The 15th Anniversary of the Fab Five...

"The Fab Five married hip-hop to college basketball, and the one thing the hip-hop crowd loves to do is buy things. As successful as the football team is, the Fab Five can at least be partly credited with Michigan's national appeal. So no matter how much the university tries to expunge the Fab Five's existence, their imprint can't really be erased."

"If you really don't like the Fab Five, don't wear baggy shorts," Rose said. "Don't call Ohio State's recruiting class the 'Thad Five' or 'the next Fab Five.'"

The above quotes are from a very interesting article that I read today written by Jemele Hill (ESPN.com's Page 2), regarding Jalen Rose putting up a billboard in homage to the 15 year anniversary of Michigan's Fab Five. Not only were they arguably one of the most talented and entertaining teams ever to step foot in College Basketball, but also the team that set trends still around today, and carried the swagger that you see on the court as well. They single handedly changed the culture of College Basketball...



The article goes deep into numerous topics such as college players getting paid, scandals at other colleges that went financially unpunished (No checks returned), and about the millions of dollars made by the NCAA and member schools on the backs of their players.

Think about it, even though Michigan Football has a long standing tradition of being both a Big Ten and National power, would the University have been as popular in the Urban Community if it weren't for the Fab Five? Would you have rocked a Michigan Starter Jacket if it weren't for the Fab Five? Would you have worn black socks and black shoes if it weren't for the Fab Five? How about the Bald head and Baggy shorts, or a Michigan Fitted hat? The answer is probably a loud NO... The crazy thing is, the school and the NCAA get paid for EVERY jersey, jacket, and hat sold. Not to mention the money they made and shoes they sold for Nike.

In the article, the writer and Jalen Rose have a very good discussion. Agreeing and disagreeing on numerous points. It made me think also. Why was Michigan punished so harshly when USC (Reggie Bush), Ohio State (Maurice Clarrett), UNLV (Jerry Tarkanian), etc. were all let go without a financial punishment or any affect to their record? UNLV's court at Thomas and Mack Center was renamed after Coach Tarkanian, and Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart are both just as welcome at USC as they were when in college (None of the accusations against them have been proven YET). I'm not saying anything bad about those Universities, or the players and coaches there either, I just find it weird that Michigan chose to disassociate itself with any and everything that had to do with the Fab Five. Michigan has basically wiped out the Fab Fives existence from virtually EVERYTHING.

Overall I was VERY impressed with the article, with the writers unbiased opinion, and with Jalen Rose's honesty and well thought quotes.

Below are a few very good excerpts from the article, quotes from Jalen Rose, as well as a direct link to the article itself...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/071019&sportCat=ncb

* For sure, Rose couldn't buy a billboard in Ann Arbor, where mention of the Fab Five still brings about frosty responses. The NCAA banned Webber from the Michigan program for 10 years. The university erased his name and the others involved with Martin from the media guides and programs.

* Still, it was a valid point. When college scandals happen, what the athletes received is always the focus, not the benefits the school gained. Who knows how much money Michigan made from selling the Fab Five's apparel, or how it translated into shoe sales for Nike, the Wolverines' sponsor at the time. If it's true Reggie Bush took more than $100,000 from marketing agents while at USC, who made more money while Bush was in college? USC or Bush?

* "What bothers me is that, at the end of the day, the checks that changed hands, from sponsors to everyone else, those were cashed," Rose said. "No checks were returned."

* "I'm not saying we were angels," Rose said. "We did a lot of things to ruffle feathers. But I felt Jimmy King and Ray Jackson deserved [to be acknowledged]. They didn't get a chance to play in the NBA and make millions of dollars, but millions of dollars were made off them."

* "If you came after the 1991-92 season," he said, "you have some of our DNA."

Time to update HS rankings already...

There have already been many changes among some of the country's top HS Hoop Programs, and the season hasn't even began yet. From Terrence Jennings leaving Mt Zion for Notre Dame Prep, to the recent transfer of Willie Warren from Oak Hill back home to TX...



Above pic is of Montrose Christians Terrell Vinson and Isaiah Armwood, two of the top forwards in the 2009 Class

Cross Country Hoop’s Top HS teams Nationally, pre-season...

1. St. Anthony's, Jersey City NJ (Mike Rosario, Dominique Cheek, Jio Fontan, Tyshawn Taylor, Travon Woodall)
St Anthony's returns virtually EVERYONE from last years 28-1 team, meaning they have the chemistry to have similar success this year. Mike Rosario, who is headed to Rutgers, is one of the premier shooters on the East Coast, and can get buckets with the best of them. His supporting cast rounding out their starting 5 will all play high major hoops as well...

2. St. Benedicts, Newark NJ (Samardo Samuels, Greg Enchinique, Tamir Jackson, Tristan Thompson)
St. Benedicts strength is in their frontcourt. Samardo Samuels is one of the most imposing figures on the low block on the High School level. He's headed to Louisville next year, and should see immediate minutes. 6'9" PF Tristan Thompson is easily among the top 10 players nationally in the class of 2010. He's the next in a long line of Canadian imports (Via Ro Russell's Grassroots Canada) to bring their game to the US.

3. American Christian, Aston PA (Tyreke Evans, Jerimiah Kelly, Lamont Jones)
Led by Tyreke Evans with the additions of Jerimiah Kelly and Lamont Jones, American Christian will definitely be one of the top teams playing on the High School level this season. They will be tough to beat, and entertaining to watch. As has been said over and over, Tyreke Evans may be the best SG in this class nationally.

4. Montrose Christian, Rockville MD (Tristan Spurlock, Isaiah Armwood, Terrell Vinson)
They boast 3 top 50 talents from the 2009 class in 6'9" Isaiah Armwood, 6'7" Terrell Vinson, and 6'6" Tristan Spurlock, as well as two near 7' Footers in Temadayo Odebayo and Brian O'Kam on the low block. When you can throw a group with that size and talent on the floor it could get scary for rival squads. They are talented enough to contend for the top spot.

5. South Kent Academy, South Kent CT (Isaiah Thomas, Maurice Creek, Christian Morris, Jin Soo Kim, Assane Sene, Dion Waiters)
With one of the nationss best scorers and most exciting playmakers in Washington bound Isaiah Thomas and one of the most intimidating inside presences in Rutgers bound Christian "Beast" Morris, look for South Kent to be among the nations top 10 teams all season long. They've added stud Jr Guard Maurice Creek, top notch 2010 guard Dion Waiters (Syracuse Commitment), and an athletic 7' Footer from Africa in Assane Sene.

6. St. Patricks, Elizabeth NJ (Quintrell Thomas, Dexter Strickland)
Dexter Strickland has waited patiently to get his time in the spotlight, and this is his team for the next 2 years. After playing Tito Jackson to All American Corey Fisher for the last 2 years, it's Dexter's turn to run the show for the always talented St. Patricks squad. He will have help down low from talented big man Quintrell Thomas.

7. American Heritage, Plantation FL (Eloy Vargas, Kenny Boynton)
Led by one of the nations best scorers regardless of class in Kenny Boynton and one of the most versatile bigs in the country in Eloy Vargas, American Heritage will be extremely fun to watch this season. They're 2 stars hail from not only one of the country's best Travel Teams (Team Breakdown), but they were also members of this year's Elite 24! Look for big things this season from thsi duo.

8. The Patterson School, Lenoir NC (Courtney Fortson, Nate Miles, Varez Ward, Will Brown, Isaiah Rusher, Freddy Aspirilla)
As usual the Patterson School is stocked heavy with D-1 talent. Courtney Fortson and Nate Miles will be the guys with the ball in their hands making things happen in the backcourt, with Rusher, Brown, and Aspirilla manning the low blocks. Their entire starting 5 will be playing D-1 ball next season.

9. Fairfax, Los Angeles CA (Renardo Sidney)
Fairfax was already a talented team, but with the addition of Renardo Sidney, the nations top Jr, they are even more talented. Renardo is the 6'10" do everything man child, whose ready to bring home his 2nd state title albeit with a new school/team. As many of you know he can shoot the rock like a Wing, dominate the block whenever he wants, and handle the rock on the break. There's not much he can't do.

10. St Edward, Lakewood OH (Delvon Roe, PeShon Howard)
With one of the countries top PF's in Michigan State bound Delvon Roe and one of the top SG's in the 2010 class nationally in Pe'Shon Howard, St Edwards should have one of the best inside out combo's around.

11. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson VA (Brandon Jennings, Keith Gallon, Malik Story)
Although they lost their starting SG Willie Warren, I still expect Oak Hill to be a scary team. Brandon Jennings can take things over and put this team on his back whenever he wants, and he will be called to do so this season, especially with the surprising loss/transfer of Willie Warren. Malik Story will need to step up his contribution and will be looked to score much more. The BIG question surrounding their success this season will be their frontcourt...

12. Wheeler, Marietta GA (Dequan Jones, Ari Stewart, Richard Howell, Phil Taylor)
They lost a McDonalds All American PF in 6'9" JJ Hickson to NC State, but Wheeler is still the avorite for the State Championship and it's possible they'll be even better than they were last year. They are athletic enough to play with anyone, and talented enough to beat anyone. With arguably the nations most athletic swing man in Miami bound Sr Dequan "DJ" Jones, and with two of the class of 2009's top forward prospects Ari Stewart, and Richard Howell, Wheeler will be extremely tough to beat and a highlight reel waiting to happen. Watch for the emergence of 2010 PG Phil Taylor into a National Name.

13. Mater Dei, Santa Ana CA (Travis Wear, David Wear)
With the 6'10" Wear twins (Travis & David Wear) patrolling the lane, Mater Dei will be one of the West Coast's best teams.

14. Montverde Academy, Montverde FL (Dashan Harris, Steve Tcheingang, Marcus Capers)
After an undefeated season in 06/07, Montverde returns a solid group of players looking to try to repeat their success in 07/08. Even though they lost Solomon Alibi, their anchor in the post, they still have Texas A&M pledge Dashan Harris one of the top 10 PG’s Nationally. They also bring in recent Vanderbilt commit Steve Tcheingang, and also have the services of recent Wash State commit Marcus Capers. Look for them to be very competitive.

15. Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham VA (Demarquis Bost, Eshaunte Jones, Chris Braswell, Roscoe Davis)

16. Lincoln, Brooklyn NY (Lance Stephenson, Darwin Ellis, James Padgett, Justin Green) Lance Stephenson!

17. Campbell Hall, North Hollywood CA (Jrue Holiday) Jrue Holiday!

18. Dunwoody, Dunwoody GA (Chris Singleton, Delwan Graham, Pierre Jordan)

19. Notre Dame Prep, Fitchburg MA (Terrence Jennings, Troy Guillenwater)

20. Rice, New York NY (Kemba Walker, Durand Scott)

21. Findlay Prep, Las Vegas NV (DeAndre Liggins, Clarence Trent)

22. Norcross, Norcross GA (Al Farouq Aminu, Taariq Muhammed)

23. Dominguez HS, Compton CA (Jordan Hamilton, Aaron Moore)

24. White Station HS, Memphis TN (Joe Jackson, Ferrokhan Hall)

25. Bishop O'Connell, Arlington VA (Kendall Marshall, Frank Ben-Eze)

How young is too young???

A close friend of mine e-mailed me an article today regarding College's courting/recruiting kids who haven't even hit High School yet... There are a lot of people who think this is a part of the current issue of decommitments, and that it assists in leading kids to decommit from schools in the future. I'm one of the people who think this whole decommiting issue is not a problem, and let me tell you why...

I'm one of the people who think a college coach should be able to recruit who he wants, when he wants, and where he wants. There are already too many restrictions on college recruiting as it is. Why should anyone even think about making it any harder on the whole situation in general? If a coach, who just so happens to be making around $500K - $3.5Mill annually, wants to recruit a kid and trusts that such kid will improve his skills enough to be ready to produce and impact his program when he enters college, than let him recruit that kid. And if a kid thinks at a certain time that such program is where he wants to be, then let him make that early commitment without any grief.

We shouldn't chastise the kids for making an early commitment, if anything it's the coaches who are in competition with eachother to get on kids earlier and earlier. It's created a culture, where there's now hardly any top notch Seniors who aren't already committed to a schools basketball program, and I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. But I also don't necessarily see it as a good thing. You can basically say I'm on the fence on that issue. There are many good reasons, as well as many bad reasons. And there are also situations as well as past and present stories to back up both.

It's obvious that backing out of commitments is now happening at a high rate, but if you look at the number of changes in the coaching carousel, how can you blame the kids?

Say you're a top 100 player right, and you commit to Big State, but the coach who recruited and built that relationship with you takes a job somewhere else before you step foot on campus. Would you stay knowing that the new coach may not see you in the same light as the old? Would you stay knowing that the new coach may have a different idea of how to use you, if he even wants you at all??? Or what if you commit early to a program, and then you start to realize that the school you've committed to is already recruiting over you and around you at your position???

I apologize for going on that tangent right there, now back to the issue of "How young is too young"...

There are some kids who are talented enough, skilled enough, and obviously have the potential to be top notch players, and it's obvious when they are at a very young age. A few kids from recent classes that I know of who fit that description to a "T" are kids like Jeremy Tyler and DeShaun Thomas of the current Sophomore class, and Renardo Sidney and Lance Stephenson of the current Junior class.

There are also a few kids from the current Freshman Class who have shown to be must get kids...



The pic above is of Tony Wroten, one of the 2 kids from Freshman (2011) class to attend Rbk U this past summer.

Anthony "Tone Tone" Wroten Jr., is a 6'4" Freshman PG from Garfield HS in Seattle, WA. He is long, rangy, athletic, can handle, dish, shoot the rock, and will mess around and Dunk on your entire team when given the opportunity. All this, and he is just entering his FR year in High School. He is the kind of kid, where to me it makes sense if a college coach is already recruiting him, and has even gone as far as to offer him a scholarship.

There are also some situations where college coaches jump the gun on a recruit, and he doesn't develop at the rate they expected. But to me that's a mistake a coach should have to live with. Fortunately for the player, he can either decommit or remain committed.

The link below is to the article I mentioned in the beginning of my blog... With excerpts below as well.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1666283,00.html

* Early recruiting is spreading to other sports. According to Scout.com the number of high school juniors committing early to big-college-football schools is up 430% (61 committed in 2003, 323 this year). Men's ice hockey coaches have recruited ninth-graders, and women's volleyball coaches are scouting younger and younger girls.

* But in no other sport are pubescent scholarship offers more prolific than in basketball. The University of Arizona offered a sharpshooter named Matt Carlino a scholarship when he was in the seventh grade. The high school freshman also has one from Arizona State. He has yet to commit. Dion Waiters, 15, a sophomore from Philadelphia, is attending his third high school, but he knows his first college: he'll suit up for Syracuse University. Scout.com has identified 13 players just starting 10th grade who have already committed. "It's just crazy to offer kids so early," says University of South Carolina coach Dave Odom. "It really is. They don't have time to grow up. They don't. It makes no sense to me." They do have time to back out, though, since their verbal pledges to attend a school are not official until, at the earliest, the fall of senior year, when a recruit signs a "National Letter of Intent" with a college. Both player and coach can break the bond before then--a move known as decommitting.

* But in no other sport are pubescent scholarship offers more prolific than in basketball. The University of Arizona offered a sharpshooter named Matt Carlino a scholarship when he was in the seventh grade. The high school freshman also has one from Arizona State. He has yet to commit. Dion Waiters, 15, a sophomore from Philadelphia, is attending his third high school, but he knows his first college: he'll suit up for Syracuse University. Scout.com has identified 13 players just starting 10th grade who have already committed. "It's just crazy to offer kids so early," says University of South Carolina coach Dave Odom. "It really is. They don't have time to grow up. They don't. It makes no sense to me." They do have time to back out, though, since their verbal pledges to attend a school are not official until, at the earliest, the fall of senior year, when a recruit signs a "National Letter of Intent" with a college. Both player and coach can break the bond before then--a move known as decommitting.


'Zo

The WEST COAST is BACK!

Yeah, you read that right...

The West Coast is BACK! No, Dre hasn't dropped the "Detox" yet, and Shaq hasn't rejoined the Lakers... I'm talkin' about the HS/College Hoop Scene...

The Pac-10 was already among the top conferences in the country, and this years FR Class did nothing but make it even stronger with the additions of numerous All Americans to rosters up and down the conference. From OJ Mayo & Davon Jefferson at USC, James Harden at Arizona State, Jerryd Bayless & Jamelle Horne at Arizona, Kevin Love at UCLA, and so on...

What I'm talking about is the Next Class of hoopers looking forward to gracing the courts up and down the Pac-10. Within the class of 2008 there is a group of 7 Guards, all hailing from the West Coast, who are skilled and talented enough to be ranked among the Nations Top 50 Players by many different publications... From Slam Magazine, Dime Magazine, Rise Magazine, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Scout.com, CSTV, Prep Stars, Rivals, Hoop Scoop Online, etc., the following "WestCoasters" are labeled as the Guards of the future.

I asked each of them their thoughts about the strength of the Pac-10, as well as what they think about the group of kids from the 08 class. The answers are below, along with a pic and a video of each player.


Brandon Jennings 6'2" PG, Oak Hill Academy (Compton, CA) *Committed to Arizona



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJpqtynQOAM

"There is a lot of strength in the Pac-10... I think with OJ Mayo and Kevin Love playin' in the Pac-10 helped it a lot. So their the ones that made it strong. Now the 08/09 class is going to be Crazy! You got me at AZ, you got Jrue and Malcolm at UCLA, then you got Zeke at Washington and Demar at USC! If the Pac-10 can't get any ESPN games after this year, than I don't know what else to do. You got 4 guys in the top 25 ranking from ESPN all going to the Pac-10 now... That's HEAT!"
"With the kids from the 08 class coming into the pac 10 next year, It's gonna be crazy... Everybody gonna wanna see me go at Jrue and Zeke and Malcolm, it's just a lot of good match-ups."


Jrue Holiday 6'4" SG, Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, CA) *Committed to UCLA



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ucbjbx8Ro0

"We tryin' to make the West coast the strongest conference in college basketball... We're also tryin to prove that the West Coast baller is realer and better than the East Coast Baller."
"I think we got the top players comin' into the Pac-10, and almost any Pac-10 team has a chance to get to the championship... But you know UCLA is goin back!"


Isaiah Thomas 5'9" PG, South Kent Academy (Tacoma, WA) *Committed to Washington



http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid271552527/bctid192880237

"My thoughts are that the West Coast has always been there, it's just that we're getting better and better players every year. So the competition is coming through the West Coast (Pac-10) which means there's gonna be matchups every game, every night, and you're gonna have to bring that A game or you're gonna get embarrased... The strength of the Pac-10 is gonna be tough night in and night out. You're gonna have someone comin' after your heart, and I think that's good because it's gonna show which players really belong in that type of conference, and which players don't... I'm gonna be one of those players that's comin after everybody, so ya'll better look out for me next season"


Jerime Anderson 6'2" PG, Canyon HS (Anaheim, CA) *Committed to UCLA



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybx_dhVBrBg

"I feel like our class in general is helping to bring the West Coast Back! Everyone who's coming in from our class sooo real! Definitely gonna be the best league/conference in the country for a long time..."
"I think that a lot more kids just want to stay closer to home and their families. Especially now with the Pac-10 having the most prestigious programs, there's no point in going across the country."


Demar Derozan 6'6" SG, Compton HS (Compton, CA) *Committed to USC



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I-ywLk3860


Malcolm Lee 6'4" PG, North HS (Riverside, CA) *Committed to UCLA



http://ucla.scout.com/2/646714.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teAtIaPr1qc

"I'm really excited. For the past few years the West has been slowly coming back to form. The EastCoast been runnin things for a while and now we gonna be up there with them. The Pac-10 is so strong rigth now, basically it's gonna be wars every night in our conference games, and that's what I'm about. I like to compete. I don't like to take the easy way out. The Pac-10 is to a point where it's like, Only the Strong Survive. The West Coast is back and we takin over... With Interest!"
"The West Coast is guard heavy in the 08 class, and now that the majority of us stayed in the Pac-10 is going to have one of the best Freshman Classes Nationally."


Larry Drew 6'0" PG, Taft HS (Woodland Hills, CA) *Committed to UNC



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pbfy3nEcIs



As you can see, all but 1 of them are headed to Pac-10 programs.

Together these young men will help to keep the Pac-10 among the best conferences in the country for the next 3-4 years. Even though most of these guys are close with eachother, all of them are fiery competitors so expect som HEATED battles on the floor next season!

Oh, and here's some names to watch from the West out of the 2009 class... And ALL are considering Pac-10 programs...

Abdul Gaddy 6'3" PG, Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, WA) *Committed to Arizona

Michael Snaer 6'4" SG, Rancho Verde HS (Moreno Valley, CA)

Renardo Sidney 6'10" PF, Fairfax HS (Los Angeles, CA)

Avery Bradley 6'4" SG, Bellarmine Prep HS (Tacoma, WA)

Roberto Nelson 6'3" SG, Santa Barbara HS (Santa Barbara, CA)

Hollis Thompson 6'7" SG, Loyola HS (Los Angeles, CA)

Peyton Siva 6'0" PG, Franklin HS (Seattle, WA)

Jordan Hamilton 6'7" SF, Dominguez HS (Los Angeles, CA)

David Wear 6'10" PF, Mater Dei HS (Santa Ana, CA)

Travis Wear 6'10" PF, Mater Dei HS (Santa Ana, CA)



Yessir! It looks like the West is most definitely back, and from the looks of things it doesn't plan on going anywhere for awhile...


'Zo

The Herb Pope Story...

Herb is a kid whom I've never met personally. I've seen him play once before, and had heard many stories of him and his game, so I was really looking forward to meeting him last Spring at the 2007 Sonny Vaccaro Roundball Classic. But he couldn't make it. He was shot 4 times outside of a party in his hometown of Aliquippa, PA just days before he was supposed to board his flight to Chicago to show the Country's best what he can do. Aliquippa PA??? You probably thought the same thing I did while reading that. By all accounts it's a pretty small town, but it has some serious big city problems.






Below are links to 2 articles written about Herb and his story... One boy Luke Winn of CNNSI and the other by Thayer Evans of the NYTimes...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/luke_winn/09/25/herbpope/index.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/sports/ncaabasketball/17pope.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Below are a few interesting excerpts from the articles:

*Abandoned by his parents as a youngster, he had a tortuous journey in becoming one of the nation’s top high school power forwards. He endured upheaval while living with relatives, friends and foster parents. He changed schools nearly every year. And he survived violence, including a shooting during a dispute in March.

*Pope endured a tumultuous childhood. “He comes from a dysfunctional family,” said his father, Herbert Pope Sr., a recovering crack addict. “He basically raised himself. It’s amazing. He’s got a hell of a story to tell.”

*“He’s an inner-city kid that is not going to take any stuff from anybody,” Theus, a former N.B.A. star, said in a telephone interview. “Unfortunately, a lot of times the inner-city kids, the first thing they think with a problem is knocking the guy out, which is not all bad, to a point.”

*At the 2005 ABCD Camp, the two biggest junior stars were O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love, who were as close to sure things as are found on the recruiting trail. Beyond that duo, the most intriguing player present from the Class of '07 may have been Herb Pope, a slippery, 6-foot-8 forward from Aliquippa, Pa., who had committed to Pittsburgh as a sophomore. But as one evaluator remarked at the time, Pope "was probably getting too good" for the Panthers. Not that Pitt wasn't a strong program then; it just seemed that Pope was blowing up on a national scale, and there were whispers that he was being pushed toward grander destinations."

*Two of the bullets remained in Pope's body when he was released after 11 days. Nearly two months went by before he returned to playing basketball. On Wednesday he'll be back in Aliquippa, at a court hearing, to face Longmire. Pope says there is no animosity toward his shooter.
"I can't be mad, because of where I live and the things that I've seen," he said. "I'm more disappointed in myself, because I had chances to go to private schools and get out of the area. That was a way to stop this from happening; otherwise, I don't think it was preventable. It happened a quarter of a mile away from my house."
When he spoke those words on a recent September morning, Pope was sitting in the basketball office at New Mexico State, where he's on scholarship as a freshman. Who would have thought while Mayo and Love went to Los Angeles, Pope would go to Las Cruces?



Herb Pope is currently at New Mexico State, readying for his Freshman season where they are looking for him to be a leader both on and off the floor.

At the young age of 19 Herbs both been through and seen more than most people twice his age. From being abandoned by his parents at a young age, being shot 4 times, committing and decommitting from Pittsburgh, and last but not least being left by the coach who recruited him to New Mexico State (Reggie Theus).

He's got one of those stories that sounds like it was something written for the silver screen, making him the kind of kid whom you really pull for to succeed. Here's to hoping he can leave his troubled past behind, and make the best of a new situation.

Herb, even though we haven't met personally, I'm pullin for you lil' homie...

'Zo

Top 20 HS teams pre-season...

(Pictured above, Brandon Jennings of Oak Hill)

It may be seem a lil' early to be puting this list together, but with just over a month before the HS season tips off I figured I'd get things crackin' early...


Zo's Top HS teams Nationally, pre-season...

1. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson VA (Brandon Jennings, Willie Warren, Keith Gallon, Malik Storey)
Oak Hill will have the nations best backcourt with Brandon Jennings and Willie Warren, as well as one of the HS ranks premiere long range shooters in Malik Storey. The question surrounding them this season will be their frontcourt...

2. St. Anthony's, Jersey City NJ (Mike Rosario, Dominique Cheek, Jio Fontan, Tyshawn Taylor, Travon Woodall)
St Anthony's returns virtually EVERYONE from last years 28-1 team, meaning they have the chemistry to have similar success this year. Mike Rosario, who is headed to Rutgers, is one of the premier shooters on the East Coast, and can get buckets with the best of them. His supporting cast rounding out their starting 5 will all play high major hoops as well...

3. American Christian, Aston PA (Tyreke Evans, Jerimiah Kelly, Lamont Jones)
Led by Tyreke Evans with the additions of Jerimiah Kelly and Lamont Jones, American Christian will definitely be one of the top teams playing on the High School level this season. They will be tough to beat, and entertaining to watch. As has been said over and over, Tyreke Evans may be the best SG in this class nationally.

4. St. Benedicts, Newark NJ (Samardo Samuels, Greg Enchinique, Tamir Jackson, Tristan Thompson)
St. Benedicts strength is in their frontcourt. Samardo Samuels is one of the most imposing figures on the low block on the High School level. He's headed to Louisville next year, and should see immediate minutes. 6'9" PF Tristan Thompson is easily among the top 10 players Nationally in the class of 2010. He's the next in a long line of Canadian imports (Via Ro Russell's Grassroots Canada) to bring their game to the US.

5. Montrose Christian, Rockville MD (Tristan Spurlock, Isaiah Armwood, Terrell Vinson)
They boast 3 top 50 talents from the 2009 class in 6'9" Isaiah Armwood, 6'7" Terrell Vinson, and 6'6" Tristan Spurlock, as well as two near 7' Footers in Temadayo Odebayo and Brian O'Kam on the low block. When you can throw a group with that size and talent on the floor it could get scary for rival squads. They are talented enough to contend for the top spot.

6. St. Patricks, Elizabeth NJ (Quintrell Thomas, Dexter Strickland)
Dexter Strickland has waited patiently to get his time in the spotlight, and this is his team for the next 2 years. After playing Tito Jackson to All American Corey Fisher for the last 2 years, it's Dexter's turn to run the show for the always talented St. Patricks squad. He will have help down low from talented big man Quintrell Thomas.

7. American Heritage, Plantation FL (Eloy Vargas, Kenny Boynton)
Led by one of the nations best scorers regardless of class in Kenny Boynton and one of the most versatile bigs in the country in Eloy Vargas, American Heritage will be extremely fun to watch this season. They're 2 stars hail from not only one of the country's best Travel Teams (Team Breakdown), but they were also members of this year's Elite 24! Look for big things this season from thsi duo.

8. Fairfax, Los Angeles CA (Renardo Sidney)
Fairfax was already a talented team, but with the addition of Renardo Sidney, the nations top Jr, they are even more talented. Renardo is the 6'10" do everything man child, whose ready to bring home his 2nd state title albeit with a new school/team. As many of you know he can shoot the rock like a Wing, dominate the block whenever he wants, and handle the rock on the break. There's not much he can't do.

9. South Kent Academy, South Kent CT (Isaiah Thomas, Maurice Creek, Christian Morris, Jin Soo Kim, Assane Sene)
With one of the nationss best scorers and most exciting playmakers in Washington bound Isaiah Thomas and one of the most intimidating inside presences in Rutgers bound Christian "Beast" Morris, look for South Kent to be among the nations top 10 teams all season long. They've added stud Jr Guard Maurice Creek, and a 7' Footer from Africa in Assane Sene.

10. Mount Zion Academy, Durham NC (Terrence Jennings, Karron Johnson)
Mount Zion will boast one of the nations top front courts in ultra-athletic 6'10" Sr Terrence Jennings and the versatile and also athletic 6'7" Jr Karron Johnson. They should be very entertaining to watch as usual.

11. St Edward, Lakewood OH (Delvon Roe, PeShon Howard)
With one of the countries top PF's in Michigan State bound Delvon Roe and one of the top SG's in the 2010 class nationally in Pe'Shon Howard, St Edwards should have one of the best inside out combo's around.

12. Wheeler, Marietta GA (Dequan Jones, Ari Stewart, Richard Howell)
Even with the loss of McDonalds All American PF JJ Hickson to NC State, Wheeler should still contend for the State Championship and it;'s possible they'll be even better than they were last year. With arguably the nations most athletic swing man in Miami bound Sr Dequan "DJ" Jones, and with two of the class of 2009's top forward prospects (Ari Stewart, and Richard Howell), Wheeler will be tough to beat and a highlight reel waiting to happen.

13. Mater Dei, Santa Ana CA (Travis Wear, David Wear)
With the 6'10" Wear twins (Travis & David Wear) patrolling the lane, Mater Dei will be one of the West Coast's best teams.

14. Lincoln, Brooklyn NY (Lance Stephenson)
Lance Stephenson!

15. Campbell Hall, North Hollywood CA (Jrue Holiday)
Jrue Holiday!


16. Dunwoody, Dunwoody GA (Chris Singleton, Delwan Graham, Pierre Jordan)

17. Rice, New York NY (Kemba Walker, Durand Scott)

18. Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham VA (Demarquis Bost, Eshaunte Jones, Chris Braswell, Roscoe Davis)

19. Findlay Prep, Las Vegas NV (DeAndre Liggins, Clarence Trent)

20. Norcross, Norcross GA (Al Farouq Aminu, Taariq Muhammed)

Who else is excited about this years NCAA FR Class???

The above 2 kids, DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M) and Anthony Randolph (LSU), are not only two of the Biggest McDonalds AA Snubs in recent years but they are also two of the most talented kids coming into this years NCAA season. Look for both of them to make an instant impact at their respective schools.

WOW! now that I think about it this should be a VERY entertaining season... Is it just me or does it look like this class of incoming Freshman could possibly one of the most talented classes to come through College Hoops in a looooong while??? (Obviously the NBA rule had a lot to do with it)

I was going to write this blog on DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph, and talk about how they are both talented enough to be on NBA rosters right now but somehow they were left out of the McDonalds AA game last year, giving both of them even more motivation to do what they do in their 1st, and possibly last collegiate seasons. But the further I dug into this topic, I started to see how deep this incoming FR class truly is...

Check it out...

Bill Walker (Redshirt) 6'6" Wing, Kansas State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G33_XkeVS8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eISP-7c3aiE

Kevin Love 6'9" PF, UCLA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZpljX-jnFk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAyYfQl1MHc

Mike Beasley 6'9" F, Kansas State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hYfDCxUX9I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dGLwJaayL0

OJ Mayo 6'5" G, USC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ssZaWoWEs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAdyefoownk

Eric Gordon 6'5" G, Indiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNQRKsZYXZ8&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asXHPc0wnMQ

DeAndre Jordan 7'0" C, Texas A&M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSjNQjdb2kI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O31vY5StdX8

Anthony Randolph 6'10" PF, LSU
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1069
http://nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/anthonyrandolph.html

Derrick Rose 6'3" PG, Memphis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6G_RRGHzfA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk7QSoF02T0

James Harden 6'6" SG, Arizona State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivJl_-Wn650
http://www.presstelegram.com/preps/ci_4613504

Jerryd Bayless 6'4" G, Arizona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHYd40OFTXI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2QJQZ7F3gc

JJ Hickson 6'9" PF, NC State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW5oU8HbSqA
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1239

Gani Lawal 6'8" PF, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVp6pxn-k8A
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1269

Donte Greene 6'9" PF, Syracuse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Fh6BOw-uQ
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/dontegreene.html

Kyle Singler 6'8" Wing, Duke
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOrmXKJIbV0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etarE-rRNMg

Kosta Koufus 7'1" C, Ohio State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCWR1bzG3rI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWXuBbhrjU8

Patrick Patterson 6'8" PF, Kentucky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T65zYF6XF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd3d1tNVMwc

Jonny Flynn 5'11" PG, Syracuse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L_LGxyTys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZeEPNmAvFE

Chris Allen 6'4" SG, Michigan State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2USASnAzbnk
http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/chris_allen_bio.html

Corey Fisher 6'0" PG, Villanova
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwc4j_uJxU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Fk_-SLza4

Corey Stokes 6'6" SG, Villanova
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ik_JmaYnpc
http://ssbasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1132&CID=636006

Austin Freeman 6'5" SG, Georgetown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwA5pWm5ah0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc_us9bmXhw


People will be saying the same things about this years FR class that they have said about last years, but I think this years FR class will prove to be even deeper and more talented from top to bottom. It also has much more star power, as many of these guys will be the leader and go to players on their teams. It may not produce the top 2 picks in the NBA draft like last years FR class did, but it will produce a majority of the lottery picks and you can take that to the bank... Cause if the season goes like I think it will, I know a lot of these guys will and deservedly so!

'Zo