May 24, 2007

Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting

After earning the No. 1 spot in the early signing period, Kansas State falls to the No. 2 position in the 2007 team recruiting rankings. The addition of point guard Jai Lucas in the late signing period vaulted Florida from fifth up to No. 1.

Villanova (12), Kentucky (13) and Cincinnati (15) are new to the top 25 after some key additions in the late signing period or rankings boosts for players already signed. The list has been expanded to include 30 classes and previously unranked Pittsburgh (26), Illinois (29) and St. John's (30) also moved into the ranking.

The only school falling completely out was Michigan after four-star shooting guard Alex Legion was released from his letter of intent and signed with Kentucky.

1.	Florida Gators

Details		Nick Calathes	PG	6-5, 185
		Chandler Parsons	SF	6-8, 190
		Adam Allen	SF	6-6, 185
		Jai Lucas	PG	5-10, 160
		Alex Tyus	PF	6-8, 210

The Gators were content with their 2007 recruiting class after the fall signing period. Then Billy Donovan's crew won a second consecutive national championship and lost all five starters to graduation or the NBA Draft. Enter the late push for Houston guard Jai Lucas. The son of former NBA player and coach John Lucas picked the Gators over interest from Kentucky, Oklahoma State and others. His addition to a top-five class pushed Florida from fifth to No. 1. Previous rank: 5

2.	Kansas State Wildcats

Details		Michael Beasley	PF	6-9, 235
		Bill Walker	SF	6-6, 220
		Dominique Sutton	SF	6-4, 195
		Fred Brown	SG	6-3, 185
		Andre Gilbert	SG	6-7, 205
		Jacob Pullen	PG	6-1, 175
		Jamar Samuels	PF	6-8, 210

What will Michael Beasley do? That was the theme this spring after Bob Huggins left for West Virginia (his alma mater), leaving one of the best recruiting classes in the country in limbo. K-State hired assistant Frank Martin to be the successor, who in turn kept assistant coach Dalonte Hill on board. Beasley decided to stay. Shortly thereafter, his AAU teammate Jamar Samuels joined the fold - along with junior college prospect Andre Gilbert. Previous rank: 1

3.	USC Trojans

Details		O.J. Mayo	PG	6-5, 215
		Davon Jefferson	SF	6-7, 190
		Mamadou Diarra	PF	6-10, 235
		Angelo Johnson	PG	5-10, 165
		Marcus Simmons	SF	6-4, 175

What an eventful early signing period for USC. The Trojans landed two elite prospects in O.J. Mayo and Davon Jefferson. Louisiana natives - Leonard Washington and Marcus Simmons ? also committed. Washington opted for prep school instead of USC this year. Seattle guard Venoy Overton reneged on his pledge and inked with Washington. The Trojans then landed Stoneridge Prep (Calif.) teammates Mamadou Diarra and Angelo Johnson late in the spring. Previous rank: 2

4.	Syracuse Orange

Details		Jonny Flynn	PG	5-11, 170
		Donte Green	SF	6-9, 217
		Rick Jackson	PF	6-8, 235
		Antonio Jardine	SG	6-1, 180
		Kristof Ongenaet	PF	6-8, 225
		Sean Williams	C	6-11, 220

Jonny Flynn will take control of the ballhandling, which will free up Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris on the offensive end. Donte Green will have an opportunity to play a Carmelo Anthony-type role. Certain to contribute, Rick Jackson and Antonio Jardine will also have a chance to work themselves into significant roles for the Orange this season. Junior college forward Kristof Ongenaet inked the spring. Previous rank: 3

5.	Arizona Wildcats

Details		Jerryd Bayless	SG	6-3, 193
		Jamelle Horne	SF	6-7, 205
		Alex Jacobson	C	7-1, 223
		Zane Johnson	SF	6-6, 200
		Laval Lucas-Perry	PG	6-1, 191

A dynamic athlete, Jerryd Bayless is custom-made for Arizona's wide-open offensive attack. Jamelle Horne will be a perfect complement filling the lanes on the break with Chase Budinger - if Budinger is still around next season. Three-star prospects Laval Lucas-Perry and Zane Johnson can be top-of-the-line role players. Previous rank: 4

6.	Ohio State Buckeyes

Details		Kosta Koufos	C	7-0, 252
		Jon Diebler	SG	6-6, 182
		Evan Turner	SF	6-6, 175
		Dallas Lauderdale	C	6-8, 230
		Eric Wallace	SF	6-7, 195

Thad Matta continues his recruiting momentum by landing a five-star, two four-stars and a top of the line three-star. Kosta Koufos' European-style game will be a unique addition to the Buckeye lineup. Evan Turner is skilled on offense and defense at the forward spot. Sharpshooter Jon Diebler plays a heady game, while Dallas Lauderdale is a tough low-post defender. Signing Eric Wallace during the early period pushes Ohio State up a spot in the rankings. Vanderbilt transfer Kyle Madsen returns to his Ohio roots and will be eligible to play this year. Previous rank: 6

7.	Purdue Boilermakers

Details		Robbie Hummel	SF	6-8, 200
		JaJuan Johnson	PF	6-10, 195
		Scott Martin	SF	6-8, 200
		E'twaun Moore	SG	6-3, 170
		Greg Hill	SG	6-2, 215

Purdue hasn't seen a class like this in quite some time ? if ever. Coach Matt Painter landed a quartet of four-star standouts. The versatile class also fills several needs. E'twaun Moore is a combo guard, JaJuan Johnson is an inside/outside post and Robbie Hummel and Scott Martin are multipurpose forwards. Prep school guard Greg Hill signed late. He was a member of the SYF Players team with Hummel, Martin and Moore. Previous rank: 7

8.	Duke Blue Devils

Details		Kyle Singler	SF	6-8, 210
		Taylor King	SF	6-7, 215
		Nolan Smith	SG	6-4, 175

Kyle Singler highlights this three-man class. Singler is the most complete and versatile player in the class, and will have two steady four-star players coming to Durham, N.C., with him. Nolan Smith is a steady ballhandler. Taylor King can shoot it from deep and also grind out a rebound. The Blue Devils lost out on Patrick Patterson late in the spring. Previous rank: 8

9.	Indiana Hoosiers

Details		Eric Gordon	SG	6-4, 205
		Eli Holman	C	6-9, 210
		Jordan Crawford	PG	6-4, 180
		Jamarcus Ellis	SG	6-5, 185
		Brandon McGee	PF	6-7, 220
		DeAndre Thomas	PF	6-8, 303

Eric Gordon, our No. 2 prospect in the nation, should put up big scoring numbers the second he steps onto the Assembly Hall court. Eli Holman is tough on the defensive end, and Brandon McGee can stretch the defense. Junior college commitment Jamarcus Ellis should contribute immediately. The Hoosiers also picked up talented combo guard Jordan Crawford in the final hours of the early signing period. Junior college forward DeAndre Thomas signed in the spring. Previous rank: 9

10.	Memphis Tigers

Details		Derrick Rose	PG	6-4, 194
		Jeff Robinson	SF	6-5, 205

Memphis is hoping that Derrick Rose - the nation's No. 3 recruit - can have the type of impact that Carmelo Anthony had for Syracuse a few years ago. Rose appears to be headed to Memphis for one season before leaving for the NBA. Jeffrey Robinson's run-and-shoot game is custom-built for the Tigers' attack. Iowa State transfer Shawn Taggart fits Memphis's style of play perfectly as an athletic big man. Previous rank: 11

11.	UCLA Bruins

Details		Kevin Love	C	6-9, 240
		Chace Stanback	SF	6-7, 185

In Kevin Love, UCLA has a national freshman of the year candidate. He fills the one significant need in the UCLA lineup and should have an immediate impact on the interior for the Bruins. Local product Chase Stanback is a four-star prospect with a lot of upside. He could really surprise in time. Previous rank: 14

12.	Villanova Wildcats

Details		Corey Fisher	PG	6-1, 175
		Corey Stokes	SF	6-5, 210
		Malcolm Grant	PG	6-1, 177

Villanova continues the tradition of great guard play by landing two five-star guards from the Northeast. Point guard Corey Fisher enjoyed a tremendous senior season at St. Patrick, one of the elite programs in the country. Wing Corey Stokes is one of the best deep shooters in the country. Prep school guard Malcolm Grant rounds out the class. Previous rank: NR

13.	Kentucky Wildcats

Details		Patrick Patterson	PF	6-8, 228
		Alex Legion	SG	6-5, 205
		A.J. Stewart	PF	6-7, 210
		Mike Williams	C	7-0, 270

For the first time in a long time, Kentucky fans are excited about recruiting ? and for good reason. The Wildcats won the Patrick Patterson sweepstakes. The five-star forward will be asked to do a lot for new coach Billy Gillispie. Former Michigan commitment Alex Legion was a major target for the new staff. Like Patterson, Legion will be a focal point next season. Florida big man A.J. Stewart and British transplant Mike Williams round out the class. Previous rank: NR

14.	Michigan State Spartans

Details		Chris Allen	SG	6-3, 185
		Kalin Lucas	PG	6-0, 165
		Durrell Summers	SF	6-5, 195

This is a three-man class made for coach Tom Izzo's transition game. Kalin Lucas does a superb job pushing the ball up the court. Chris Allen and Darrell Summers form a great set of wings to run along with him in East Lansing, Mich. Previous rank: 10

15.	Cincinnati Bearcats

Details		Jason Henry	SF	6-7, 190
		Anthony McClain	C	6-11, 220
		Rashad Bishop	SF	6-6, 190
		Kenny Belton	PF	6-7, 225
		Larry Davis	SG	6-3, -
		Alvin Mitchell	SF	6-5, 205

Mick Cronin and his staff had to fill a number of spots in 2007 and did so with a deep class this year. Four-star prospects Jason Henry and Anthony McClain were two late additions, and the duo boasts great upside. Florida wing Alvin Mitchell enjoyed a tremendous senior year as a scorer. Rashad Bishop, Kenny Belton and Larry Davis are all four-year players. Former Texas forward Mike Williams should help right away inside for the Bearcats. Previous rank: NR

16.	DePaul Blue Demons

Details		Nayal Koshwal	PF	6-9, 235
		Darquavis Tucker	SG	6-4, 190
		Matija Poscic	PF	6-9, 220
		Mike Bizoukas	PG	6-1, 175
		Mario Stula	SF	6-7, 210

Nayal Koshwal (No.18) and Darquavis Tucker (No. 44) are the big catches in the Blue Demons' class. Both have a physically mature game and a rapidly improving skill set. Matija Poscic, Mike Bizoukas and Mario Stula round out the class. Previous rank: 12

17.	Gonzaga Bulldogs

Details		Austin Daye	SF	6-9, 184
		Steven Gray	SG	6-3, 185
		Robert Sacre	C	7-0, 250
		Ira Brown	SF	6-4, 235

Highly skilled Austin Daye could turn into the next great scorer at Gonzaga. Four-stars Steven Gray and Robert Sacre should fill important roles for Gonzaga early in their careers. The Zags added junior college forward Ira Brown in the spring. Previous rank: 13

18.	N.C. State Wolfpack

Details		J.J. Hickson	PF	6-8, 220
		Tracy Smith	PF	6-7, 225
		Javi Gonzales	PG	6-0, 170
		Johnny Thomas	SF	6-5, 210

First year head coach Sidney Lowe made quite a splash beating Tennessee for five-star prospect J.J. Hickson. Lowe followed that up by landing four-star forward Tracy Smith, who achieved his qualifying academic score and signed in the late period. Miami area point guard Javi Gonzalez also inked late. Previous rank: 19

19.	Arizona State Sun Devils

Details		James Harden	SG	6-5, 200
		Rihards Kuksiks	SG	6-6, 205
		Jamelle McMillan	PG	6-2, 180
		Kraidon Woods	PF	6-8, 210
		Ty Abbott	SG	6-4, 192

Coach Herb Sendek is off to a solid start recruiting in the Pac-10. He has a future superstar in multitalented James Harden, a solid floor general in Jamelle McMillan and a long forward with upside in Kraidon Woods. Little known Rihards Kuksiks of Latvia fits Sendek's system nicely. In-state guard Ty Abbott joined the Sun Devils late after being released from New Mexico. Duke transfer Eric Boateng will be counted on this season as well. Previous rank: 22

20.	Washington Huskies

Details		Matthew Bryan-Amaning	PF	6-9, 220
		Darnell Grant	PF	6-8, 200
		Justin Holiday	SF	6-6, 170
		Venoy Overton	PG	6-0, 165

Coach Lorenzo Romar has three prospects who fit in perfectly with Washington's high-powered attack. Four-star Matthew Bryan-Amaning runs the floor extremely well and is loaded with upside. Three-star Venoy Overton is a scorer from Seattle and signed late. Justin Holiday makes plays with his length and athleticism on both sides of the ball. Another long athlete, Darnell Gant, joined the fold during the early signing period. Stanford transfer Tim Morris adds depth to the backcourt. Previous rank: 21

21.	Virginia Tech Hokies

Details		Jeff Allen	PF	6-7, 215
		Malcolm Delaney	PG	6-3, 170
		Terrell Bell	SF	6-7, 170
		Dorenzo Hudson	SG	6-4, 200
		Darrion Pellum	SF	6-5, 200

A solid five-man class is headed to Blacksburg, Va. Jeff Allen and Malcolm Delaney both had superior moments on the travel team circuit. Dorenzo Hudson is a big-bodied wing who is built to score. Terrell Bell also has the ability to make plays, as does late signee Darrion Pellum. Previous rank: 17

22.	Texas Longhorns

Details		Clint Chapman	PF	6-10, 245
		Gary Johnson	PF	6-6, 210
		Alex Wangmene	PF	6-8, 225
		Dogus Balbay	PG	6-1, 170

The power forward position is certainly taken care of for the Longhorns in the 2007 class. All four-star players, Johnson is the best scorer around the basket. Chapman is the most skilled and Wangmene is the best rebounder. Turkish guard Dogus Balbay inked with the Longhorns in the spring. Previous rank: 16

23.	Georgetown Hoyas

Details		Austin Freeman	SG	6-3, 185
		Chris Wright	SG	6-0, 190
		Omar Wattad	SG	6-5, 198

Georgetown didn't have to look far to find its backcourt of the future. Both local products, Austin Freeman (No. 15) is an elite shooting guard with a mature mid-range game. Chris Wright is a combo guard who can light it up from outside. Omar Wattad was originally slated as a walk-on, but earned a scholarship when Octavious Spann opted to transfer. Previous rank: 23

24.	Alabama Crimson Tide

Details		Senario Hillman	SG	6-2, 170
		Rico Pickett	PG	6-4, 170
		Justin Knox	PF	6-9, 215

Coach Mark Gottfried secured his backcourt of the future with four-star prospects Rico Pickett and Senario Hillman. Local forward Justin Knox shows a great deal of potential. Previous rank: 23

25.	LSU Tigers

Details		Anthony Randolph	SF	6-10, 210
		Marcus Thornton	SG	6-3, 190
		Garrett Green	PF	6-9, 210
		Quintin Thornton	PF	6-9, 230
		Bo Spencer	PG	6-1, 165

Anthony Randolph is the jewel of this five-man recruiting class. Marcus Thornton, a late get this spring, is considered one of the elite junior college players in the country. The Tigers went to the West Coast to land a sleeper in Garrett Green. In-state guard Bo Spencer signed with the program in the spring, while junior college big man Quintin Thornton gives them another dimension inside. Previous rank: 18

26.	Pittsburgh Panthers

Details		DeJuan Blair	PF	6-7, 260
		Bradley Wanamaker	SG	6-2, 200
		Darnell Dodson	SF	6-7, 210
		Gary McGhee	C	6-10, 238
		Cassin Diggs	C	6-10, 270

The Panthers inked a class that fits perfectly for the style of play that Jamie Dixon wants to employ in the Big East. Local big man Dejuan Blair will be looked at early and often. The space-eater could be one of the best instant impact players in the league next year. Philadelphia-area guard Bradley Wannamaker gives the lineup some toughness. Darnell Dodson, from the D.C. area, is versatile and should help immediately. Gary McGhee and Cassan Diggs round out the class. Previous rank: NR

27.	Oklahoma Sooners

Details		Blake Griffin	PF	6-9, 230
		Tony Neysmith	PG	6-5, 196
		Cade Davis	SG	6-5, 205
		Chris Early	SG	6-6, 210
		Omar Leary	PG	5-10, 170

A prototypical Big 12 player, Blake Griffin should immediately be the man inside for the Sooners. Wings Tony Neysmith, Chris Early and Cade Davis will have a shot at significantly contributing to the Sooner lineup. Junior college point guard Omar Leary signed in the late period. Previous rank: 15

28.	Oklahoma State Cowboys

Details		Martavius Adams	PF	6-8, 245
		James Anderson	SF	6-5, 190
		Nick Sidorakis	SG	6-5, 175
		Ibrahima Thomas	PF	6-10, 225
		Anthony Brown	PF	6-8, 230
		Brad Garrett	SG	6-5, 195
		Marshall Moses	PF	6-7, 230

Oklahoma State was a big winner on the first day of the early signing period when four-star forward James Anderson chose the Cowboys over Kansas. The Cowboys also landed four-star post player Martavius Adams and post player Ibrahima Thomas. In the spring, OSU inked power forward Marshall Moses and junior college players Anthony Brown and Brad Garrett. Previous rank: 25

29.	Illinois Fighting Illini

Details		Demitri McCamey	PG	6-3, 215
		Quinton Watkins	SG	6-3, 175
		Mike Tisdale	C	6-11, 205
		Rodney Alexander	SF	6-7, 225
		Bill Cole	PF	6-9, 200

The Illini added size in in-state big men Mike Tisdale and Bill Cole and talented junior college forward Rodney Alexander. Chicago area star Demetri McCamey will play multiple positions for Bruce Weber, while Quinton Watkins leaves the Los Angeles area for Champaign. Previous rank: NR

30.	St. John's Red Storm

Details		Justin Burrell	PF	6-8, 220
		Ayodele Coker	C	6-10, 245
		D.J. Kennedy	SF	6-5, 185
		Malik Boothe	PG	5-9, -
		Sean Evans	PF	6-7, 200
		Paris Horne	SG	6-3, 180
		Mike Cavataio	SG	6-4, 175

Norm Roberts has put together his best class since taking the St. John's job. The Red Storm blew in and landed a number of Big Apple prospects. Point guard Malik Boothe is small but pesky. Justin Burrell spent a couple of years in the prep school ranks and established himself as a dominant rebounder. Big man Ayodele Coker adds a similar dimension. Sean Evans, Paris Horne, D.J. Kennedy and Mike Cavataio all inked late and all should have an impact in some way next season. Previous rank: NR

For more information on these rankings or to request an interview with Rivals.com National Basketball Recruiting Analyst Jerry Meyer, please send an e-mail to jmeyer@rivals.com.