March 2009 | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Saturday / November 23.

John Calipari will be the next coach of Kentucky after accepting an eight-year, $35-million deal, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Calipari plans to bring his “whole staff” with him, Memphis assistant coach Orlando Antigua said.

“Go Big Blue,” Antigua wrote in a text message.

Memphis point guard Tyreke Evans also plans to leave and will head to the NBA after his freshman season.

Tobias and Tyler Harris will likely transfer back to Half Hollow Hills West on Long Island from Long Island Lutheran.

“It’s 99.99 percent that Tobias and Tyler Harris will be transferring back to Half Hollow Hills West after the school year,” said Torrel Harris, the boys’ father.

Under New York State rules, you are allowed a one-time exemption back to your home district, meaning the boys could suit up immediately if they returned to Half Hollow

Xavier Henry is waiting to hear from John Calipari before he makes his next move.

The 6-foot-6 Henry, a shooting guard out of Putnam City (Ok.) High, is part of Calipari’s star-studded recruiting class at Memphis that also includes unsigned 6-10 center DeMarcus Cousins. But if Calipari takes the eight-year, $35-million deal on the table from Kentucky, Henry could ask out of his Letter of Intent.

“We came because of the style of basketball and the way the coach coaches,” said Carl Henry in a phone interview. “I haven’t talked to my sons. Knowing them, they would probably want to leave.”

He added: “We already signed and coach has to give us a release. He said he would give us a release.”

There will be no college announcement from Lance Stephenson today.

Apparently the coaches at Kansas, Maryland and St. John’s — as well as their fans — will have to wait until Stephenson finalizes his plans.

“Me and my family and I have decided that we are going to wait it out and I’m going to make the best decision for me and my family,” Stephenson told SNY’s Brooklyn Sal at the McDonald’s All-American media day.

Lance Stephenson Sr. called the McDonald’s PR people Monday night and told them his son wasn’t yet ready to announce his college decision. The 6-foot-5 Stephenson was expected to announce for Kansas today.

Stephenson is the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2009 according to Hoop Scoop and No. 9 by Rivals. This marks the second time he  has delayed his announcement. He was originally supposed to do it March 21 at Madison Square Garden, but held off.

Two of the top available point guards on the market could soon be finding new homes.

Lamont Jones of Oak Hill Academy will visit Southern Cal April 10-11 and will sign in New York April 17 just before the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden, according to Oak Hill coach Steve Smith.

Asked where Jones will end up, Smith said, “Most likely USC.”

A Harlem native, the 6-foot Jones recently decommitted from Virginia Tech. He previously decommited from Louisville. Twice.

The Associated Press All-America teams were named and six of the 15 picks came out of the loaded Big East.

ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL-AMERICA TEAMS

First Team All-America

Blake Griffin, 6-10, So., Oklahoma, 335 votes (71 first team)

Tyler Hansbrough, 6-9, Sr., North Carolina, 304 votes (50 first team)

DeJuan Blair, 6-7, So., Pitt, 294 votes

James Harden, 6-5, So., Arizona State, 290 points

Stephen Curry, 6-2, Jr., Davidson, 288 points

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