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Purdue: (cut and paste link at bottom)

Men's Basketball Signs One Of Nation's Top Classes

Davis, Hammons, Johnson and Simpson comprise top-20 recruiting haul.
Nov. 9, 2011
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Head coach Matt Painter and the Purdue men's basketball staff put the official seal on one of the nation's top recruiting classes on Wednesday, as a highly-praised quartet signed National Letters of Intent to begin competing for the Boilermakers in the 2012-13 season.
Rapheal Davis, A.J. Hammons, Ronnie Johnson and Jay Simpson comprise a class that is regarded as the 13th-best in the nation by ESPN and 16th by Scout.com.
"I think we've signed a class with a little bit of everything, and that doesn't always happen," Painter said. "When you're able to get size, shot blocking and the ability to rebound the ball to go along with a scorer and a point guard, it's a great class."
Each of the Boilermakers' signees has strong Indiana roots, as Davis, Hammons and Johnson are each in-state products, and Simpson is completing his prep career at La Lumiere School in LaPorte, Ind., after growing up in nearby Champaign, Ill.
"Being able to recruit within our state and have success is very important to us," Painter said. "You want to address your needs, but you also have to find individuals who are going to fit in your program. Guys from within your state are going to have more familiarity with your program, and we spend a lot of time with those guys and develop a relationship from an early age."
Purdue's 2011 Signing Class
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School/Previous School)
Rapheal Davis G 6-5 200 Fort Wayne, Ind. (La Lumiere School)
A.J. Hammons C 7-0 275 Carmel, Ind. (Oak Hill (Va.) Academy)
Ronnie Johnson G 5-11 160 Indianapolis, Ind. (North Central)
Jay Simpson F 6-9 253 Champaign, Ill. (La Lumiere School)
Rapheal Davis
Davis averaged 28.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a junior at Fort Wayne South Side in 2010-11 to earn all-conference and all-area accolades. A versatile wing who competes on both ends of the floor, he can score in a variety of ways.
"Rapheal is a very strong, athletic guard who can flat-out put the ball in the basket," Painter said. "He's got a chance to be an excellent defender because he has the athleticism and the determination to do it. He's a guy who you watch and think he had a good game, then you look at the box score and he had 34 points. He's always on the hunt and looking to attack."
- Graded a 93 and ranked as the No. 76 overall prospect and the No. 14 shooting guard, as well as the state's No. 8 player, in his class by ESPN
- Given a three-star rating and ranked No. 106 nationally and No. 21 among shooting guards in his class by Rivals.com
- Given a three-star rating and ranked as the No. 19 shooting guard in his class by Scout.com
- Rated the ninth-best prospect in the state by the Indianapolis Star
- Selected for the NBA Top 100 Camp in 2011, where he averaged 7.8 points per game
- An honorable mention AP all-state selection in 2010 and 2011
- An Indiana Junior All-Star and IBCA All-State Underclassman in 2011
- A three-time All-Summit Athletic Conference first-team honoree
- A Journal Gazette All-Northeast Indiana selection in 2011
- Averaged 28.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a junior at Fort Wayne South Side
- Coached by Alan Huss at La Lumiere School and Jared Quarles with Spiece Indy Heat
"Rapheal is a polished kid with high character," Huss said. "He's a great student in the classroom, and he's consistently working on his game. He can score in a variety of ways, and he's working on becoming a good defender. He has a toughness to him that allows him to compete at a high level."
"Rapheal is a tough kid and a hard worker," Quarles said. "He can score a lot of different ways, and he can guard a couple different positions. He's an unselfish kid who will bring some leadership qualities to the program, as well."
A.J. Hammons
Hammons shot a team-high 58 percent from the floor last season to help lead Oak Hill to a 29-4 record and a No. 4 final national ranking. As a sophomore at Carmel High School in 2009-10, he averaged 8.3 points and 7.8 boards per game. A mobile center with soft hands and a knack for scoring, Hammons can also change games on the defensive end with his ability to rebound and block shots.
"A.J. gives us a big guy with a presence on the interior," Painter said. "He's really made strides on the offensive end, and he has the ability to change the game on the defensive end with his ability to block shots and rebound the ball. He does an excellent job out outleting the ball, and he's a good passer overall. I think his best basketball is ahead of him, and he has a chance to be a special player."
- Graded a 93 and ranked as the No. 78 overall prospect and the No. 13 center, as well as the state's No. 9 player, in his class by ESPN
- Given a three-star rating and ranked No. 123 nationally and No. 18 among centers in his class by Rivals.com
- Given a four-star rating and ranked as the No. 19 center in his class by Scout.com
- Attended the 2011 NBA Top 100 Camp
- A 2010 AP honorable mention all-state honoree at Carmel High School
- Shot 58 percent from the floor to lead Oak Hill as a junior
- Helped Oak Hill to a 29-4 record and a No. 4 final national ranking in 2010-11
- Averaged 8.3 points and 7.8 rebounds as a sophomore at Carmel High School in 2009-10 to earn All-MIC honors
- Chose Purdue over Cincinnati and Minnesota
- Coached by Steve Smith at Oak Hill Academy and Jared Quarles with Spiece Indy Heat
"A.J. is a seven-footer whose best days are ahead of him," Smith said. "The sky is the limit for him. He runs, rebounds and blocks shots, and his intensity on the court is much improved. A.J. is really coming into his own and he has a chance to be a really good player."
"A.J. has mobility and good hands to go along with his size," Quarles said. "He's got a good work ethic and he's still developing on the offensive end, but he should come into his own at Purdue."
Ronnie Johnson
After teaming with brother and current Purdue sophomore Terone Johnson to lead North Central to the 2010 Indiana 4A state title, Ronnie Johnson averaged 14.5 points and 5.0 assists per game as a junior in 2010-11 to pace the school to a regional crown. A quintessential point guard, he can both score and distribute on the offensive end, and has built a reputation as a dogged defender who is adept at playing passing lanes.
"Ronnie is a great pickup for us because he's always been a guy who has simply won," Painter said. "That's what you want from a point guard and a leader, and he's done it on every level. He has a great knack for finding people, and he sees the game as well as anyone in the country. He'll help us with his quickness and ability to put pressure on the ball, as well as his ability to push the ball on the offensive end."
- Graded a 93 and ranked as the No. 80 overall prospect and the No. 13 point guard, as well as the state's No. 10 player, in his class by ESPN
- Given a four-star rating, ranked No. 91 nationally and rated No. 18 among point guards in his class by Rivals.com
- Given a four-star rating and ranked as the No. 13 point guard in his class by Scout.com
- Tabbed a four-star recruit and the No. 92 player in his class by MaxPreps
- Rated the sixth-best prospect in the state by the Indianapolis Star
- Attended the NBA Top 100 Camp in 2011, ranking 13th at the event with an average of 10.8 points per game
- An honorable mention AP all-state selection in 2011
- An Indiana Junior All-Star and IBCA All-State Underclassman in 2011
- A 2011 first-team All-MIC selection
- Averaged 14.5 points and 5.0 assists as a junior to pace North Central to a regional title
- Teamed with brother Terone to lead North Central to the 2010 Indiana Class 4A championship
- Chose Purdue over Illinois and Butler
- Coached by Doug Mitchell at North Central and Pat Mullin on the AAU circuit
"Ronnie Johnson is the best high school passer I've seen in 30 years in the business," Mitchell said. "He's a tremendous player. His main strength is his ability to see two or three moves ahead. He has an incredible ability to anticipate on the offensive end. Above all that, he's a great person, and I think Purdue fans will fall in love with him."
"Ronnie is one of the best passing guards I've ever coached," Mullin said. "He makes his teammates better when he's on the court. He's got a good attitude, and he's a good defender. As good a player as Ronnie is, he's an even better person with his positive outlook and love for the game."
Jay Simpson
Simpson averaged 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a junior at Champaign Central in 2010-11, earning all-conference and all-area honors. Armed with the ability to score both inside and out, he has been praised for his ability to attack the rim and finish through contact.
"Jay has a great combination of size and skill," Painter said. "He's battled asthma, but it's under control and we're looking forward to him proving that he's one of the best big men in this class. He can shoot the ball, drive the ball or post, and once he's able to keep up with the game and understand defensive schemes, he has a chance to be a very good player."
- Graded a 90 and ranked as the No. 32 power forward in his class, as well as the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois, by ESPN
- Given a four-star rating, ranked as the No. 101 overall recruit and ranked as the No. 30 power forward in his class by Rivals.com
- Given a four-star rating and ranked as the No. 22 power forward in his class by Scout.com
- One of 80 players from around the country to earn an invitational to the 2011 Under Armour Best of the Best Camp
- Averaged 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a junior at Champaign Central to earn All-Area honors from the News-Gazette
- Also netted first-team All-Big 12 honors as a junior at Champaign Central
- Coached by Alan Huss at La Lumiere School and Mike Mullins on the AAU circuit
"Jay is an extremely talented player," Huss said. "He has tools that you can't teach, like soft hands, a feel for the game and good court vision. He's working on his body, and when he gets it to a point where he's college-ready, he could be an all-league type of player."
"Jay is one of the most talented big men in the class of 2012, and has tremendous upside," Mullins said. "He's battled some issues related to asthma which held him back in the past, but he's gotten those under control. He's shown that he has elite-level skill. Under the direction and instruction of the Purdue coaching staff, he should develop into one of the most productive big men in the class."
http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aab.html
 

Wisconsin (cut and paste link at bottom)
National Signing Day at Wisconsin
Your headquarters for information on the newest Badgers
Nov. 9 is National Signing day, which is the first day that high school seniors can sign a binding National Letter of Intent to attend a university and play college athletics. At Wisconsin, this means that future rosters begin to come into focus. This is your headquarters for information of the newest Badgers.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan announced that Sheboygan’s Sam Dekker signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Wisconsin.

SAM DEKKER (6-8, 215, Forward)
A 2012 McDonald’s All-American nominee, Sam Dekker heads into his senior season at Lutheran High School as the No. 18-ranked player in the nation according to Rivals.com
Wisconsin adds Sam Dekker for Class of 2012
The Sheboygan, Wis., native is the 18th-ranked player in the nation
Nov. 9, 2011
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan announced one addition to the men's basketball team Wednesday when Sheboygan’s Sam Dekker signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Wisconsin. A high school senior, Dekker will enroll at UW next year and play basketball for the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2012.
SAM DEKKER (6-8, 215, Forward, Lutheran High School, Sheboygan, Wis.)
A 2012 McDonald’s All-American nominee, Sam Dekker heads into his senior season at Lutheran High School (Sheboygan, Wis.) as the 18th-ranked player in the nation according to Rivals.com.

An AP second-team All-State pick as a junior, Dekker averaged 28.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4 assists last season. The WBCA 2011 Division 5 Player of the Year, he also earned first-team All-Central Lakeshore Conference and Sheboygan Press Player of the Year.

“We’re obviously very excited to have Sam join our program. He brings the entire package to Wisconsin,” Ryan said. “Sam possesses all of the first-class intangibles that you want in someone representing your program on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”

As a sophomore, Dekker also earned first-team all-conference honors and was an AP All-State honorable mention honoree after posting averages of 26.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

“He has been a very active leader in his school, an honor roll student, a National Honor Society member, volunteers for Special Olympics and has served various leadership roles in his church and community,” Ryan added. “He’s truly a great young man.

“From a basketball perspective, his length and skill set will allow him to play different positions and as he develops and adds strength to his frame, he will be a great fit within our system. He’s got a great knowledge base of the game. He can handle the ball like a guard with excellent court vision and passing ability and a perimeter shooting game that has rapidly improved.

“Our staff is really excited about what the future could hold as Sam continues to grow and develop. His maturation and development have exploded since last season which made him the talk of the country this past July during the national AAU events. With extreme hard work and dedication, Sam has made himself into truly one of the elite players in the country in his class over the past 18 months.

“Given the fact that he could have gone just about anywhere he wanted, but decided that he wanted to pursue his dream of being a Wisconsin Badger, is extremely special and a testament to what the players here before him have accomplished. His decision also speaks volumes to how this program, along with the success and development of the players within it, is now viewed from a national perspective.

“Sam’s a first-class young man, with parents, in Todd, who’s also his high school coach, and Carol that have done a fantastic job of setting high expectations for him and holding him accountable at an early age. It definitely paid off for him both on and off the court. Badger fans should be excited to watch Sam grow and develop during his career in Madison. I know he’s ready to have a great senior year at Lutheran and then will be ready take the next step here with his future team.”
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aac.html

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aai.html
 

Penn State (cut and paste link at bottom)
Taylor Signs With Nittany Lions
Penn State welcomes 6-8, 235-pound forward from New Jersey
Brandon Taylor
Nov. 9, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.; Nov. 9, 2011 - Penn State basketball coach Patrick Chambers welcomed his second addition to the Nittany Lion program Wednesday when 6-8, 235-pound forward Brandon Taylor (Tabernacle, N.J.) signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Penn State on the first day of the NCAA Early Signing Period. Taylor will join 6-4 Philadelphia guard D.J. Newbill, who transferred to Penn State from Southern Mississippi in August and is sitting out the current season under NCAA rules, as Chambers' first two additions that will compete for Penn State in 2012-13.
"Brandon is a great kid who comes from a great family and is serious about his academics and getting his degree," Chambers said. "Basketball wise, he is a terrific player who can post-up, shoot threes, has a very high basketball IQ and has a Big Ten ready body. He will make an immediate impact in our program."
Taylor helped lead his AAU squad, Team Philly, to several tournament titles over the summer and saw his stock rise as he diversified his game and excelled in several head-to-head battles with other high Division I recruits. His size and strength on the block as well as his ability to stretch defenses on the perimeter and score off the dribble or from the three-point line were on display. He is described as a "prototypical mismatch problem" with "the physical tools and basketball skills to score both inside and out" by ESPN.com. Dave Telep of ESPN.com added, "Penn State has itself a legitimate scoring option on its way to Happy Valley."
Taylor helped Trenton Catholic Academy (N.J.) to a 2010 New Jersey Non-Public B State Championship with a victory over perennial powerhouse St. Anthony and an eventual championship crown in the NJSIAA (all classes) Tournament of Champions as a sophomore. He averaged 11.7 points per game last year as a junior at Trenton Catholic as he helped lead the team to a 19-6 record. The Iron Mikes fell in the semifinals of the NJSIAA Non-Public South B Tournament in a two-point game in which Taylor recorded 14 points and had 15 rebounds. He posted a season high 25 points earlier in the year in a victory over West Windsor South.

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html
 

Michigan State (cut and paste link at bottom)
Men's Basketball NLI Signing Day Update

Spartans have received NLIs from Costello, Kaminski and Valentine.
Nov. 9, 2011
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's basketball team has received the following three National Letters of Intent at this time:
Coach Izzo General Thoughts
Matt Costello (F, 6-10, 240, Bay City, Mich., Bay City Western)
Izzo On Costello
2011 Gatorade Michigan High School Player of the Year ... Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News Dream Team selection ... Averaged 19.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.8 blocks as a junior, shooting 53.4 percent from the field and 72 percent from the foul line ... Posted a school-record 19 double-doubles ... Helped team improve from 10-11 in 2010 to 24-3 in 2011, leading Bay City Western to Class A state semifinals for the first time in school history ... MVP of Saginaw Valley Association ... Attended 2011 NBA Top 100 Camp ... Ranked among the top 100 players in the nation by Scout.com (#81), Rivals.com (#82) and ESPNU100 (#85) ... Rated among the top players at his position by ESPNU100 (#15 center), Scout.com (#18 center) and Rivals.com (#24 power forward) ... Averaged 16.7 points 11.8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 assists as a sophomore ... Set a school record with 14 blocks in a single game ... 2010 Bay City Times Dream Team and first-team All-Saginaw Valley League selection ... Plays for Coach Chris Watz.
Kenny Kaminski (F, 6-8, 245, Medina, Ohio, Medina)
Izzo On Kaminski
Averaged 19.9 points and 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game as a junior at Medina High School ... Second-team All-State ... First-team All-Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division ... Northeast Inland District Division I selection ... Played AAU with All-Ohio Red, winning the 2011 17-and-under AAU national title in Orlando ... Attended 2011 NBA Top 100 Camp ... Attended the 2011 Kevin Durant Skills Academy ... Ranked among the top 100 players in the nation by ESPNU100 (#66), Rivals.com (#84) and Scout.com (#95) ... Rated among the top players at his position by ESPNU100 (#16 power forward), Scout.com (#20 power forward) and Rivals.com (#25 power forward) ... Averaged 14.7 points and 5.6 rebounds as a sophomore ... Helped lead Medina to Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division ... All Inland First-Team honoree ... Honorable mention all-state honoree ... Three-time all-conference and all-county selection ... Plays for Coach Anthony Stacey ... Also played football, earning second-team all-conference honors as a tight end as a junior and first-team all-conference honors as a punter.
Denzel Valentine (G, 6-6, 210, Lansing, Mich., Sexton)
Izzo On Valentine
2011 First-Team All-State Class B selection as chosen by the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News ... Lansing State Journal Dream Team honoree ... Led Sexton High School to 2011 Class B State Championship, the school's first state title in 51 years, tallying 17 points, six rebounds and three assists in 75-60 win over Muskegon Heights in the state title game ... Averaged 12.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 5.4 steals and 1.1 blocks as a junior ... Attended 2011 NBA Top 100 Camp ... Ranked among the top 100 players in the nation by Rivals.com (#80) and ESPNU100 (#87) ... Rated among the top players at his position by Rivals.com (#13 shooting guard) and ESPNU100 (#25 small forward) ... Averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 assists and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore, leading Sexton to state title game ... 2010 Class B honorable mention all-state ... Plays for his father Carlton Valentine, a four-year letterwinner at MSU from 1985-88 ... Brother Drew is a junior at Oakland University.
http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aae.html
 

Illinois (cut and paste link at bottom)
Orris Signs with Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, ILL.- University of Illinois head coach Bruce Weber announced Wednesday the signing of Michael Orris to a national letter of intent on the first day of the initial signing period.
Orris is a 6-2, 180-pound senior point guard from Crete, Ill. He attends Crete-Monee High School, under the direction of head coach Tom Cappel. Orris averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds last season, leading Crete-Monee to a 25-4 record and the school's first-ever sectional championship. Crete-Monee won the South Holland Thornwood Sectional, defeating Harvey Thornton in the title game to advance to the super-sectional of Class 4A.
An honorable mention All-State selection by the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, Orris shot 50 percent from the field, 39 percent from 3-point range and 75 percent from the free throw line. He attended Palatine High School during his freshman and sophomore seasons and is a member of the Illinois Old School AAU program, coached by Scott Lidskin.
"Michael is a pure point guard, first and foremost," Weber said. "He fits everything you want at that position: he's an excellent passer, knows how to play and is very competitive. He helped lead Crete-Monee to its best finish in school history last year, going to the elite eight. Michael had great talent around him, a couple of D-1 recruits, so he didn't really look to score and instead was more of a distributor and floor general. But he showed his offensive ability this past summer, had some great scoring performances in AAU and has worked on his perimeter shooting to become effective out to 3-point range."
Orris received the lone scholarship Illinois had available for this year's recruiting class.
http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html
 



Iowa (cut and paste link at bottom)

Hawkeyes Sign 5 Prep Standouts
Class ranked 19th best in the country

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa Head Men's Basketball Coach Fran McCaffery announced today that Anthony Clemmons, Mike Gesell, Patrick Ingram, Kyle Meyer and Adam Woodbury have signed national letter of intents to attend the University of Iowa.

"I'm very excited about this class," said McCaffery. "We started working immediately upon arrival, in particular, on this group. I want to give particular recognition to how hard each and every one of my assistant coaches has worked. I believe we've addressed specific needs and attracted not only quality, but student-athletes who will fit with what we already have here to ultimately make us a better team."

Iowa's five-member 2012 recruiting class is ranked 19th by ESPN.com and Scout.com.

Paul Biancardi, who is ESPN's director of basketball recruiting, had nothing but praise to say about Iowa's recruiting class and coach McCaffery.

"I'm very impressed, but not surprised, with the class coach McCaffery signed," said Biancardi. "This is a national statement class. Coach McCaffery and his staff have sold the vision and the plan for Iowa basketball in a big time way. It should get the fans of Iowa very excited not only right now but in the future.

"To be successful in this business you have to be able to recruit, and Fran's a proven recruiter. This is a class that as it grows and develops together, will be the foundation for Iowa basketball. It will propel the Hawkeyes to the next step, which is the upper half of the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament."
Adam Woodbury
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"I'm very impressed, but not surprised, with the class coach McCaffery signed. This is a national statement class. Coach McCaffery and his staff have sold the vision and the plan for Iowa basketball in a big time way. It should get the fans of Iowa very excited not only right now but in the future.
Paul Biancardi, ESPN's director of basketball recruiting
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WOODBURY (7-1, 230)
Woodbury is an All-State center from Sioux City, Iowa. The 7-foot-1, 230-pound was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2011 NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp. Woodbury is the No. 41 ranked player in the Class of 2012 by ESPN.com, No. 42 by Rivals.com and No. 47 by Scout.com. He enters his senior season ranked fourth in career scoring and first in rebounding at East High School. He led the Black Raiders to a combined 59-16 record the last three seasons, including back-to-back conference championships and three consecutive state tournament appearances. Woodbury is a two-time first team All-State, All-Missouri River Conference, All-Northwest Iowa and All-City honoree. As a junior, Woodbury averaged a double-double (18.5 points and 12 rebounds). He averaged 17.4 points and grabbed a school single-season record 315 rebounds (12.1 avg.) his sophomore campaign. Woodbury also participated in the Nike LeBron James Skills Academy and Amare Stoudemire Skills Academy in 2011. He played AAU for Martin Brothers and All-Iowa Attack from seventh through 11th grade. Fellow recruit Mike Gesell was an AAU teammate of Woodbury. Woodbury becomes Iowa's first seven-footer since Seth Gorney (2005-08) and is the tallest Hawkeye since Antonio Ramos (1999), who stood 7-foot-2.
"I felt the University of Iowa was the best fit for me," said Woodbury. "I like the way Iowa plays an upbeat style. That fits the way I like to play. I love Coach McCaffery's passion for the game and he proved to me during the recruiting process how hard he works."

MCCAFFERY ON WOODBURY
"Adam is an incredibly likeable young man and you can tell that he understood the process and has the character necessary to be a great one," said McCaffery. "The thing that has most impressed me about him since we first saw him is his effort level every time he takes the floor. Adam gives phenomenal effort and he's amazingly concentrated on every possession. Combine that with size and skill and you have someone who has a chance to play for a long time. He comes from a program where he's been very well-coached. He'll come ready to contribute right away."
Mike Gesell
GESELL (6-1, 180)
Gesell is a three-time first team All-State, All- Conference and All-Metro honoree for South Sioux City High School. Gesell is the No. 73 ranked player in the Class of 2012 by ESPN.com, No. 89 by Scout.com and No. 96 by Rivals.com. As a junior, he averaged 25.2 points, 8.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals while being honored as the Nebraska Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year. As a sophomore, Gesell averaged 19.9 points, 6.4 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 steals. He made 82 percent (158-193) of his free throw attempts as a junior and 79 percent (125-158) as a sophomore. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard was a Basketball Super State and All-State Class B Team Captain recipient his sophomore and junior seasons. He holds single season school records for scoring (655), assists (212) and steals (79), career scoring (1,446) and single-game steals (8) and assists (13). Gessell, who is a Wendy's High School Heisman state finalist and will be the team's captain this year, also excels in the classroom, ranking in the top five percent of his class while earning Gold Honor Roll distinction all four years. He also is a three-time Academic All-Conference and NSAA Academic All-State honoree. Fellow recruit Adam Woodbury was a teammate of Gesell on Martin Brothers and the All-Iowa Attack AAU squads.
"I'm really excited to be joining Hawkeye nation," said Gesell. "I feel like Coach McCaffery is turning things around and I'm ready to work hard and contribute every way I can to getting the team back to where it once was. I couldn't be more excited to become a Hawkeye."

MCCAFFERY ON GESELL
"The first time I watched Mike work out I knew he was going to be a player I wanted in my program," said McCaffery. "His future as a scoring point guard is one that has me excited. He has the ability to make plays and score with the ball, and he can get everyone involved. He's proven time and again that he is a big time winner."

Anthony Clemmons
CLEMMONS (6-1, 185)
Clemmons is a native of Lansing, Mich., and has started the last two years for Sexton High School. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound point guard helped his team to back-to-back conference championships and a Class B state title a year ago. Sexton finished as state runner-up his sophomore season. Clemmons is a two-time All-Conference honoree and was an All-State and All-Area selection in 2011. Clemmons averaged 12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.2 steals his junior year. He will serve as a team co-captain his senior campaign. Clemmons played AAU basketball the last two years with the Michigan Mustangs. He also played football his freshman through junior years at Sexton, earning all-conference honors in 2010, playing fullback, linebacker and safety.
"I'm really excited about becoming a Hawkeye," said Clemmons. "It's a good feeling knowing that I'm going to play in one of the top three conferences in the country. My parents helped me with my decision and felt it was a good fit for me to become part of the Hawkeye family."

MCCAFFERY ON CLEMMONS
"Anthony is a player who gives us great flexibility at the point guard position," said McCaffery. "He also has the athletic and scoring ability to play anywhere in the back court or the wing. Anthony is a tremendous athlete and is mentally tough. He comes from a terrific high school and AAU program. We are really excited about Anthony joining the Hawkeyes."

Patrick Ingram

INGRAM (6-2, 190)
Ingram is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard from Indianapolis. He is a two-year starter and helped North Central High School win back-to-back conference championships and the Class 4A state championship in 2010. His high school team boasted a combined 70-8 record his first three seasons. Ingram averaged 10.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists his junior campaign. He shot 55.5 percent from the field and 33-percent from beyond the arc. A captain on this year's team, Ingram also played on the AAU circuit for the Eric Gordon All-Stars. His team won the Walt Disney World tournament, Eric Gordon Shootout and the IndyBall Tournament. Ingram was tabbed MVP of the Walt Disney World tournament.
"I'm very excited to play for the Hawkeyes next fall," said Ingram. "Coach McCaffery and his staff are doing a very good job with this program. In just one year, he has begun to turn the program around and I can't wait to be a part of it."

MCCAFEFRY ON INGRAM
"Patrick is an athletic guard who can play multiple positions because of his tremendous athletic power," said McCaffery. "He's a fierce competitor. You can look at him as a defensive stopper, but he can also score. Patrick's a great transition and press player. He's also a very good late-game player. He understands how to win."

Kyle Meyer
MEYER (6-10, 220)
Meyer is a 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward from Alpharetta, Ga. Meyer averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 2.6 assists for Northview High School as a junior. He earned All-Region and co-MVP accolades as a junior, and was also recognized on the 2010 Pickens All-Tournament team. Meyer, who attends the same high school as Minnesota senior Ralph Sampson III, is a three-year starter. He averaged 10 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, and earned the team's Coaches Award his sophomore campaign. Meyer garnered all-tournament laurels at the Chattahoochee Tournament as a freshman. Meyer also played AAU basketball for the Atlanta Celtics.
"I'm so excited about becoming a Hawkeye," said Meyer. "Choosing Iowa was a very easy decision for me. During my recruiting, I visited a lot of schools and studied everything about them. Nothing felt like Iowa did. The people are friendly, the school is great, the team is strong, and the coaches believe in me."

MCCAFFERY ON MEYER
"Kyle has a tremendous skill set for somebody 6-foot-10," said McCaffery. "Anytime you recruit someone with that size who can dribble, pass and shoot... it gives me great flexibility in how I can utilize his talent. Kyle is athletic and comes from a very good program. He also played on a very good AAU team and has been challenged. I want my front court players to be able to make plays off the dribble and shoot the ball outside... not only can he can do that, but he also has a low post game. I'm really excited about Kyle."

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aai.html
 

Michigan (cut and paste link at bottom)
Nov. 9, 2011
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein announced today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) the signing of forward Mitch McGary (Chesterton, Ind./Brewster Academy [N.H.]) to a National Letter of Intent in the November early signing period.
"Mitch possesses a unique blend of size and skill with a motor to run, rebound and compete, which will serve him well at this level of college basketball," said Beilein. "He initiates contact inside while being very comfortable on the perimeter with the ball. Mitch loves the University of Michigan and loves playing basketball and will bring energy and enthusiasm to our team."
Rated currently as the No. 2 player in the Class of 2012 by ESPN.com and Scout.com, as well as No. 3 by Rivals.com, McGary is playing in his final prep season at preseason ranked No. 1 Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. Last season, McGary helped Coach Jason Smith's Bobcats to a 33-3 record and the NEPSAC Class AAA semifinal while averaging 12.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game.
Prior to heading to prep school, McGary played two seasons at Chesterton High School under Coach Tom Peller. As a junior, he averaged 22.0 points, 13.3 rebound, 5.0 blocks and 3.0 assists, leading the Trojans to the 4A Sectional qualifier. In his first varsity season, he averaged 14.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 3.0 assists.
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html
 

Minnesota (cut and paste link at bottom)

Nov. 9, 2011
Gophers Sign Two on National Signing Day
Forward Charles Buggs and Guard Wally Ellenson Will Join Squad Next Season
The Minnesota men's basketball program today announced the signings of Charles Buggs and Wally Ellenson to National Letters of Intent. Both players will be eligible to compete during the 2012-13 season.

"We’re really excited to have Wally Ellenson and Charles Buggs join the Golden Gopher basketball family,” said head coach Tubby Smith. “Our staff is looking forward to coaching them. I know they will make us better on the court but will also help our program excel in the classroom.

“Wally and Charles answered and fulfilled some of the requirements that we were looking for at the small forward and shooting guard positions so there is a lot of excitement around these two young men as they finish their high school careers. Both Wally and Charles are superior students as well and come from great families so it is a real privilege to have them join our team."

Buggs, a 6-8 forward from Arlington, Texas, is in his first season at Hargrave Military Academy after graduating from Martin High School in Arlington with a 3.7 grade point average. In 15 games last season at Martin, Buggs averaged 11.4 points per game. He went on to average an impressive 18.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game this past July as a member of the Triumph White AAU team.

Ranked highly by ESPN and Rivals, Buggs chose the Gophers over offers from Arkansas, Charlotte, Clemson, Marquette, Santa Clara, Seton Hall & West Virginia.

“We needed some depth inside with the impending graduations of Ralph (Sampson III) and Trevor (Mbakwe) and Charles Buggs will give us that depth,” said Smith. “He’s a multi-faceted player that can play the swing position or power forward. He’s long and lanky, with a similar build to players we’ve had in the past, that can defend multiple positions. His coach at Hargrave Military Academy, AW Hamilton, has done a super job of helping Charles raise his level of play and develop more skills from a ball handling standpoint and his outside shooting.”

Ellenson, a 6-4 guard from Rice Lake, Wis., averaged 10.1 points per game as a freshman at Eau Claire Memorial before averaging 14.8 and 21.2 points during his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively, at Rice Lake. His 21.2 average last season was tops in the Big Rivers Conference.

Ranked as the 35th-best shooting guard in the country by ESPN, Ellenson tallied 10 games last season with 25 points or more, including a high of 40 in a loss to Roseville High School. An incredible leaper, Ellenson is the reigning Wisconsin Division 2 high jump Champion. He won the state title with a jump of 6-6, but previously broke the school record at the sectional meet with a jump of 6-11. He held multiple offers but ultimately chose the Gophers over Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Utah & West Virginia.

“Wally brings a work ethic, a competitive spirit and the athleticism that’s rare in a guy that has the complete package,” said Smith. “He can shoot with range, can put it on the floor, has incredible leaping ability but also excels on the defensive end. I really like his understanding of how to play the game. His parents and high school coach have done an unbelievable job of developing this young man.”
http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html
 



A lot of excellent recruiting classes in the B1G so far this year!
 



Thanks for putting this all together, in one place Jon. I've yet to read through it, but it'll be ince to scan through this link in the near future to see what's going on in the entirety of the Big 10. Gracias!
 





Jon said:
Michigan (cut and paste link at bottom)
Nov. 9, 2011
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein announced today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) the signing of forward Mitch McGary (Chesterton, Ind./Brewster Academy [N.H.]) to a National Letter of Intent in the November early signing period.
"Mitch possesses a unique blend of size and skill with a motor to run, rebound and compete, which will serve him well at this level of college basketball," said Beilein. "He initiates contact inside while being very comfortable on the perimeter with the ball. Mitch loves the University of Michigan and loves playing basketball and will bring energy and enthusiasm to our team."
Rated currently as the No. 2 player in the Class of 2012 by ESPN.com and Scout.com, as well as No. 3 by Rivals.com, McGary is playing in his final prep season at preseason ranked No. 1 Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. Last season, McGary helped Coach Jason Smith's Bobcats to a 33-3 record and the NEPSAC Class AAA semifinal while averaging 12.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game.
Prior to heading to prep school, McGary played two seasons at Chesterton High School under Coach Tom Peller. As a junior, he averaged 22.0 points, 13.3 rebound, 5.0 blocks and 3.0 assists, leading the Trojans to the 4A Sectional qualifier. In his first varsity season, he averaged 14.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 3.0 assists.
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html
Click to expand...

Michigan adds "Robinson, who is the son of former NBA All-Star and Purdue Boilermaker Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson"
(cut and paste link at bottom)

Nov. 9, 2011

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein announced today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) the signing of forward Glenn "Tre" Robinson III (St. John, Ind./Lake Central HS) to a National Letter of Intent in the November early signing period. Robinson's signing is the second for the Wolverines during the early period; forward Mitch McGary (Chesterton, Ind./Brewster Academy [N.H.]) signed his NLI this morning.

"Glenn has a passion and devotion to the game of basketball that has driven his development significantly over this past year," said Beilein. "He is first and foremost a great teammate and is very coachable. The combination of his explosiveness and unselfishness, along with his expanding skill set, makes him a perfect fit for Michigan basketball."

Robinson, who is rated No. 34 in the Class of 2012 by Rivals.com, blossomed in his junior season at Lake Central High School, averaging 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals under Coach Dave Mulausnic. He helped the Indians advance to the Class 4A Sectional semifinal while earning his second straight All-Duneland Conference, all-area and team MVP honors. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

Robinson, who is the son of former NBA All-Star and Purdue Boilermaker Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, has made two straight trips to the IBCA Top 100 and was named to the Core Six Player team at the 2011 IBCA Junior All-Star Game.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aac.html
 

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