July AAU Circuit-Thoughts and Predictions, Volume 1

With the July evaluation period upon us it is time for coaches, parents, and players (and recruiting guys like me) to get back in the basketball gym. Long, yet fun days await us as rumors swirl and scholarships are offered. With the first big tournament approaching, the 2nd Annual Adidas Invitational Classic in Indianapolis, I decided to put together some thoughts on what is coming in the next few weeks.

Players on the Rise: Every summer there are a few guys who enter the July period with only a couple small offers, then within weeks have committed to a mid or high-major school. So, who will those guys be this year?

D.J. Balentine: 6'1'' Point Guard, Kokomo H.S. (2012)

AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

The sharp shooting guard who lead his high school team to the State Finals this season has just two offers, Missouri State and IPFW. If he continues playing the way he did during the school season I expect for some bigger offers to start rolling in. Any school that may have missed on their top couple of choices at either guard spot could use Balentine in their program. Don't be surprised to see Tennessee, Stanford, or Boston College to enter into the mix as all have shown some interest in the past.

Nick Osborne: 6'8'' Power Forward, Muncie Central H.S. (2012)

AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

Osborne is a guy that I really expect to burst onto the national radar this month. He has the prototypical body type for the college game, a 6'8'' post player who can also step away from the basket and score with his mid-range game. He currently holds offers from Ball State, Xavier, and Miami (OH). Stanford has also been in contact with the unsigned senior-to-be. With a solid start to the July AAU schedule, look for schools such as Iowa, Butler, or even Purdue to make a late offer.

Patrick Ingram: 6'2'' Shooting Guard, North Central H.S. (2012)

AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

He has said that he wants to make a college decision by the end of the AAU season. So, with that time quickly approaching, a school making a late offer could still swoop in and catch a commitment from the talented guard. Ingram currently has offers from 8 mid-major schools, such as, Southern Illinois, Ball State, Indiana State, and St. Louis. St. Louis is probably his favorite right now, however don't be surprised him he ends up committing to a school who has not yet offered. Wichita State, Iowa, and Tennessee are 3 schools that are showing some interest.

J.T. Yoho: 6'5'' Shooting Guard, Eastern Greene H.S. (2012)

AAU: Spiece Select

Yoho could probably gain more from a solid July than almost anyone else in the state. The crafty scorer holds just 2 offers, Gardner-Webb and Bowling Green. I think that after putting together a couple of good performances he could garner some more mid to high-major interest. As a long guard who can really fill it up, any college looking for a 2-guard to fill out a recruiting class should consider Yoho.

Mike Crawford: 6'5'' Small Forward, Tipton H.S. (2013)

AAU: Indiana Elite Stars

Expect the offers to start rolling in for this athletic wing. He is strong enough to score in the paint, yet has the offensive skills to dominate on the perimeter and attacking the basket. He has fielded calls from Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Wright State just to name a few. I could see Purdue getting involved in his recruitment, as well as places like Michigan or Xavier. I doubt it will be long into this month until Crawford receives his first offer.

Darryl Baker: 6'1'' Shooting Guard, Jeffersonville H.S. (2013)

AAU: Team Southern Indiana 2012 Red

I really like his athleticism and he has been improving his all-around offensive game. I expect him to have a big month and look for him to get a few offers from mid to high-major schools soon.

With the deep talent pool that the state has to offer, a list like this could go on forever. However, these are 6 names I would really keep my eye on. I expect these prospects to have a huge month on their way to landing some serious interest.

If you have any questions or comments please email me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu. Also, make sure you follow us on Twitter! @INrecruitguide