2013 Recruits

[don23lucia]

On Thursday, live on ESPNU and WatchESPN at 4 p.m. ET, No. 2 ESPN 100 prospect Jabari Parker (Chicago/Simeon) will end his long recruitment and make his college decision public.

Despite earlier reports that Michigan State and Duke were in the lead, nobody -- not even his dad -- seems to know for certain which school Parker will pick from his final five of BYU, Duke, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford.

So with the field still seemingly open, here’s a look at the factors each of his finalists has in its favor and why Parker would pick each of the programs.

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Boyd Ivey/Icon SMI
There are plenty of factors for Jabari Parker to choose BYU -- or any of his other four finalists.
BYU: At BYU, Parker could play with a recruiting class already ranked No. 17 in the nation that is vastly underrated. He’d also be the highest-ranked player to sign in the history of the program and the best player at BYU probably since Danny Ainge. He would be the go-to guy from day one and play for a terrific coach in Dave Rose who will build the offense around him and run it through him. Finally, he could satisfy and build upon his religious commitment while playing college basketball.

Duke: At Duke, Parker could play for a championship program and Hall of Fame coach in Mike Krzyzewski, who has elite basketball connections that will be a great benefit for Parker well after he leaves Duke. The quality education of Duke is also a major plus. He could play with other excellent players in a motion, ball-screen, spread offensive attack that fits Parker’s skill set perfectly. With the Blue Devils, he could be the second coming of Grant Hill.

Florida: At Florida, Billy Donovan is a two-time national championship coach with an excellent reputation for individual player development. Equally important, the Gators’ offensive style of play is a perfect fit for Parker’s skill set. They implement random ball screens and a spread, attacking offense. Florida also uses multiple defensive schemes, which fits Parker well. Parker also could play with the second-best point guard in the 2013 class in Kasey Hill if he chooses the Gators.

Michigan State: At Michigan State, Parker could play for a national championship coach in Tom Izzo, who has built a great relationship with Parker and his family. Word is that Parker may be closer and more comfortable with Izzo than any of the other head coaches. Izzo is excellent at putting players in position to be successful in his offensive sets and has great on- and off-the-court relationships with players. Parker also could play with a great mix of veteran and young players on the Spartans. Michigan State is also the closest school to home of his finalists; plus, playing in the Big Ten would mean road games against Illinois and Northwestern, where his family and friends can more easily see him play.

Stanford: At Stanford, he would be the marquee player for coach Johnny Dawkins from day one. The Cardinal would feature Parker immediately and run the offense through him as a freshman. Dawkins was a great player in college and made it to the NBA, so he knows what it will take for Parker to get to that level. Dawkins was Coach K’s first big recruit who led to other great players afterward to Duke. That is a great selling point for Dawkins to tell Parker he can do the same for Stanford. Parker also would receive an elite education from Stanford.

[don23lucia]

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Chaminade-esque run of Bishop Verot (Fort Myers, Fla.) at the City of Palms Classic ended on Wednesday courtesy of national No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) and a big fella named Dakari Johnson (New York, N.Y./Montverde).


Dakari Johnson
Center
2013
Uncommitted: List

Pos RkStarsGradeHometown
1
92New York, NY
To say the Vikings couldn’t stop Johnson, the No. 1-ranked center in the ESPN 100, isn’t accurate because that would imply they did at least on occasion. Instead, Johnson carve up a depleted Verot frontline for 23 points and 10 rebounds as he went 11-for-11 from the field. Only a 2-for-4 performance from the line cost him offensive efficiency perfection.

Afterward, Johnson still couldn’t miss when he talked recruiting.

With a gaggle of media listening, he proclaimed he’s down to Syracuse, Georgetown and Kentucky. I spoke with his mother before Johnson uttered the shortened list and Mekini Campbell said Missouri (in attendance) was trying to get involved and Kansas (in attendance) and Ohio State garnered mention.

Then Johnson took the mic and called out three. Campbell said she feels like Kentucky and Syracuse have been the most active in terms of head coaches. We know Georgetown has done a lot of work as well.

“He’s looking at guys at his position and how they play in the offense and what they’ve done over a defined period of time,” Campbell said.

One especially noteworthy cut from the list was Florida. The Gators, Johnson's adopted home state team as the New York native finishes his prep career in Florida, aren’t in contention. It looks like Billy Donovan is riding Jabari Parker (who will announce on Thursday) and Julius Randle to the finish line.

But remember, the Gators aren’t in bad shape even without a center signee in the 2013 class. They have South Carolina transfer and owner of Inspector Gadget arms Damontre Harris sitting out.

[don23lucia]

I'm still sticking with Syracuse on this one, like I said before he's a Northeast kid.

[don23lucia]

Christmas Eve is all about waiting for presents. New Year's Eve is all about waiting for the ball to drop. But for the basketball coaching staffs at BYU, Duke, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford, waiting for good news on Jabari Parker Decision Day Eve is even more difficult.

Parker, a senior small forward out of Chicago Simeon who is the No. 2 prospect in the ESPN 100, is set to end the long recruitment process Thursday when he announces his college decision at 4 p.m. ET live on ESPNU and WatchESPN.

So as the hours dwindle and there is a still-open field, we wondered: What last-minute pitches should the coaches at the five finalists make to sway his decision? So we gathered our RecruitingNation basketball experts to play the part of the five coaches and give an inside look at what the final pitches should include.


BYU
Dave Telep: If I were BYU coach Dave Rose, the first thing I would do in my final pitch to Parker would be to physically map out how many miles and hours myself and my staff accrued traveling, watching and spending time with Parker during his three-year recruitment. I wouldn't say much else to him other than stressing that a community of people who share his same values anxiously awaits hoisting a Final Four banner and jersey with his name on it alongside Jimmer Fredette's national player of the year banner. After that, you've done all you can. If he doesn't want to come to BYU now, then I'd go all in on Payton Dastrup for next year.


Duke
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Jaime L. Mikle/Getty Images
You can bet Duke's championship pedigree will be part of Mike Krzyzewski's final pitch to Jabari Parker.
Paul Biancardi: If I were Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, I'd tell Parker, we realize you were not close to 100 percent healthy in your nationally televised game last week, but we are here to tell you that we want you even more because of the courage you showed trying to go out there and play. I'd then point out that when you look at our roster, we are a complete team -- except we don't have anyone like you who can truly play as many as four positions on the floor. We will utilize your versatility and move you around the floor, putting you on the perimeter against bigger players and moving you closer to the basket when opponents put a smaller defender on you. I'd stress that Duke has experienced much success with players of your size, talent and versatility over the years who have made it to the NBA, including Grant Hill, Shane Battier, Luol Deng, Kyle Singler and Mike Dunleavy. Finally, I'd sell the fact that we have participated in 11 Final Fours and won four national championships, and with you joining our returning players along with fellow incoming 2013 recruits Matt Jones and Semi Ojeleye, we could have a chance at another Final Four and national title season.

Mike LaPlante: Duke has a lot to sell, but if I were Coach K & Co. in the final days of recruiting Parker, you can be sure I'd leave no stone unturned in touching base with Parker, his family and his people of influence. Although there is nothing new to communicate because the process is so intensive, the Blue Devils are sure to continue to beat the drum on the following points: Duke is one of the elite academic institutions in the world; Coach K is the most decorated leader in the college game; Parker's multidimensional game should fit perfect within the Blue Devils' system, allowing him the opportunity to be a one-and-done player if the NBA comes calling; and for the rest of his life, he will be considered a Duke man.


Florida
Adam Finkelstein: If I were Florida coach Billy Donovan, my final message to Parker would emphasize the unique set of circumstances and consequently complete package that Florida has to offer. With top-10 recruits Kasey Hill and Chris Walker already on board, Parker would give Florida a recruiting class that could challenge Kentucky for national supremacy. Parker would have every opportunity to play a starring role from Day 1, while his skill, versatility and basketball acumen would be a perfect fit with Hill's playmaking off the dribble and Walker's length and athleticism inside the paint. Donovan's reputation for being one of the best skill development coaches in the country would only help Parker's already-high NBA stock, while the return of Patric Young inside would ensure Parker sees most of his minutes at small forward, the same position he's likely to play in the NBA. Ultimately, the message isn't one reason to come to Florida -- it's all of the reasons to come to Florida.


Michigan State
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Mike Carter/US Presswire
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo hopes to be waving hello to Jabari Parker on Thursday.
Reggie Rankin: If I were Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, my final recruiting pitch to sway Parker to select the Spartans would consist of revisiting with Parker, his family and anyone he mentioned might have a say in his recruitment all the factors they told me would be most important in his decision. For example, Michigan State is closest to his home in Chicago, which means family and friends get to see you play and you can get home more often. Other factors I'd stress would be winning tradition, head coach security, head coach relationship with players and family, player development, style of play, opportunity to play, ability to play with other elite players and win immediately, former NBA players and academic success. I would also remind them of my commitment to recruiting Parker and that we would not accept another commitment from anyone at his position until he decided. I would present Parker and his family with a log of every phone call, email, text, evaluation, and school and home visit in order to show that we have been in hot and consistent pursuit. Finally, I'd remind Parker that we have recruited him the way he and his family have asked by following their rules and being respectful. And then I'd note that we will treat him with the same respect after signing as we did before.

John Stovall: If I were Izzo, my pitch would be simple: You can be the final piece for our national championship run and we are the only school you are considering that your family can drive to. Now let's go win a national championship.


Stanford
Joel Francisco: If I were Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins, my final recruiting pitch would stress that first and foremost, we are arguably the No. 1 academic institution in America. I'd also point out that we have had tremendous student-athletes come through our school who have gone on to have successful NBA careers, including Jason and Jarron Collins as well as Brook and Robin Lopez. It's no secret the West Coast is starving for an elite talent to be the face of the Pac-12, and I'd stress that Parker has the potential as a student-athlete to achieve that status while leading the Cardinal to a title.

[unclepaulie]

Parker to surprise today : ) UF bound!

[REM08]

I think Johnson to UK and Parker to Duke.

By the way, why are some media saying Parker is MSU vs Duke while others saying Duke vs Florida?

[BengermanV]

I've assumed that we are out on Parker for quite some time, so it would be a nice surprise if he chooses to be a Gator. I've heard conflicting reports as to whether or not we are even on his short list.

[don23lucia]

The thing that I cant stand is when all these analyst predict these schools based on pure opinion none of them for the most part have any inside info. When Sonny parker said last week that he thought maybe Duke or Mich St they all jumped all over it. Now Mr. Parker is saying he has no clue what his son is thinking the analyst are all over the place now and arent sure as well.

How do I get ESPN to pay me to evaluate these players.

[madgator]

Originally Posted by BengermanV

I've assumed that we are out on Parker for quite some time, so it would be a nice surprise if he chooses to be a Gator. I've heard conflicting reports as to whether or not we are even on his short list.

I think Billy attended his game in Chicago on Monday. I seriously doubt that he would even bother if we weren't in the mix.

although I believe he is a Spartan at the end of the day.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Originally Posted by REM08

I think Johnson to UK and Parker to Duke.

By the way, why are some media saying Parker is MSU vs Duke while others saying Duke vs Florida?

I've noticed this too. Funny how no one seems to really know much about anything, including Sonny Parker. The common denominator, though, appears to be Duke. That's my best guess, although I am far from a recruiting insider.

It's funny, the Michigan papers and news outlets are all proclaiming he's a lock to MSU and that Izzo's last words of "No matter what you decide, we will always have a relationship) sealed the deal. I don't know why those words would resonate so much as to make the young man's mind up. I find it hard to believe that Coach K and BD didn't tell him the same thing. I also find it amusing that a lot of the writers/insiders for the press outlets in Michigan are MSU grads. They're completely unbiased, right?

The fact that Florida is even a player with a kid out of Chicago says a lot about not only our coaching staff/Billy D, but the type of kid Jabari Parker is. He seems like a very bright young man and I wish him the very best wherever he may land (as long as he doesn't lead Duke to the NC ).

[don23lucia]

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.

http://insider.espn.go.com/college-s.../julius-randle

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.


[+] EnlargeAndrew 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

[don23lucia]

While Florida still has one scholarship left in the Class of 2013 and remains in the hunt for No. 4 senior Julius Randle (Dallas/Prestonwood Christian), the Gators are now focusing the majority of their recruiting time and effort on the Class of 2014.

Ironically, it’s the power forward position -- where they already have No. 10 recruit Chris Walker (Bonifay, Fla./Holmes County) signed in 2013 and still are after Randle -- where Florida has been most active in 2014. This week alone, the Gators have offered Jordan Barnett (St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers) and reached out to ESPN 60 prospect Abdul-Malik Abu (Boston/Kimball Union Academy).

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Courtesy of NikeBasketball.com
The signing of No. 10 recruit Chris Walker hasn't stopped the Gators from pursuing other power forwards to pair with the athletic big man.That’s hardly an indication that Florida isn’t expecting Walker to have a big impact early in his career -- rather, that he might be a better fit for the team’s offensive system at the 5 spot than the 4.

Historically, Billy Donovan has always been partial to having skilled power forwards on the floor who can open up the lane for his pick-and-roll offense. Current senior Erik Murphy is the perfect example. He’s been the epitome of efficient on the offensive end this year, shooting great percentages from all over the floor but most importantly making 47 percent of his 3-point attempts.

Not only do defenders have to respect Murphy from the arc, but they have to run at him and do everything in their power to keep him from shooting in rhythm, which opens up the lane for Kenny Boynton and the rest of Florida’s guards to turn the corner on ball screens.

Walker is a long and freakishly athletic big man who is ideally suited to play pick-and-roll and then dive to the rim, but he's far from the skilled court spacer Murphy is. In order for Florida to continue to play the same spaced-out pick-and-roll style, the Gators will need to find a suitable stretch 4-man to pair with Walker.

Of course, Randle isn’t your prototypical stretch power forward either, but if Donovan can pair Randle and Walker together, he’ll have potentially the best freshman frontline in America next year and will be willing to tweak his system.

The other important factor here is the value of Florida’s skill-development program and the amount of trust the Gators put in it. While Murphy is now one of the best stretch 4-men in all of college basketball, that was not his reputation coming out of St. Mark’s (Mass.) four years ago. Yes, he could make an open, stand-still 3, but his bread-and-butter was widely considered to be his post game at the time.

The bottom line here is that Florida has a prototype for what they look for at the power forward position in Murphy. And in order to continue to play the same style, the Gators will need to put Walker in as many pick-and-rolls as possible and find a complementary big man who can ultimately develop into an efficient stretch 4-man.

[don23lucia]

For PF Julius Randle (Dallas/Prestonwood), the visitation process is over. Five successful trips on the books and everyone knows what’s coming next.

“Win a state championship and announce with you guys on TV,” Randle said. “That’s pretty much it.”

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J Anthony Roberts/ESPNHS
No. 3 recruit Julius Randle returned to action on Feb. 15 and is nearing a decision date. Kansas, Texas, NC State, Oklahoma, Florida, and Kentucky are the finalists. The Sooners were the only finalists not to receive an official visit and Kansas was his final stop on his visit tour. Randle said the visits weren’t centered around learning more about the programs. The real benefits of the trips was to gauge his fit and comfort level with each team.

“I pretty much knew everything I needed to know (going in). I wanted to see where I had the best feeling and where I felt most comfortable at,” said Randle, who wouldn’t reveal which program he felt most comfortable with.

“As far as the programs, I have the questions answered. I need to sit down and pray about it and make the right decision.”

Randle has his list tidied up, though not for public consumption. “In my mind I do for sure,” Randle said. “I’ve probably got it down to three at the most. I think I’m just going to leave it there.”

Ranked No. 3 in the class, Randle’s back on the court following a layoff with a foot injury. He played his first game last Friday and said he’s good to go for the team’s playoff run. “I think I’m back and ready to contribute,” Randle said. “I played Friday in limited minutes but this week I don’t have any restrictions on my minutes.”

Some of the programs recruiting Randle have done so for the last three years. A significant time investment by each is about to come to a final close. A legitimate college basketball impact player is weeks away from announcing his pick.

“I think it’s coming to an end,” Randle said. “It’s a weird feeling that it’s coming to an end. After that last visit I was kind of done with it. It’s a good feeling that’s its coming to an end and I can just focus on basketball.”

[Matthanuf06]

Sounds like a smart kid that took the process seriously

[REM08]

No link, but Randle to UK talk is heating up. I've said I don't think UK gets him, but I may be wrong.

[GatorLurker]

Then there must be chatter about transfers. What are you hearing?

[LetItFly]

No link, but I am hearing Randle to Florida is really heating up!!!

[REM08]

Originally Posted by GatorLurker

Then there must be chatter about transfers. What are you hearing?

Lately there's been more and more talk of transfers as well, you're correct. This is not because of scholarship numbers, but because of the speculated future of a few guys if they chose to stay. Hood and Harrow are the two names I hear tossed around the most.

However, UK can easily handle another scholarship addition for the 13 class and I have always expected them to add another - I just figured it was more likely Wiggins than Randle. Obviously nothing is certain though and UK could whiff on both.

What most people don't consider, when looking at future scholly numbers, with next years UK roster are several different things:

1. UK is only using 12 scholarships this year.
2. 2 players graduate next year.
3. 3 current walk-ons are using, otherwise unused, scholarships on a year-by-year basis. They could very well be walk-ons again next year.
4. UK will have early entrees into the draft just like the sun will rise again tomorrow morning.

To accomodate next years class with a 7th player (for example, if Randle signed) all it would mean is that UK needs either 2 players to leave early (Noel/Goodwin most likely) or 2 to transfer (Harrow/Hood possibly). Its not unlikely that both of those happen actually.

[don23lucia]

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles...-randle-suitor

Bleacher report article so take it for what it's worth.

Randle camp has been pretty quite as of late. This one is going to go into April. So many reports of different favorites at this time all we can do is wait and see.

[BengermanV]

I doubt we get Randle. My guess is either UK or Texas. UK won't stop getting such huge recruiting classes until they implement some kind of two year rule, and even then, they would likely be among the top every year. Texas is closer to home.

Anyone think we have any kind of shot?