2013 Recruiting List

[RamblinRed]

This will be a work in progress for a week or two as I get everyone in and as late offers start to go out. Also, I will refrain from posting rankings until the services update their 2013 rankings. Most updated right before the Spring AAU ball started but will revise them later in May after watching kids in the spring, so there can be big jumps in both directions.

GT's recruiting is starting to come into focus for 2013. GT has 3 scholarships available to give (Udofia, Jordan and 1 open). The priorities are PG, versatile wing, big. One item to note is that since coaches are allowed on the road again for 2 weekends in April you can start to get to sense who is at the top of their boards based on who they watched. There are 2 things going on at these torunaments - there is evaluating and there is also some being in the stands to be seen by the recruits who there is mutual interest.

PG's
This is obviously the most important scholarship to go out this year and the staff knows it. They have been evaluating PG's for 2013 intensely for over a yr now.
GT is done with PG's for 2013 though one is still on the board as a combo.

Solomon Poole 5'11, 165 - Jacksonville, FL (ATL Celtics)- brother of current GT player Stacey Poole. An extreme athlete (one of the best in the class) - built very similar to former Jacket Will Bynum. Wired to score, but convinced the staff he can distribute the ball this Spring. Has an offer and imo is the most likely commit. Word on the AAU circuit is that GT is the team to beat. Committed to GT
Scout #34, Rivals #31, ESPN #50 (grade 86 - high major prospect that is a centerpiece who starts for 304 yrs)), CBS #28

Monte Morris 6'1, 175 - Flint, MI (Mich Mustangs) - Tough PG from Gregory's old recruiting ground. Athletic, good leader. Has offers from all over the country - GT, Io ST, USC, AZ ST, BC, UVA. GT was one of the first to recruit him and usually one of the first to be mentioned. IND has come on strong recently but hasn't offered him yet (They already have 3 commits for 2013 and are tight on schollies). If IND doesn't offer than this gets really interesting. off the board. Committed to Iowa State

Josh Newkirk 6'1, 170 - Raleigh, NC (D-One Sports) - Another athletic PG. New list is GT, Pitt, Memphis and Missou. Childhood fave NC ST is off his list as they are targeting different points. Could come down to GT and Pitt as he likely favors ACC and those are the 2 closest to home. had a good not great summer. Really able to get in the lane. committed to Pitt
Scout #89, Rivals #119, ESPN 3*(grade 76 - mid-major plus, contributor at a high major or standout at mid-major)


Tyler Ennis 6'2, 175 - Newark, NJ (CIA Bounce) - This Canada native is playing at St. Benedict in NJ. Big, physical PG. GT was on him early and has an offer to him but it appears he is leaning elsewhere (his brother just transferred to Villanova from Rice and most think he stays in the NE) and GT seems to be focusing elsewhere now. Committed to Syracuse.

Rashawn Powell 6', 160 - Orlando, Fl (Florida Assault) - this PG has started to get GT interest. Very athletic. GT has not offered but is staying in touch. off the board.

Jaylen Brantley 6', 160 - Wilbraham, MA - another PG that GT was in on early, Has an offer but appears to be interested in staying closer to home. off the board.


Wings
This will include anyone that can play the 2 and 3 spots. Staff would like to get 1 player here that is versatile and can play multiple positions at both ends.

Quinton Stephens - 6'8 1/2, 185 - Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Xpress) - This is GT's top target for wings. He has had a very strong spring but was inconsistent this summer. Very long, athletic but thin wing. Has a beautiful jumpshot. His height and length causes matchup problems at both ends. Would be primarily a 3-4 guy at GT. Looks alot like Tayshaun Prince physically and is reportedly still growing. Needs to get stronger and be more consistent. GT is his leader with Clemson, Miami, and TN in his final four. Plays for same AAU program as Robert Carter and Pierre Jordan. Committed to GT.
Scout 3* (#22 SF, about Top 125), Rivals 3*, ESPN 3* (grade 79, is #111 overall in their database, high major recruit who contributes or is a standout at the mid-major level), CBS #78

Tim Quarterman - 6'6, 180 - Savannah, GA (Atlanta Celtics) - plays alongside Solomon Poole with the Celtics. Has had a very strong spring and summer going from mid-major looks to high major offers - over 20 of them now. Former PG that has excellent ballhandling skills and a decent shot. Tough defensively. Very athletic and versatile. . Poole will help recruit him. Key question is does he want to go to a program that already has a PG commit. Reportedly Tim and his family are a little overwhelmed by all the attention he is now getting, so it is unknown if he will make a fall or spring decision.
Scout #79, Rivals #63, ESPN #64 (grade 85 - high major prospect that is a centerpiece that starts for 3-4 yrs), CBS #72. committed to LSU

AJ Davis - 6'7, 190 Buford, GA (GA Stars) - backup plan if GT misses on Stephens. Son of Antonio Davis. Combo forward with good athleticism and developing game. Clemson, Auburn, UGA and TN have offered, GT Has not. Does not appear to be a major target for GT at this point and likely goes elsewhere. committed to TN.

Greg McClinton - 6'6, 180 Winston-Salem, NC (CP3 All-Stars) - powerful, athletic 3 man. Has offers from alot of the ACC. GT was on him early and has offered but prefers Stephens due to his versatility. committed to Wake.

Sindarious Thornwell - 6'5, 180 Lancaster, SC (Team United) - strong, athletic SG. Very good slasher. Has had a really good spring. GT offered him this weekend. Both SC schools have him as a priority and alot of ACC/SEC schools have offers out to him. Visited GT and UGA recently. GT is a longshot imo. Syracuse and SC seem to have the strongest odds right now. off the board.
Scout #21, Rivals #40, ESPN #42 (grade 86), CBS #26

Isiah Lewis 6'3, 165 Brooklyn, NY (Metro Hawks) - NY SG with good range. has offers from GT, Miami, Memphis and interest from Kansas, Louisville and some others. Potentially could be a combo guard. GT is recruiting but he isn't at the top of the board. off the board

Bigs
GT appears to have found a few bigs it likes.

Kennedy Meeks 6'8, 270 Charlotte, NC (Team United) - NC Center with a wide bosy and a big reputation. Great hands and a good low post scorer. Will be tough to get out of NC with UNC, NC ST, and most of the ACC on him. GT is not in his top 5 and will likely not put much more effort into his recruitment as he is likely going elsewhere. off the board.

Mike Young 6'8, 220 Jersey City, NJ (Playaz) - This NJ forward has had a huge spring and will move up the rankings alot at the next update. Versatile PF who is an excellent rebounder and can shoot out to 17 ft. High motor kid. GT has some ground to make up but is in the group of 8 schools he is listing. Committed to Pitt.

Demetrius Henry 6'8, 195 Ft. Pierce, FL (Team Breakdown) - Athletic 4 man has had a good spring and seen his offers increase alot. GT offered last week. RE-clasified from 2012 to allow his game and body to develop. Has mutliple ACC and SEC offers. May be tough to pull out of FL. He is expected to wait until the spring to make a decision which makes it less likely GT will be a major player.
Scout #90, Rivals #110, ESPN 3* (grade 79 - #113 overall in their database, same grade as Stephens)

Jarquez Smith 6'9, 220 Gray, GA (GA Stars) - Moved from ATL Xpress to GA Stars this Spring and is no longer involved with James Forrest. Has been on and off the list due to academics. Top PF in GA. Smith is off GT's list again and may be a spring signee due to academics. UGA, Clemson, FSU all involved. off the board
Scout #99, Rivals #108, ESPN #77, CBS #63

Markus Kennedy 6'9, 260 Villanova FR - GT is one of the schools of interest for Markus if he ultimately leaves Villanova. Another Mich St style big man with a big body and soft hands, good rebounder. FR yr at Nova put up similar numbers to Miller's R-FR numbers at GT. if he leaves he will enroll at his new school for this Fall ,have to sit out this year and then have 3 yrs remaining. GT is no longer recruiting. Off the board.

Austin Colbert 6'9, 205 Gladstone, NJ (Team Final) - This long, lean athletic PF has named GT in his final 6 with Miami, Memphis, Vandy, Illinois, Seton Hall. He plans on visiting Seton Hall unofficially since they are close to home and the others on official. Attended the Hotchkiss School last year (Jason Morris' school) until returning home to NJ this summer.
Scout 3* #29 PF, Rivals #89, ESPN 3*(grade 77 is #143 in their database. Same grading as Stephens and Henry), CBS #93

Chris Davenport 6'7, 205 College Park, GA (Florida Rams/Elite) - Played at Monteverde Academy in FL last year but has returned home to GA and will play at Eagle's Landing this year. Played with Top 10 players Kasey Hill and Chris Walker and the dominant FLorida Rams/Elite AAU team this spring and summer. Extremely athletic 4 man, with a little 3 skills as a slasher. Strong rebounder (especially offensively) and defender. High motor, dirty work kind of kid. Played well at GT's team camp and caught the staffs eye. GT (leader), Clemson, TN are his top 3 (GT and TN haven't offered yet)
Scout 3*, Rivals 3*, ESPN 3* (grade 74 - 170 in their database)

RamblinRed

[etc79]

Thanks!! Poole and Stephens would be awesome pick ups!! I just wonder about Poole's attitude...didnt he get kicked off a team?

[Gordon]

What happens if a guy like McClinton accepts our offer, but it looks like Stephens will as well? Would they take McClinton and hope Stephens still comes, or tell McClinton never mind? How does that work?

I also wonder how Reed in 2014 is affecting the recruiting for a big in 2013. I've heard we are way up on Reed's list, but that might change if we got a center next year.

[RamblinRed]

Originally Posted by Gordon

What happens if a guy like McClinton accepts our offer, but it looks like Stephens will as well? Would they take McClinton and hope Stephens still comes, or tell McClinton never mind? How does that work?

I also wonder how Reed in 2014 is affecting the recruiting for a big in 2013. I've heard we are way up on Reed's list, but that might change if we got a center next year.

I'm not real concerned about this scenario as I don't think GT is in McClinton's top 3 or 4 right now.

RamblinRed

[BlackJacket]

Poole would be a huge commit to land. Thanks for the inside info as always RamblinRed!

[AlaGold]

Originally Posted by RamblinRed

This will be a work in progress for a week or two as I get everyone in and as late offers start to go out. Also, I will refrain from posting rankings until the services update their 2013 rankings. Most updated right before the Spring AAU ball started but will revise them later in May after watching kids in the spring, so there can be big jumps in both directions.

GT's recruiting is starting to come into focus for 2013. GT has 3 scholarships available to give (Udofia, Jordan and 1 open). The priorities are PG, versatile wing, big. One item to note is that since coaches are allowed on the road again for 2 weekends in April you can start to get to sense who is at the top of their boards based on who they watched. There are 2 things going on at these torunaments - there is evaluating and there is also some being in the stands to be seen by the recruits who there is mutual interest.

PG's
This is obviously the most important scholarship to go out this year and the staff knows it. They have been evaluating PG's for 2013 intensely for over a yr now.
Here is how it looks right now

Solomon Poole 5'11, 165 - Jacksonville, FL (ATL Celtics)- brother of current GT player Stacey Poole. An extreme athlete (one of the best in the class) - built very similar to former Jacket Will Bynum. Wired to score, but convinced the staff he can distribute the ball this Spring. Has an offer and imo is the most likely commit. Word on the AAU circuit is that GT is the team to beat.

Monte Morris 6'1, 175 - Flint, MI (Mich Mustangs) - Tough PG from Gregory's old recruiting ground. Athletic, good leader. Has offers from all over the country - GT, Io ST, USC, AZ ST, BC, UVA. GT was one of the first to recruit him and usually one of the first to be mentioned. IND has come on strong recently but hasn't offered him yet (They already have 3 commits for 2013 and are tight on schollies). If IND doesn't offer than this gets really interesting.

Josh Newkirk 6'1, 170 - Raleigh, NC - Another athletic PG. Has visited GT and GT and NCSU are probably his top 2 (though neither has given him a commitable offer). Whichever one of those 2 schools offers first will be in strong position.

Tyler Ennis 6'2, 175 - Newark, NJ (CIA Bounce) - This Canada native is playing at St. Benedict in NJ. Big, physical PG. GT was on him early and has an offer to him but it appears he is leaning elsewhere (his brother just transferred to Villanova from Rice and most think he stays in the NE) and GT seems to be focusing elsewhere now.

Rashawn Powell 6', 160 - Orlando, Fl (Florida Assault) - this PG has started to get GT interest. Very athletic. GT has not offered but is staying in touch.

Jaylen Brantley 6', 160 - Wilbraham, MA - another PG that GT was in on early, Has an offer but appears to be interested in staying closer to home.


Wings
This will include anyone that can play the 2 and 3 spots. Staff would like to get 1 player here that is versatile and can play multiple positions at both ends.

Quinton Stephens - 6'8 1/2, 185 - Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Xpress) - This is GT's top target for wings. He has had a very strong spring and his stock is on the rise. Very long, athletic but thin wing. Has a beautiful jumpshot. His height and length causes matchup problems at both ends. Can play 2-3-4, though would be primarily a 3-4 guy at GT. Looks alot like Tayshaun Prince physically and is reportedly still growing. GT is his leader with Clemson, TN, Auburn trailing. Plays for same AAU program as Robert Carter and Pierre Jordan.

Tim Quarterman - 6'6, 180 - Savannah, GA (Atlanta Celtics) - plays alongside Solomon Poole with the Celtics. Has had a very strong spring going from mid-major looks to high major offers. Former PG that has excellent ballhandling skills and a decent shot. Very athletic. Can play 1-2-3, would be primarily a 2-3 at GT. Last week mentioned George Mason (Hewitt has watched every game), GT (no offer) and Cincy (no offer) as his top 3. Memphis offered this weekend so expect them to rise up his list.

AJ Davis - 6'7, 190 Buford, GA (GA Stars) - backup plan if GT misses on Stephens. Son of Antonio Davis. Combo forward with good athleticism and developing game. Auburn, UGA and TN have offered, GT Has not.

Greg McClinton - 6'6, 180 Winston-Salem, NC (CP3 All-Stars) - powerful, athletic 3 man. Has offers from alot of the ACC. GT was on him early and has offered but prefers Stephens due to his versatility.

Sindarious Thornwell - 6'5, 180 Lancaster, SC (Team United) - strong, athletic SG. Very good slasher. Has had a really good spring. GT offered him this weekend. Both SC schools have him as a priority and alot of ACC/SEC schools have offers out to him.

Isiah Lewis 6'3, 165 Brooklyn, NY (Metro Hawks) - NY SG with good range. has offers from GT, Miami, Memphis and interest from Kansas, Louisville and some others. Potentially could be a combo guard. GT is recruiting but he isn't at the top of the board.

Bigs
I will add to this in the next day or two. While the first 2 spots are pretty easy to see what the staff is focusing on, the bigs is more cloudy.


RamblinRed

Thanks Red,
Wasn't Bynum about 5-10,190+?he sure looked and played strong-is Poole at only 165 like that?

[RamblinRed]

Originally Posted by AlaGold

Thanks Red,
Wasn't Bynum about 5-10,190+?he sure looked and played strong-is Poole at only 165 like that?

Poole is bigger than his listed weight. He is probably closer to 180. Very strong, athletic kid. Threw down a vicious dunk on some 6'9 big man at the JamFest in Pittsburgh 2 weeks ago.

RamblinRed

[KG01]

Originally Posted by etc79

Thanks!! Poole and Stephens would be awesome pick ups!! I just wonder about Poole's attitude...didnt he get kicked off a team?

I think Poole had multiple T's leading to an automatic season-long suspension.

I'd like Poole as a second guard, Morris as the lead ... oh and Stephens too.

[griswold6571]

Originally Posted by AlaGold

Thanks Red,
Wasn't Bynum about 5-10,190+?he sure looked and played strong-is Poole at only 165 like that?

Bynum was 5'10" with 2" inch heels on.

[gatechfalcons3]

Anybody have an ESPN account? http://insider.espn.go.com/college-s...ams-2013-class