2011 Basketball Recruiting Hotlist -- UPDATED 6/1/10
by intrpdtrvlr on May 31, 2010 8:58 PM CDT
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Print[Front page material, obviously. Many thanks to intrpdtrvlr for the great work. This page will be updated and re-bumped as needed. --LVS]
Overview:
The Spartans presume to have four scholarships available in 2011 to replace Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Chris Allen, and Tom Herzog. They could have fewer if one of the players vacates a scholarship early in 2010 and MSU receives a Spring commitment. Roster balance suggests that Izzo and company will look to replace the players they're losing directly with a point guard, two wings (preferably at least one SF-style player over 6'5"), and a big. Of course, this could change based on the conclusion of 2010 recruiting. One could argue that the addition of Adreian Payne to the 2010 class makes a 2011 true big man unnecessary, perhaps even undesirable to maintian balance.
This list is meant to focus on the players whose involvement with MSU can be generally confirmed from one solid source or multiple casual sources. At the same time, it's being compiled by an amateur non-insider for the enjoyment of fans, so the list is not meant to be exhaustive of all possible 2011 MSU basketball recruits or to provide definitive scouting analysis.
MSU has already missed out on one player Izzo was believed to highly covet, Ohio's Zach Price who gave a verbal to join the loaded 2011 class already on-board at Louisville.
MSU received it's first verbal for the class of 2011 from Detroit Southeastern guard Brandan Kearney on November 3, 2009.
One elite Michigan player, Carlton Brundidge, has committed to the University of Michigan after receiving extensive attention from Coach John Beilein and staff.
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Point Guards
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PATRICK LUCAS-PERRY Ht: 5'11" Scout: *** PLP's reputation caught fire in the off-season as one of the hottest players in Michigan. Generally thought to be the Plan 1A to follow in Kalin Lucas's steps until some early November reports claimed that MSU is no longer pursuing him. Known as a floor general with good decision making and leadership skills. His brother attends UM but, after the commitment of Carlton Brundidge, the Wolverines may not have room for him. |
 Photo credit: Avenue of Champions |
JEREMIAH DAVIS -- ADDED 10/11 Ht: 6'2" Scout: **** (No. 20 shooting guard) Widely ranked in the national Top 50, Davis was among the numerous recruits visiting for the UM@MSU football game where, according to one online Indiana web service, he received an offer. Davis is intending to play the point in college so it's unclear if he and PLP are an "either/or." A big target for Indiana and other Midwest schools.
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More, after the jump.
Wings
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DWAUN ANDERSON (MSU Verbal) Ht: 6'3" Scout: unranked Far away from in-state basketball hotspots, Anderson burst onto the scene by holding his own against 2010 MI standout (and fellow MSU target) Trey Zeigler. Anderson is known for having excellent athleticism, a solid shot, and has already been visited in person by Tom Izzo. Though he does not appear to possess a committable offer at the moment, continued dedication on the court and the classroom should earn him one eventually. Thought to be a virtual lock if offered. CMU is another option. UPDATE: Dwaun Anderson visited MSU on May 5 where he received and accepted a scholarship offer from Coach Izzo. |
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Photo credit: Michigan Ballers |
BRANDAN KEARNEY (MSU Verbal) Ht: 6'5" Scout: **** (No. 27 shooting guard) One of the more high-profile in-state recruits who upped his standing even more by receiving good reviews after being selected for the USA 16-and-U team. Kearney has received some criticism for not being aggressive enough but has also been praised as having good leadership skills and above-average ball-handling. Talked about in some circles as being an option as a point guard which would let him use his size and length for real mismatches. After claiming MSU as a leader in early October, Kearney gave a public verbal to MSU at a press conference on Nov. 3, 2009. |
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WAYNE BLACKSHEAR (Louisville Verbal)
Ht: 6'5" Scout: ***** (No. 3 shooting guard) Not widely discussed as on MSU's radar until it was announced that he and IL four-star Mike Shaw had planned a visit to MSU for the CMU football game. That visit has since had to be rescheduled. Unclear whether this is mostly smoke or real fire but Blackshear is reported to be a classic Izzo player - aggressive, physical, and willing to rebound as a guard. Some talk that Izzo and staff are working on improving networking in the Chicago area through this recruitment. Blackshear committed to Louisville in late December, 2009. |
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LADONTAE HENTON (Dayton Verbal) Ht: 6'5" Scout: ** Nicknamed "Buckets," Henton is a fan-favorite who has been mentioned in Michigan basketball circles since before his freshman year. Unfortunately, he appears to have peaked in a role as an undersized power forward. If he can establish himself as a legitimate wing player he quickly becomes a much more attractive Big Ten prospect. None of this should obscure that, at the high school level, Henton exhibits excellent energy and can fill the stat sheet. Unclear whether he will receive an offer. |
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BRANDEN DAWSON (MSU Verbal) Ht: 6'5" Scout: ***** (No. 5 small forward) 16th-ranked player in the country, per Rivals. Projects as a swingman in college but reportedly has played all positions in high school. Dawson has said he will likely make a late decision in the Spring of 2011 and lists six schools: Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Marquette, UCLA and Georgetown. Despite some internet concerns about mutual interest between Dawson and MSU waning, he apparently has plans to visit in July. |
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ANTON GRADY (Cleveland St. Verbal) Ht: 6'8" Scout: ** Scout and Rivals offer conflicting accounts of his size and position. I listed him as "wing" because his ability to play on the perimeter at his size is probably his best appeal to receive a full MSU offer. Probably a Plan B sort of player at this point. |
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Photo credit: MLive/Saginaw News |
TOMMIE MCCUNE (West Virginia Verbal) Ht: 6'7" Scout: *** (No. 23 power forward) An intriguing player from Spartan country. McCune possesses the unique ability to play inside and outside ala Raymar Morgan. Still developing and Spartan coaches may be waiting to watch him during his junior year to extend an offer. Being scouted across the Big Ten, Midwest, and beyond. |
 Photo credit: Hoops Mongrel |
JAKARR SAMPSON (St. John's Verbal) Ht: 6'7" Scout: *** (No. 12 small forward) Reported to be a recent recipient of a MSU offer while being recruited heavily across the Midwest. Visited campus last October for the Montana State football game; worked out for the staff at that time. Being looked at by OSU as well. Many scouting reports are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about his game and describing him as more of lanky true wing than a post player |
Bigs
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AMIR WILLIAMS Ht: 6'10" Scout: **** (No. 4 center) Most recruiting services consider Williams the Michigan player with the most potential and he is widely ranked as such. Possesses a great frame that could continue to develop in all directions, including height. A true center, he can rebound, block shots, and score. It will be interesting for him to show his skills as a junior after spending his past years playing behind high D1 prospects Donovan Kirk and DaShonte Riley. Whoever lands him will have a project but a project with a very, very high ceiling. Williams has held at least an informal offer for a long time from UM and is also very interested in MSU. |
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PERCY GIBSON (Dayton Verbal) Ht: 6'8" Scout: ** A teammate of Brandan Kearney's, Gibson is a solidly built big man. Though some reports have Gibson receiving an "offer" from MSU already, it''s not clear what conditions ride on that offer. Statements by teammate Brandan Kearney upon his verbal to MSU suggest that Gibson's offer is not a commitable one. Gibson may be, at this point, another Plan B to others like Williams and Sampson. |
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Photo credit: buckeyeprepreport.com |
PAUL HONIGFORD (Ashland Verbal) Ht: 6'7" Scout: ** ESPN and others recognize this Ohio player as an excellent mid-range jump shooter who is still developing his post game. Increased muscle and strength should allow Honigford to play around the basket at the next level. From the same HS as former player Jason Andreas. Being recruited widely in his home state by OSU, Xavier, and Cincinnati, but it is unclear if any high-major is yet putting on a full press. Was reportedly at MSU for last year's Midnight Madness. |
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TREY MCDONALD (OSU Verbal) Ht: 6'9" Scout: *** An under-the-radar prospect who has received recent praise from the Dawkins' Best of the Best Scouting blog, Steve Bell, and elsewhere. A major riser. Talk that interest has picked up across the Big 10, including MSU and UM. Could improve his standing and earn numerous offers from an impressive junior year campaign. |
Photo credit: cdn0.sbnation.com |
JALEN REYNOLDS - Added 6/1 (Xavier Verbal) Ht: 6'9" Scout: unranked Saginaw High coach Lou Dawkins may have predicted it last September but Jalen Reynolds is the hot name in Michigan basketball recruiting this summer. He is a long, 6’9" forward who has received excellent scouting reports from ESPN and our buddies over at UMHoops. He’s described as a scorer with a combination of size and quickness that makes him a tough match-up on either end of the court. UM is giving Reynolds a lot of attention and he has spoken about wanting to stay close to home (MSU/UM) for college. At the same time, Jalen is courting interest from other Midwest schools like Xavier, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, and Ohio. MSU has been in contact but it’s unclear how high Reynolds might climb up Coach Izzo’s priority list. Here's a highlight video including Jalen in action. |
 Photo credit: chicagohoops.com |
MIKE SHAW Ht: 6'8" Scout: **** (No. 10 power forward) Again, not mentioned much in MSU circles until a potential visit was announced. Originally, he and Wayne Blackshear were supposed to be a package deal. Though MSU would presumably be interested in both, Illinois fans suggest that their recruitment may be de-coupled so that Shaw can come to Illinois, a school Blackshear is apparently lukewarm to. |
This is a FanPost, written by a member of the TOC community. It does not represent the official positions of The Only Colors, Inc.--largely because we have no official positions.
23 comments
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not anymore!
"Do not cheat your team or your teammates. Know your plays. Block. Protect. Add to what we are trying to do."
The Only Colors
Give me PLP, Anderson and Williams and lets call it a day.
"There are no next times when you're competing for big things." - Tom Izzo
Go Spartans
Sold on PLP, for sure. He seems to be one of Izzo’s number one targets and that’s good enough for me.
I’m really intrigued by Tommie McCune and his versatility. I’d also probably prefer Adeian Payne to Williams and I’m not sure where a commitment from him would leave MSU’s pursuit of a 2011 big. I’m hoping Payne comes to Midnight Madness for his official.
Give me Payne in 2010, and PLP, Anderson, Kearney, and McCune in 2011. If Payne comes, I think it locks up a RS for Gauna.
Regardless, lots of good players out there.
Phenomenal work
This is more recruiting info than I’ve provided in two years of blogging combined.
I’m a little worried about the developing imbalance between perimeter guys and bigs. The way things stand right now, in 2011 we’ll have 3 returning guards and 5 returning bigs (counting scholarship players only). We’re going to need a couple perimeter players who can contribute right away in the 2011 class.
Cheer for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Sep 27, 2009 7:13 PM CDT reply actions
KJ, I’ve had the exact same anxiety about 2011 and I’m always told I’m concerned over nothing.
That said, if you count Appling as a PG, and we don’t get another 2010 wing, our only returning wings are a true soph, Russell Bryd, and a preferred walk-on Austin Thornton. That’s heavy.
I’m not claiming that it’s a disaster but at least one freshman (probably two) will have to get major minutes and that’s still assuming Thornton develops on the high side of his potential.
Zeigler eliminates a lot of these concerns but that’s still a longshot. It’s also something a 2009 recruit (even if you redshirt him) would have addressed. Can’t win ’em all.
c'mon!
90% of everything on here since August has been football-related! (And you’re partly responsible!)
"Do not cheat your team or your teammates. Know your plays. Block. Protect. Add to what we are trying to do."
The Only Colors
I was taking inspiration from some of the best college basketball blogs that do this (particularly one that shall remain nameless – right, KJ?). We don’t have a widely read all b-ball blog so this post seems like the sort of information that the a premiere Spartan sports blog should have on its site for fans and recruits.
A similar thing for football would be great, I think, but obviously you’re recruiting more players at any given time. It might take more work. I’m certainly not the man for that job.
I guess that should have been a question.
I did not mean it in any sort of a negative connotation.
I was more wondering. Seeing as I stumbled in here somewhere after the Montana State game.
So, is it mostly bball? There is nothing wrong with that, especially considering how well the team does.
The numbers
To date, TOC has posted 81 football posts and 28 basketball posts.
That’ll shift some toward basketball as the season approaches.
We’re going to cover both sports as thoroughly as our collective abilities will allow.
Cheer for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Sep 28, 2009 7:20 AM CDT up reply actions
If Thornton or Raymar starts for our secondary next Saturday
Would that be considered football or basketball news?
I'd be up for Travis Walton
pulling a Greg Paulus and starting at strong safety.
Cheer for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Sep 28, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions
It reflects the origins of TOC...
…combining Spartans Weblog (KJ’s excellent B-ball focused blog) and Ground Zero East Lansing (Pete’s more general Spartan blog).
Oh yeah: KJ, you may want to sidebar the link to BTW explaining tempo-free stats. That way we can do the read-ahead before hoops season starts.
Preseason primer coming soon, sir
Cheer for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Sep 28, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Can you please title it “The Herzog Era Begins?”
by intrpdtrvlr on Sep 28, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Basketball
When the football team provides something positive to talk about, I’m sure they will have it covered. You can only read so many depressing football posts. Keep the basketball posts coming!
So when will TOC expand to include hockey?
Only (half) kidding…
Well done, sir. Well done. This is a great article and look forward to it becoming a recurring feature. I’d be interested to see the assessment of a prospect’s likelihood of going Green. (Any chance we can get our own version of Nefarious Eduardo?)
TOC is well on the way to becoming the one-stop for Spartan sports.
Hey, thanks.
If we get an NE, it’s not me. I live out of state and have zero real connections, as I constantly remind people. I’m not even a Scout/Rivals subscriber; too poor. I just pick up stuff wherever I can.
Honestly, I haven’t even heard of many players being a real lean. Dwuan Anderson is probably the closest. Word is that he’s Green if/when his full offer comes.
Henton, too, but his chances of getting offered sound slim.
Some speculation that we lead for PLP but I think that’s observers’ intuition as much as hard fact. It would make sense for him to come here – basically Izzo is offering him the keys to a consistent national title contender and it’s not clear there’s room for him at U-M.
These things are so hard to predict. If you told people at the beginning of summer that Zach Price would already be off the board to Louisville by October, you probably would have surprised a lot of people.
Btw, if I flunk out of my PhD program because I spend too much time on this, I’m sending Izzo a resume. “Well-educated and dependable man passionate about Spartan basketball seeks position in athletic department despite no experience or skills.”
by intrpdtrvlr on Sep 28, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Any Rivals or Scout subscribers out there willing to help?
It’ll only make this feature better. ESPN has some info for free, but it’s not much.
Yeah, but
One has to be careful about spreading subscriber-only information for free. They really don’t like that, the sites and the subscribers. It’s a fine line one is constantly walking in writing these sorts of things.
Besides, everyone who liked this post should just chip in and buy me one. :-P
Still, there’s lots of free information out there but you have to hunt and know where to look. Quality blogs, message boards, ESPN (who has improved their coverage a lot, I don’t care what anyone says), etc.
Local newspapers are a good trick. I “broke” some news on Jamil Wilson just by linking to the Racine paper.
True; I'm aware of the issues with subscriber only information.
I’m not advocating ripping off Scout or Rivals. They are good aggregators of local, publicly-available information though, so you can go back to the original source (as you mention above with the Racine paper) without having to wade through dozens of local media outlets.
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