Sweet Seven Scoops: Chris Clarke Flips, Dozier’s Decision & More…
Posted by Sean Moran on November 7th, 2014
Seven Sweet Scoops is a weekly column by Sean Moran, the RTC recruiting guru. Once a week he will bring you seven notes from the high-stakes world of college basketball recruiting. We also encourage you to check out his contributions at The Intentional Foul, dedicated to recruiting coverage and analysis. You can also follow Sean at his Twitter account @Seanmohoops for up-to-date news from the high school and college hoops scene. If you have any suggestions as to areas we are missing or different things you would like to see, please let us know at rushthecourt@yahoo.com.
Note: Scout.com used for all player rankings.
1. Chris Clarke Flips His Commitment
One week after Tennessee landed a top 100 recruit in four-star small forward Chris Clarke, he abruptly changed directions and committed to Virginia Tech. A 6’5” senior from Virginia Beach, the senior had previously chosen the Vols over the Hokies, UConn and Creighton. Whether Clarke changed his mind sincerely or just got nervous about the latest rumblings about Donnie Tyndall’s future is up for debate. What’s not up for debate is what a perfect fit Clarke is for the Hokies. The No. 71 ranked recruit is known for his motor and tenacity. He attacks the basket with a purpose and is pressures the ball all over the court, which are trademarks of Buzz Williams’ coaching style. The Virginia Tech football team built its program on elite talent from the “757” area code, and now Buzz is dipping into the talented area in his new home state as well.
2. Dozier Ready For A Decision
Four-star combo guard Perry Dozier is getting ready to make his decision. The No. 33 ranked prospect in the Class of 2015 took his five official visits this fall to Michigan, North Carolina, Georgetown, South Carolina and Louisville. His last visit wrapped up a week ago as he watched Louisville in an exhibition game, and he has spent this week listening to final pitches. A Columbia, South Carolina, native, the 6’5” Dozier missed his entire junior season due to an ACL tear, but before the injury he had offers from both Carolinas and Georgetown. Once he was completely healed by pring, Dozier’s stock exploded on the AAU circuit. With a two-inch growth spurt plus some additional upper body strength, schools such as Michigan and Louisville came calling. Despite his height, Dozier wants to play the point at the college level and is looking at teams’ depth charts to see how he fits in. Some reports suggested that Dozier had narrowed his list to three schools, but his father recently said, “We don’t know what he wants to do yet.”
3. Zimmerman Explores Arizona
Seven-foot center Stephen Zimmerman has a who’s who list of college basketball powerhouses recruiting him. This weekend his focus will be on Arizona as he takes his official visit to Tucson. This will mark the fourth official visit for Zimmerman after previously traveling to Kentucky, Kansas and UCLA. His fifth official visit was originally scheduled at North Carolina, but due to a scheduling conflict with USA Basketball he was forced to cancel. Arizona already has the top-ranked recruiting class in 2015 and now they are just looking to put the cherry on top. Zimmerman has been a five-star player throughout his prep career and the Bishop Gorman (NV) star currently sits at No. 14 in the rankings. During his visit he will observe an exhibition game against Cal Poly Ponoma, and most likely his eyes will be on the big man tandem of Kaleb Tarczewski and Brandon Ashley. On track to make a decision in the spring, Arizona’s fate in this race could depend on whether one or both of the two juniors decides to declare for the 2015 NBA Draft. In addition to the schools listed above, Zimmerman also has shown interest in UNLV, Indiana and Notre Dame.
4. Antonio Blakeney Considering the SEC
Last week Antonio Blakeney took an official visit to Kentucky and liked “that they are treated like NBA players.” This week the five-star shooting guard is off to Baton Rouge for an official visit to LSU and the Alabama football game. Joining Blakeney, the No. 22 ranked player in the class of 2014, is LSU commitment Ben Simmons, who also happens to be the No. 2 player in the country. Simmons committed early with the Tigers and is now ready to convince his AAU teammate to do the same. Back in September, Blakeney committed to Louisville after taking his official visit there, but then backed away from his commitment afterward. With the Cardinals apparently off of his radar, one of the top shooting guards in the country is just enjoying his time exploring the SEC.
5. Chicago’s Future?
The Windy City has been the mecca of high school basketball over the past two years with players such as Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, Cliff Alexander and Tyler Ulis dominating headlines. With the season on the horizon there are two point guards being talked about in the area that haven’t even played a single high school game. Enter 6’0” freshman Marquis “Kezo” Brown and 5’3” point guard Chase Adams. Brown put together quite an October in getting noticed at the USA Developmental Camp, followed by the Pangos Midwest All-American camp and NY2LA Future camp. Quick on his feet, Brown will play for Simeon as it looks to regain its championship form. Meanwhile, Adams is hoping to take after another diminutive point guard in Kentucky’s Tyler Ulis. Adams is set to play point guard for Marian Catholic (IL) just a year after his friend and mentor (Ulis) broke every significant school record.
6. Montverde on Top Again
Montverde Academy has been the top high school team in the country for the past two seasons and this year seems to be no different as both USA Today and MaxPreps named Montverde as their preseason No. 1 high school team. This team currently feature Ben Simmons as well as future recruits for Florida State, Florida and Wake Forest. With a plethora of talent, Montverde also has one of the top freshmen in the country in 6’8” E.J. Montgomery. Head coach Kevin Boyle will put his team to the test with trips to Ohio, Oregon, West Virginia and Massachusetts this season.
7. Early Signing Date – November 12
Wednesday, November 12, marks the first day of the early signing period for college basketball recruits. Seniors will sign on the dotted line beginning that day, and four top 100 players are expected to make their decisions within the seven-day time period. While it won’t have the same level of surprise of the single college football signing day, you never know what can happen. Just ask Illinois.
