Gary Parrish - It's official: Nobody wants Lance Stephenson
Well known info, but I like Parrish despite his fauxhawk, and he has a decent opinion.
Which means Stephenson almost certainly holds the McDonald's All-American record for public shuns. Honest to God, I'm not sure there's ever been such a radioactive talent in the history of college basketball recruiting. On one hand, it's hilarious. But on the other hand, it's just sad and shameful that the Stephenson family allowed things to get to a point where countless colleges are so worried about a possible NCAA investigation that they don't believe it's worth it to take a consensus top 10 prospect.
There better be some fire behind this smoke.
Memphis still interested in Stephenson
If he gets through at Memphis...well, I can't be too angry. Memphis will take anyone. But if the NCAA does nothing? Well, then I'll have a problem. Whether that problem will be with the NCAA or Maryland is unknown right now.
Memphis has made no such statement. That's because, according to a source close to the program, the Tigers are still open to taking Stephenson and have let it be known to the Stephenson camp that they are interested. Though the level of dialogue between Memphis and Stephenson's people probably wouldn't be described as intense, the discussion has been ongoing.
Andy Katz Puts Maryland at #17 in Top 25
I won't complain - actually, I'm very happy at #17. Then again, Cal is #11 and we beat them...no, be content.
17. Maryland: Yes, the Terps are getting this high a nod. I know they got rocked by Georgetown and Duke at one point last season and had to scratch and claw their way into the NCAAs. But Greivis Vasquez' decision to return gives Gary Williams the ammunition he needs to build a tough-minded, gritty bunch once again, with eight of the team's nine top scorers back.
Patrick Stevens' Top 35 for 2009-10 - Terps at #29
WT blogger Pat Stevens isn't quite as kind as Andy Katz - he puts Maryland at 29, which is about what I expected.
29. Maryland. This is a team that won 21 games, reached the second round of the NCAA tournament and brings back seven of its top eight scorers --- including Greivis Vasquez. The Terrapins might not win many style points, but a spot in or near the top 30 sounds about right at this stage.
Goodman Labels Maryland, Williams as Winner in NBA Draft
Nothing you didn't already know, but...
9. Gary Williams: The Terps went from an NIT team without Greivis Vasquez to a club capable of getting back to the Big Dance now that their talented 6-foot-5 point guard has opted to retiurn for his senior campaign.
Luke Winn - Maryland in the "Others Receiving Votes" For Offseason Winners
Luke Winn rated the offseason winners and losers for college basketball (unsurprisingly, Kansas won and Kentucky came in second). Maryland didn't place in the top 4, but "received votes" for Greivis' return.
Walbrook HS Shutting Down
Walbrook HS, located in Baltimore city, is officially shutting down this summer. While it's not a local power in either basketball or football, it was the home of Terp target Roscoe Smith. I believe his future is unknown right now.
2011 Targets Glaze, Wiltjer, Bello, Yacoubou "Standouts" at Nike Hoop Jamboree
Rivals' Jerry Meyer has the best 2011 prospects at the Nike Hoop Jamboree. Quite a few Terp prospects found their way to the list. Among them were Canadian SF import Grandy Glaze, Oregon PF Kyle Wiltjer, star SG Deuce Bello, and sleeper guard Achraf Yacoubou. (Sorry for the massive quoting).
You certainly can't judge Glaze's game by his physical measurements. Although he is significantly undersized, Glaze has exceptional strength and as good a motor as you'll find in a big man. Constantly on the attack, Glaze scores in traffic and rebounds in a crowd. His game won't be for every program, but there is likely a high major program who will be happy to take a chance on an undersized warrior.
Like Miller, Wiltjer is thin and physically weak at this point, but he has an exceptional scoring touch with deep range. Overall, Wiltjer has an advanced offensive skill package and a feel for getting to the ball. The level of his development in terms of physical toughness will determine his level as a prospect.
A big time athlete who plays with energy, Bello is a raw prospect with a lot of natural ability to work with. His improved ball handling is allowing him to tap into his explosive athleticism off the bounce. And he has great potential as a defender. At this point it doesn't look like he will be much of an outside shooter or a physical player, so playing in an open, up tempo college system is a must for Bello.
Yacoubou shot the ball as well from behind the arc as any prospect at the camp. The sturdily built shooting guard is also a solid ball handler.
The Dagger Judges Greivis Vasquez
A day after decision day, college BB blog The Dagger says Greivis made the right decision.
Had he gone pro, he may have slipped into the second round and earned the non-guaranteed contract that comes with it. Now, Vasquez will be leading a presumptive top 25 team in 2010 and figures to have a much better chance at being selected in the first round. Not bad for a guy who doesn't always make the right choice on the court.
Clemson, Purnell agree to 2-year extension
Not a big deal for the ACC. Purnell is a decent coach, but he's nothing spectacular. They could do better, but they could do worse, too. I expect Clemson to continue to be solid but inconsistent at the end of the year.