eric Gordon and his North Central team play Loyola Academy, which featured Michael Jordan's sons Jeff and Marcus. Gordon was a consensus top 5 recruit that was headed to Indiana University the following season. The game was televised nationally on ESPN2. The game was such a big deal that my friend and I had to scalp tickets outside the school for double the ticket price.
The game started off with to a fast pace, with both teams trading buckets and keeping it close at the 1st quarter break. I can't remember the score exactly, but I know neither team had more than a 4 point lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Eric Goron led North Central with 17 points after the 1st quarter. The second quarter was a much different story as North Central raced out to a 50 -27 lead at halftime. The game went on the be a huge blowout, with North Central defeating Loyola Academy 88-47, but the story of the night was Gordon's performance.
Eric Gordon finished the game with 43 points, and was scoring from all over the court. On two straight possessions he hit NBA range 3-pointers, foreshadowing to his future career. He drove to the basket with power all game long, scoring at will in the paint using his strength and ball-handling. In the 3rd quarter he capped off his performance by stealing a pass and running down the open floor to throw down a reverse dunk. The way he dominated his competition on national TV was extremely impressive, and a game I won't forget.
Here's a SportsCenter recap of what he did that night:
Friday, June 4, 2010
Player Profile: 2012 Dejuan Marrero
Name: Dejuan "Rico" Marrero
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'5 200
High School/AAU: Thea Bowman Academy/Spiece Indy Heat
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
2009-2010 Season Stats: 14 ppg, 12 rpg
Schools Considering: Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Illinois,
Timetable for Decision: No timetable has been set for Marrero's decision.
Scouting Report:
Marrero is a combo forward who plays with an extremely high motor. Marrero has great athleticism, and when you combine that with his motor, he is a great rebounder even at 6'5. Marrero scores a lot of points on put backs and offensive rebounds, but continues to work on his perimeter game. Marrero needs to continue to improve his ball-handling and shooting to help him transition to the college game. Defensively, he is strong and will block some shots using length and great athleticism. He helped lead his high school team to a state championship while averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per contest this past season.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Player Profile: 2011 Ryan Taylor
Name: Ryan Taylor
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'5 185
High School/AAU: Lawrence North/Eric Gordon Fast Break
Position: Small Forward & Power Forward
Schools Considering: Louisville Verbal
Scouting Report:
Taylor is a combo forward with a great motor. He'll fight for any rebound on the court, and can score points from offensive rebounds. Taylor has great athleticism, and can throw down highlight reel dunks. He absorbs contact well near the rim to finish plays. Taylor's improving his ball-handling, but his shooting still needs some work. Taylor will struggle to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball until he improves his shooting and ability to get to the rim.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
What I've Learned this Spring
This spring has produced some interesting AAU action thus far. With summer around the corner, and the potential for coaches to be out in July, things will only continue heat up. Below are a few of my observations from April and May AAU action.
Too Big Too Early?
D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera was often knocked for being a physically superior player (6’3 220 Pounds) at an early age, and a player without a great deal of upside. Smith-Rivera isn’t the most explosive athlete, but he’s continued to show that he can score tough buckets at the rim, and get to the free throw line seemingly at will. Couple that with an improving jump shot, and he’s one of the most productive players you’ll find on the AAU circuit.
“Late” Bloomer
In a world where the top prospects are known by the time they finish their freshman year of high school, Gary Harris could be called a late bloomer by some. People knew about the 6’4 Harris as a freshman, but most didn’t know he was this good until recently. The 2012 prospect had a strong year at Hamilton Southeastern, and has cemented himself as an elite player this spring. He’s a freak athlete who has really improved his jump shooting and ball handling. Harris very well may be the best player in Indiana’s loaded 2012 class. Although he didn’t receive the early attention some members of his class did, he’s showing that he is equally (if not more) talented.
Undersized and Underage, No Problem!
Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell stands below 6’ tall, but that doesn’t affect his game. The sophomore 5’11 floor general is “playing up” this summer with Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U. Ferrell has been very impressive this spring, showing an improved jump shot that helps his versatility as a scorer. Ferrell has the speed, quickness, and ball handling to run the fast break, but also get to the rim in half-court setting. Ferrell does everything you could ask for in a point guard, regardless of height or age.
Finally Injury Free
6’10 Mitch McGary (Class of 2011) sat out much of his junior season with a nagging injury (broken foot) and a nagging case of Mono. McGary is finally back to 100% and has been impressive. When I first saw him he appeared to still be shaking off the cobwebs and rust, but a week later he looked sharp and consistent. McGary showed off his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers, run the floor, and score in the paint. With health issues aside, McGary looks lined up for a huge summer heading into his senior year at Chesterton.
Darryl Baker (2013) is coming off a leg injury, one that sidelined him for the entirety of his freshman season. The 6'2 guard has admitted that he's not back to full strength, but he's still impressed this spring. He's a good athlete, good ball handler, and improving jump shooter. Baker does a good job of attacking the rim and getting to the foul line, but will hit the jumper if left open. Baker had a great summer last year, and once he gets back into form, he should have a big 2010.
Let Me Intrdoduce Myself
Devin Davis 6’5 Forward Warren Central (2013)- The 6’5 freshman is an athletic forward with good ball handling and the ability to finish at the rim. He’s already received scholarship offers from Indiana and Purdue, and more are sure to come this summer as he continues playing with Eric Gordon All-Stars.
Basil Smotherman 6’4 Guard Heritage Christian (2013)- Smotherman is a smooth lefty with the ability to fill it up from deep. He’s got a great shot, and when he gets in a rhythm he can light up the scoreboard from all over the court. Smotherman, who also plays for Eric Gordon 15U, has already received offers from Purdue and Xavier.
Zak Irvin 6’4 Guard/Forward Hamilton Southeastern (2013)- Davis, who teams up with Davis and Smotherman for EG 15U, played JV this past year but has shown off rapid improvement and growth this spring. Irvin grew several inches and put on 15 pounds during his freshman year at HSE. He hit a game winning 3-pointer during the Adidas May Classic, and also had a game of 19 that I saw. He’ll be teaming up with Gary Harris on the varsity roster next year, so he should be an intriguing player to watch.
Collin Hartman 6'6 Small Forward Cathedral (2013)- Hartman is a skilled forward with the ability to score from all over the floor. He can shoot the jumper, drive to the basket and score, and even mix it up in the post if necessary. Hartman has such an advanced skill set as a freshman that Purdue, Indiana, and Notre Dame have all offered him scholarships. He is playing for the Indiana Elite Stars 15U team this summer.
Best of the Spring
Dunk- Nick Osborne had the best by literally jumping over an opponent for a one-handed jam at the IndyBall.com Shootout. Hanner Perea had a close second when he elevated over a defender for a two handed alley oop at the Adidas May Classic.
Individual Performance- Gary Harris’ 36-point game at the Adidas May Classic was very impressive.
Play- 6’10 Mitch McGary grabbed a defensive rebound, dribbled the ball down court, and took off from the volleyball line for a one-handed slam.
Shot- Zak Irvin’s game winning 3-pointer on Friday night of the Adidas May Classic is the best shot so far.
Team- The 17U SYF Players team is the best I have seen so far this spring. They’re headlined by Branden Dawson and Mitch McGary, and also feature Travis Trice and Jeremiah Jones. They might not have the same individual talent as the Indiana Elite 17U team, but the way they play together is impressive. Even with Dawson gone, they still won the Adidas May Classic 17U division.
Too Big Too Early?
D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera was often knocked for being a physically superior player (6’3 220 Pounds) at an early age, and a player without a great deal of upside. Smith-Rivera isn’t the most explosive athlete, but he’s continued to show that he can score tough buckets at the rim, and get to the free throw line seemingly at will. Couple that with an improving jump shot, and he’s one of the most productive players you’ll find on the AAU circuit.
“Late” Bloomer
In a world where the top prospects are known by the time they finish their freshman year of high school, Gary Harris could be called a late bloomer by some. People knew about the 6’4 Harris as a freshman, but most didn’t know he was this good until recently. The 2012 prospect had a strong year at Hamilton Southeastern, and has cemented himself as an elite player this spring. He’s a freak athlete who has really improved his jump shooting and ball handling. Harris very well may be the best player in Indiana’s loaded 2012 class. Although he didn’t receive the early attention some members of his class did, he’s showing that he is equally (if not more) talented.
Undersized and Underage, No Problem!
Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell stands below 6’ tall, but that doesn’t affect his game. The sophomore 5’11 floor general is “playing up” this summer with Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U. Ferrell has been very impressive this spring, showing an improved jump shot that helps his versatility as a scorer. Ferrell has the speed, quickness, and ball handling to run the fast break, but also get to the rim in half-court setting. Ferrell does everything you could ask for in a point guard, regardless of height or age.
Finally Injury Free
6’10 Mitch McGary (Class of 2011) sat out much of his junior season with a nagging injury (broken foot) and a nagging case of Mono. McGary is finally back to 100% and has been impressive. When I first saw him he appeared to still be shaking off the cobwebs and rust, but a week later he looked sharp and consistent. McGary showed off his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers, run the floor, and score in the paint. With health issues aside, McGary looks lined up for a huge summer heading into his senior year at Chesterton.
Darryl Baker (2013) is coming off a leg injury, one that sidelined him for the entirety of his freshman season. The 6'2 guard has admitted that he's not back to full strength, but he's still impressed this spring. He's a good athlete, good ball handler, and improving jump shooter. Baker does a good job of attacking the rim and getting to the foul line, but will hit the jumper if left open. Baker had a great summer last year, and once he gets back into form, he should have a big 2010.
Let Me Intrdoduce Myself
Devin Davis 6’5 Forward Warren Central (2013)- The 6’5 freshman is an athletic forward with good ball handling and the ability to finish at the rim. He’s already received scholarship offers from Indiana and Purdue, and more are sure to come this summer as he continues playing with Eric Gordon All-Stars.
Basil Smotherman 6’4 Guard Heritage Christian (2013)- Smotherman is a smooth lefty with the ability to fill it up from deep. He’s got a great shot, and when he gets in a rhythm he can light up the scoreboard from all over the court. Smotherman, who also plays for Eric Gordon 15U, has already received offers from Purdue and Xavier.
Zak Irvin 6’4 Guard/Forward Hamilton Southeastern (2013)- Davis, who teams up with Davis and Smotherman for EG 15U, played JV this past year but has shown off rapid improvement and growth this spring. Irvin grew several inches and put on 15 pounds during his freshman year at HSE. He hit a game winning 3-pointer during the Adidas May Classic, and also had a game of 19 that I saw. He’ll be teaming up with Gary Harris on the varsity roster next year, so he should be an intriguing player to watch.
Collin Hartman 6'6 Small Forward Cathedral (2013)- Hartman is a skilled forward with the ability to score from all over the floor. He can shoot the jumper, drive to the basket and score, and even mix it up in the post if necessary. Hartman has such an advanced skill set as a freshman that Purdue, Indiana, and Notre Dame have all offered him scholarships. He is playing for the Indiana Elite Stars 15U team this summer.
Best of the Spring
Dunk- Nick Osborne had the best by literally jumping over an opponent for a one-handed jam at the IndyBall.com Shootout. Hanner Perea had a close second when he elevated over a defender for a two handed alley oop at the Adidas May Classic.
Individual Performance- Gary Harris’ 36-point game at the Adidas May Classic was very impressive.
Play- 6’10 Mitch McGary grabbed a defensive rebound, dribbled the ball down court, and took off from the volleyball line for a one-handed slam.
Shot- Zak Irvin’s game winning 3-pointer on Friday night of the Adidas May Classic is the best shot so far.
Team- The 17U SYF Players team is the best I have seen so far this spring. They’re headlined by Branden Dawson and Mitch McGary, and also feature Travis Trice and Jeremiah Jones. They might not have the same individual talent as the Indiana Elite 17U team, but the way they play together is impressive. Even with Dawson gone, they still won the Adidas May Classic 17U division.
Player Profile: 2011 Mitch McGary
Name: Mitch Mcgary
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'10 240
High School/AAU: Chesterton/SYF Players
Position: Power Forward & Center
2009-2010 Season Stats: He sat out much of the season with a foot injury and Mono, only playing in 10 games.
Schools Considering: Purdue (only offer), Indiana, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Xavier
Timetable for Decision: McGary is working to get his grades in order, and until he does so it is unlikely that he will receive anymore offers or commit to a school.
Scouting Report:
McGary is a big man with a big frame and good athleticism. Right now he's about 240 pounds, but still has room to add muscle and bulk. The one thing that sticks out about McGary is his ability to run the floor. He's one of the quickest big men up the floor, leading to easy baskets in transition. McGary has good touch in the post and can score in the paint. He's also got shooting touch out to the 3-point line, but at times can fall in love with the 3-point shot. McGary's best work is done when he spends the majority of his time scoring in the paint, and then slips out to the perimeter to hit an unexpected jump shot. McGary's biggest room for improvement is expanding his offensive repertoire with his back to the basket.
Video (Shot May 15, 2010):
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