INDIANAPOLIS — Steve Lavin has been on the job at St. John’s less than a week but his arrival appears to already be paying dividends.
According to sources with knowledge, Lavin will meet with prized shooting guard Doron Lamb of Queens after the Final Four.
“Doron and his family will be meeting with Steve Lavin after the Final Four,” a source said. “St. John’s is an option.”
The 6-foot-4 Lamb is a senior at Oak Hill (Va.) Academy ranked No. 3 among shooting guards in the Class of 2010. He has previously listed his top five as Kansas, Kentucky, Arizona, UConn and West Virginia. He plans to announce April 17 at the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden.
“If I’m the next coach of St. John’s, my first call is still to Doron Lamb,” Gary Charles, head coach of the New York Panthers, said before Lavin was hired. “I would give him the opportunity. He’s an All-American. He’s pretty damn good and he’s a New York kid.”
Oak Hill’s season ended Thursday when they lost to Beckley (W. Va.) Mountain State Academy, 59-53, in the semifinals of the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational in Baltimore.
Lavin is currently in New York and may or may not come briefly to the Final Four.
He is busy assembling a staff and interviewed former Hofstra assistant Van Macon on Thursday in New York.
LESLIE PLOTTING VISITS
C.J. Leslie, a 6-8 forward out Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God Academy, will visit UConn and Florida in the coming weeks.
The Hartford Courant reported that Leslie would visit UConn after the Jordan Brand Classic April 17 at Madison Square Garden.
But when reached by phone, Leslie said he planned to visit Florida “after the Jordan game.”
A source with knowledge said Leslie was tentatively slated to visit Florida April 18 and that Leslie was also supposed to visit Oregon April 23, even though the program has no coach.
As for the UConn trip, Leslie said, “I’m not sure yet.”
His mother, Lisa Leslie, was not immediately available by phone.
Leslie has visited Kentucky and N.C. State in the past.
He lists UConn, Florida, Kentucky, N.C. State and Oregon as his top five.
“I don’t have [any] favorite,” he said by phone.
NAPIER TO UCONN
UConn also got a verbal commitment Friday from 6-1 point guard Shabazz Napier of Groton (Mass.) Lawrence Academy.
According to the Hartford Courtant, Napier is listed as Class of 2011 but will join the Huskies next season.
“He’s 5-11 and tipping the scales at 160 pounds,” Lawrence coach Kevin Wiercinski told the Courant. “He’s a guy who you have to watch a little bit at the point guard position — his instincts, all that type of stuff, his ability to create and his ability to just shoot. He’s got Division I skills in several categories. Some guys have Division I bodies or shoot at a Division I level or maybe they can rebound on a Division I level. You look at Shabazz and he’s got not only Division I skills, but he’s going to be in the upper echelon of Division I skills in several categories. Then you throw in not only skills like that but his attributes — one of the most competitive people you’ll meet, driven to win — and you’ve got a real winner’s cocktail, an interesting combination.”
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JonHuskyMS / April 2, 2010
http://blogs.courant.com/uconn_mens_basketball/2010/04/cj-leslie-to-visit-uconn-recru.html
Get excited Huskies fans…
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razor ramone / April 2, 2010
UConn is a bridesmaid in this race. Of course he will take some visits. You ahve 5 and they are all expenses paid. When it all shakes out C.J. will be in a Kentucky uniform next season. He has visited 4 times already to Lexington and is one of Wall’s best friends.
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JonHuskyMS / April 2, 2010
we shall see my grammatically challenged friend…
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HuskiesNYC / April 2, 2010
I’m hearing that UConn feels best about Cory Joseph and CJ Leslie at this point. With Kemba officially coming back I’ll be happy with one of these guys and ecstatic if we get two
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bigpapijugg / April 2, 2010
hmmm. if UCONN feels best about CJ LESLIE then your program is in trouble. Kentucky is in the best shape, and NC STATE is his hometown team and he loves the wolfpack. just like florida he is just sight seeing.
Joseph is a diff. story, and i believe he is uconns to lose.
Lamb is more likely than Leslie though
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HuskiesNYC / April 2, 2010
ESPN has Shabazz ranked #52 overall in the 2011 class but it looks like he’s going to reclassify and play next year. This can’t help our chances in landing another PG. With Kemba coming back maybe Calhoun is focusing more on 2011 and Tony Wrotten? I never said UConn was going to land Leslie, but they have been recruiting him for a long time and feel good about it. NC State has no chance in my opinion. He’ll pick UF, UConn or most likely Kentucky but u never know
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ChicagoUK / April 2, 2010
I was surprised to hear about Shabazz and UCONN. Why would Calhoun accept his commit if Joseph was still there? And if Joseph is not headed to UCONN, there where is he going? Minnesota?
I wish UK could get in the mix for Joseph but his list seems solidly locked. From the little bit that I have seen, he looks better than Selby and Knight, at least at the college level. Total control and an excellent shooter.
CJ Leslie will probably end up at UK.. a wrinkle may be Terrence Jones and if he commits to UK. Not sure if the two want be on the same team.
God knows UK will have plenty PT though, LOL
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JonHuskyMS / April 2, 2010
UConn has two scholarships, Shabazz took one of them so we still have one to give.
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HuskiesNYC / April 2, 2010
Johnhuskyms – do you think the UConn staff will focus their efforts of adding another PF (Cothron/Leslie), or continue to go after Joseph? I’m thinking a big guy
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JessieWildcat / April 2, 2010
Correct.
CJ is not going to U Conn.
With the visit CJ had at UConn…only a fool would go there.
Sometimes listen to what happen during your visit.
Not a good sign.
It is no surprise that Lamb will talk to Lavin.
So where does LAMB GO?
He seems like the lost sheep.
Waiting to see if Eric B goes. Hello…he is not going.
Not even close to ready.
I always like a player who has a firm school in mind.
When the player made the visit, it left a strong impression on him.
Yes, LAMB is NOT going to Kansass Gangster U.
Something is UP.
When was the last time Kansass had such a HORRIBLE recruiting YEAR!
No one wanted to go there. Why?
Lew. …are you finally ready to talk…..
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HuskiesNYC / April 2, 2010
JessieWildcat I’m guessing UA denied your application. Only a fool would go to UConn?? I think the 15 UConn players in the NBA and 2 National Championship players would disagree with you
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UofA BJ / April 2, 2010
How about Nova smart guy.
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UofA BJ / April 2, 2010
Uconn dont have 15 players in the league homegirl. Nice try, Try posting something legit instead of saying some bs like Uconn has 15 players in the league.
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jhawk4 / April 3, 2010
Yes they do BJ….
This is from cbs sports
Connecticut
Ray Allen (20) Boston Celtics SG
Hilton Armstrong (3) Houston Rockets C
Josh Boone (2) New Jersey Nets C
Caron Butler (4) Dallas Mavericks SF
Rudy Gay (22) Memphis Grizzlies SF
Ben Gordon (7) Detroit Pistons SG
Richard Hamilton (32) Detroit Pistons SG
Donyell Marshall (8) Philadelphia 76ers PF
Emeka Okafor (50) New Orleans Hornets C
Kevin Ollie (7) Oklahoma City Thunder PG
A.J. Price (22) Indiana Pacers PG
Clifford Robinson (30) New Jersey Nets PF
Hasheem Thabeet (34) Memphis Grizzlies C
Charlie Villanueva (31) Detroit Pistons PF
Marcus Williams (5) Memphis Grizzlies PG
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ZonaWildcat / April 3, 2010
Calipari was trying to get in the mix for Joseph, but Cory told him, “Thanks, but no thanks”.
Not everyone wants to play for a sleazeball coach.
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Michael / April 3, 2010
Man is Cliff Robinson still playing?? Wow I can’t believe that. 15 or not that’s a good list.
So is UConn out of it for Joseph and Lamb? You have to take the guaranteed player and at #52 he can obviously play as well. Good luck with the recruiting, except with Jack and Lamb of course. Lamb is going elsehwere but I think Arizona has a great shot with Jack. And Ray Mac.
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RockChalk97 / April 3, 2010
PWNED 😉
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beardown3232 / April 3, 2010
I think Arizona needs Jack a lot more than a one and done player. As much as I would love Lamb or Selby, it’s not like they are going to be in college more than 2 years max. Jack isn’t quite at NBA talent level and McCallum seems like a kid that take education seriously and would stay in college for at least a few years.
I think the NCAA should allow recruits to leave after high school or would have to stay in college for 2 years like they do in baseball. Of course, this would deeply upset UK and KU fans who rely on one and done recruits.
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beardown3232 / April 3, 2010
And Arizona really lucked out on Derrick Williams. He might be the only Freshman All American to still be playing college basketball next year. Who would you rather have, Xavier Henry who has maybe slightly better numbers than Williams but only stays one year compared to Williams who will most likely stay all 4 years. Seems like a pretty obvious choice.
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jlvlawrence / April 3, 2010
Xavier Henry is the only one and done player kansas has ever had
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jlvlawrence / April 3, 2010
Don’t worry jessie, Bill isn’t done recruiting yet.
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beardown3232 / April 3, 2010
For some reason, I don’t believe that.
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ZonaWildcat / April 3, 2010
Williams development in one season was nothing short of amazing. If he continues to improve there is no way he stays all 4 years, he will be gone after next year.
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UAWildcat / April 3, 2010
Dave Telep tweeted that Ray Sr. told his staff not to make a PG list and he has not recruited a PG for two years. Does not sound like good news for Miller and Arizona.
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UofA BJ / April 3, 2010
Cliff robinson, kevin ollie and Donyell marshall are retired nice try tho.
Im not disputing Uconn has a GREAT program, and tons of nba players,in fact they are above Arizona on the totum poll . But they are definitely slipping a little and it will only get worse as Calhoun ages. I know they went to a final four last year, but they were so bad at times this year with NBA talent, (even when calhoun was there) that I dont see them having a better team next year without dyson and robinson, althouth if kemba stays I do see them sneaking in the tourny next year. And I mean a 65 team tourney not this 96 team B.S. they are talking about.
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UofA BJ / April 3, 2010
sorry ollie is still playin but clifford robinson are you serious?And donyell marshall is retired.
Very nice list none the less, and could grow with robinson and dyson.
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TJCPenny / April 3, 2010
You must be joking, right? With Napier coming in and Walker back, there is no way Joseph goes to Uconn.
Joseph will go to Texas or Villanova.
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TJCPenny / April 3, 2010
Wrotten is going to UW or ‘Nova – Uconn isn’t on his top list anymore.
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TJCPenny / April 3, 2010
At best, Uconn is 4th on Joseph’s list. Not sure how that means he is “Uconn’s to lose.”
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jhawk4 / April 3, 2010
KU doesnt rely on one and done players. Henry might be the only one ever (if he decides to leave) and we didnt rely on him. he was a one of many guys KU relied on. Calipari relies on 1 and done, not KU.
and the uconn list I posted was from CBS sports, could be wrong but its cbs mistake if it is
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jhawk4 / April 3, 2010
I would love if they made a 2 year rule, or an option to go out of high school. i would much rather have that then the 1 and done.
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HuskiesNYC / April 4, 2010
I thought UConn had 15 but obviously i was mistaken since there were a couple retirements last year. Regardless, UConn has a lot of NBA pro’s and they are solid pros that make a lot of money. Top HS players will continue to strongly consider Calhoun. The question is – what affect does Shabazz’s committment have on the top gaurds still considering the huskies?
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UofA BJ / April 4, 2010
shouldnt be any impact he is class of 2011, if they land joseph or lamb do you really think they are worried about napier?
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dnice21 / April 4, 2010
Napier will be enrolled and eligble in the fall of 2010. my feeling is that Joseph will end up at Nova.
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bigpapijugg / April 4, 2010
beardown- you are a moron. first you say KU relies on one and dones. THEY’VE NEVER HAD ONE! and you say UK relies on them. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME A UK PLAYER WAS ONE AND DONE? and to break the stereotype you just tried to use even more, Calipari himself has only had 2 one and dones. maybe three tops. this year is the first time that a team has had 4 one and dones and who seen anyone beyond Wall, Patterson and Cousins even being drafted from our team. but yet Calipari doesnt develop talent at all. he just turned two low ranked kids(bledsoe and orton) into likely first rounders after one season, thats all. it was all luck. they must have played harder to get Cal to pay them more right???
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RockChalkWoody / April 4, 2010
bigpapi, excellent points. I’m just not sure I’d categorize Bledsoe & Orton as “low ranked kids.” I really think that both should come back for one more year, but if you’ve got people telling you that you should go…you go.
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Michael / April 4, 2010
Bledsoe and Orton were five star recruits. That’s pretty high on a five star scale.
Cal’s last three teams were led by one and dones and next year no different. KU a different story.
UK hasn’t had any of them lately because they haven’t been any good. If you don’t believe Cal at UK will rely on them you aren’t paying attention.
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ChicagoUK / April 5, 2010
Cal does not “rely” on one-and-dones, he just recruits them like everyone else. John Wall was the only consensus OAD when the season started. Cousins rapidly developed.. Bledsoe also flourished. Orton is taking a risk. It is just a coincidence that UK had 4 OADs. Patrick Patterson is a junior who already has his degree.
One can argue that Cal developed Cousins, Bledsoe and Orton into OADs which might not have happened at other schools. Accept it or not, that is what Knight, Lamb, Selby, Leslie, Joseph and Jones are hearing/observing.
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tsmooth / April 5, 2010
Cousins was rated as the #2 player by Rivals, and top 10 by most sites. Many people had him as a one and done prospect. Bledsoe and Orton were the only surprises, but they both had tons of potential coming out of high school. Bledsoe leaving is a by product of a weak PG draft, and Orton will be drafted on potential alone. Orton didn’t get any better after one year in college, and neither did Wall or Cousins. Patterson got better, and so did Bledsoe.
Joseph doesn’t even matter here. He’s not going to UK; they got in it too late. Knight and Leslie are locks to UK, and Selby is headed to KU. Jones looks like he is preferring a West Coast college
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RockChalkWoody / April 5, 2010
tsmooth, where do you think that Lamb will end up?
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tsmooth / April 6, 2010
Honestly, Lamb is the hardest to gauge. I could see him going anywhere, and from the calls/texts I’ve sent out, he isn’t leaning anywhere right now or is keeping his leader close to the chest.
But, since you asked me, I see him going to KU, but it wouldn’t surprise me where he goes.
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OldTerp / April 6, 2010
I think UK fans (and other Calipari fans) might argue that Calipari developed Wall and company into one & done players, but I really doubt the players themselves think that. How does any coach “develop” a one & done NBA player in the six months they had to practice & play in his system? The kid either has the talent or he doesn’t.
Personally, I’d like the NBA to do away with the one year restriction on HS kids. If the kid gets drafted or signed as a free agent on his potential, then the NBA should have to give the kid a minimum 3-year contract to play on that team or in the NBA development league – with the team owning the player’s rights for those three years. Make the NBA invest a little money rather than just relying on the NCAA as their farm system.
If a team doesn’t draft or sign the kid, then the player should have to right to go to the college of his choosing. Sure, the NCAA coaches would be rolling the dice a bit on players they sign, but so what? The NCAA is the same as a greedy corporation – no sympathy for them. I’d just like to see 18-19 year old kids have a fallback if their dreams aren’t immediately realized. Of course I’d also rather see a kid play in college for 3-4 years, but that’s just because I like the college game a lot more than the NBA.
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ChicagoUK / April 6, 2010
There is no doubt that some one & done players do not need college to be top draft picks. John Wall is the perfect example. The same can be said for Daniel Orton – he is being drafted on potential and not what he did at UK.
However, that is not always the case. DeMarcus Cousins was not expected to be a one & done player. He had the physical attributes but the experts said he needed at least two years to polish his game. No one in their right mind thought Bledsoe would be a one & done (including Bledsoe when he first signed up.. called himself a “4-year player” in comparison to Wall).
It is too simple to say that Calipari developed these guys into one & dones. I think his system certainly helped as it exposes individual talent (and flaws). Moreover, UK was on TV constantly – and the John Wall interest indirectly led to more exposure for the other players.
I think there is no doubt that this will help UK in recruiting. Not sure how much, but I hope it’s enough to draw 2 of the top 3 (Knight, Selby and Lamb). I predict all three will be at UK or KU in one combination or the other.
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tsmooth / April 6, 2010
Cousins was going to be a one and done player regardless. I was told by someone close to Cousins and Bledsoe that they would enter the NBA Draft in November. Both Bledsoe and Cousins didn’t improve. I went back and was watching some film from the beginning of the season versus UNC and juxtaposed it against their game against WVU, and neither player showed me anything different.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Bledsoe should stay a year to improve, and Cousins should stay to work on his attitude, but both will be picked in the first round regardless of what people think.
Also agree that UK or KU gets either of Lamb, Knight, or Selby in some combination. As of now, looks like KU leads for both Lamb and Selby. Knight to UK
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OldTerp / April 6, 2010
Good points …..
HS Players who want to get to the next level as soon as possible will go to a school & coach that will allow them to showcase their skills as much as possible.
I think Bledsoe might slip to the second round – just a guess, but agree about Cousins going in the first. I agree Bledsoe would be better off waiting another year, but it’s hard to resist if teams tell you you’re ready to go.
Have these guys hired agents yet?
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tsmooth / April 6, 2010
neither has hired an agent yet, but then again, Wall hasn’t officially declared yet either. I’m hearing that they are trying to find agents, though.
It’s widely known that the DDMO shows off athletic ability and driving skills, but it’s a one dimensional system. If you can’t shoot, you’ll be helped by it. If you are a shooter, you’ll get few looks.
Bledsoe won’t slip into the second because the draft is super weak this year with PG’s. It’s Wall, and then a bunch of other guys.
Cousins will be a lottery pick, could go as high as 2. Bledsoe is looking at the 20’s. Patterson late lottery. Orton in the late teen’s. Wall for sure going to be numero uno.
Also hearing that Terrence Ross and Terrence Jones will be a package deal to Washington. It was a rumor a few weeks ago, and is looking more likely now
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ChicagoUK / April 7, 2010
Just saw this Doron Lamb interview (from last week).. it sounds like UK and UCONN are battling it out… KU sounded like an after-thought. I was very surprised.. but it’s just an interview to a Kentucky site so it may not mean much.
http://vaughtsviews.com/?p=4200
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