Recruiting Rumors

The coaches contact period is coming to a close for the spring. This is what I have gathered out there on the 'world wide web' with the usual dose of speculation. Again it is much harder to follow the spring recruiting because things tend to happen quickly for a variety of reasons.

We do know Chris Mack was in Georgia recently. Chris has developed some connections there. He had Xavier involved with 2009 prospects Ari Stewart (Wake Forest), Jeremy Olsen (Utah), and Kammeon Holsey (Georgia Tech) among others. Potentially 'among others' included Daniel Miller a 6-10 235 center from Loganville, GA. He signed with Georgia in the fall and is rated the 28th best center by scout.com in his class. Georgia released him on Monday and he signed with Georgia Tech today. Nice thought but time to move on.

I read courtesy of Shannon Russell that Bino Ranson has not even met the team yet because he has been out on the road recruiting for the Musketeers since accepting the job. I like this guy already. I will reiterate I think Xavier's chances with Jordan Latham remain strong with Bino joining the staff. No doubt he has a guy or two in mind that may still be available to join Xavier this spring.

Also the class of 2011 seems to be deep in Indiana according to Prepstars and possibly even deeper in 2012. Travis Steele will take the lead there on the recruiting trail due to his extensive connections there on the grassroots scene.

In regards to Kevin Parrom X seems to still have a shot from everything I have read. I would put the chances at about 20/80 that he ever comes to Victory Parkway. Schools like Arizona, Rhode Island, South Carolina, UCONN, and Marquette among many others are reported interested. I take exception to posters on the internet belittling Sean for pursuing King Kev. Why wouldn't he? Also what most of us web idiots are forgetting: it should be the kids choice of where he wants to go to school and play for. I have never been too keen on a kid even having to get a release once the head coach leaves; it shouldn't be a question.

My 'friend' across town Mick Cronin is doing a hell of a job this spring. I mean that with all due respect. Re-securing John Riek could pay huge dividends for them in the Big East battles. He is also swinging for the fences for some help for Cash at the point guard spot. Eric Bledsoe is a big time prospect and is currently rated #23 in Rivals.com ratings. Getting him on campus for a visit can only be taken as a positive. Florida remains high on his list as well as Kentucky and Memphis. Many feel he is waiting for John Wall to make a decision among the three schools listed previously as well. IF that is true I think the 'Cats chances diminish on landing him. CJ Vilarno (the one time PG committ to Kentucky) appears headed to Gonzaga and I am not sure if UC was seriously considered by him. I would imagine sans landing Bledsoe the Bearcats will reel in a JUCO point guard to give depth and keep Deonta at the '2'.

Also I would be remiss if I didn't mention Terrell Vinson. The 6-6 forward is a four star recruit from Baltimore and rated #90 on Rivals top 150 list. UC was in a battle right up until the end on Monday when Vinson announced for UMASS. Mick lost to another A10 school. Maryland was also right there for Terrell. Interestingly enough he originally committed to Loyola Marymount out on the left coast but gained his release after a coaching change. It would appear UC has been after Kavon Lytch, a JUCO currently at Midland College in Texas. He is an undersized four (6-6) and some compare him to a poor man's Eric Hicks. The depth of schools interested in him is across the board. Justin Brownlee (another JUCO prospect) is also mentioned as a possibility but is more of a small forward which is a need with Mitchell's dismissal earlier this spring.

Finally the Dayton Flyers had a scholarship open when Stephen Thomas transferred closer to home at IUPUI. Brian Gregory landed a very good division 1 transfer in Josh Parker. Josh is a proven commodity and has been a double figure scorer at Drake. He will be a redshirt junior when fellow point guard Juwan Staten shows up on campus for the 2010-2011 season. Juwan is the real deal by the way. I had a chance to see him play in this years D2 state championship game and was impressed. Gregory is building quite the team there in the Gem City. Staten plays with the absolutely loaded All Ohio AAU team that also features Dayton native Adreian Payne. Every school in a 250 mile radius seems to be listed by AP but Dayton has been in on him for a long time.

To be sure you are going to miss out on targets a lot more than you are going to land one. Given how much time and energy coaches give to most often get rejected in the end is amazing.