Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (5/7)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday.

Commits

Jerime Anderson, 6-1 JR PG Anaheim (Calif.) Canyon. When UCLA’s Ben Howland offered Anderson a scholarship last August, there were more than a few raised eyebrows among folks who really didn’t understand Anderson’s potential as a prospect. After a series of stellar performances by Anderson this month, let’s just say the naysayers are suddenly awfully quiet. Anderson’s skill level is considerable, but it’s more than just skill that makes him one of the elite point guards in the country. Anderson is an underrated athlete, with big hops and better quickness than many people realize. His feel for the game is outstanding and he’s a very good defender. His defense, in particular, is an asset that will get him early playing time at UCLA. Fox Sports  5/3

Final Rankings: Right now I'm teetering with who will be Nos. 2, 3 and 4, but I haven't changed my mind on No. 1. There wasn't enough done this year to beat Kevin Love out of the top spot. At the Roundball Classic, he did what he wanted and wasn't worried about the offensive end, knowing it would be about guards, but he still had a double-double with five or six assists. Early on in the McDonald's he was one of the dominant players. Eric Gordon didn't have the offensive games he could have had, and O.J. Mayo helped himself in the Roundball and Hoop Summit, but one bad game and two good wasn't enough to jump him back to No. 1. CSTV 5/4

William Buford 6-3 SG (Team Reebok Select) - This Ohio State bound sweet shooting wing knocked down some long range twos, as well as a couple threes in scoring 18 points versus Mean Streets.  He did a good job sharing the point spot with UCLA commit Malcolm Lee, so no one should doubt his versatility. CSTV 5/5

Kevin Love has been tabbed as the nation's best player by The Hoop Scoop and the All-Star Report and has the numbers to back it up. The USA Today national Player of the Year finished his career as the
leading scorer in Oregon with 2,628 points. The 6-10 Love averaged 33.9
points, 17 rebounds, 4.2 blocks and 4.1 assists as a senior. "Kevin Love is the greatest thing since sliced bread," Francis
said. "He's one of the best players I have ever seen at making other
players around him better. No matter if he's on a good team or a bad
team, his team normally wins. "He's unbelievable. He brings it every time, and his team wins." Love, who is headed to UCLA, has the bloodlines. His father,
Stan, played professional basketball and is the brother of Beach Boys
singer Mike Love. His aunt won the women's Ironman Triathlon in 1982. Courier-Journal 5/6

Recruits

Elijah Johnson was the best 2009 point guard we saw over the weekend. Well-built and explosive, Johnson has a load of talent as a slasher and playmaker. He is a sure fire five-star if he improves his jumper, and that is exactly pn what he is focused.
"I'm really working on my jump shot," Johnson told Rivals.com. "I'm enjoying playing shooting guard for the Hoops because I want to get better playing off the ball. I already know what I can do at the point, and when it is crunch time, I'll have the ball in my hands."
Still open with his recruitment, Johnson claims offers from Iowa State and UCLA. He noted that Kansas and Texas are also vigorously pursuing him. Cardinal Sports 5/1

Reeves Nelson, 6-6 SO SF Modesto (Calif.) Modesto Christian. After Nelson ran roughshod over anyone who got in his way at the Kingwood Classic. Nelson’s skill level, athleticism, heart and competitiveness make him, conservatively, one of the Top 50 prospects in the country. Nelson was the talk of Houston and rightfully so. He consistently out rebounded, and out-fought, bigger players in the paint. He’s got a very nice touch around the basket, including a very good left hand. His outside shot is good enough at this time and should only get better. Fox Sports 5/3