Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (10/20)
By Bruin Basketball Report
Prep News Roundup is published every Monday.
Commits
Reeves Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and will have surgery Friday at the UCLA Medical Center. He'll follow with his official visit to UCLA, the college to which he has verbally committed to play basketball. If the rehabilitation goes according to schedule, Nelson isn't expected to miss much of his final high school basketball season. When Nelson received the diagnosis, he didn't want to stop playing football. "At first, I was fully intending to play football after therapy," Nelson said. "But then we got the call (Tuesday), the doctor said surgery. It was out of my hands."
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that serves as its shock absorber. It distributes weight and provides stability to the joint.
"From what I've been told, it's a pretty innocuous injury, but it's got to be taken care of," said his father, Brian Nelson. "They're saying it will be four-to-eight weeks of rehabilitation, then Reeves will be back to 100 percent. Modesto Bee 10/16
A competitive first half gave way to a lopsided affair after the break as the Rocklin High School boys’ water polo team outscored Roseville 8-2 in the second half in a 17-6 win on Thursday night in the Sierra Foothill League postseason water polo tournament at the Roseville Aquatic Center. The Thunder jumped out to a quick lead just 14 seconds in when Brendan Lane powered a shot past the goalie into the Roseville netting. Rocklin Press Tribune 10/17
Recruits
On Tuesday, Mountain State Academy coach Rob Fulford confirmed reports that power forward Deniz Kilicli has decided to play for the Mountaineers beginning in the fall of 2009. Kilicli, 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, is originally from Istanbul, Turkey. Fulford said the forward's father was looking for American academic and athletic opportunities for his son, which resulted in the move to Beckley. "He has committed to West Virginia," Fulford said. "He committed over the weekend, but we wanted to make a couple courtesy calls to coaches before we released it.' WV Charleston Gazette 10/14
Two bigger bodies who will not be present are Keith 'Tiny' Gallon and Renardo Sidney. Both seniors have been rumored to be considering UNLV in recent weeks despite the fact that Kruger & Co. have no more scholarships to hand out for next season. The front-runner for Gallon, a Houston native who plays at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., is Oklahoma. The Sooners drew a commitment from Gallon's good pal and Houston Hoops teammate Tommy Mason-Griffin late in the summer. As for Sidney, Kruger has never spoken with the Fairfax (Calif.) High big man, regarded as one of the best in this year's senior crop. Las Vegas Sun 10/17
Kansas welcomed its new flock to the Phog by paying homage to the past. KU's Late Night in the Phog pep rally focused on tradition, namely the program's past national championships and current contingent in the NBA. Friday night also offered the current Jayhawks, including seven newcomers, a chance to strut their stuff — on the dance floor and the basketball court. Jayhawk fans welcomed a group of 2009 men's basketball recruits to Allen Fieldhouse with a resounding cheer. Guards Xavier Henry (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Dominic Cheek (Jersey City, N.J.), Michael Snaer (Moreno Valley, Calif.) and Elijah Johnson (Las Vegas, Nev.) took in the rally from behind the bench. Self said including those making unofficial visits, nearly 10 prospects attended. Topeka Capital Journal 10/18
The magic of “Late Night at the Phog” paid off quickly for the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday as KU received an oral commitment from Las Vegas point guard Elijah Johnson, according to a source. Johnson, a four-star recruit and the No. 27 overall player according to Rivals.com, chose the Jayhawks after seeing the 2008 national championship banner raised to the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night. Johnson picked KU over Big 12 rivals Oklahoma and Texas. The 6-foot-2, 183 pound Johnson became the second member of KU’s 2009 class, joining five-star power forward Thomas Robinson. The Jayhawks will now await the decisions of three five-star shooting guards who were in attendance for “Late Night” – Xavier Henry of Oklahoma City, Michael Snaer of Moreno Valley, Calif., and Dominic Cheek of Jersey City, N.J. KU only has one scholarship remaining for this class.
Wichita Eagle 10/19
“I think I play like Kevin Garnett-slash…what’s his name, played for the Lakers a long time ago? Magic. I love to run, and I think I play like him a little, too,” Renardo Sidney says, simultaneously explaining his game and showing his age. “I play all five positions. Next level, I’ll probably be a 4, 3 or 2, but my Pops plays me at the 1 or the 2. If I have a lil’ dude on me, I go to the block; if I have a big dude, I go outside. I just love to mismatch on people. Slam Online 10/19
A highly recruited high school hoops star from Brooklyn was arrested earlier this month for sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl inside the school, police said. Lance Stephenson, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound guard from Abraham Lincoln High School, the former school of NBA players Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair, has been charged with a Class B misdemeanor. Daily News 10/19
(photo credit: Modesto Bee)
44 Comments:
Another gem from Sidney:
"what’s his name, played for the Lakers a long time ago? Magic"
Ah Renardo... I so look forward to my Monday morning news, hoping to hear either from you or your dad. Last week was a let down, but happy to see you've provided enough fodder for this week to cover both. In addition to the quote Brad pointed out above (truly a gem as he so aptly describes)... I also like the following: “Next level, I’ll probably be a 4, 3 or 2, but my Pops plays me at the 1 or the 2. If I have a lil’ dude on me, I go to the block...". It's like poetry dripping off the tongue. And glad to see good old "dad" is deep in the mix once again. I really hope Sidney decides to go to U$₵. It appears to be a perfect fit for his style, and I would hate to lose the quality quotes he and his "Pops" continue to provide. Keep 'em coming Sidney's.
I don't hear much anymore from what's their name, that school in West LA with the blue and yellow? UCLA.
It's nice to know that ignorance of basketball history doesn't afflict Farmar and Ariza. They should their grasp of recent Bruin history when they combined on an off-the-backboard alley-oop, which they would not have attempted had they not known the the skill set of defender Jason Kapono (i.e., that he has no hops).
I mean, they "showed" their grasp....
Sidney... out! Stephenson... out! That's what I have to believe Coach Howland is saying about these two guys.
They are both so not Bruin material! I hope they commit somewhere else soon so we can stop hearing about them!
Nice to see Sidney is well grounded in reality.
I'm taken bets that he turns into another Chris Washburnout.
Sidney will probably bet on his team when he plays for UNLV (as a walk-on)
I think with Elijah Johnson taken and with just 1 more scholie for Kansas...its either down to Snaer or Xavier Henry for them. I think they take Henry. So for Snaer its then either Missouri vs. UCLA.
C'mon Snaer just do it! Gold and Blue!
Reeves! No more football for you! What the heck were you thinking?????
I was sorry to see that Reeves got hurt but it was stupid that he was playing football. Hopefully there will be no lasting effects.
Injuries last forever and you are never fully healed from them. Reeves should not have played football with such a great future ahead of him in basketball. Now that could be in jeapordy. The article above is trying to sugar coat the issue and Reeves' dad is making comments like he'll be 100% - but I doubt it. Too bad. Hope it all works out for the kid and for UCLA.
Enough with the remarks about Nelson. If anything, it shows how much of a competitor the guy is. So what if he potentially hurt his career in basketball? It's his life and only he can write the story to it. If he wants a chapter of his life to be about football, then good for him. Heaven forbid he has interests outside of UCLA hoops, which is more than I can say about most of us. This is one of our boys, so lets rally around him and get ready to watch him crash the boards at Pauly in a couple years.
Reynardo is a foo.
We'll continue to post about Nelson cause thats what we do. Basketball and football do not mix. Its like shot-putting and baseball.
Stephenson is a rapist.
I'm behind you DW all the way. We sometimes treat these kids like they are a bunch of thoroughbred horses with no mind of their own and we want to run them-run them-run them.
If I had the talent like Nelson (which I don't) I'd play as many sports that I was able to!
Who are WE to say otherwise! Now once an athlete gets paid, then he is the property (so to speak) of his employer!
If my company tells me to wear a suit and tie at my desk job, guess what, I wear them. If my mom says I would look better wearing a suit to work, guess what, I (politely) tell her to sit down, have a brew, and watch some goofy soap opera.
WE are the moms to the Reeves Nelsons out there...
Hey Brad, What do you want to guess Sidney and Stephenson will join that other yahoo who ran off to Europe and prey on some of those poor, unsuspecting Euro chicks over there...
DW: I agree with you about Nelson, but I don't think you are being fair in saying posters here don't have interests outside of UCLA basketball. I, for example, am interested in many things. I like going to UCLA games, checking these boards, and..uh..other stuff. OK, maybe you have me pegged, but I'm sure others here have interests outside UCLA basketball. Hey, how about that Stanford game? Go Bruins!
Not trying to rip any of my fellow Bruins on here. But I want to make the point that Reeves is still a kid and should be allowed to experience life without us taking shots at him because of our own selfish interests.
I played 4 years of football and basketball in highschool and theres no such thing that the two doesnt go together.
I was decent in both with 2 and half years of varsity at each.
You do remember that Tony Gonzalez is one of best TE of all time who played for KC right now in the NBA and was a standout at Cal in both sports.
Also Terrel Pryor of Ohio State is same.
Charlie Ward did so too and had a decent career with New York Knicks.
I have said before that imo Nelson may have a much better chance at the next level in football than basketball.
In any case he can contribute either way.
I guess if Nelson was a better football prospect than basketball at UCLA (the premier basketball school) his family would have steered him that way.
Did you want to argue that Reynardo is not a foo?
Ya, I'm sure when Nelson is punching the time clock at work for a living because his basketball career ended early, he'll look back on this and be glad he decided to play 1/2 year of high school football.
Jackie Robinson lettered in basketball, football, and track. And, oh yes, baseball.
Bruins cheer, not jeer, their teams.
I'll tell you Jrue better stay the hell away from automobiles in L.A. If he gets in a motor vehicle accident and gets injured I will be so pissed off. I just cannot believe that these athletes with such a bright future would put their entire future in jeopardy by getting into an automobile on the streets of L.A. It is simply irresponsible.
Oh, and by the way, stay the hell away from Ben Howland's practices. Absolutely do NOT give it your all. If I remember right, the last few years, those practices have been a dangerous thing!!
What happens if a guy who gets a basketball scholie plays football and gets hurt beyond the point of rehab and can't play basketball anymore? Does he lose his bball scholie? Or does he get a free ride anyways? Does the university have the right to pull the scholarship off the table and claim "wreckless abandonement"?!! ha ha!
What happens if a guy gets a scholarship and gets shot in a drive-by on the streets of L.A. ending up on life support at LA County Medical Center? Does that guy get a free ride? Or does Timmie have to pick up the bill since he ends up at LA County? What happens if he catches bacterial meningitis in the dorms and it irreversibly affects his vestibular system and he is never able to jump and spin again? What happens if the world's financial institutions collapse, UCLA becomes a haven for drug-seeking zombie cannibals and Pauley Pavillion is established as the CDC's site to manufacture zombie anti-venom with Will Smith and his faithful dog companion in charge?
You guys need to go on the Bruin football blogs whilst we are in the hoops off season. The lingo on here is gettin' downright foolish and it is wasting the BBR bandwidth...
Nah... I really kind of enjoy it!
Bruins - 23
Cardinals - 20
You're next Cal... Gulp!
George is on fire. Maybe he can go with the Bruins to Strawberry Canyon this weekend and burn the house down!
BTW... we have a fosh. men's V-ball player who might play hoops for us down the road. Better tell him to quit setting serves cause it could jam his rebounding fingers.
Latest word I got today is that Snaer ain't gonna be a Bruin. It's a long shot at this point.
But things could change....
Brad,
You are right Nelson is more known for basketball than football just like Tony Gonzalez initially. Tony though knew his size and skill level had a better chance eventually in NFL.
I am not saying Nelsen is not a good basketball player but from what I have seen, his built in the long run probably be better at football if hes looking for a shot in the pros.
More power to him if he makes it to NBA. Hell I wish all Bruin players make it to the pros!! Regardless, there are tons of people playing multiple sports even in football that does well in other sports.
These kids arent professional athletes and do enjoy playing other sports than the ones they were initially recruited for. There is nothing wrong with that. Heck each year more people gets seriously hurt in Snowboarding than football.
I am sure he will be fine.
Alright, here is some clarity. Reeves got a basketball scholie to the premier basketball school. It is one thing to enjoy other sports, but tight ends generally run slant patterns in traffic. A six foot seven tight-ends' knees are a huge target for linebackers and free safeties. chances are he would get cracked.
DW... if you're right about Snaer, then it says a lot about his character. I've read that instant playing time is his main concern about where he wants to sign. Recruits come to UCLA to become complete players to excel at the next level. If Snaer is worried about his ability to come to UCLA and compete and succeed against our stacked backcourt, then he isn't UCLA material. Obviously, he considers himself a "one and done" players and doesn't think the Ben Howland experience would contribute to his ultimate goal. This makes me appreciate Jerime Anderson and Malcolm Lee so much more for signing with UCLA even though Jrue Holiday is the gem of the class. I hate to mention this, but the reason why USC is successful in football is because the blue-chippers they get crave competition rather than shy away from it. Ben Howland is the best developer of talent in college basketball. He can take players that are under the radar like Russell Westbrook and Darren Collison eventually, and turn them into lottery picks. Snaer is a great high school talent, don't get me wrong, but without the proper grooming by the right coach, they're DIME A DOZEN in the NBA. The NBA D-league is rife with wing players who thought they were greatest thing coming out of high school. If Snaer doesn't choose UCLA, then I wish him the best of luck because he's going to need it.
Personally, I think we're jumping the gun here in regards to Reeves Nelson. This is 2008, people. He's young and modern medicine will get him back to 100% in no time. Think of it this way... high school football is only preparation for the physicality one can expect with a Ben Howland practice.
DW - where did you hear the news about Snaer?
Did anybody think Matt Barnes would be an NBA player???...hmmm, he was a stud in high school for football....
Let the kid have the opportunity to play football...Get better Reeves
Nov. 3rd is close Bruin Nation!!! Jump ball already...
Lute Olson leaving arizona. Maybe Gaddy and other UofA recruits will now consider UCLA.
George,
What's with all the ranting and raving? I asked some simple questions to see if anybody knew the answer. What happens if he gets hurt playing football with a Bball scholie? Does he lose it?
They're simple questions. If you don't know, just say so. I wasn't saying that he should or should not play. I just wanna know what happens.
Chill Dude!
Looks like BBR may have to step in to calm the rantings, mis-interpetations, double talk, and set us ALL right with his straight shooting!
BruinFan, good point about Barnes. He is becoming a proven commodity in the big leagues!
November 3rd - Bring out those nachos my friend!!!
First, the potentially big news which is that Whitehair over at AZ has apparently announced his resignation. If true (and both ESPN and FoxSports report it) this opens up Gaddy's future - and, if I remember right from BBR's excellent reporting, UCLA was right there in the mix with AZ. With Lute gone, it makes no sense to stay (and he has not signed a LOI so can just say, "See ya'") making Howland's gang the only logical choice. I mean DC will be gone and even if Jrue stays for his Sophomore year (which many doubt) he will need a one for his two! This could be an interesting turn of events.
And, BTW, as far as the "ranting and raving" is concerned, no apology is needed from any of you. Truly, KDL, I see no need for you to feel badly.
OK, if you feel so strongly about it, apology accepted.
My info on Snaer came from the B-Ball coaching staff. Doesn't look good.
Gaddy is a better prospect at this point.
BREAKING NEWS>>>>>>>>>>> IT IS NOW OFFICIAL!!!
According to Rivals, "One of Arizona's three UA pledges (Abdul Gaddy) has informed GOAZCATS.com about his decision to decommit. Here's the interview with the now decommitted prospect."
http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?sport=2&pr_key=60890
Let's make a strong push to recruit Abdul Gaddy. We don't want to lose him on this second chance.
This is the most exciting message board on the internet. Sure hope Jrue stays two years and we get Gaddy. Talk about a perfect storm.
Now now there is no point to get jumpy if someone doesnt want to come to UCLA. It is not entirely wrong for players wanting to go somewhere where they can get potential exposure and playing time.
Let us remember these college sports while not professional, are certainly business as well. Schools and coaches dont just hand out scholarships usually to just anyone so it is in both sides rights to seek their own best benefit.
We just need to get players who wants to be here first and certainly think highly of UCLA. The only person UCLA have recruited in the last 5 years or so not counting the 08 class with real expectations of going pro was Klove.
Many highschoolers will see that and chose to come here knowning that if they werent the top 20 player or so coming out of highschool, coack Ben and UCLA will develop them fully for the next level. Sure not everyone will make it, but last 5 years, UCLA has send more 4 stars and under players to the pros than most others.
We need players that wants to work hard and learn. Players that understands coming here is to be challenged regardless of the skill set they already or think they already have.
Gaddy will fit in well since even with jrue here another year, I can see Lee filling in at the 3 as well sometimes so it has plenty of time for all.
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