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| Wednesday, April 23 Unsigned seniors narrowing the field By David Benezra and Mark Mayemura Special to ESPN.com |
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Time to take a look at the ever-changing lineup of top unsigned seniors. Yes, there are still some quality seniors out there that the big boys are interested in. Here's a look at some of the best remaining players, listed in no particular order, and where they could end up. New to the list but not a surprise due to all the rumors is 7-foot-3 Shagari Alleyne (Rice/New York, N.Y.). Alleyne had made an early verbal to Rutgers but never signed a Letter of Intent (LOI). Rumors started immediately that Rutgers would never see Alleyne walk through their door as a freshman. It does appear that Alleyne has reneged on his commitment to Rutgers -- and we have a strong clue as to what his final destination will be. Alleyne's name is on a roster for the Derby Classic All Star Basketball Game. This game annually features some great players from around the nation, some Kentucky preps and players who have committed to Kentucky. That is a very strong indication that Alleyne will eventually commit to Kentucky, giving the Wildcats some much needed size. And technically, 6-9 Charlie Villanueva (Blair Academy/Blairstown, N.J.) is also a "free agent." Bill Self is no longer the Illinois Head Coach and Villanueva never signed an LOI. Charlie has been making various statements about his situation. Apparently, he is still committed to Illinois. The NBA is also his "1st option." Several schools have been after Charlie since Self left for Illinois, including Kansas, now coached by … Bill Self. Connecticut, Syracuse, North Carolina, UCLA, and Indiana are just some of the major players chasing Charlie. Also back in circulation is 6-9 Mohamed Abukar (Rancho Bernardo/Poway, Calif.). Abukar had signed with Georgia but was able to obtain a full release from his LOI in the aftermath of the fallout from "Harrickgate," meaning that he is available to not only sign with another school, but will be immediately eligible to play next year. Abukar makes the "All Upside" team. He has always shot the ball well and while still slender, he no longer resembles a pipe cleaner. He can play at the highest level, but the 6-9 perimeter player must make the right decision. That will not be easy as almost every program is after him. Several schools have already scheduled in-home visits. Among them are Kentucky, Louisville, Florida, Connecticut, Oregon, Washington, and Missouri. UCLA is also looking at Abukar, as are others. Alexander Johnson (Bridgton Academy/North Bridgton, Maine) is very close to making a decision. The 6-10 native of Georgia wants to stay close to home and Florida State would have to be considered the strongest contender for his services. Cincinnati and Indiana are the other main contenders. Darryl Watkins (Catholic/Paterson, NJ) remains one of the two impact tunas left on the board. North Carolina and Kentucky are putting on their best face for 6-10 Watkins. Rutgers, Seton Hall, Syracuse and Villanova are also still in the mix. North Carolina's stock could move a lot higher with the hire of Roy Williams. The recent loss of Marquis Estill can only help Kentucky. And of course, Rutgers now has an even bigger opening available. Only fly in the ointment is a supposedly sketchy transcript. However, looking at the recent history of serious academic probably-nots, we would guess that Watkins will qualify. Top 100 player, 6-7 power forward Linus Kleiza (Montrose Christian/Rockville, Md.) is technically available. Kleiza has been rumored to be Missouri bound for a long time but has not put it out there yet. Maureece Rice (Strawberry Mansion/Philadelphia, Pa.) is a player who will have to make a decision based on academics as will 6-2 Sylvester Mayes (Snider/Ft. Wayne, Ind.). Rice is a prolific 6-0 scorer who, should he attend a four year college in the future, will undoubtedly wind up at a college in Philadelphia. His homesickness for Philly when playing in an away event is legendary. Mayes has attracted a lot of interest but may have to go the junior college route. Dorrell Wright (Leuzinger/Lawndale, Calif.) is an exciting player. The 6-10 long-armed slasher is an active, high-energy kid who can make plays. Wright is also an outstanding baseball prospect as a pitcher. Baseball and academics will factor into his decision, which is likely prep school or junior college. Jason Cain (Bartram/Philadelphia, Pa.) is down to Virginia and Villanova. The 6-9 Cain has already visited Virginia and will make a decision after visiting Villanova. Lorenzo Wade (Cheyenne/Las Vegas, Nev.) has been romanced by Tennessee for quite a long time. Strong rumors have persisted for just as long that Wade (6-5) will take a post-graduate year of prep school first. Tyler Jones (Heritage Christian/Cleveland, Texas) is no longer on the board. The 6-9 forward has committed to St. John's. David Benezra and Mark Mayemura of Recruiting USA cover the national college basketball recruiting scene. E-mail at: hoopsusa@mindspring.com or call 818-363-1978. |
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