2012 Basketball Recruiting Big Board

Position: PG/SG

HS / Hometown: Fredericksburg Christian / Fredericksburg, VA

AAU: Hoop Booth

Measurables: 6-2 / 180

Rankings and Profiles:
-ESPN: , 89, #29 SG
-Rivals:
-Scout:

Other Schools: Texas A&M, Central Florida

Notes: Allen was the second commitment of the 2012 cycle for Maryland, though Justin Anderson's decommitment makes him the first, in a sense. He's a sleeper from northern Virginia, who's just started to get noticed. That has a lot to do with his small high school and AAU team (think Greg Whittington in this regard). That means there's a relative lack of info on him, so there's no telling just how accurate the available info is. That's never stopped us before, but take everything with a grain of salt.

Major Strengths: He's a prototypical scorer with a solid outside shot and very impressive elevation. I'm hesitant to call him a sniper, but Rivals did classify his outside shooting as "outstanding" and I've heard good things about his stroke. His coach says he has a 39" vert when healthy, which allows him to both throw down some dunks and get up high enough to get his shot off against taller opposition. His handles are solid and he's a good enough passer.

Needs Improvement: More of a combo guard than a true point, much in the vein of a Terrell Stoglin. Much like Stoglin, that can be problematic - though not deal-breaking - given his height. His highlight tape doesn't show too many passes, and the ones that are there are sometimes out of control. The biggest of concerns comes from his competition: although he lit up Montrose Christian when FCS played them, he doesn't play against top HS or AAU teams on a regular basis.

Position: C

HS / Hometown: The Village School / Houston, TX

AAU: Houston Defenders

Measurables: 6-9 / 285

Rankings and Profiles:
-Rivals: , #9 C, #44 overall
-Scout: , #11 C, #37 overall
-ESPN: , 95, #6 C, #39 overall

Other Schools: Arizona, Kansas, Marquette, Texas, Texas A&M, UVA

Notes: Maryland's top post recruit, Cleare has a bonus: he's good friends with the Harrison twins, two 2013 stars that Maryland is also recruiting. But Cleare is well worth recruiting in his own right: he's the closest thing there is to Jordan Williams in today's high school game.

Major Strengths: Great frame and strength. Wide and strong. Simply a massive individual, as you'll realize when he see him in person. Both ESPN and Scout laud his hands, touch around the basket, and light feet. He knows how to use his size to gain position in posting up and rebounding. Doesn't have a great face-up game, though he can hit a wide-open jumper now and then. He's a vacuum and can score with the best of them in the paint as a clean-up guy. Can play above the rim, though it isn't his biggest strength. Defensively, he's not a block machine, but his strength can make him a menace in the post.

Needs Improvement: He lacks a face-up game, but some may see that as a good thing. He's wide for his height, so he'll need to work on conditioning. Given how Jordan improved in that department at Maryland, though, that wouldn't be too huge of a problem.

Other videos: [1]

Position: SF

HS / Hometown: King Phillip / Wrentham, MA

AAU: BABC

Measurables: 6-8 / 200

Rankings and Profiles:
-ESPN: , 94, #11 SF, #53 overall
-Rivals: , #21 SF, #110 overall
-Scout: , #9 SF, #42 overall

Other Schools: Florida, Notre Dame, Louisville, Syracuse, Texas, Providence, Boston College

Notes: Layman is the classic case of a summer breakout star: a high-mid-major type before the evaluation periods of the summer, Layman's strong play drew plaudits from Dave Telep and Jeff Borzello, plus a host of offers.

Major Strengths: Long and athletic, with good defensive instincts, which makes him a terror to deal with defensively. That's what his big draw really is to me. His lateral quickness is a bit lacking, which means he's not quite at a Chris Singleton level, but there's no reason he can't cover the 1-4 after a few years in a major college strength program. His long strides do help hide that, though. Is surprisingly smooth offensively, slicing through defenses for little runners or mid-range jumpers. Runs the floor very well. Purportedly has a nice outside jumper.

Needs Improvement: Offensively, he needs to work on his off-ball movement - he's always in the right spot, but he drifts, he doesn't cut. He's also not a huge part of the offense for BABC, and doesn't seem to be particularly aggressive about making or getting his own shot. Despite the lauded jumper, I've watched three games and he hasn't hit a single triple. And, as mentioned above, his lateral quickness will probably limit him from being a 1-4 defender right away at the ACC.

Position: PF / SF

HS / Hometown: Trent Internationale / Houston, Tx., by way of the Bahamas

AAU: Franchize All-Stars

Measurables: 6-7 / 210

Rankings and Profiles:
-ESPN: , 92, #22 PF, #96 nationally
-Rivals: , #21 PF, #66 nationally
-Scout: , #21 PF, #96 nationally

Other Schools: Auburn, Florida State, Houston, St. John's, South Florida, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

Notes: Bail is a former five-star who fell off the radar a bit due to lingering injuries and some poor AAU play. He took the Shaquille Cleare route to the States, going from the Bahamas to a Houston high school, which may work in the Terrapins' favor. Maryland recently showed a little bit of interest, apparently, though we're yet unclear as to how serious that might be. After many of their other big targets fell through, it's no surprise that the staff would search out someone like Bail.

Major Strengths: Extraordinarily athletic. Everyone raves about his athleticism, from his ability to run the court to his vertical jump. It's as good as anyone in the country. He's also stronger than you'd expect based on his listed size. He's a great rebounder who relishes cleaning the glass. He has the pure ability to do basically anything he wants on the court, and that includes taking people off the dribble and hitting outside shots, even though he's more of a pure post player right now. Has the potential to be a Chris Singleton-like defender.

Needs Improvement: Game is mostly still all raw; he's usually more brute force than finesse, and much of his offensive game relies upon easy dunks and garbage work. Is a bit short for a pure 4, which may be where he ends up in college. There are some concerns about work ethic, which isn't likely to win over Mark Turgeon, and he's also had to battle off quite a few injuries. Definition of a high-risk, high-reward type.

Odds: Not great, but mostly because Bail seems wide open right now and we have no idea how much of a priority he is for Maryland, or vice versa. As we find out more, we'll update.

Other videos: [1]

Position: PG/SG

HS / Hometown: Notre Dame Prep (MA) / Baltimore, Md.

AAU: Nike Baltimore Elite

Measurables: 6-3 / 175

Rankings and Profiles:
-ESPN: , 88
-Rivals: NR
-Scout:

Other Schools: Florida St., Nebraska, Washington

Notes: Yes, he's that Sam Cassell. A Baltimore native who went to a Northeast prep powerhouse and revitalized his game, Cassell is now being recruited by several big-time programs as a high-scoring combo. A few big performances in November and December have helped his stock tremendously.

Major Strengths: Putting the ball in the basket. He's really crafty in figuring out different ways to score and can create his own shot, especially in terms of using his body to create space. He's a streaky shooter but when he heats up from outside they all go in. Can attack off the dribble and hit in mid-range, too. Has good size for the 1 and acceptable size for the 2. Has the potential to be a lead guard.

Needs Improvement: Right now, he's not really a point guard or a 2-guard ... so he's a lot like Terrell Stoglin and Seth Allen. I like the guy, but you have to start to wonder if you have too many combo guards. Maryland is in greater need of a true point guard, and Cassell probably doesn't provide that, at least not right away. He looks a bit much for his own shot.

Odds: Maryland's the clubhouse leader, and should remain as such unless they find a better prospect to fill up the gaping point guard spot still on the roster. Washington (of course) is the big competition.

Other videos: [1]

Position: SF / PF

HS / Hometown: New Hope Academy (Landover Hills, Md.) / Champdieu, France

AAU: n/a

Measurables: 6-7 / 205

Rankings and Profiles:
-ESPN: , 90, #35 SF
-Rivals:
-Scout: n/a

Other Schools: Providence, Rhode Island, Washington

Notes: A French import who was supposedly placed at New Hope Academy by Washington in order to qualify, Howard blew up at the National Prep Showcase and likely picked up a dozen offers or so, including one from Mark Turgeon. Maryland needs bodies, and the versatility and length of Howard could be appealing.

Major Strengths: His arms are extremely long and, if I didn't know better, I'd say he's at least 6-9 or so. This makes him troublesome as a three, or lets him be a face-up four should Maryland need the body. He's a perimeter player at heart, though: he likes to shoot from deep and has legitimate three-point range. When he's not taking threes, he likes to drive and either pop from mid-range or try to finish at the rim, often drawing a foul. Has a good stroke from the line. Good enough athletically. Energetic rebounder who makes an impact on the glass with his length.

Needs Improvement: Looks like he's still adjusting to the American game and potentially still growing into his body. His drives, while effective at this level, tend to be awkward and occasionally out of control, which will get him in trouble at the high-major level. He doesn't really post up smaller defenders, which would make him incredibly difficult to guard effectively. Could stand to fill out his frame a bit. Rarely demands the ball, and in that sense is a bit like Layman and could stand to be more aggressive.

Odds: Who knows? Washington is without a doubt the leader, but Maryland needs depth and Howard could replace Amile Jefferson in their recruiting class. Maryland is famously international-friendly, and the presence of fellow Euros Alex Len and Berend Weijs (the Dutchman will be gone when Howard is on campus, but not when he makes his decision) could help sell him on Maryland. (Darn you, Breunig.) If he's open to looking around and Maryland wants to push, the Terrapins should be in the top tier of schools.

(full game playlist embedded)

Position: PF

HS / Hometown: Wheeler / Marietta, GA

AAU: Worldwide

Measurables: 6-7 / 250

Rankings and Profiles:
-ESPN: , 91, #25 PF
-Rivals: , #12 C, #76 nationally
-Scout: , #21 C, #97 nationally

Other Schools: Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech

Notes: Mitchell was a somewhat of big prospect for Maryland before Gary Williams retired. Mark Turgeon never really seemed to make him as big of a priority, and as a result he fell off our radar. Maryland went in-home with him a few weeks ago, though, so it appears they're right back in it, potentially as a back-up for losing Amile Jefferson and Mitch McGary.

Major Strengths: Very good back-to-the-basket game with a nice touch around the rim. Sticks around the basket and has a wide array of post moves. Can face up if he has to, and has a nice low-post jumper. Purportedly has a good work ethic and motor.

Needs Improvement: A little on the short side, and probably a little too heavy, as well. Not the most athletic guy in the world. Will probably struggle to guard the bigger, more athletic 4s he'd encounter at the ACC level. Not a fan of having both he and Shaquille Cleare in the same post. Too much girth, not enough height and athleticism.

Odds: Well, it depends on how much Maryland wants him, and how long he's willing to wait. The Terps are definitely in the running after that in-home, so we'll see what happens.

Position: SF

HS / Hometown: Brewster Academy (NH) / Akron, Oh.

AAU: King James Shooting Stars

Measurables: 6-8 / 200

Rankings and Profiles (from 2011 class):
-ESPN: , 96, #9 SF, #32 nationally
-Rivals: , #17 SF, #51 nationally
-Scout: , #11 SF, #41 nationally

Other Schools: Baylor, Louisville, Miami, Pittsburgh, Providence, Xavier

Notes: Sampson was a 2010 commitment to St. John's in that ridiculously huge class that they had, and he was considered potentially the best of all of them. He was ruled ineligible, though, and so decided to go to prep school for a year (at powerhouse Brewster), get his grades up, and reopen his recruitment. Maryland, with their other options falling off, is interested.

Major Strengths: Elite athleticism, which is always the big highlight to his game. Runs the floor very well and has a great vertical leap. Also has long arms, making him taller than 6-8 and allowing him to play either the 3 or the 4 in college. Good rebounder thanks to his length and athleticism. He's a menace defensively, and that's where his game is really concentrated: he plays with intensity in man-to-man looks, and has the length, athleticism, and quickness to guard every position except the 5. His offensive game is improving, particularly off the dribble, where he can take a defender off either hand.

Needs Improvement: His offensive game is still raw, particularly his shooting stroke, which needs to get more consistent, as does his ball-handling. Both of these factors point to him being perhaps better utilized as a face-up four instead of a pure 3. My biggest worry is about finding the right spot for him to play: offensively he'd be best as a face-up four with Shaquille Cleare eating up space in the middle, but defensively I'm not sure he can hold his own in the paint against a true 4. Adding some strength would do a lot for him there.

Odds: Not fantastic with a lot of other big names floating around, but his recruitment is still young and can change rapidly.

Other videos: [1] [2]