Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Recruiting News and Notes

Today there was one commitment, coming from A.J. Schmidt out of Providence High School in New Albany. He committed to Division II McKendree University in Illinois. The 6'1'' combo-guard is a good shooter and an all-around scorer. He played alongside Stetson commit Logan Irwin this summer for Spiece Select.


Monday, September 26, 2011

Recruiting News and Notes

Football season is in full swing now which means that even in the state of Indiana basketball has taken a bit of a back seat. However, there is still a few things happening each week to keep us die-hard basketball fans happy.

This past week Warren Central 6'8'' Power Forward/Center Brent Calhoun committed to the University of Detroit. Calhoun used a strong AAU circuit with the Eric Gordon Central Stars to pick up an offer from Detroit, as well as IPFW, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Lamar. He is a guy with a big frame who has pretty good footwork in the post and finishes well. Brent should be a nice addition at Detroit.

2013 Elkhart Memorial Guard Markese McGuire added an offer from the University of Illinois-Chicago. The talented playmaker also holds offers from Evansville, Mercer, and Northern Illinois.

University of Alabama-Huntsville (DII) received a verbal commitment from Bishop Chatard Guard Greg Gardner.

East Central 6'7'' Power Forward Logan Jaehnen committed to Lindenwood University, an NAIA school in Missouri, today. Logan received quite a bit of interest from DII/DIII/NAIA schools toward the end of the summer.

2014 Point Guard, P.J. Thompson of Brebeuf Jesuit picked up his first offer this past week from IUPUI. In a loaded class, P.J. may be the best pure point guard in the state.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Quick Recruiting Update

Today was a pretty busy day in the basketball recruiting circles. Here is a rundown of some of the biggest news from Indiana today.

Adeleike "Leike" Solanke, a 6'6'' wing of Marquette Catholic H.S. (2012) was offered by Loyola. Last week he picked up an offer from Georgia State. According to a source, Oregon watched him work out this morning, and Tennessee Chattanooga will be coming to see him on Monday.

Lawrence North (2012) Guard Eron Harris received an offer from West Virginia after their in-home visit.

2014 Guard Ernie Duncan from Evansville Harrison got an offer from Southern Illinois this afternoon. He also holds an offer from Evansville.

On a personal note...my Kentucky Wildcats picked up their first 2012 commitment from Archie Goodwin, 6'5'' Shooting Guard from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Recent Recruiting News and Notes

I haven't been able to write for awhile as I have been getting back into the groove of college life the last 2 weeks. However, now that I am back into my schedule I will start writing everyday again. Here is a look at some of the most recent recruiting news.

Two of the Indiana Recruiting Guide's Top 50 2012 prospects have made their college commitments this past week. Roncalli's Ryan Weber, a 6'6'' Small Forward has pledged to Youngstown State University. Weber is a versatile offensive threat who should be able to contribute some points right away for the Penguins. Also committing this past week was 6'9'' Power Forward Steve Hawkins of Bowman Academy. He chose to continue his basketball career at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania. The Colonials are coming off of an 18-14 season and are a traditional threat to win the Northeast Conference.

There was one other Division I commitment this past week as Park Tudor's Paul Bayt, a 6'4'' Shooting Guard committed to Manhattan.

In other news...

Jaylon Brown, a 6'0'' Point Guard from Fishers H.S. (2013) is visiting Butler today. He has offers from American, Ohio, Toledo, and Evansville.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Kellon Thomas to Kent State

Kellon became the second Southport H.S. basketball player to commit to a MAC school in the past couple of weeks when he chose Kent State University today. His teammate Michael Ramey will be attending Ball State. I was impressed with Kellon's play this summer playing alongside great talent with Indiana Elite One. His quickness and strength with the ball allow him to get by defenders and finish through contact inside. I expect that he will contribute solid minutes right away as well as some scoring.

Kellon was also considering IUPUI, UC-Davis and Florida Atlantic.

In other news...

2013 Guard Leo Svete will be taking an unofficial visit to Bowling Green State University tomorrow.

Monday, September 5, 2011

D.J. Balentine to Evansville

The 6'1'' Point Guard from Kokomo H.S. has made his verbal commitment to the University of Evansville. Balentine is a strong guard who has a great pull up jump shot as well as the ability to get to the basket off the dribble. He is a proven winner, leading Kokomo to the Class 4A State Championship game this past season.

I really liked watching him play this summer for his Eric Gordon Central Stars AAU team. Balentine should be able to make an impact right away for Coach Simmons and the Purple Aces. He chose Evansville over Indiana State and Missouri State.

Last evening when I heard that he was going to announce his decision today I figured that it almost had to be UE. He was set to make official visit to ISU and Missouri State later this month, and had just visited UE last weekend. So I thought that he must have really enjoyed his visit and decided that he was ready to make a decision.

Best of luck to D.J. Balentine in his senior year and as he continues his career at Evansville.