This topic contains 4 replies, has 2 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Hale 11 years, 2 months ago.

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  • #46164
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    NYFinest12
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  • #743773
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    Hale
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    Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series breaking down the recruitments of the nation’s top uncommitted seniors. Previous breakdowns looked at No. 1 overall prospect Andrew Wiggins, No. 2 Jabari Parker (who since committed to Duke), No. 4 Julius Randle, No. 7 Aaron Gordon and No. 19 Jermaine Lawrence.

    Keith Frazier’s recruitment is finally starting to gain some steam. The Dallas Kimball senior shooting guard and No. 22 overall prospect in the ESPN 100 recently took an official visit to Texas and is slated to visit SMU this weekend.

    Texas A&M, Texas Tech and a few others are also in the mix, but expect Frazier to stay in the Lone Star State and it appears the battle over the scoring wizard will come down to Texas and SMU. After missing on the Harrison twins (Andrew and Aaron) this past fall, Frazier could be Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown’s chance to finally make a splash with the Mustangs.

    With that in mind, our RecruitingNation basketball experts are here to try to make sense of it all. Here’s how they think Frazier’s recruitment will play out, complete with what makes him special, improvement for the next level, freshman projections in college, decision factors and predictions on what school he’ll choose.

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    Courtesy of Anthony Scott Kurtz
    ESPN 100 SG Keith Frazier’s recruitment could come down to Texas and SMU.
    Dave Telep
    What makes him special: Frazier thinks score and plays with supreme confidence in his jump shot.

    Improvement for next level: There are times when his play is inconsistent and he doesn’t engage on both ends. He must value defense.

    Freshman projection: Expect him to be an immediate factor offensively because of his long-range capabilities.

    Decision factors: Last summer Frazier became a father, and the thinking is that he’ll play relatively close to home.

    Prediction: SMU

    Paul Biancardi
    What makes him special: His ability to make long-distance, contested shots and scoring plays makes him special. When he’s aggressive, he gets to the basket and scores.

    Improvement for next level: He’ll need to improve his shot selection, which means taking open shots within the flow of the offense. Defense also will be a major adjustment on and especially off the ball.

    Freshman projection: He will have some big games because of his ability to score, but it could be an up-and-down year until he figures out his role, plays within the framework of the team and plays up to his talent. He’ll shoot his team into and out of games.

    Decision factors: Style of play and playing time will be the biggest factors in his decision. Frazier wants to be in a high-possession game or in a system that will run plays to get him shots.

    Prediction: SMU

    UNSIGNED RECRUIT BREAKDOWNS
    Here are some of the past recruiting breakdowns we’ve done on the top remaining unsigned prospects in the 2013 class.

    • No. 1 Andrew Wiggins
    • No. 4 Julius Randle
    • No. 7 Aaron Gordon
    • No. 19 Jermaine Lawrence
    Reggie Rankin
    What makes him special: Frazier is a true shooting guard with deep range, but he also can make scoring plays off the dribble and finish through contact. He is an underrated passer as well.

    Improvement for next level: Frazier will have to learn to play with more intensity and a greater sense of urgency on both ends of the floor because he has the talent to be a highly productive offensive weapon.

    Freshman projection: He’ll be a potential immediate starter because he has the skill and talent to be a go-to player on the offensive end from day one.

    Decision factors: Expect Frazier to stay in the state of Texas based on his final list of Texas, SMU, Texas Tech and Texas A&M. He must have a connection to the coaching staff and feel comfortable in the school’s environment, in addition to being close to family.

    Prediction: SMU

    Adam Finkelstein
    What makes him special: He can make shots in bunches from long range and just has a knack for putting the ball in the basket.

    Improvement for next level: Defenders are going to run at him at the next level, so he has to be able to attack closeouts and score in the midrange area with consistency.

    Freshman projection: While his scoring numbers might be streaky next year, his ability to shoot the ball from long range will give him a niche — and consequently get him on the floor — from day one.

    Decision factors: Frazier makes no secret of his NBA aspirations and he wants to play for someone who can help him get there.

    Prediction: SMU

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    AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
    A commitment from Keith Frazier would give Larry Brown his first big pickup at SMU.
    Joel Francisco
    What makes him special: Frazier has a prototypical frame for wing players that college coaches covet, and he has a smooth shooting touch that extends out to 23 feet.

    Improvement for next level: There are a couple of areas Frazier could improve on before entering college: consistency and savvy. There are many times he just drifts during games, and his decision-making can be erratic as well.

    Freshman projection: With added strength, Frazier could be an instant-impact recruit because of his athleticism and shooting prowess.

    Decision factors: At this stage it appears to be a two-horse race between Texas and SMU. Both schools need a talent influx, and Frazier’s commitment would definitely kick-start that process.

    Prediction: SMU

    John Stovall
    What makes him special: There are few players with the shooting range of Mr. Frazier. He can score in bunches.

    Improvement for next level: He needs to be more versatile and improve the other parts of his game, which he has started to do this season.

    Freshman projection: He’ll be a starter, but not one-and-done.

    Decision factors: Playing time and the ability of the coach to prepare him for the next level will be the major factors.

    Prediction: SMU

    Mike LaPlante
    What makes him special: If the ability to shoot can forgive a lot of sins on the basketball court, this kid has sainthood potential.

    Improvement for next level: He will need to develop a stronger game off the dribble, as collegiate defenders will force him to put the ball on the floor.

    Freshman projection: In the right system with a point guard who can penetrate, he could easily be a double-digit scorer who can stretch the defense for an elite-level team.

    Decision factors: The Texas schools will make it very difficult for other teams to come in and steal him away, but opportunities to shine immediately may be enough to entice him to leave the Lone Star State.

    Prediction: Texas

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  • #743774
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    Hale
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    Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series breaking down the recruitments of the nation’s top uncommitted seniors. Previous breakdowns looked at No. 1 overall prospect Andrew Wiggins, No. 2 Jabari Parker (who since committed to Duke), No. 4 Julius Randle and No. 7 Aaron Gordon.

    Senior power forward Jermaine Lawrence (Springfield Gardens, N.Y./Pope John XXIII) is a tough one to figure out. On the court, the No. 19-ranked player in the ESPN 100 has physical gifts and versatility that make him a tantalizing prospect, but durability and consistency have been concerns.

    And on the recruiting trail, he’s been equally hard to read. Will he stick close to home and choose St. John’s? Will he be enticed by the glitz and glamor of Vegas and pick UNLV? Or will he be loyal to the program that has recruited him the longest and hardest and commit to Cincinnati?

    Luckily, our RecruitingNation basketball experts are here to try and make sense of it all. Here’s how they think Lawrence’s recruitment will play out, complete with what makes him special, improvement for the next level, freshman projections in college, decision factors and predictions on what school he’ll choose.

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    Dave Telep/ESPN.com
    ESPN 100 PF Jermaine Lawrence is down to UNLV, St John’s and Cincinnati.
    Dave Telep
    What makes him special: His combination of size, athleticism, and the ability to run the floor and excel in the transition game is a factor.

    Improvement for next level: Consistency. We rated him aggressively early, knowing what he could become as this unfolds. Now he has to go out and deliver consistent performances to the level of his ability.

    Freshman projection: For a Top 25-caliber team, he’s a guy who can come off the bench and be a major contributor or start depending on the team’s personnel.

    Decision factors: At this point, the process has taken a long time with some twists and turns. It looks to me like he wants to be a Big East guy.

    Prediction: St. John’s

    Paul Biancardi
    What makes him special: He possesses a combination of scoring skills and athletic ability. He’s a fluid athlete who is fast yet graceful with the ball.

    Improvement for next level: First, he must improve his overall body strength. Second, he must learn to play through bumps in games and become more durable. He misses too many games because he is not able to handle the physicality of the game.

    Freshman projection: He displays the talent and athletic ability to contribute, but it will all depend on the work he does in the weight room during the summer before he enrolls.

    Decision factors: He’ll have to decide between staying close to home and playing in front of family and friends or breaking away from the nest.

    Prediction: St. John’s

    UNSIGNED RECRUIT BREAKDOWNS
    Here are some of the past recruiting breakdowns we’ve done on the top remaining unsigned prospects in the 2013 class.

    • No. 1 Andrew Wiggins
    • No. 4 Julius Randle
    • No. 7 Aaron Gordon
    • No. 19 Jermaine Lawrence
    Reggie Rankin
    What makes him special: Lawrence is a combination of great length, athletic ability and rapidly improving skill. He plays above the rim on the break with flair and is a matchup nightmare for most power forwards because of his ability to post up or knock down shots from the mid-range area out to the arc.

    Improvement for next level: Lawrence must continue to add strength and make his capable motor a more consistent weapon. Skill-wise, he needs to make more scoring moves off the bounce.

    Freshman projection: He’ll earn playing time immediately because of his athleticism and shooting ability. He should be a capable starter with an immediate impact at the power forward position.

    Decision factors: Lawrence must determine if he wants play for hometown St. John’s or take his show on the road to another Big East power in Cincinnati or out West to UNLV. Factors include playing time at both forward positions, continued player development to aid him in getting to the next level and ability to win immediately. The instant success of freshman power forward Anthony Bennett at UNLV is likely to gain his attention as well.

    Prediction: St. John’s

    Adam Finkelstein
    What makes him special: He’s long and athletic with the ability to score in all three ranges.

    Improvement for next level: He’s been so plagued by injuries that he needs to address his durability and prove he can get through the physicality of the college season without missing time.

    Freshman projection: If he’s healthy, he’ll have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the scoring column given his tools to put points on the board in transition or the half-court set.

    Decision factors: Right now he’s weighing a chance to stay close to home, head out to the bright lights of Vegas or stay loyal to the program that has recruited him the hardest.

    Prediction: St. John’s

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    Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
    Steve Lavin will have to fight off UNLV and Cincy to keep Jermaine Lawrence close to home at St. John’s.
    Joel Francisco
    What makes him special: Lawrence has a terrific combination of elite athleticism, versatility and budding skills for the power forward position at the next level.

    Improvement for next level: He needs to continue to find ways to impact the game when the ball is not in his hands.

    Freshman projection: Lawrence has the frame, bounce and skill to start as a freshman. He can convert buckets in a number of ways, especially in transition.

    Decision factors: He has former AAU teammate and friend Savon Goodman at UNLV. St. John’s has struggled this season, making it a must for Steve Lavin to snag this local stud. Cincinnati, however, appears to be out in front, though Lawrence is taking his visit to St. John’s this month.

    Prediction: Cincinnati

    John Stovall
    What makes him special: Versatility. He has great size and nice skill and will be a matchup problem in college when his motor is running.

    Improvement for next level: He needs to improve his outside shooting and consistency.

    Freshman projection: He should be an immediate contributor.

    Decision factors: Good question. Lawrence has been hard to read.

    Prediction: Cincinnati

    Mike LaPlante
    What makes him special: This kid is an elite athlete with great size and work ethic.

    Improvement for next level: He has improved his half-court skill level in the low post, but because of injury he has missed out on some development during his senior year.

    Freshman projection: He’ll impact with his energy and should be an instant force by running, rebounding and blocking shots.

    Decision factors: Does he want to try to shine in the Big Apple, the bright lights of Vegas or take his talents to Cincy? Could staying close to home end up as the deciding factor in his final decision?

    Prediction: St. John’s

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  • #743775
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    Hale
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    Julius Randle (Dallas/Prestonwood Christian) may be facing the most unique recruiting situation of anyone in the Class of 2013 as we head toward the spring. Not only is the No. 1 power forward and No. 4 overall prospect tough to peg — our seven recruiting experts spread out their predictions among three schools — but he’s dealing with a fractured foot that will likely sideline him for his entire senior season.

    One thing is certain, however: When healthy, Randle is an absolute specimen blessed with perhaps the best combination of skills, size, athleticism and sheer will of anyone in the country. And despite the injury, the battle for him this winter and spring between his six finalists — Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Kansas, NC State and Oklahoma — will be intense.

    Here’s how our RecruitingNation basketball experts see Randle’s recruitment playing out, complete with what makes him special, freshman projections in college, decision factors and predictions on where he’ll choose.

    Editor’s note: This is the third in a series breaking down the recruitments of the nation’s top uncommitted seniors. Our first installment looked at No. 2 prospect Jabari Parker (who has since committed to Duke), while the second breakdown was on No. 1 recruit Andrew Wiggins.

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    Andrew Shurtleff for ESPN.com
    Julius Randle is the No. 1 power forward in the 2013 class and will be an instant-impact player at the college level.
    Dave Telep
    What makes him special: There’s a will in him to overpower and dominate to the best of his abilities. He’s a freight train steaming along, obliterating everything in his way.

    Freshman projection: He will be a force and one of the three best producers in whatever conference he selects to play in.

    Decision factors: I think he finds a school that has a need for a go-to guy with enough pieces around him that he feels can make a run at a championship.

    Prediction: Kansas

    Paul Biancardi
    What makes him special: This left-handed power forward is an elite specimen who is physically imposing and dominates the game in the paint. Randle is a relentless rebounder who needs to be double- teamed when he catches the ball close to the basket.

    Freshman projection: He will be a terrific rebounder, especially on the offensive end, which will lead to plenty of second-chance points. With his power, athletic ability and soft touch, he will score inside and create fouls. At the high post, his game will be effective with both the jumper and the drive.

    Decision factors: He’s extremely close with his mom, Carolyn, so he may want to stay close to her and become the biggest recruit at Texas since Kevin Durant.

    Prediction: Texas

    Reggie Rankin
    What makes him special: Randle attacks defenders relentlessly. His will, drive and toughness complement his quickness, athleticism, explosion and fast-developing skills to create an impossible matchup. He has an on-court killer instinct and terrific motor in addition to an internal drive to win and be an NBA player.

    Freshman projection: Randle will be an immediate starter wherever he decides to attend. He is a double-double performer from day one — it’s just a matter of how high the double-double numbers will be.

    Decision factors: I think Randle will go where he can get the development and be put in the best situation to reach his dual goals of winning and getting to the NBA.

    Prediction: Kentucky

    Adam Finkelstein
    What makes him special: Randle possesses a unique and versatile combination of characteristics on the interior because he can beat you with speed or power. He’s a tough matchup because he’ll go get it off the glass, is left-handed and has an excellent motor.

    Freshman projection: Depending on the opportunity of available minutes and shots, Randle has the sheer talent to challenge for double-doubles on most nights right away as a freshman.

    Decision factors: He’s considering some of the most prestigious programs in college basketball, but relative to those recruiting classes, he needs to decide if he wants to be the big fish in a small pond or another big fish in the shark tank.

    Prediction: Kentucky

    Getty Images/Icon SMI
    The battle for Julius Randle could come down to Kentucky’s John Calipari (left) and Texas’ Rick Barnes.
    Joel Francisco
    What makes him special: There is no one in high school basketball that has his combination of size, skill and athleticism.

    Freshman projection: Randle will be a starter from day one, and if healthy he’ll be a candidate for All-America honors.

    Decision factors: Randle will choose the school that will give him the best opportunity to exhibit his unique skill set. He possesses the personality to be the go-to guy from the start.

    Prediction: Texas

    Mike LaPlante
    What makes him special: Randle has a great motor and possesses the most lethal combination of size, skill and athleticism of anyone in the 2013 class.

    Freshman projection: He is a major producer who will have the chance to lead a program in both scoring and rebounding as a freshman.

    Decision factors: This is going to come down to the wire. He visited Kentucky and Florida early; will he remember the feeling he had on those campuses at decision time? Kansas is a definite player, while Texas will try to make it very difficult for him to leave the state’s borders. And could the atmosphere of the UNC versus NC State rivalry push the Pack over the top?

    Prediction: Kentucky

    John Stovall
    What makes him special: His strength, skill and athletic ability are unmatched on the high school level. When motivated (and healthy), he is the most dominating force in the high school game today.

    Freshman projection: He should make an impact from the moment he steps on campus. Expect him to be all-conference and in the conversation for All-America status.

    Decision factors: Factors include closeness to home, immediate playing time and championship possibilities.

    Prediction: Texas

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  • #743776
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    Hale
    Participant

    With the early signing period in the rearview mirror and the spring signing period not starting until April 17, we have a chance to break down the best uncommitted prospects in the Class of 2013 and analyze their recruitments.

    So each week between now and the spring signing period, our RecruitingNation staff will break down a different best available senior, looking at what makes him special, freshman projections in college, decision factors and ultimately a prediction on where he signs.

    We started the series last week with No. 2 prospect Jabari Parker, who is expected to announce his decision Dec. 20. This week we double back to hit No. 1 recruit Andrew Wiggins, who supplanted Parker at the top of the ESPN 100 when he reclassified to the 2013 class earlier this fall.

    Here’s how our basketball recruiting experts see Wiggins’ recruitment playing out.

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    Sam Forencich/NBAE/Getty Images
    No. 1 recruit Andrew Wiggins will be an instant-impact player and possible one-and-done prospect wherever he chooses.
    Dave Telep
    What makes him special: He reminds me of Tracy McGrady in terms of his size and ability to get shots when and where he wants them. It’s that size and explosion to the rim that is a combination rare in high school prospects.

    Freshman projection: He instantly becomes the most difficult defensive assignment in the country. He’ll be a mid-teens scorer, a topic of national conversation and the apple of the NBA’s eye.

    Decision factors: Wiggins told me loyalty is the biggest factor in his decision: Does he trust what the coach says and will the program do what it told him it will for him? The kid has to trust the adults he’s about to come into daily contact with. The fact his father played at Florida State is also a factor.

    Prediction: Florida State

    Paul Biancardi
    What makes him special: He has freakish NBA-level athletic ability, and he uses it to overwhelm his opponents both offensively and defensively.

    Freshman projection: Wiggins will be one of the true impact freshmen at the college level and his next step will be the projected No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

    Decision factors: Playing with a point guard who can get him the ball in the right spot at the right time will be vital to his success.

    Prediction: North Carolina

    Reggie Rankin
    What makes him special: What makes him special is not only his elite athleticism and skill, but his natural basketball instincts. The way he reads on-court situations is special and can’t be coached. Wiggins is always calm and never panics, and he sees the game in slow motion.

    Freshman projection: Wiggins will be the best player and go-to guy for the school he selects, and he’ll be a one-and-done if he performs to the level he is capable.

    Decision factors: The coach at the school he selects must make him the No. 1 option and understand he is a special player and know how to help him maximize his likely only year of college. Wiggins must also have good players around him because he is unselfish and will give up the ball due to the defensive attention he will receive.

    Prediction: Kentucky

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    Paul Abell/US PRESSWIRE
    Wiggins’ family ties to Florida State could be enough for Leonard Hamilton to land the elite prospect.
    Adam Finkelstein
    What makes him special: He’s the total package because he possesses both high-level athleticism and a versatile skill set that allows him to score the ball in all three ranges.

    Freshman projection: He’ll be capable of leading a national-championship-caliber team in scoring or putting a slightly lower-profile team on his back and carrying it to the next level.

    Decision factors: He’s weighing the chance to be the next great Kentucky freshman against the opportunity to join a friend (Xavier Rathan-Mayes) and follow in his father’s footsteps at Florida State.

    Prediction: Kentucky

    Joel Francisco
    What makes him special: Wiggins possesses the best combination of athleticism, skill and competitiveness in the country.

    Freshman projection: Although many of the elite prospects from the Class of 2012 are struggling to a certain extent this season, I do not expect that to be the case when Wiggins arrives as a freshman. He’s that good.

    Decision factors: He’ll start wherever he goes. The question will be: Does he want to revitalize a program struggling this season where his father went (Florida State) or will he continue his career at a tradition-rich program like Kentucky, North Carolina or Syracuse.

    Prediction: Florida State

    Mike LaPlante
    What makes him special: His deadly combination of skill and athleticism is without peer and shot him to the top spot in the 2013 class.

    Freshman projection: Wiggins should be an immediate impact player, has the potential to be a first team All-American and is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

    Decision factors: Since he will have a winning influence wherever he goes, his choice may come down to whether he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps (Florida State) or Michael Jordan’s footsteps (UNC).

    Prediction: Florida State

    John Stovall
    What makes him special: Wiggins has good skills, but what makes him special is his elite athleticism, super-quick first step and extreme competitiveness when challenged. His athletic ability is similar to that of Dominique Wilkins.

    Freshman projection: He will be a one-and-done impact player in college.

    Decision factors: His choice could come down to his parents’ legacy versus starting one of his own

    Prediction: Florida State

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