October 11, 2013

Corey Albertson

Welcome to the latest edition of MusketeerScoop's recruiting hot-board. This is the most up to date look at who Coach Mack and the rest of the staff are targeting the hardest in the classes of 2013 and 2014.  Included in the hot-board we have player information, our scouting analysis on each prospect, and a list of other top schools recruiting them. Join us on our premium message board, D'Artagnan's Den, for discussion of the prospects and up to the minute updates.  2013 PROSPECTS PROSPECT NOTES Devin Williams (6-8, 230 pounds) Power Forward Rank: 4 Star (#66) Withrow - Cincinnati, Ohio AAU: Ohio Basketball Club Xavier offer: Yes Other Interest: West Virginia, UCLA, USC, Purdue, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisville, Ohio State, Marquette  Scouting Report: Williams has been on the Xavier radar since breaking out on the national scene last AAU season. A powerful scorer around the basket he has gotten more and more skilled every time we've seen him. Devin is a hard working player and a high level rebounder who has the frame to contribute immediately in the A-10.  Chris Thomas (6-4,180 pounds) Shooting Guard Rank: 5 Star (#5) Chipola JuCo - Mariana, FL AAU: None  Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Arizona, Colorado, Memphis, Kansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky Scouting Report: Thomas is the top 2013 SG in the country according to Rivals. He recently left his prep school and will be attending Chipola JC next year for one year of basketball before transferring to a four year school with three years of instant eligibility. A high level athlete and skilled player, Thomas can fill it up anywhere on the court. Has one and done potential at the college level.  Kris Jenkins (6-6, 230 pounds) Power Forward Rank: 3 Star Gonzaga Prep - Washington DC AAU: DC Assault Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Georgetown, Connecticut, Miami, Richmond, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Marquette, Virginia Tech Scouting Report: Jenkins is one of the nation's fastest rising prospects as a combo forward with great toughness. He will most likely reach high four star status in the next rankings. Jenkins not only brings scoring to the table but he is a versatile matchup problem with good strength. Greg McClinton (6-6, 180 pounds) Small Forward Rank: 4 Star (#58) WS Prep - Winston Salem, NC AAU: Chris Paul All-Stars Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Louisville, Wake Forest Scouting Report: McClinton is an athletic wing with a high level of potential as he continues to imrpove his ballskills. He is on the of the top slashing playmakers in the country and shows a high level of energy on the court. His athleticism and defensive abilities mean that he should be an impact freshman when he reaches the college level.  Josh Newkirk (6-0, 165 pounds) Point Guard Rank: 4 Star (#74) Word of God - Raleigh, NC AAU: D-One Sports Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Tennesee  Scouting Report: Newkirk is one of the best young guards in the country and the top prospect at one of the nation's elite prep schools. He has pure point guard abilities with great quickness but is also able to slide over and play more of a scoring role as a shooting guard. Very good passer who will consistently be ranked as one of the top ten point guards in 2013.  Maverick Morgan (6-10, 240 pounds) Center Rank: 3 Star Springboro - Springboro, OH AAU: Martin's Wolverines Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Cincinnati, Dayton, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Iowa State Scouting Report: Morgan has improved steadily and is now a much more active rebounder and shotblocker to go along with great size and a solid low post game. Morgan is a throwback center that would have great size in the A-10 and can score with his back to the basket. Kevin Johnson (6-2, 175 pounds) Point Guard/Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star (#149) Summit CD - Cincinnati, OH AAU: Ohio Basketball Club Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Cincinnati, Illinois, Saint Joseph's, Seton Hall, West Virginia, Illinois, Wake Forest Scouting Report: "KJ" is an athletic combo guard that can make plays on both ends of the floor with his length, leaping ablity, and quickness. Very good ballhandler that can slash to the paint and create a shot for himself whenever he wants he is working on becoming a pure point man. Johnson is also an excellent defensive player. Reggie Cameron (6-7, 190 pounds) Small Forward Rank: 3 Star (#121) Hudson Catholic - Newark, NJ AAU: New Jersey Playaz Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Rutgers, Providence, Miami, Cincinnati, Northwestern, Seton Hall, Villanova, Notre Dame Scouting Report: A smart player with a deadly jumpshot Cameron has established himself as one of the premiere shooters in the Northeast. Not a great athlete but a player with a high basketball IQ Cameron is a playmaker that play any of the perimeter positions and with some added strength could even play some power forward. Stanford Robinson (6-4, 185 pounds) Shooting Guard/Small Forward Rank: 3 Star (#96) Paul XI - Fairfax, VA AAU: Team Takeover Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: UMass, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, South Florida Scouting Report: Athletic scoring wing that has really improved his basketball IQ and the form on his jumpshot. Robinson is still sort of on the raw side but he has nearly unlimited potential with his athleticism and natural scoring abilities. Playing for an elite AAU team, he should get more exposure this summer on the EYBL. Davon Reed (6-5, 175 pounds) Shooting Guard Rank: 4 Star (#78) Princeton Day - Princeton, NJ AAU: Team Final Xavier offer: Yes Other Interest: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Villanova, Seton Hall, Georgetown, Ohio State, West Virginia, Syracuse  Scouting Report:  Reed is a skilled and athletic wing with a complete offensive arsenal. He has a polished shooting stroke out to the three point line, he can handle the ball on the break and find teammates, or he can play off the bounce to create a shot for himself at the rim or mid-range. Look for him to be one of the most sought after NJ recruits in his class.   Tony Farmer (6-7,225 pounds) Small Forward/Power Forward Rank: 4 Star (#80) Garfield Heights - Cleveland, OH AAU: All Ohio Red Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Depaul, Illinois, West Virginia, Michigan State, Iowa, Penn State Scouting Report:Farmer is an eccentric combo forward with a great body and top notch athleticism. At 225 pounds he can bully over smaller opponents, or play on the wing and attack slower ones. Has yet to reach his great potential but he is a high level target for several high-majors.   Sterling Brown (6-4, 190 pounds) Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star Proviso East - Maywood, IL AAU: Mac Irvin Fire Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Depaul, Illinois, Michigan State Scouting Report: Younger brother of NBA's Shannon Brown, Sterling can really play as well. He's a fresh face to XU recruiting but he's someone that the staff will love due to his long-range shooting ability. He's a pure scorer that is smooth around the rim, he doesn't have his brother's leaping ability yet; if he gets it then watch out! Kyle Washington (6-9, 200 pounds) Power Forward Rank: 3 Star Kotchkiss - Champlin, MN AAU: Howard Pulley Panthers Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Baylor, West Virginia, UConn, Florida, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Louisville, Marquette, Washington Scouting Report: A Minnesota native going to a prep school in Connecticut, Washington is going be getting more and more interest this spring on the Nike EYBL circuit. A shotblocker and rebounder who really runs the floor and can get off the ground well for his size Washington is still raw on the offensive end but oozes potential. Akoy Agau (6-9, 210 pounds) Small Forward/Power Forward Rank: 3 Star (#149) Central High - Omaha, NE AAU: Martin Brothers Select Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Clemson, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Wichita State, Creighton, Indiana  Scouting Report: Agau is a super athlete who can run the floor like a sprinter and leaps like a high jumper. He's thin but extremely long and active on both ends of the floor. Agau plays on the wing offensively and although he is raw he shows signs of great potential. Jon Severe (6-1, 175 pounds) Point Guard/Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star  Christ the King - New York, NY AAU: Long Island Lightning Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Florida, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Texas, Penn State, Providence, Miami, Kansas Scouting Report: Severe is a talented scorer that can play either guard position. He's a big time shooter, with solid handles and passing ability to match. What everyone likes about Severe is his ability to thrive when playing his role with great talent around him, as he's done at the high school and AAU levels. E.C. Matthews (6-4, 180 pounds) Point Guard/Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star (#96\4) Romulus - Detroit, MI AAU: The Family Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Arizona, Michigan, Marquette, Depaul, Dayton, Providence, USC Scouting Report: E.C. is a really talented combo guard that loves to attack off the dribble. He's been somewhat of a late bloomer but has really hit his stride this season and should garner significant high major attention. A natural scorer that is learning to play the point he has great size and could move to four star status. Nigel Hayes (6-8, 220 pounds) Power Forward Rank: 3 Star  Whitmer - Toledo, Ohio AAU: All Ohio Red Xavier offer: No Other Interest: Dayton, Butler, Memphis, Akron, Ohio State, West Virginia, Purdue Scouting Report: Hayes has really improved his offensive skill set and now has the capability to step out and handle the ball on the wing. A very strong prospect, who is also a football stud, he has the athleticism to dominate inside with his size, strength, bounce, and toughness as well. Hayes was once considered more of a mid-major recruit but is earning high-major offers with his improved skills. Martez Walker (6-5,185 pounds) Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star  Pershing - Detroit, MI AAU: R.E.A.C.H. Legends Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Iowa State, Iowa, Michigan, Central Michigan Scouting Report: Walker is an under the radar scoring wing with elite shooting skills. He's a high level scorer and competitor that Xavier coaches are really excited to evaluate this spring. Josh Davenport (6-4, 180 pounds) Shooting Guard/Small Forward Rank: 3 Star Moeller - Cincinnati, OH AAU: Ohio Basketball Club Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Butler, Cincinnati, Depaul, Dayton, Florida State, Wisconsin Scouting Report: Davenport is a smooth slashing guard with some big time bounce. While being on the skinny side Josh rebounds at a high level and can score with anyone in the country when he's playing aggressively. He is working on his jumpshot from mid-range and has a high ceiling as a prospect. Mike Young (6-8, 225 pounds) Power Forward Rank: 3 Star (#100) Hudson Catholic - Newark, NJ AAU: New Jersey Playaz Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: West Virginia, Florida, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Cincinnati Scouting Report: Another athletic and high energy post player with a tough side. The Pittsburgh native has been on the radar for a long time and as he continues to improve his skill set will be a coveted high major prospect.   On the Radar Samuel Dingba - 6'6 PF Salisbury (Salisbury, CT) Trevor Thompson - 6'10 C Ben Davis (Indianapolis, IN) Isaiah Johnson - 6'9 C Walnut Hills (Cincinnati, OH) Vitto Brown 6'8 PF Bowling Green (Bowling Green, OH) Zach Garber - 6'9 PF Vanlue (Vanlue, OH) Vince Hunter - 6'5 SF Consortium (Detroit, MI) Jack Gibbs - 5'11 PG Westerville North (Columbus, OH) Antonio Campbell - 6'8 PF Holy Cross (Covington, KY) Jermaine Lawrence - 6'9 PF Cardozo (New York, NY) 2014 PROSPECTS PROSPECT NOTES Dakari Johnson (6-10, 265 pounds) Center Rank: 4 Star (#20) Monteverde Academy - Florida AAU: Each 1 Teach 1  Xavier offer: Yes Other Interest: Syracuse, Kentucky, Georgetown, Louisville, Ohio State, Villanova Scouting Report: Johnson, a New York City native who decided to attend boarding school, is as massive of a prospect as there is at the 16u level in AAU. Soft hands and good feet for his size make up for a slight lack of mobility, but no one is stronger in the painted area. Johnson has a knack for getting great position down low to catch the ball or rebound and keeps the ball high while exploding up to finish with strength. His conditioning and mid-post game are expanding, which could make him 2014's elite big man. Jaquan Lyle (6-4,180 pounds) Small Forward/Shooting Guard Rank: 5 Star (#8) Bosse - Evansville, IN AAU: Spiece Indy Heat Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Louisville, West Virginia Scouting Report: When you talk about being elite in three different aspects of the game you talk about someone who will contend for the top spot in the country. Lyle is one of those players. With good size for a sophomore wing guard he is a great shooter, passer, and athlete with a real swagger to the way he plays. Everyone in the country will be watching him play on the EYBL circuit and looking for any weaknesses that he might have. With a great feel for the game and a handle to beat defenders to make plays there isn't much to complain about. D'angelo Russell (6-3, 165 pounds) Shooting Guard/Point Guard Rank: 5 Star (#14) Monteverde Academy - Florida AAU: Louisville Magic Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, Indiana, Purdue, Tennessee, Oklahoma State Scouting Report: Playmaking combo guard that is a native of Louisville but also decided to go the prep school route. Russell is coming off a torn ACL and will be back for the April evaluation period, but could be a little rusty. When he's at his best he's a scoring point guard with a nice jumpshot and the ability to break defenders down off the dribble. Solid athlete with competitive drive and creativity with a high ceiling. Vincent Edwards (6-7, 200 pounds) Small Forward/Power Forward Rank: 3 Star Middletown - Middletown, OH AAU: King James  Xavier Offer: Yes Other Interest: Purdue, West Virginia, Indiana, Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio State, Butler, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Miami (OH), Oregon State Scouting Report: Possibly Ohio's top recruit in 2014 because of his size and versatility Edwards just gets things done on the court. A stat sheet stuffer who quietly racks up points and always rebounds the ball well. Edwards can shoot it out to three, score in the post, or push the rock himself in transition to pass or score. The scary thing is he is just starting to scratch the surface of his vast potential. Justin Bibbs (6-5, 175 pounds) Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star  Chaminade - Dayton, OH AAU: King James Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Cincinnati, Dayton, Michigan, Wright State Scouting Report: No one in Ohio has blown up more in the last couple of months then Bibbs. After being a relative unknown he is now hyped as a can't miss high major with his combination of size, strength, athleticism, and skill. Bibbs can play the point or the wing and is a great distributor off the bounce. His jumpshot has really become a weapon as the lefty can create space in the mid-range game for high percentage shots. Brandon Hatton (6-2, 190 pounds) Shooting Guard Rank: 3 Star  Dixie Heights - Edgewood, KY AAU: Louisville Magic Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Notre Dame, Texas, Northern Kentucky Scouting Report: Hatton has his faults but not when it comes to shooting, as the combo guard can go shot for shot with anyone in the country regardless of class. A strong bodied player with toughness and confidence he projects a winning aura on the court. Still needs to improve his handle and ability to create shots, as he sometimes settles for tough looks, but has high major potential as a fiery marksman. Trey Grundy (6-7, 190 pounds) Small Forward Rank: 3 Star  Henry Clay - Lexington, KY AAU: Louisville Magic Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Cincinnati, Indiana, Illinois, Louisville, Tennessee, South Carolina Scouting Report: Versatile, strong, and incredibly athletic wing that can play and guard multiple positions. Grundy has near unlimited potential as he continues to hone his ball-skills. Able to impact the game physically with his size and athleticism while playing with a high motor and toughness. Trevon Bluiett (6-5, 185 pounds) Shooting Guard/Small Forward Rank: 3 Star Park Tudor - Indianapolis, IN AAU: Spiece Indy Heat Xavier offer: No Other Interest: Indiana, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas, Virginia Scouting Report: Pure shooter with unlimited range and a nice overall floor game, Bluiett was very consistent down the stretch in high school and has become tougher while also improving his ability to put the ball on the floor. Still a little slim and lacking elite athleticism Bluiett has a ways to go but projects as a sure fire high major. Darius Austin (6-6, 200 pounds) Small Forward Rank: 3 Star Cahokia - Cahokia, IL AAU: Southwest Illinois Jets Xavier Offer: No Other Interest: Tennessee, Saint Louis, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Depaul Scouting Report:Big bodied wing with a polished all around offensive game. Quiet but competitive guard that can hurt you off the dribble, in the post, in transition, or with the pass. Austin is still working on his jumpshot but he is a name that recruiting followers will be hearing more and more about.   On the Radar Zach McCormick - 6'1 PG/SG Turpin (Cincinnati, OH) Antonio Woods - 6'0 PG Summit (Cincinnati, OH) Jordan Green - 6'4 SG Henry Clay (Lexington, KY) Peyton Allen - 6'5 SG Glenwood (Chatham, IL) Darreon Reddick - 6'4 SG/SF Belleville East (Belleville, IL) CJ Rivers - 6'0 PG Cahokia (Cahokia, IL) ...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. 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