If you’re not familiar with the name Emmanuel Mudiay, you need to be. The 2014 PG from Arlington Grace Prep was sensational at last weekend’s Great American Shootout in Duncanville, and was every bit of the listed 6-4. After dominating a game against 17 year-olds, Mudiay let me know he was still a youngster.
“I just turned 15 in March, but I’ve been playing up my whole life with my brothers and guys like Isaiah Austin and them,” stated Mudiay. “God blessed me with this talent and I’m going to use it. I’m going to keep working hard.”
His feel for the game is excellent and his play making ability is top notch. This is the type of player that will compete to be the top player in the nation for his class. Obviously, he’s got a long time before he has to worry about signing a letter of intent.
“I’m keeping my options open right now,” said the point guard who plays his AAU basketball for Family First. “I’m just going to pray about it and the day will come.”
Even though he said he was keeping his options open, Mudiay couldn’t hide a smile when I brought up the Longhorns. There is a lot of buzz that he’s grown up a UT fan, likes T.J. Ford, and that Texas is his dream school. That’s great news for Horn fans.
*****************************************
It was my first time to see Derrick Griffin in person, and he’s what a five-star type of athlete should look like. The 6-6 Griffin plays basketball with a bit of a physical, football nature and plays with a ton of energy. At one point, he stole the show in one of the Houston Defenders Select’s pool play games when the lefty started skying above the rim to slam multiple alley-oops. When I asked Griffin about a top group of schools the Longhorns were in that group. When I asked him about the schools showing him the most interest the Longhorns were in that group. As for which sport, the 2013 standout from Rosenberg Terry indicated that schools were recruiting him for both football and basketball. Additionally, he didn’t hide the fact that if he grows a couple of more inches, it will be basketball all the way for this stud athlete. There wasn’t even any hesitation in his answer. He’s plenty good enough to stick to just basketball if he likes, and would likely be a player that pushes for five-star consideration.
**********************************************************
2012 center Shaquille Cleare (Houston Defenders Select AAU team and The Village HS) isn’t a name that has been attached to the Longhorns recently, and with good reason. After talking with the 6-8, 285 pound big man at the GASO, it was clear Maryland was in the lead for his services.
“This summer I’ve only taken one official visit and that was to the University of Maryland,” Cleare stated. “Recruiting has slowed down a little bit. It was crazy before. Right now I’m still open. I don’t know when I’ll commit, hopefully soon.”
When asked if he was planning on taking any visits soon he responded, “I doubt it.”
Even though he stated he was open, just minutes after saying he wanted to commit soon, this one feels like Maryland all the way.
Speaking of Maryland, there is definitely a connection between that Houston Defenders Select AAU team and the Terrapins. That team, which might be the best in the nation, is not only home to Griffin and Cleare, but also to the Harrison twins Andrew and Aaron. Andrew and Aaron’s father is originally from the Maryland area, and is also close to Maryland top assistant Bino Ranson. Maryland is an Under Armour team. The Defenders are an Under Armour team. There are just a lot of similarities and connections between Maryland, Cleare, and the Harrisons. They can’t be ignored. Now, are the Harrisons locks to Maryland? I wouldn’t say that. But they’ll definitely be in the serious mix.
If you missed the GASO Hot 11, Andrew Harrison (Fort Bend Travis HS) was the most impressive player at the event. Even though he’s already a legit 6-5, 200 pounds there is no doubt where Andrew will play.
“First and foremost, I’m a point guard,” responded Andrew when I asked how he views himself as a player. “I just distribute the ball, get my teammates involved, get in the lane, play defense, score when I need to; I just what coach wants me to do.”
After seeing him up close, he’s not lying. He is the total package and the No. 1 overall ranking for the class of 2013 makes sense. Both Andrew and Aaron, who can also play the point as well, have already made a ton of visits.
“Couple months ago we visited Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland, Georgetown, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, Arizona, and we’re planning on taking a few visits after July is over,” said Aaron.
Andrew didn’t really get into the recruiting talk, but his twin brother did.
“I’m just really enjoying the process. I’m not close to making a decision yet,” stated Aaron. “I have no idea what I’m going to do. We’re (he and his brother) definitely going to the same school. That’s the only thing I’m sure about. I really liked Kentucky’s campus, Arizona’s campus, Baylor’s campus. I’d like to stay close to home, but that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is the coach and style of play for me and my brother.”
The Harrisons’ recruitment definitely has a feel of a national recruitment. Will Texas exhaustively recruit the twin duo? At this point, I’m not sure, and a lot depends on which guards it lands in this class. But if UT does land prospects like L.J. Rose or D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, both of whom don’t feel like one-and-done types, it means that the focus can shift to Mudiay and Alex Robinson (Kennedale HS and DJH5 AAU team) in the 2014 class. The Horns will, and should, recruit the Harrisons. However, this just feels like a recruiting battle Texas really won’t be able to win with all the strings attached to other places.
**************************************************
I just referenced Robinson, so I’ll go there next. It sounds like Texas is really interested, but the top priority at the PG position has to be Mudiay. The 5-11 point guard says he still gets excited for each letter he gets, but there is one school he has ties to. Don’t hurt me.
“No matter what college I go to, Oklahoma is probably going to be my school. I might wear an OU shirt underneath a Kentucky jersey,” said Robinson with a laugh. “It’s a family thing. A lot of my family went to Oklahoma.”
I didn’t get the impression at all that Robinson was any sort of Oklahoma lock and I’ve heard Texas is a school he has an eye on, but just something to keep in mind.
*********************************************
Marland Lowe’s Texas Pro team is home to a duo of fast rising prospects. One of those is 6-9, 190 pound forward Chicken Knowles (HYCA HS) of the 2012 class. Knowles is currently rated as the No. 56 prospect in his class, and his offer list is starting to increase.
“There are a lot of teams in the picture but Baylor and Houston stand out the most to me. I’ve been to Baylor twice on an unofficial,” said the four-star forward. “I went to the Kevin Durant camp and the LeBron James camp. Missouri, USF, U of H, Baylor, and Arkansas have offered me. It’s (his recruitment) all up in the air right now.”
Knowles is the type of long, lanky big with a handle that Scott Drew likes at Baylor. The Bears appear to be in good shape early because it was the first school out of his mouth and he’s been there twice.
Another member of that Texas Pro team is Danuel House, and even though he’s rated as a five-star right now, his stock is still taking off. House showed with good touch and a nice jumper from deep that he can definitely play the two-guard as well as the three.
“I’m a combo-guard on the wing because I can play the two and the three,” said House. “In college I’m looking to play on the wing.”
The schools interested and the offers continue to roll in for this Hightower HS product of the 2012 class. House claims an offer from Texas as well as Baylor, U of H, TCU, Missouri, Louisville, Cal, Colorado, Arizona, and Baylor. When asked what schools he grew up liking that he likes hearing from House mentioned UNC, Duke (both haven’t offered yet), Baylor and Texas. Arizona, Louisville, and Missouri are three schools that House mentioned have caught his attention a little bit.
In my opinion, this is a guy Texas needs to go after hard. He’s got a high ceiling and an unlimited offensive game that continues to grow. If UNC and Duke offer, both will be tough to beat. But Texas could emerge in good shape if it really pursues the 6-6 guard.
*****************************************************************
Keep an eye on 2013 PF Jordan Mickey of DFW Urban Elite and Richland Berkner HS. Although he’s just 6-8, he’s a defensive force with incredibly long arms. His game just makes you think he’s a Rick Barnes type. Kansas, A&M, and Providence have offered, according to Mickey. Also, Houston, Baylor, UNC, Kansas State, Marquette, and Texas have shown interest.
***********************************************************
Look for the Longhorns to make a strong push for 2012 PF Ricardo Gathers of Riverside Academy in Reserve, Louisiana. The nation’s No. 34 prospect is an undersized power forward in terms of height, but he’s a very athletic 235 pounds that packs a physical punch in the paint to go along with a high energy approach. It sounds like the Horns could be near the top of this list along with St. John’s and the Red Storm have made him a top priority by showing him a ton of love. LSU is always a team to keep an eye on for Louisiana kids.
*********************************************
Quick baseball tidbit:
I’ve heard Josh Bell is taking summer school a lot more seriously than a big-time prospect that would even think about turning pro would. Just passing it along, but those on the 40 acres are confident in Bell staying on campus.(McComas)
This post was edited on 7/14 11:08 PM by DustinMcComas
This post was edited on 7/15 7:25 AM by Ketchum
“I just turned 15 in March, but I’ve been playing up my whole life with my brothers and guys like Isaiah Austin and them,” stated Mudiay. “God blessed me with this talent and I’m going to use it. I’m going to keep working hard.”
His feel for the game is excellent and his play making ability is top notch. This is the type of player that will compete to be the top player in the nation for his class. Obviously, he’s got a long time before he has to worry about signing a letter of intent.
“I’m keeping my options open right now,” said the point guard who plays his AAU basketball for Family First. “I’m just going to pray about it and the day will come.”
Even though he said he was keeping his options open, Mudiay couldn’t hide a smile when I brought up the Longhorns. There is a lot of buzz that he’s grown up a UT fan, likes T.J. Ford, and that Texas is his dream school. That’s great news for Horn fans.
*****************************************
It was my first time to see Derrick Griffin in person, and he’s what a five-star type of athlete should look like. The 6-6 Griffin plays basketball with a bit of a physical, football nature and plays with a ton of energy. At one point, he stole the show in one of the Houston Defenders Select’s pool play games when the lefty started skying above the rim to slam multiple alley-oops. When I asked Griffin about a top group of schools the Longhorns were in that group. When I asked him about the schools showing him the most interest the Longhorns were in that group. As for which sport, the 2013 standout from Rosenberg Terry indicated that schools were recruiting him for both football and basketball. Additionally, he didn’t hide the fact that if he grows a couple of more inches, it will be basketball all the way for this stud athlete. There wasn’t even any hesitation in his answer. He’s plenty good enough to stick to just basketball if he likes, and would likely be a player that pushes for five-star consideration.
**********************************************************
2012 center Shaquille Cleare (Houston Defenders Select AAU team and The Village HS) isn’t a name that has been attached to the Longhorns recently, and with good reason. After talking with the 6-8, 285 pound big man at the GASO, it was clear Maryland was in the lead for his services.
“This summer I’ve only taken one official visit and that was to the University of Maryland,” Cleare stated. “Recruiting has slowed down a little bit. It was crazy before. Right now I’m still open. I don’t know when I’ll commit, hopefully soon.”
When asked if he was planning on taking any visits soon he responded, “I doubt it.”
Even though he stated he was open, just minutes after saying he wanted to commit soon, this one feels like Maryland all the way.
Speaking of Maryland, there is definitely a connection between that Houston Defenders Select AAU team and the Terrapins. That team, which might be the best in the nation, is not only home to Griffin and Cleare, but also to the Harrison twins Andrew and Aaron. Andrew and Aaron’s father is originally from the Maryland area, and is also close to Maryland top assistant Bino Ranson. Maryland is an Under Armour team. The Defenders are an Under Armour team. There are just a lot of similarities and connections between Maryland, Cleare, and the Harrisons. They can’t be ignored. Now, are the Harrisons locks to Maryland? I wouldn’t say that. But they’ll definitely be in the serious mix.
If you missed the GASO Hot 11, Andrew Harrison (Fort Bend Travis HS) was the most impressive player at the event. Even though he’s already a legit 6-5, 200 pounds there is no doubt where Andrew will play.
“First and foremost, I’m a point guard,” responded Andrew when I asked how he views himself as a player. “I just distribute the ball, get my teammates involved, get in the lane, play defense, score when I need to; I just what coach wants me to do.”
After seeing him up close, he’s not lying. He is the total package and the No. 1 overall ranking for the class of 2013 makes sense. Both Andrew and Aaron, who can also play the point as well, have already made a ton of visits.
“Couple months ago we visited Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland, Georgetown, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, Arizona, and we’re planning on taking a few visits after July is over,” said Aaron.
Andrew didn’t really get into the recruiting talk, but his twin brother did.
“I’m just really enjoying the process. I’m not close to making a decision yet,” stated Aaron. “I have no idea what I’m going to do. We’re (he and his brother) definitely going to the same school. That’s the only thing I’m sure about. I really liked Kentucky’s campus, Arizona’s campus, Baylor’s campus. I’d like to stay close to home, but that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is the coach and style of play for me and my brother.”
The Harrisons’ recruitment definitely has a feel of a national recruitment. Will Texas exhaustively recruit the twin duo? At this point, I’m not sure, and a lot depends on which guards it lands in this class. But if UT does land prospects like L.J. Rose or D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, both of whom don’t feel like one-and-done types, it means that the focus can shift to Mudiay and Alex Robinson (Kennedale HS and DJH5 AAU team) in the 2014 class. The Horns will, and should, recruit the Harrisons. However, this just feels like a recruiting battle Texas really won’t be able to win with all the strings attached to other places.
**************************************************
I just referenced Robinson, so I’ll go there next. It sounds like Texas is really interested, but the top priority at the PG position has to be Mudiay. The 5-11 point guard says he still gets excited for each letter he gets, but there is one school he has ties to. Don’t hurt me.
“No matter what college I go to, Oklahoma is probably going to be my school. I might wear an OU shirt underneath a Kentucky jersey,” said Robinson with a laugh. “It’s a family thing. A lot of my family went to Oklahoma.”
I didn’t get the impression at all that Robinson was any sort of Oklahoma lock and I’ve heard Texas is a school he has an eye on, but just something to keep in mind.
*********************************************
Marland Lowe’s Texas Pro team is home to a duo of fast rising prospects. One of those is 6-9, 190 pound forward Chicken Knowles (HYCA HS) of the 2012 class. Knowles is currently rated as the No. 56 prospect in his class, and his offer list is starting to increase.
“There are a lot of teams in the picture but Baylor and Houston stand out the most to me. I’ve been to Baylor twice on an unofficial,” said the four-star forward. “I went to the Kevin Durant camp and the LeBron James camp. Missouri, USF, U of H, Baylor, and Arkansas have offered me. It’s (his recruitment) all up in the air right now.”
Knowles is the type of long, lanky big with a handle that Scott Drew likes at Baylor. The Bears appear to be in good shape early because it was the first school out of his mouth and he’s been there twice.
Another member of that Texas Pro team is Danuel House, and even though he’s rated as a five-star right now, his stock is still taking off. House showed with good touch and a nice jumper from deep that he can definitely play the two-guard as well as the three.
“I’m a combo-guard on the wing because I can play the two and the three,” said House. “In college I’m looking to play on the wing.”
The schools interested and the offers continue to roll in for this Hightower HS product of the 2012 class. House claims an offer from Texas as well as Baylor, U of H, TCU, Missouri, Louisville, Cal, Colorado, Arizona, and Baylor. When asked what schools he grew up liking that he likes hearing from House mentioned UNC, Duke (both haven’t offered yet), Baylor and Texas. Arizona, Louisville, and Missouri are three schools that House mentioned have caught his attention a little bit.
In my opinion, this is a guy Texas needs to go after hard. He’s got a high ceiling and an unlimited offensive game that continues to grow. If UNC and Duke offer, both will be tough to beat. But Texas could emerge in good shape if it really pursues the 6-6 guard.
*****************************************************************
Keep an eye on 2013 PF Jordan Mickey of DFW Urban Elite and Richland Berkner HS. Although he’s just 6-8, he’s a defensive force with incredibly long arms. His game just makes you think he’s a Rick Barnes type. Kansas, A&M, and Providence have offered, according to Mickey. Also, Houston, Baylor, UNC, Kansas State, Marquette, and Texas have shown interest.
***********************************************************
Look for the Longhorns to make a strong push for 2012 PF Ricardo Gathers of Riverside Academy in Reserve, Louisiana. The nation’s No. 34 prospect is an undersized power forward in terms of height, but he’s a very athletic 235 pounds that packs a physical punch in the paint to go along with a high energy approach. It sounds like the Horns could be near the top of this list along with St. John’s and the Red Storm have made him a top priority by showing him a ton of love. LSU is always a team to keep an eye on for Louisiana kids.
*********************************************
Quick baseball tidbit:
I’ve heard Josh Bell is taking summer school a lot more seriously than a big-time prospect that would even think about turning pro would. Just passing it along, but those on the 40 acres are confident in Bell staying on campus.(McComas)
This post was edited on 7/14 11:08 PM by DustinMcComas
This post was edited on 7/15 7:25 AM by Ketchum
