Breaking down the recruiting classes from the SEC

[XPS]

[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=333"]Alabama commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=333): Five
Tony Mitchell (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=45473) is the star of Mark Gottfried's class. Mitchell, a 6-foot-6 small forward, is a big-time scorer and a good athlete who can slash to the basket or hit midrange jumpers to 17 feet. Alabama also filled immediate needs, going the JUCO route with Charvez Davis (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=72948) and Chris Hines (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=72760). Davis is a 6-3 shooting guard who's streaky but can catch fire in a hurry, while Hines is a 6-8, 225-pound combo forward with good athleticism. Gottfried added quality and quantity to his roster with this class. http://assets.espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/8.gif




[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=8"]Arkansas commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=8): Three
Razorbacks coach John Pelphrey went out and got guys who can help now as well as in the future. The top player is Marshawn Powell (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=53880), a 6-7 power forward who brings immediate help inside with athleticism and effort. He does all the dirty work and plays with relentless energy. He can rebound and score inside 12 feet. Jemal Farmer (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=71698), a 6-5 scorer whose strength lies in his ability to slash to the basket. He's also versatile enough to play the 2 or 3 spot. Anthony Borden (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=66422), a 6-11 center, will help in the future. He is long and athletic with developing scoring skills inside. He runs the floor and has the ability to block shots but must become more consistent on both ends of the floor.




Auburn commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=2): Three
This is a solid class that will add depth to coach Jeff Lebo's program. Earnest Ross (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=53208) and Andre Malone (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=56411) should add perimeter scoring for the Tigers in the coming years. Ross is a strong, powerful and athletic guard who slashes his way to the basket. He's improving as an outsider shooter and currently has range out to 20 feet. Malone, son of former NBA player Jeff Malone, is a consistent shooter to 17 feet but needs to work on his stroke behind the 3-point line. Robert Chubb (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=54768) could develop into a nice post presence. Chubb, at 6-8 and 200 pounds, is a developing front-court player who can play inside or outside. When facing the basket, he has range to 15 feet, but he needs to get in the weight room to maximize his potential.




[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=57"]Florida commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=57): Three
Billy the Kid did it again, bringing in a top-5 class. Gators coach Billy Donovan signed three players ranked in the top 36 in the ESPNU 100. Florida adds star power in the backcourt with Kenny Boynton Jr. (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=43305), who was the 13th-ranked prospect in the country. The 6-3, 190-pound shooting guard is the best long-range shooter in the 2009 class. He can range out to 25 feet, but he can be streaky. He's a fierce competitor who can put points on the board in a hurry, create his own shot and be a good defender when motivated. The Gators also helped the frontcourt with the additions of Erik Murphy (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=45481) and DeShawn Painter (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=53363). Murphy (6-10, 225) is a terrific front-court player with range out to the 3-point line. He can score with his back to the basket, has a full menu of post moves and is also a good rebounder. Painter (6-9, 200) is an athletic post player who runs the floor hard and rebounds at both ends. In the low-post defense, he can use his athleticism to front the post and block some shots. His offense, however, is currently a work in progress.




[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=61"]Georgia commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=61): Two
Bulldogs coach Dennis Felton picked up a post player in Daniel Miller (6-8, 240), who has all the tools to be a productive low post player and possesses good footwork and hands. He can score inside with his jump hook and face the basket with range to 15 feet. As he becomes more aggressive in his approach, he will be very productive at Georgia and could turn in to a Chris Kaman-type player. Georgia also added DeMario Mayfield (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=55321), a 6-3 point guard who adds toughness and scoring to its backcourt.



[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=96"]Kentucky commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=96): Three
Coach Billy Gillespie has added another big-time recruit with Daniel Orton (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=42934), a 6-10, 260-pound center who was ranked 10th in the ESPNU 100. While he recently had minor knee surgery and will miss six months, Orton is a big, powerful, athletic post player who is the best true center in the class of 2009. He scores well with his back to the basket with his jump hook, is a terrific passer from the high post area, and is a defensive presence who has the ability to block shots. Jon Hood (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=54108) (6-6, 190) is a nice perimeter player who can play multiple positions, can create his own shot and has the potential to be all-conference down the road. G.J. Vilarino (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=43092), a 5-11 point guard, sets up teammates first but can make shots up to 19 feet and gives the Wildcats depth in the backcourt.




[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=99"]LSU commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=99): Two
Aaron Dotson (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=42844) will be an immediate impact player for LSU and coach Trent Johnson. Dotson, 6-4, is an athletic, skilled guard who can score from behind the line or with his quick first step to the basket. He can play point guard in a pinch but is definitely more of a scorer at this point and will become a go-to guy for LSU. The Tigers also added 6-8 Eddie Ludwig (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=56872), a solid combo forward who has really improved over the last two years. He is long with solid skills and the ability to shoot it to 19 feet. He's more of a skilled power forward, but he should see time at small forward.




[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=145"]Mississippi commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=145): One
Head coach Andy Kennedy has a versatile forward with a lot of upside in Reginald Buckner (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=56356). The 6-8 power forward is a true sleeper in the 2009 class. He runs well and shoots it to 15 feet. This lefty will benefit from added strength, which will help him realize his potential, and could be an impact player in 2009-10 if he puts it all together.




[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=344"]Mississippi State commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=344): One
Head coach Rick Stansbury landed a player in Shaunessy Smith (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=43065) who, before he was injured during his junior season, was among the top 50 recruits in the country. Smith, a 6-6 shooting guard, is a skilled and athletic scorer who has range to 22 feet, although he can be inconsistent. He has great size for the 2 position, and if he stays healthy, he has the potential to play a huge role right away, even at the all-conference level.



[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=2579"]South Carolina commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=2579): Two
In his first year in South Carolina, coach Darrin Horne landed an immediate impact player in Lakeem Jackson (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=54883). A 6-5, strong, slashing small forward, this lefty always plays hard and is constantly in motion. Jackson excels at getting to the basket and finishing and also has range to about 17 feet. Horne also brought in Ramon Galloway (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=57589), who will be a role player in his first season. Galloway is a long and lanky combo guard, but more of a 2 than a 1. He's a good shooter with range to 20 feet but needs to improve his handling and get stronger. Still, he has nice upside.



[B][URL="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=2633"]Tennessee commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=2633): One
With the addition of Kenny Hall (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=53537), No. 55 in the ESPNU 100, Vols coach Bruce Pearl has player who will help immediately and has a chance to be all-conference down the road. Hall, 6-9, is an athletic post prospect with a never-ending motor and is versatile enough to play power forward or center. He does most of his scoring in the paint but can shoot it to 10 feet. Kenny is a good rebounder on both ends and a solid defender.
Vanderbilt Commodores (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=238)

Vanderbilt commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=238): One
Coach Kevin Stallings has a terrific basketball talent on his hands in John Jenkins (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=43061), who was 39th in the ESPNU 100. One of the best pure shooters in the 2009 class, Jenkins' specialty is catching and shooting with range to 22 feet. He has the ability to create for himself, but he'd rather spot up and let it fly. Given his shooting ability, it would be shocking if he weren't an immediate impact player.

[NCMISSSTFAN]

We need a scoring big man in this class too IMO. Shanessy Smith was one of the top players in the country before his injury, he's back this season and is putting up pretty good numbers. He's a four star guy but its hard to say if he will play early or not because we are pretty deep at the 2/3 position. I wouldn't be suprised to see Stans redshirt him.

[MKAU]

Speaking on Auburn's recruits they are missing one. Kenny Gabriel will be coming in out of JUCO. He signed with Auburn out of high school last year but did not qualify. After one year of JUCO he will begin at Auburn next year.

That's not to mention a couple of transfers from Oklahoma and Indiana who will be eligible for us next year.

[GatorMan32]

It will be incredible the difference a year makes for our front court. Vargas, Chaney and Macklin get healthy/eligible plus Murphy and Painter get on campus to go with Kadji and Tyus. Boynton will likely start immediately with Calathes. Dangerous combo there. That team might even make this season worth it LOL

[g8rphish]

what are the odds that calathes is still around next year, though?

[ConwayGamecock]

You can also add SG Steve Spinella (6-5, 185) out of Colts Neck High, NJ, by way of Apex Academy Prep, and PF Johndre Jefferson (6'9,210), of Santee and NW Florida State JC to our 2009 class. Spinella has committed to us, but not yet signed, and Jefferson has not yet committed, but word is that USC is a lock for him....

[GatorMan32]

what are the odds that calathes is still around next year, though?

Considering the questions surrounding the transition of his game to the NBA, I think at worst 50/50.

[g8rphish]

Considering the questions surrounding the transition of his game to the NBA, I think at worst 50/50.
hmm...nice to hear. i thought he was as good as gone.

[bleedorange1983]

what are the odds that calathes is still around next year, though?

I think he stays all four years, I mean is from Florida and probably wanted to be a Gator his whole life. Kids like that don't leave early too often.

[steelyvan]

Even tho the worldwide recession is hitting European pro sports hard, you could see a large contract enticing Calathes to Europe. His game would transition there easily. I think he stays one more year.

[GatorMan32]

I dont think Europe is coming hard after Calathes. That would be coming out of nowhere, really.

[steelyvan]

i had been led to believe that Calathes was of Greek heritage and that teams there were interested. GM32 have i been misled?

[GatorMan32]

on the first part, that is accurate. i have not heard of any serious interest from European teams, though. most kids from America dont give up on the NBA dream in college to go play Euro ball. that money would be there after college too.

[kentubbybasketball]

People are sleeping on Auburn's class. One of the 5 best in the league for next year.

This could be the class that makes or breaks Gillispie's tenure at UK. If he can't win with these guys by the time they are juniors... I'd gotta think he'd be out. I think Gillispie will win with these guys though. Orton may end up being better than Patterson in the sense that Orton is taller by a couple of inches, and may not get his shot blocked as much. I just don't know if Orton has the motor of Patterson or the tenacity.

BTW, I really like Florida's class with Boynton. He may be the next Jodie Meeks of the league from what I've heard sources saying.

[Vandy420]

Jerry Meyer said that Jenkins could cut his ranking in half the next time the rankings are released. he said he was a top 15-20 player. I can't wait to see him play in memorial.

[GatorMan32]

People are sleeping on Auburn's class. One of the 5 best in the league for next year.

This could be the class that makes or breaks Gillispie's tenure at UK. If he can't win with these guys by the time they are juniors... I'd gotta think he'd be out. I think Gillispie will win with these guys though. Orton may end up being better than Patterson in the sense that Orton is taller by a couple of inches, and may not get his shot blocked as much. I just don't know if Orton has the motor of Patterson or the tenacity.

BTW, I really like Florida's class with Boynton. He may be the next Jodie Meeks of the league from what I've heard sources saying.

Hopefully he can avoid the injuries Meeks had earlier. If so that is high praise and I would definitely love to have a kid of that scoring caliber at the 2 for UF.

I believe thats about right. He has through the sophomore year of this incoming class to make it happen. If Meeks stays another year plus a good class like that... he should be able to get it done. One of the PGs will emerge after a year of experience IMO.

[SkyAntoine]

Kentucky commits (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=96): Three
Coach Billy Gillespie has added another big-time recruit with Daniel Orton (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=42934), a 6-10, 260-pound center who was ranked 10th in the ESPNU 100. While he recently had minor knee surgery and will miss six months, Orton is a big, powerful, athletic post player who is the best true center in the class of 2009. He scores well with his back to the basket with his jump hook, is a terrific passer from the high post area, and is a defensive presence who has the ability to block shots. Jon Hood (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=54108) (6-6, 190) is a nice perimeter player who can play multiple positions, can create his own shot and has the potential to be all-conference down the road. G.J. Vilarino (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=43092), a 5-11 point guard, sets up teammates first but can make shots up to 19 feet and gives the Wildcats depth in the backcourt.

I've always got the sense G.J. was a quick pick up to show UK was on the hunt moreso than a solution to our needs. He was a kid BCG had been recruiting for years and the commitment set the pace for G's fast and furious image.

Without a floor general, I don't see things changing much for us next year regardless of how good Orton and Hood are.

[GatorFan]

Boynton is a total stud and is going to give Florida much better athleticism at the position if he will be ready to start, once he gets to Florida.

[UA37]

I really like Bama's class. I hope they all still come to Bama.

[kentubbybasketball]

Hopefully he can avoid the injuries Meeks had earlier. If so that is high praise and I would definitely love to have a kid of that scoring caliber at the 2 for UF.

I believe thats about right. He has through the sophomore year of this incoming class to make it happen. If Meeks stays another year plus a good class like that... he should be able to get it done. One of the PGs will emerge after a year of experience IMO.

The comparisons are drawn, because of the defensive side of the ball though. Sure, both are great scorers, and in Meeks' case an even better shooter than he was pegged to be coming out of HS. But, both guys match that offense with staunch defense. Boynton, I believe, is a few inches shorter though, so that changes things a bit.

All UK needs is a PG to emerge, whether it's Porter, Galloway, Liggins, or Vilarino... heck maybe even Hood. If UK had a competent PG, guys like Ramon Harris and Perry Stevenson would be more consistent scorers. Good point guards make decent players good. And, UK is lacking that at the moment.

From everything I hear Vilarino has the atheliticism and the outright quickness needed at this level.

[ConwayGamecock]

By Phil Kornblut

6-9 PF Jhondre Jefferson of NW Florida State JC committed to USC Thursday while on his official visit. "It was already on my mind to do it," Jefferson said. "I met a lot of great people today. Their foundation to succeed is set up to help the athletes and people. The coaches are in to it with what they are doing. I felt comfortable with them." Jefferson chose USC over offers from Missouri and Mercer. He also was hearing from LSU and UAB. This season he averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. "I'm a four man," Jefferson said. "But coach Horn said he doesn't want to put a number on me because I'm so athletic. I can play all three positions (small forward, power forward, center). Jefferson is a native of Santee who prepped at Lake Marion High School. He will have two years to play two with the Gamecocks. He becomes the fourth recruit for the 2009 class.