2014 Recruiting Thread

[Underdog Wildcat]

From coast2coasthoop's Joey Natale, KSU has been in contact with Mavin Saunders, originally from the Bahamas but living and attending school in the Houston area. Some profiles list him as an SF, some as a PF, so I guess we'll just call him a combo forward for now. It looks like UConn was showing him heavy interest last fall but that might have faded a little bit now. Saunders recently visited Auburn, and along with KSU, Colorado St. has also started to show interest in him.

*Mavin Saunders (6-5/Franchize All-Stars/Sugarland, TX, Kinkaid)
Frank(Burlison) Says: The left hander from the Bahamas – who played so well during the adidas Nations event in Southern California last August – was terrific in the VIP Executive Run. But, apparently, few other Internet evaluators took notice of this top-flight prospect from the Class of 2014.

http://coachgeorgeraveling.com/2012-vegas-hoops-recap/


ESPN put an "r" in his name, but it's the same dude.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/124514/marvin-saunders

[Underdog Wildcat]

Mitchell

"Kansas State, Washington, & Vandy, are showing the most interest in St. Joseph (MD) SG Jordan McNeil '14, according to his AAU coach."


Another Team Melo kid, 6'4" 175, recently ranked as 10th best SG in Maryland for class of '14.

http://marylandhoops.net/?p=544#more-544


From last month's Rumble in the Bronx:

"Jordan McNeil (Team Melo 2014) – The 3rd piece of the puzzle in the Team Mel 16U ship(the 1st 2 being John Crosby and Trevis Buchanon), McNeil spaced the floor and knocked down shots with range well past the 3 point line. Once establishing his jumper as a major weapon McNeil used a ball fake to drive past defenders and finish acrobatic plays around the rim. At 6’4” he has excellent size for the off guard spot and is a player to watch going forward."

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2012-0611/2012-rumble-in-the-bronx-recap-part-ii/

[beefpac]

New Rankings...

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/rankings/rank-2993

[Underdog Wildcat]

New Rankings...

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/rankings/rank-2993

Scout also recently updated their rankings for '14.

http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&pid=88&cfg=bb&yr=2014


(Rivals 1st, Scout 2nd)

Lyle               19   14
Bates-Diop     42   36
Blueitt           49    64
Joseph           58   43
Greer             64   68
Cimino           84   --
Nairn             89   --
Custer           98    --

[Underdog Wildcat]

New offer, 6'10" 280 PF-C Elbert Robinson from DFW area, looks like a consensus 4* Top 60 prospect across the board, KSU not alone in offering this kid:

"The schools that Robinson indicates are showing him the most interest include Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. Robinson says all of those schools have already offered him a scholarship.

He currently has a visit to Kansas scheduled for October."


http://tamu.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1382559

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/142970/elbert-robinson

[Underdog Wildcat]

Cimino update:

"While not the most athletic player in the class, at 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, he has the size and skill to be a mismatch problem. With that Cimino continues to work on his game.

“I think it is coming along well,” Cimino explained. “I am just trying to be versatile with an inside-out game. I can shoot the ball and go the basket. Also I am working on my post moves and running the floor.”

Recruiting wise Cimino has two offers and a host of elite academic schools showing him significant attention.

“Boston College, Kansas State, Harvard, Stanford, Notre Dame, and Providence,” said Cimino of the schools contacting him. “Boston College and Kansas State have offered.”

Kansas State has been one of the schools showing Cimino the most attention.

“They were my first high-major,” said Cimino. “Coach (oscar) Weber is a first year head coach there. I am looking forward to seeing how they come along. I am really excited where their program is headed.”

FWIW, Cimino's older sister played at Stanford.

http://kansasstate.scout.com/2/1201216.html

[Panjandrum]

Cimino update:

"While not the most athletic player in the class, at 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, he has the size and skill to be a mismatch problem. With that Cimino continues to work on his game.

“I think it is coming along well,” Cimino explained. “I am just trying to be versatile with an inside-out game. I can shoot the ball and go the basket. Also I am working on my post moves and running the floor.”

Recruiting wise Cimino has two offers and a host of elite academic schools showing him significant attention.

“Boston College, Kansas State, Harvard, Stanford, Notre Dame, and Providence,” said Cimino of the schools contacting him. “Boston College and Kansas State have offered.”

Kansas State has been one of the schools showing Cimino the most attention.

“They were my first high-major,” said Cimino. “Coach (oscar) Weber is a first year head coach there. I am looking forward to seeing how they come along. I am really excited where their program is headed.”

FWIW, Cimino's older sister played at Stanford.

http://kansasstate.scout.com/2/1201216.html

I think he may be the first high profile player that we actually end up really having an honest to God shot at landing.  If we have a good year this year, and we probably will just due to the experienced roster, we may get him.  If we can get his teammate in a package deal, that would be a pretty good thing.

I said it before, and I'll say it again; this is the kind of staff that needs years to cultivate a relationship with a high-major player if we want to land him.

[Underdog Wildcat]

If we can get his teammate in a package deal, that would be a pretty good thing.

Joseph and Cimino would be ridiculous gets for this staff, they've played together and will continue to do so for at least the next 13-14 months and I think their games really complement each other.

I also think we have a decent shot at MOKAN's 4* PG duo Custer and Nairn. No offer for Nairn yet and it looks like we've just started to recruit him, but our odds of landing him might be better in the long run.

All appearances are there's still a long way to go in each of these guy's recruitments, hopefully steady progress can be made on all fronts.

[Underdog Wildcat]

From Indy

Kyle Neddenriep

Purdue and Illinois getting a look at Park Tudor forward Trevon Bluiett (2014). Adidas Invite set to get started.

Matt Painter and Jack Owens here for Purdue to see Bluiett. Kansas State assistant Chris Lowery. Michigan three deep.
 

[Underdog Wildcat]

N.D. Kendrick

2014 Kaleb Joseph of Mass Rivals has great ball control. Nice leader on the floor. Nice stop and start action.
 

[Underdog Wildcat]

"PG Kaleb Joseph, 6-foot-2, Ashburnham (Mass.) Cushing Academy 2014: The four-star combo guard showed nice scoring ability for the Massachusetts Rivals by consistently being able to get past his man and finish in the lane with floaters and quick pullup jumpers. Joseph plays a simple game for a young guard, which is a good thing, and does a nice job of efficiently running his team while rarely turning the ball over against the constant pressure of the Atlanta Celtics' athletic guards. His handle is tight and while he isn't the quickest point guard, he has the understanding of how to create space with changes of direction and pace to get in the lane and score the ball."

http://kansasstate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1384541

[steve dave]

Trevon Bluiett - Quite simply, this kid is wired to score. Whether it is a feathery step back jumper or slashing and scoring at the rim, he's got a little Paul Pierce in his game. Although not a plus athlete, he is good enough and he is beginning to defend better as well. He has the ability to make shots of the catch or off the bounce, which is something you don't see a lot these days.

* Bluiett has visits set up to Kansas State and Illinois in August and after those trips wants to pare down his list a bit. He said that he and his father will sit down and discuss things at that time.

http://illinois.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1385024

[sonofdaxjones]

Trevon Bluiett - Quite simply, this kid is wired to score. Whether it is a feathery step back jumper or slashing and scoring at the rim, he's got a little Paul Pierce in his game. Although not a plus athlete, he is good enough and he is beginning to defend better as well. He has the ability to make shots of the catch or off the bounce, which is something you don't see a lot these days.

* Bluiett has visits set up to Kansas State and Illinois in August and after those trips wants to pare down his list a bit. He said that he and his father will sit down and discuss things at that time.

http://illinois.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1385024

Get the effing practice facility finished already.   

[Underdog Wildcat]

FWI, Blueitt's Dad, Reynardo, is his AAU coach for the Spiece Indy Heat, from what I gather the "Blue" is sort of their alternate team. KSU has also offered 5* Jaquan Lyle('14) from SIH, would be awesome to get them both to visit, but will take confirmation of 1 visiting. Here's some more stuff on Blueitt from the Adidas Invite:

"2014 wing Trevon Bluiett continued to display his impressive game in front of Michigan coach John Beilein and dozens of high major coaches from around the country.

Bluiett, a 6-foot-6 wing from Indianapolis, led Spiece Indy Blue to an 81-72 win over Club Ohio in his first game on Thursday morning. John Beilein, Matt Painter and John Groce were among the head coaches in attendance on Thursday morning as Bluiett racked up 32 points, including six 3-point field goals.

The hometown kid scored from all over the floor, maintaining a steady tempo, and taking what the defense gave him. He converted his first four field goals from outside the arc, and when the defense began to collapse, Bluiett started slashing to the rim.

He scored several baskets around the hoop and used his deceiving quickness and strength to get all the way to the cup. Along with a smooth touch and quick trigger, the four-star prospect showed great passing ability, keeping his head up on the break and finding open teammates in tight windows for easy buckets."

http://www.umhoops.com/2012/07/13/adidas-invitational-day-two-notebook/

[Underdog Wildcat]

"Jonnie Vassar (Dream Vision 2014) – Vassar showed me something that I hadn’t seen from him before this week. He played much more under control than I’ve ever seen before and provided a level of toughness to the up-tempo Dream Vision team that they’d otherwise lack. He took multiple charges throughout the tournament despite typically being the smallest player on the floor cutting his chin open on one of them and having to leave the game to get stitches. He returned less than a half hour later with a huge bandage on his chin and checked himself back into the game ready to do anything it took to help his team win. Known for his physical skills, Vassar’s intangibles here in Indy stood out and have enhanced my view of him as a prospect and a player."

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2012-0716/2012-adidas-invitational-sunday-recap/

[Underdog Wildcat]

Kaleb Joseph = legit

"Kaleb Joseph (Mass Rivals 2014) – In a matchup with highly touted 2013 point guard Kasey Hill, Joseph played the best game I’ve ever personally witnessed from him. He drove hard to the rim going both ways, consistently made 3-point shots, and created easy scoring chances for teammates with his excellent vision. This game was yet another step towards Joseph realizing he belongs among the nation’s elite point guards and continues what has been a terrific AAU campaign."

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2012-0715/2012-adidas-invitational-saturday-recap/


"Kaleb Joseph, 2014 PG, Mass Rivals: In a game that saw fellow 2014 star Noah Vonleh struggle with foul trouble throughout the contest, Kaleb Joseph might of played the best game of his AAU career. Time and time again he hit big time shots in order to keep his team with striking distance of Florida Elite. Although the Mass Rivals eventually ended up losing it was due to Joseph that his team was even in the game at all."

http://future150.com/hs/basketball-news/adidas-indy-invitational-start-of-playoffs-recap

[Underdog Wildcat]

Price- Martin reclassifies to '14:

 
"How Big Is The Decision Of Malik Price-Martin To Reclassify?
Price-Martin's reclassification came as a bite of a surprise when his AAU coach, Kenny Gillion of Team Breakdown, announced that the No. 59 player in the Rivals150 "will reclass to the 2014 class. He will finish out his senior year at Northeast (FL) and go to prep school." Gillion stressed that the 4-star prospect is fine academically, and the move simply comes as a result of being young for his grade. Already holding offers from Florida, Louisville, Miami, Florida State, USC, UCF, South Carolina, Ohio State, NC State and more, look for many more elite schools to get involved in his recruitment now that he has an extra year to get stronger, mature and perfect his craft."

http://kansasstate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1386043

[Underdog Wildcat]

New name, William Jones, 6'3" 200 PG from Baton Rouge, LA, currently receiving heavy interest from LSU, Kansas State, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Averaged 16 pts, 8 boards, and 4 asts per game last season as a SOPH at Episcopal HS.
 
http://future150.com/hs/basketball-news/louisiana-point-guard-will-jones-gaining-suitors


Scouting report from last fall:

"William Jones-(2014-Episcopal-Baton Rouge, LA ) the 6-foot-2 inch CG is a strong bodied player who might have been one of the most athletic players in the camp. He showed great ball handling skills to go along with great quickness and speed which allowed him to guard both guard positions. He can score on all three levels and shot the ball exceptionally well from mid range. He likes to attack the rim and is strong enough to finish with contact. Jones is definitely on the verge of becoming a high major talent."

http://hoopniks.com/future-150-new-orleans-recap

[Underdog Wildcat]

Jones and his Louisiana Dynasty AAU Club will be playing in the Metro Sports Classic this weekend in JOCO(Shawnee).

http://www.tomtietzebasketball.net/index.php?page=16-s-age-group

[Underdog Wildcat]

From Mitchell, another new name, Khadeem Carrington 6'3" SG from Brooklyn. Currently has offers from Boston College, DePaul, Hofstra, Iowa State, Providence, South Carolina, Iowa, and SMU and is receiving interest from Villanova, Kansas State, Rutgers, and St. John's.


http://rivals.yahoo.com/kansasstate/basketball/recruiting/player-Khadeen-Carrington-139786

[Underdog Wildcat]

"Keita Bates-Diop - 2014 - G - Illinois Wolves
6-7 - University HS - Bloomington, IL
Bates-Diop got off to a slow start against LV Prospects, but really turned it on late with clutch shooting, which helped send the game into overtime. In double overtime, Bates-Diop hit the game winning shot to lift the Wolves to victory. When he asserts himself, Bates-Diop can get just about any shot he wants with his long frame. Bates-Diop had 24 points in the game."

Marquette is the latest school to offer Bates-Diop joining KSU, Michigan, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, and Depaul.

Report linked below also mentions Class of '13 combo guard that Bossi recently reported KSU interest in:

"Jeremy Senglin - 2013 - PG - Texas Select
6-2 - Arlington Bowie HS - Grand Prairie, TX
Senglin was terrific in transition for Texas Select, pushing the tempo and finding the open man. Senglin also isn't afraid to do it himself, pouring in 21 points on a lot of transition baskets. In the half court, Senglin has some ability to break down his defender and finish tough shots in the lane."

"2013 PG Jeremy Senglin lists offers from Nebraska, Richmond, Air Force, Bucknell, Colorado State, Lehigh, North Texas, Santa Clara, TCU, and Weber State. He has interest from Minnesota, Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Tulsa."


http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=979

[OlatheWildcat]

SIAP, Larry Austin Jr., #45 in class of 2014, is sporting a KSU offer.

Ryan McElmurry ?@KNUCKifuBUCK4
S/o to the lil bro @_LarryAustin2_ on the offer from KSU...keep grindin foo #salute

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Larry-Austin-119305

[8manpick]

"Keita Bates-Diop - 2014 - G - Illinois Wolves
6-7 - University HS - Bloomington, IL

Marquette is the latest school to offer Bates-Diop joining KSU, Michigan, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, and Depaul.

This is mildly exciting.  That's about the most enthusiasm I can muster for basketball though.

[Underdog Wildcat]

SIAP, Larry Austin Jr., #45 in class of 2014, is sporting a KSU offer.

Ryan McElmurry ?@KNUCKifuBUCK4
S/o to the lil bro @_LarryAustin2_ on the offer from KSU...keep grindin foo #salute

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Larry-Austin-119305

From the NY2LA Summer Jam this past weekend:

"Larry Austin Jr. (Team Rose 17s) – Austin Jr. was able to do whatever he wanted to with the ball early on. He was able to look his defenders off and locate open teammates for easy buckets. He displayed more explosiveness when attacking the basket. Definitely an elite level point guard."

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2012-0720/2012-ny2la-under-armour-summer-jam-recap-part-ii/

[Underdog Wildcat]

PG mania in this class, known offers to:

Custer
Joseph
Nairn
L. Austin
(all at least Top 100 recruits)

Plus interest in William Jones and Johnnie Vassar.