Bruin Basketball Report | UCLA Basketball

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (1/24)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Commits

The Hornets punctuated the Eastern League win with dunks from Norman Powell and Tyree Robinson in the final seconds. “They hit tough shots and they came to play today. Luckily we gutted it out at the end,” Bryant said. Powell led Lincoln with 18 points as one of three starters in double figures.  San Diego Reader 1/18

Recruits

Bishop O'Dowd-Oakland (12-3), The Chronicle's top-ranked team, blew a 44-31 halftime lead, losing 86-85 in double-overtime to Sacramento (12-4). The game was a rematch of last year's Division III Northern California final, won by O'Dowd. Anders Haas led O'Dowd (12-3) with 21 points, but Brandon Ashley, one of the nation's top-ranked juniors, fouled out at the 3:05 mark in regulation with 10 points and six rebounds.  SF Gate 1/17

The adjustment was too much for the visiting Cougars to handle.  Sophomore wing, Michael Loomis harassed the Gervais guards into turning the ball over and dished the ball ahead to Junior Jordan Tebbutt who finished uncontested at the other end on successive trips down the floor to put the Hawks up 6-2.  That ignited a 16-0 run for Horizon Christian the rest of the opening quarter, with the Hawks up 18-2....Tebbutt paced a balanced Hawks scoring effort with 14 points.  Portland Examiner 1/18

I know you remember him...DeAndre Daniels?? The kid that was undecided the last time we left him...worse than Brett Favre undecided... He was down to Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, and Oregon. He was first committed to Texas..he then decommitted. Then he went to IMG Academy and played a half a year of Prep School. Next he said he was taking visits. He came to Kentucky, went to eat at Malone's and caught a game at Rupp Arena. He was then rumored to visit North Carolina State, but decided not to go.. He instead revisited Texas.. He has been in limbo ever since.  Nation of Blue 1/20

Junior point guard Jordan Tebbutt and Sophomore Calvin Anderson added 13 and 11 points respectively.  Tebbutt nearly recorded a triple double in the game collecting nine rebounds and dishing out nine assists to go along with his 13 points, in just over 16 minutes of playing time. Portland Examiner 1/21

In the Trinity League, Santa Ana Mater Dei defeated Santa Margarita, 66-46. Freshman Stanley Johnson had 17 points and junior Xavier Johnson had 14 points. LA Times 1/21

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (1/17)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Commits

Lincoln, the defending Division II state champions who entered the  game with a 14-1 record, ranked first in the section, third in the state and 15th in the nation, showed its wares, posting a 61-42 victory over La Jolla High. Senior co-captain Norman Powell scored 20 points, while sophomore guard Javonte Byrd added 16 and sophomore co-caption Tyree Robinson 14 to lead Lincoln, which won its fifth straight and improved to 3-0 in the league. La Jolla Patch 1/11

Recruits

Bishop Gorman’s Shabazz Muhammad flew down the court on a fast break and went over a defender for a forceful dunk. Never one to be outdone, Sierra Vista’s Viko Noma’aea took the ensuing inbounds pass, rocketed down the floor and zigzagged his way through the Gorman defense for a how-did-he-do-that layup. This is what happens when two of the best players on two of the best teams in Las Vegas go up against each other. In what is certain to go down as one of the most entertaining high school basketball games of the year, Bishop Gorman rallied past host Sierra Vista for an 85-71 victory Monday night. Las Vegas Sun 1/11

In the Trinity League, Xavier Johnson scored 25 points and Katin Reinhardt added 17 points in Santa Ana Mater Dei's 79-45 win over Anaheim Servite. LA Times 1/12

High School Hoop diary-keeper Shabazz Muhammad (Las Vegas, Nev.) moved up a couple of spots in the top 10 thanks in part to his impressive early-season exploits, as well as the absence of former No. 2 prospect Quincy Miller (High Point, N.C.), whose season-ending knee injury dropped him out of the rankings. Fellow HSH diary-keeper L.J. Rose (Houston, Texas) checks in at No. 32. Dime 1/13

DeAndre Daniels, the one-time Texas Longhorn recruit, is reportedly looking to finalize paperwork in order to enroll before the start of the second semester... but where he'll attend school is still kind of a mystery. The top rated 2011 recruit not to have committed to a school is reportedly deciding between the Kansas Jayhawks and Kentucky Wildcats - after Texas fell off his radar - and is leaning towards moving to Lawrence, KS. If Daniels does decide where to go before the start of the next round of classes, his intention is to enroll, but not suit up, before joining the team as a full member next fall.  Big 12 Hoops 1/13

The dribble-drive offense-- something all top recruits look to be apart of in college.  But specifically, junior Shabazz Muhammad (Bishop Gorman HS, Nev.) wants to play in the dribble-drive, as he has continuously expressed his will to play in the offense. Nothing was different when I talked to him. "Coach Calipari has the dribble-drive and that's what I want to play in. My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA, and Cal can do that." This explains the recent "surging" of Kentucky to the top of list. That isn't all of it though. "They (the coaches) are just staying in contact with me and that goes a long way. I talk to the assistants a lot," he explained. "I could really see myself playing there."Muhammad think a lot of the program as well. "The basketball program is one of the most prestigious in the country. Right now, I compare my game to Kentucky's and see how I could fit in. I would love to play there."  However, there are other teams that have the interest of Muhammad too, just like other recruits.  "Duke, Kentucky, UCLA, Kansas, North Carolina, Memphis, UNLV, and some other teams are on my list right now (in no specific order)," Muhammad said. He also went on to say "I have yet to drop anyone from my list." But right now, he does have favorites. Three in fact. "UCLA, Kentucky, and Duke" sit at the top of Muhammad's list right now. Nation of Blue 1/13

Franklin standout Anrio Adams was scheduled to leave Friday to enroll at South Kent School in Connecticut. South Kent is the school current University of Washington players Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan-Amaning attended. "I'd like to think he's a high-level D-I player," said Darryl Hennings, who coaches Adams' AAU team, Seattle Rotary. "He can score really well. He's a phenomenal athlete, has the prototype two-guard body for higher-level basketball and he's pretty confident in himself. I think he can handle himself against any competition level. "He has his faults like most kids 16 years old, but he's not one of the top 60 in the country for nothing." The 6-foot-3 shooting guard, rated No. 60 on the ESPNU Super 60 list of the nation's top juniors, averaged 23 points in five games with the Quakers this season. Seattle Times 1/14

St. Anthony (N.J.) 75, Dematha Catholic (Md.) 25; Scouts and fans got less from St. Anthony (N.J.) studs Myles Mack and Kyle Anderson than expected Saturday. Not because the pair didn’t perform, but because they spent much of the second half on the bench as the Friars cruised to a 75-25 win against DeMatha Catholic (Md.). Rutgers-bound Mack finished with 28 points (11-14 FGs, 6-7 FTs) in just 21 minutes. Mack is undersized at 5-10, but he's an efficient scorer. Anderson didn't light up the box score, but he has a solid build and handled well for a 6-8 wing while grabbing five boards in 20 minutes. NBADraft.net 1/15

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (1/3)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Commits

With 10 seniors returning from last year’s Division II state champion team, Lincoln has another state title in its sights. The Hornets opened the ESPN iScore Holiday Classic on Monday with a convincing 95-75 win over the Curtis (Wash.) Vikings in the National Division at Torrey Pines High....Norman Powell (19 points), Tyree Robinson (11 points) and Josh Smith (10 points) also finished in double figures for Lincoln. San Diego Reader 12/27

Both teams went scoreless over the next three minutes until Norman Powell drove to the hoop and converted a three-point play to make it 61-56. Powell punctuated Lincoln’s win by finishing an alley oop off the backboard from teammate Tyree Robinson in the game’s closing seconds. “I screamed as loud as I could to throw it off the backboard because I saw No. 24 trying to catch up to Tyree and foul him,” Powell said. “He threw it and I went up and got it.” Powell led all scorers with 19 points, and was one of three Lincoln players in double figures. The UCLA-bound senior shot 7-for-11 from the field and delivered a handful of clutch shots in the second half. “I’ve been going through a shooting slump, but I believed that my shot was going to come and I was going to get buckets and that’s what I did,” Powell said. Lincoln advances to the National Division semifinals Wednesday at 7 p.m. where they will meet Long Beach Poly (10-0). San Diego Reader 12/29

Norman Powell (San Diego, Calif./Lincoln), SG, 6-3, 190 pounds, Powell is a diamond in the rough on the offensive end. He gets most of his points in transition and shooting over the top of his defender in the midrange area. His ballhandling and 3-point touch (fades too much) need to tighten up, but he'll add much-needed athleticism to Ben Howland's lineup. ESPN 12/31

Recruits

Horizon Christian's Jordan Tebbutt produced the best individual performance of the tournament so far after scoring 41 points. The highly recruited junior swingman made 13 of 23 shots while displaying a dazzling variety of shots, sometimes against double- and triple-teams. "Jordan was amazing," Central Catholic coach Mike Petrino said. Oregon Live 12/28

The Gaels from Las Vegas were led by Shabazz Muhammad's 26 points and eight rebounds. The 6-foot-7 Muhammad made 12 of 16 shots and helped the Gaels (6-2) make 37 of 63 shots (58.7 percent). Oregon Live 12/28

Billed as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2012, L J Rose lived up to expectations in controlling every phase of the game, leading his team to a blowout win. Rose finished with a game high 14 points to go along with six assists and three rebounds. He finished as one of three team members in double figures along with Stephen Strachan and Remardo King who each finished with 10. The Tribune 12/28

Anrio Adams, Franklin (Seattle, Wash.) Almost every college in the Pac-10 has offered a scholarship to Adams even though he is still a junior. The 6-foot-3 point guard, who can shoot from three-point land, connected on 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in last week’s game against Cleveland (Seattle, Wash.) and led the Quakers with 40 points in a 76-50 triumph. He was one of the most talked about players in the West last summer. ESPN RISE 12/28

Brandon Ashley, 2012, PF, 6-8, 215, After subpar first half in terms of effort (struggled to finish with contact) and production, Ashley dominated the second half as he led his team to a semifinal battle against an outstanding Long Beach Poly squad. Ashley utilized his length and soft hands to convert numerous baskets in the paint area. Defensively, he had a number of high-level blocks where he was able to keep the ball in play to get spark his team's transition game. Overall, Ashley has an immense upside but his fundamentals (brings the ball down) and skill-set (limited post moves) need to improve immensely for him to maintain his lofty national ranking. ESPN 12/29

Seattle continues to pump out prospects and the next one in line is 6-3 junior Anrio Adams (Franklin). Adams needs to learn how to play (shot selection and overall decision making can be problematic), but he has a terrific body with great length and he's a natural scorer. ESPN 12/29

Another one of Oregon's most heralded basketball prospects is considering leaving the state. Horizon Christian standout Jordan Tebbutt said this week he is considering a move to Virginia's Oak Hill Academy, a renowned high school basketball power. "If I want to go, my parents are 100 percent OK with it," said Tebbutt Wednesday at the Les Schwab Invitational. "But I would say I'm about 80 percent sure I'm going. I'm planning on making a final decision in January." Tebbutt, the 2009-10 Class 3A Player of the Year in Oregon and a highliy-touted basketball prospect, has long drawn interest from the nation's top college programs. As a sophmore, Tebbutt had coaches from all over the country attending his games at Tualatin's Horizon Christian. With over twenty scholarship offers attached to his name already, Tebbutt isn't seeking the exposure Oak Hill Academy would most certainly offer, rather, the experience the school could provide him. "I just have a lot of friends that are going there. It's my senior year and it sounds like it would be fun. I also think it would be good preparation before going to college." Oregon Live 12/30

The Monarchs outscored Foothill by 15 points in the second quarter to take a big lead and cruised to a 69-48 victory in an Orange Holiday Classic semifinal game at Chapman University....Three Monarchs scored in double figures. Junior forward Xavier Johnson had a game-high 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting, and freshmen Shaqquan Aaron and Stanley Johnson scored 11 and 10, respectively. OC Register 12/30

DeAndre Daniels, a 6-9 senior forward from IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., is expected to choose a school either Monday or Tuesday. It’s believed either KU, Kentucky or Texas will land Rivals.com’s No. 9-rated player. Oregon also is on Daniels’ list. KU Sports 12/31

Brandon Ashley, 2012, PF, 6-8, 215 pounds, Ashley is still raw in many areas of the game (footwork and bringing the ball down) and his motor runs hot and cold, but his overall talent is undeniable. His length is extraordinary and he has some soft hands as well, while finishing in the paint. ESPN 12/31

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (12/27)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Commits

“We’d like to see (and play against) more of those Top 10 teams before and after Christmas,” said Bryant. “It’s the only way to get better. Defensively, we’ve shown we can play with these teams but offensively we’re still a little rusty. “You know though, kids like (UCLA signee) Norman Powell, they really don’t care about numbers.” Union Tribune 12/23

Recruits

Kyle Anderson’s excellent interior performance yesterday is unlikely to send college coaches scrambling to rework their recruiting pitches. The 6-8 junior already was widely considered one of the top young shooting guards in the nation. But Anderson’s ability to excel in every phase in the low post just may force upcoming opponents into some last-minute tinkering with the scouting report. Anderson, the former standout at now-closed Paterson Catholic, scored 23 points, collected 10 rebounds and added two steals to guide St. Anthony to a 62-50 victory over young, stubborn and very talented Gill St. Bernard’s at the Hoop Group Tip Off Classic at Seton Hall University, South Orange. NJ.com 12/19

Some consider Shabazz Muhammad to be the best high school junior basketball player in the country, yet the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman guard isn't even sure if he's the best athlete in the family. Muhammad's father, 6-foot-5 Ron Holmes, played basketball at USC. The genetics Muhammad inherited from his mom, Faye Muhammad, have come in handy as well. Faye Muhammad was a an elite high school basketball player and competed in that sport as well as in track and field in college at Long Beach State. Her brother, Stephone Paige, played wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs for 10 seasons in 1983-92. "My mom, she inspires me to play hard," Muhammad said. News Press 12/20

Gorman junior Shabazz Muhammad, the No. 1 shooting guard in the country according to ESPN, poured in a game-best 29 points. "I really wish we could have contained Shabazz a little better," Byrd said. "We tried, but that's just who he is." News Press 12/20

With Mater Dei up just 57-54 with 12.8 seconds, Cook scrapped and clawed to help the Monarchs retain possession. David Brown and Katin Reinhardt made five free throws in the final 1:10 to seal the win. Reinhardt led Mater Dei with 17 points while Brown added 13 and Xavier Johnson 11. News Press 12/21

Three major Division I college basketball coaches lined the first rows of the Berkeley High bleachers Tuesday, presumably to take a look at Bishop O'Dowd junior star Brandon Ashley. But with Ashley limited most of the first three quarters because of foul trouble, fellow junior standout Richard Longrus stole the show with an energetic 11-point, 12-rebound effort as the visiting Dragons cruised past previously unbeaten Berkeley 67-35....Cal's Mike Montgomery, Kansas' Bill Self and Washington's Lorenzo Romar were all in attendance, but Ashley picked up two fouls in the first minute and had just six points at halftime. But a strong night from the free-throw line -- he went 10 of 11 overall and 6 of 6 in the fourth quarter -- allowed Ashley to finish with a solid 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Contra Costa Times 12/21

What makes Shabazz Muhammad a player you can't miss? First, just watch the videos here. If that's not enough, know that scouts praise him as a terrific athlete who has the physical gifts to score both inside and outside. This is no undersized shooting guard, in fact, many reports indicate he will play small forward at the college level. Not only can he light up the scoreboard, but according to scouts, he's also a potential lockdown defender and excellent rebounder. Mass Live 12/22

Self has been not only coaching his team, but recruiting on this trip to California. Self on Tuesday attended a game of Brandon Ashley, a 6-8 junior power forward from Bishop O’Dowd High in Oakland. Ashley, the No. 6-prospect in the Class of 2012, had 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks in a win over previously unbeaten Berkeley High. The Contra Costa Times reported that Cal coach Mike Montgomery and Washington’s Lorenzo Romar also attended. KU Sports 12/23

Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei juniors Katin Reinhardt and Xavier Johnson spoiled Winter Park senior guard Austin Rivers' final appearance in the State Farm City of Palms Classic on Wednesday. Reinhardt and Johnson combined for 54 points as Mater Dei blew out Winter Park 84-66 in the third-place game at Bishop Verot. Reinhardt had 28 points and Johnson had 26, including a highlight dunk over Rivers in the third quarter.  News Press 12/23

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (12/20)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Recruits

Dinos Trigonis told Scout.com on Sunday that he believes Kentucky, Kansas and Texas are the co-favorites to land Deandre Daniels, a 6-7 forward Trigonis coached last summer. Daniels, arguably the nation's top uncommitted prospect, currently attends IMG Academy in Florida. He's expected to enroll in college somewhere next month, though Trigonis told Scout.com that Daniels will not play college basketball until the 2011-12 season even if he's eligible to play the second semester of this season. CBS Sports 12/14

North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams was treated to a show. Bishop Gorman High junior shooting guard Shabazz Muhammad poured in 28 points Monday night, leading the Gaels to an 86-56 victory against host Desert Oasis and putting on an offensive explosion with Williams sitting courtside at the southwest Las Vegas school. The 6-foot-5 Muhammad, who Rivals.com lists as the No. 3 overall prospect for the class of 2012, didn't flinch with having someone of Williams' status in the gym. After all, he has caught the eye of several of the nation's top coaches, receiving more than 20 scholarship offers. Gorman has three juniors who are being heavily recruited, with appearances from the likes of Williams becoming a common occurrence. Assistant coaches from Arizona, Kentucky and UCLA also were in attendance. Las Vegas Sun 12/14

It was the second game in three days Horizon Christian faced an opponent at that elite level, after taking care of Mountain View, WA on Saturday night in Vancouver, 59-46.  These games have not only helped the Hawks prepare for the elite competition they will face later this month at the Les Schwab Invitational, it also makes them battle tested when West Valley league play begins, as Junior point guard Jordan Tebbutt attests. “I think it will make it easier in league (having) already played strong teams”, says Tebbutt. Tebbutt is settling into his new position as the Hawks floor general quite nicely, getting the Hawks into rhythm against Marist right out of the gate.  The junior drove to the basket strong getting the first points with a little harm and knocking in his free throw for the three point play to put the Hawks in front to stay at 3-0.  Portland Examiner 12/15

Kyle Anderson’s excellent interior performance yesterday is unlikely to send college coaches scrambling to rework their recruiting pitches. The 6-8 junior already was widely considered one of the top young shooting guards in the nation. But Anderson’s ability to excel in every phase in the low post just may force upcoming opponents into some last-minute tinkering with the scouting report. Anderson, the former standout at now-closed Paterson Catholic, scored 23 points, collected 10 rebounds and added two steals to guide St. Anthony to a 62-50 victory over young, stubborn and very talented Gill St. Bernard’s at the Hoop Group Tip Off Classic at Seton Hall University, South Orange. NJ.com 12/19

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (12/13)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Commits

In the Santa Monica tournament, UCLA-bound Norman Powell put on a show for San Diego Lincoln, scoring 30 points in an 82-60 victory over previously unbeaten Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. "He's the best I've seen this year," Notre Dame Coach Bill Bedgood said. LA Times 12/8

Recruits

Sitting in the stands across from the student section on Sunday was standout recruit DeAndre Daniels. A 6'8" small forward from IMG Academy in Florida, Daniels earned the coveted five-star rating from Rivals.com. Members of the Pit Crew took notice of his presence, chanting his name and urging him to attend the University of Oregon. In response, Daniels put up the "O" sign with his hands. At halftime, he shook hands with Oregon assistant coaches before returning to his seat. Daniels was on an official visit to the University on Sunday. Daniels is also considering attending Florida, Kansas, Texas and UCLA. Daily Emerald 12/6

DeAndre Daniels, a 6-foot-8 senior forward from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., apparently had a good time on his official visit to Kansas University last weekend. “I think the coaching staff at Kansas made a very favorable impression on DeAndre during his visit, so I think he is strongly considering them,” Daniels’ AAU coach, Dinos Trigonis, told Rivals.com. Daniels headed to Oregon for an official visit at the conclusion of the Thursday-Saturday KU trip. He also is considering Texas, Florida, UCLA and Kentucky. At one point, he was orally committed to Texas. KU Sports 12/7

Gorman junior wing Shabazz Muhammad, the third overall recruiting prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, had a game-high 24 points to lead the charge. Las Vegas Sun 12/11

DeAndre Daniels, a 6-9, 197-pound senior small forward from IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., is considering enrolling at a college in January. Daniels, who is visiting Kentucky this weekend, made recent trips to KU and Oregon. He is also considering Texas, Alabama, North Carolina State, UCLA and Baylor. “He made a commitment to come to us for an entire year because he knew he needed to get bigger, stronger and more competitive to be the type of player he wants to be on the Division 1 level,” IMG Academy’s Andy Borman told Zagsblog.net. “Because of his hard work and success in the last three months, his dad and DeAndre and us are contemplating sending him somewhere at the semester. It’s not set in stone. We have sped up his recruiting process, so that if he does find a home at the semester, that he and his dad are very comfortable with, then he is going to go.” Daniels’ coach said he could opt to play right away in college or red-shirt and wait until the 2011-12 season to compete. KU Sports 12/11

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (12/6)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Recruits

After putting together the most impressive class in the Pac-10 during the early signing period, Arizona coach Sean Miller just received a great boost to his 2012 haul by landing junior PF Grant Jerrett, who is No. 12 in the ESPNU Super 60. Jerrett, from LaVerne (Calif.) Lutheran High School, chose the Wildcats over UCLA, Washington, Duke, North Carolina, USC, Texas and Kansas. Jerrett, 6-foot-8 and 200 poounds, is the West's most promising big man in a loaded 2012 class. ESPN 11/29

DeAndre Daniels, the top available prospect in the class of 2011, is currently tucked away at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and little recruiting information is coming out concerning the former Texas commitment. Sources close to Daniels' situation, however, have informed Rivals.com that four schools are currently pushing toward the top of his recruitment. Kansas, Florida, UCLA and Texas are emerging as the teams to beat. Cardinal Sports 11/30

Kyle Anderson is one of the players who breaks the static mold of basketball positions. Offensively, he has the skills of a point guard, but defensively he doesn't have the foot speed to defend a quick point guard. Basically Anderson is a player who can play any position offensively. Regardless at what position Anderson is labeled, he is a player who is best at facilitating the offense. Although Anderson is capable of putting up big numbers as a scorer what makes him special is his ability to create plays and distribute the ball. So I like him best playing more in the middle of the floor as either a point guard or a face up four-man. At 6-foot-8, Anderson continues to grow and could end up around 6-foot-10. More than likely, he does end up a four-man and not a point guard like Livingston. Nonetheless, there are strong similarities between the two as tall playmakers with exceptional basketball IQs. Jackets Online 12/2

DeAndre Daniels, a 6-foot-8, 180-pound senior forward from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., attended the game as part of his official visit to KU. Daniels, who decommitted from Texas in mid-August, also has UCLA on his list of schools that still includes Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Oregon. He’s Rivals.com’s No. 9-rated player nationally. His visit will last until Saturday. KU Sports 12/3

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (11/15)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Commits

Guard Norman Powell (San Diego, Calif./Lincoln) signed his national letter of intent Wednesday and will join the UCLA basketball program next season, the school announced on the first day of the early signing period.  ESPNU ranks the 6-foot3 guard at No. 47 overall and No. 15 shooting guard in the class of 2011.  Powell averaged 19.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 steals in guiding Lincoln to the CIF Division II state title last season.  ”I’m really excited about Norman Powell joining our basketball program and family,” coach Ben Howland said in a statement released by the school. “He’s one of the most athletic kids that we will have had in this program in a while and one of the most athletic kids since I’ve been here. ESPN 11/10

Recruits

Why little drama Wednesday? Of the Sporting News top 25 players, 23 have chosen their schools. Unless a player suddenly changes his mind, it should be a quiet, business-as-expected day. The two SN25 players uncommitted are No. 19 DeAndre Daniels, a 6-8 power forward from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and No. 25 Cody Zeller, a 6-10 power forward from Washington, Ind. Daniels -- who backed out of a Texas commitment -- might opt to sign in the late period and has Kentucky, NC State, UCLA, UNLV and Southern Cal high on his list.  Sporting News 11/9

The highest ranked player who remains uncommitted in the NBE Post-Summer Class of 2011 Top 150 will not be signing this week in the early signing period. DeAndre Daniels, who checks in as the 15th ranked player in the class, is not too worried about the recruiting process at the moment. IMG Director Andy Borman fills in Jeff Borzello about the former Texas verbal commitment and his recruitment. “His decommitment had nothing to do with Texas, it had everything to do with DeAndre,” Borman said. “He’s not worried about schools right now, he’s worried about getting better.” Kansas has been to Florida to watch Daniels, while UCLA plans on coming next week.NBE Basketball 11/10

Steve Lavin's recruiting haul gets bigger by the day. One day after introducing a five-man recruiting class, St. John's received a verbal pledge from 6-foot-10, 200-pound Los Angeles Price center Norvel Pelle, the No. 2 center in the Class of 2011 according to Rivals. "It feels like a home away from home," Pelle told ESPNU Thursday. "Coach Lavin is a very smart guy. He's a very smart coach. I just loved the way he approached the situation. "He was calm and cool. He knew other schools wanted me, and he gave me space and also made sure I knew they wanted me." Pelle was to have visited Washington this weekend, but now that visit won't be necessary. SNY.TV 11/12

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (11/8)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Recruits

The highest-rated newcomer to the ESPNU 100 is DeAndre Daniels (Bradenton, Fla./IMG Academy), who debuts at No. 35. When we last put out the rankings, we didn't have enough information as to Daniels' whereabouts or current class. He was kind of in limbo, so we waited and wanted to learn a little more about where he'd end up and his grade status. Now that it's cleared up, his talents as an athlete, perimeter player and combo forward warrant ranking him among our top 50 talents. ESPN 11/3

Quinn Cook, the No. 12 player in MaxPreps' ranking of the nation's top 100 seniors, has made a commitment to Duke University, according to the Fayetteville Observer. His second choice was UCLA.  The 6-foot-1 point guard averaged 20 points, 5.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds last year while leading DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) to a 32-4 record. MaxPreps 11/4

"I have Shabazz Muhammad at the top of my list," Hicks said. "He plays with the kind of aggressiveness that Jrue Holiday did a couple of years ago but he's bigger, stronger and a better shooter than Jrue was at the same time," he added, alluding to the former UCLA player and current starting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished atop the balloting for the 29th (2007-08) BIW squad. Press Telegram 11/6

Six-foot-8 Brandon Ashley (Oakland Bishop O'Dowd) is their choice as the No. 1 junior in Northern California, 6-9 Grant Jarrett (La Verne Lutheran) is their pick as the best 11th grader in Southern California and 6-4 Shabazz Muhammad (Las Vegas Bishop Gorman) gets their nods as the best non-Californian among West region juniors. "Ashley and Jarrett are each `elite-level' recruits," Francisco said, the inference being that Ashley and Jarrett will, in essence, be able to choose a college from among any of the national powers, regardless of region. Press Telegram 11/6

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (11/1)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday. 

Recruits

Norvel Pelle is an impact freshman because he is a phenomenal shot blocker and all-around athlete. Yes, he is limited offensively, but I don't know of a 2011 big man who can run the floor, rebound, block shots and play above the rim as a finisher like Pelle can. St. John's has been a prominent player in Pelle's recruitment if not the outright leader. The string of commitments by forwards and guards can only help Lavin's chances of landing this post player and what would be his first 2011 West Coast recruit. Gator Bait 10/22

The former DeMatha Catholic floor general is Oak Hill's safety net at the point but he's recovering from a knee injury suffered in late August at the Boost Mobile game. Quinn Cook indicated he was 80 percent healthy and didn't have his usual burst or swagger. "It's all mental for me," Cook said. "It's about confidence. My knee is physically fine it's just mental." The knee isn't the only thing on Cook's mind. His college decision weighs heavily on him. Duke and UCLA separated themselves from Villanova and Cook's timetable for a decision, combined with him taking the standardized test this weekend, are factors working against the Wildcats. Not to mention the competition they face to land him. "[UCLA] coach [Ben] Howland is a great coach," Cook said. "His past four point guards have been NBA players and he wins; he had three straight Final Fours." ESPN 10/22

Shabazz Muhammad, 2012, SG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds, Maybe the most accurate way to describe Muhammad is relentless. He can score in a variety of ways and his full arsenal was on display at this event. Whether it was posting up his defender and scoring over the top of him or slashing his way to the rim and finishing with an array of spectacular dunks, Muhammad was dominant. He plays with a warrior's mentality and he has a tremendous knack to score. He still needs to continue to improve his shot and handle, but he is definitely a menace to deal with each and every possession. ESPN 10/25

But that doesn't mean Cooper will be telling his son, 2013 target Eric Cooper Jr. and another of his players, Grant Jerrett, that they have to become Wildcats. "I try not to because I don't want this to be anything that has to do with me," the elder Cooper said. "I want this to be something they want because they're going to have to live there. I just want them to come see it, know it." Cooper, who transferred to Texas-San Antonio as a sophomore in 1986-87 but has since re-established a good relationship with Olson, said he spoke with Olson briefly at Sunday's games. The recruits also watched Saturday's UA-Washington football game.... They have seen UCLA, USC, UNLV, Cal, Stanford, Duke, North Carolina and others. Arizona Daily Star 10/25

Coach Josh Pastner and Memphis have done it again by keeping elite prospect Adonis Thomas (Memphis, Tenn./Melrose) at home to play his college ball. However, it took a little help from fellow local talent and Memphis alum Penny Hardaway, who put together a video directed at Thomas, during the Tigers' Midnight Madness. "It did impact my decision," said Thomas, who chose Memphis over Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas and UCLA. "It was a privilege to listen to Penny Hardaway talk about what the city of Memphis and the University of Memphis meant to him." Through sheer work ethic Thomas has taken his game from a well-regarded, undersized 4 man with an outstanding motor to the No. 9-ranked player in the country. He is one of the top students at his high school with a 4.0 GPA and embodies the attributes of a true student-athlete. ESPN 10/28

Shabazz Muhammad, SG- A top five prospect nationally in the class of 2012, there aren't many guys more explosive to the rim. He's a relentless competitor and has a polished mid-post game that compliments his transition finishing. There's not a better rebounding wing, he plays smart and the jumper continues to evolve. Muhammad is noticeably stronger and he's a violent slam dunker who attacks the rim whenever he can. Cardinal Sports 10/28

Duke still has a couple scholarships available for the class of 2011 and many believe there is a strong possibility they will try to get point guard Quinn Cook. Cook attended Duke's Countdown to Craziness, and by all accounts, came away impressed. Although there has been no official announcement, many believe he will decide during the early signing period and many believe he is a Duke lean. Of course nothing is set in stone and Duke could end the 2011 recruiting class with just three signees, which considering the talent level, isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bleacher Report 10/29

On Saturday, class of 2011 No. 2 point guard Myck Kabongo made it public that he is no longer committed to the Texas Longhorns.  He is considering Texas, Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Syracuse....The Blue Devils have been recruiting 2011 point guard Quinn Cook pretty hard, and a lot of people expected Cook to commit to Duke two weeks ago.  There has been talk, however, that Cook has been cooling on Duke lately.  Could Kabongo's interest in Duke be part of the reason Cook has decided to wait on his decision? Bleacher Report 10/30