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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.

Tariq Owens, a 6-foot-10 power forward from Baltimore Mount Zion Prep, enjoyed his trip to Seton Hall Friday and is still planning visits to Tennessee May 15 and Dayton at a date TBD, his father told SNY.tv.

Owens obtained his release from Ohio after coach Jim Christian departed for Boston College.

“We spent the whole day there,” Renard Owens said of Seton Hall. “They would use his versatility and his athleticism as a stretch four both inside and outside. He can guard on the perimeter. He’s got good length, he’s tall, and he’s agile and athletic enough to play some guards.”

AltmanDana Altman will remain the Oregon men’s basketball coach, but Damyean Dotson, Brandon Austin and Dominic Artis have all been booted from the program in the wake of rape allegations related to a March 8 incident, the school announced Friday.

“They will not be playing basketball at Oregon again,” Oregon President Michael Gottfredson said in a press conference Friday that also included Athletic Director Rob Mullens and Vice President for Student Affairs Robin Holmes.

“It was very clear to us those were individuals we didn’t want representing our organization,” Mullens said.

Of Dotson, the focus of the allegations, Altman said later Friday: “I think good people can make bad decisions. This obviously was a bad decision.”

No charges have been filed in the case in which a 21-year-old female Oregon student told police she had been sexually assaulted in three separate instances. Here is the DA’s statement on why it “no-filed” charges in the case.

Mark TaylorSt. Benedict’s Prep reached the final of the ESPN NHSI in 2013 with a Canadian point guard in Tyler Ennis.

Now head coach Mark Taylor is hoping the infusion of four new Canadians to the roster will propel the team to great heights in 2014-15.

The Gray Bees have added 6-foot-8 power forward Isaiah Mike (Hoops Canada), 6-4 combo guard Tyrell Gumbs-Frater (Grassroots Canada), 6-6 wing Daniel Cummings (CIA Bounce) and 6-2 guard Marcus Ottey (YAACE). All are members of the Class of 2016.

“We will have great length and size in all positions,” Taylor told SNY.tv. “We will run and press and be very difficult to defend with scoring from all positions. We look to be back in the mix with the best teams in country and the schedule shows it.”

Jermaine LawrenceBy JOSH NEWMAN
Special to ZAGSBLOG

After just one year at Cincinnati, Jermaine Lawrence appears to be on the move.

The 6-foot-9 former Pope John XXIII standout has requested his release from the Bearcats, according to multiple reports on Friday morning.

In his lone season under head coach Mick Cronin, Lawrence averaged 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 26 contests for the 27-7 Bearcats.

His role was expected to increase in 2014-15 with forwards Titus Rubles and Justin Jackson out of eligibility.

The school has had no comment to this point.

Andrew WhiteKansas sophomore guard Andrew White III will transfer, the school announced.

“I do not have a list yet,” White told SNY.tv by text.

Richmond, George Mason, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech, N.C. State, Texas and Louisville initially recruited White before he chose Kansas in December 2011.

Two and a half years later, Kansas is loaded in the backcourt and on the wing, especially with Findlay Prep small forward Kelly Oubre coming next year to attempt to fill the Andrew Wiggins role.

“We’re definitely disappointed about this, but also respect Andrew and the decision he’s made,” KU head coach Bill Self said. “Andrew and I talked periodically throughout the season and at the end of the season we discussed what his role could be potentially moving forward. He had a very good spring and we talked again today. He feels it is in his, and his family’s, best interest to pursue some other opportunities.”

Cincinnati landed a commitment from Northwest Florida State point guard Farad Cobb while he was on a visit to the school.

“I picked Cincy because of the great winning tradition and I also like the city and the whole set up of the university,” he said by text. “Also, I know that they will make me better and continue to improve my skillset and make me into a great man while I’m here.”

Cobb averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 rebounds last season while shooting 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3. He will have two years of eligibility playing for head coach Mick Cronin.

Northwest Florida coach Steve DeMeo said Missouri, Tulsa and St. Louis were also involved.

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