Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (11/1)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday.

Recruits

Norvel Pelle is an impact freshman because he is a phenomenal shot blocker and all-around athlete. Yes, he is limited offensively, but I don't know of a 2011 big man who can run the floor, rebound, block shots and play above the rim as a finisher like Pelle can. St. John's has been a prominent player in Pelle's recruitment if not the outright leader. The string of commitments by forwards and guards can only help Lavin's chances of landing this post player and what would be his first 2011 West Coast recruit. Gator Bait 10/22

The former DeMatha Catholic floor general is Oak Hill's safety net at the point but he's recovering from a knee injury suffered in late August at the Boost Mobile game. Quinn Cook indicated he was 80 percent healthy and didn't have his usual burst or swagger. "It's all mental for me," Cook said. "It's about confidence. My knee is physically fine it's just mental." The knee isn't the only thing on Cook's mind. His college decision weighs heavily on him. Duke and UCLA separated themselves from Villanova and Cook's timetable for a decision, combined with him taking the standardized test this weekend, are factors working against the Wildcats. Not to mention the competition they face to land him. "[UCLA] coach [Ben] Howland is a great coach," Cook said. "His past four point guards have been NBA players and he wins; he had three straight Final Fours." ESPN 10/22

Shabazz Muhammad, 2012, SG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds, Maybe the most accurate way to describe Muhammad is relentless. He can score in a variety of ways and his full arsenal was on display at this event. Whether it was posting up his defender and scoring over the top of him or slashing his way to the rim and finishing with an array of spectacular dunks, Muhammad was dominant. He plays with a warrior's mentality and he has a tremendous knack to score. He still needs to continue to improve his shot and handle, but he is definitely a menace to deal with each and every possession. ESPN 10/25

But that doesn't mean Cooper will be telling his son, 2013 target Eric Cooper Jr. and another of his players, Grant Jerrett, that they have to become Wildcats. "I try not to because I don't want this to be anything that has to do with me," the elder Cooper said. "I want this to be something they want because they're going to have to live there. I just want them to come see it, know it." Cooper, who transferred to Texas-San Antonio as a sophomore in 1986-87 but has since re-established a good relationship with Olson, said he spoke with Olson briefly at Sunday's games. The recruits also watched Saturday's UA-Washington football game.... They have seen UCLA, USC, UNLV, Cal, Stanford, Duke, North Carolina and others. Arizona Daily Star 10/25

Coach Josh Pastner and Memphis have done it again by keeping elite prospect Adonis Thomas (Memphis, Tenn./Melrose) at home to play his college ball. However, it took a little help from fellow local talent and Memphis alum Penny Hardaway, who put together a video directed at Thomas, during the Tigers' Midnight Madness. "It did impact my decision," said Thomas, who chose Memphis over Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas and UCLA. "It was a privilege to listen to Penny Hardaway talk about what the city of Memphis and the University of Memphis meant to him." Through sheer work ethic Thomas has taken his game from a well-regarded, undersized 4 man with an outstanding motor to the No. 9-ranked player in the country. He is one of the top students at his high school with a 4.0 GPA and embodies the attributes of a true student-athlete. ESPN 10/28

Shabazz Muhammad, SG- A top five prospect nationally in the class of 2012, there aren't many guys more explosive to the rim. He's a relentless competitor and has a polished mid-post game that compliments his transition finishing. There's not a better rebounding wing, he plays smart and the jumper continues to evolve. Muhammad is noticeably stronger and he's a violent slam dunker who attacks the rim whenever he can. Cardinal Sports 10/28

Duke still has a couple scholarships available for the class of 2011 and many believe there is a strong possibility they will try to get point guard Quinn Cook. Cook attended Duke's Countdown to Craziness, and by all accounts, came away impressed. Although there has been no official announcement, many believe he will decide during the early signing period and many believe he is a Duke lean. Of course nothing is set in stone and Duke could end the 2011 recruiting class with just three signees, which considering the talent level, isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bleacher Report 10/29

On Saturday, class of 2011 No. 2 point guard Myck Kabongo made it public that he is no longer committed to the Texas Longhorns. He is considering Texas, Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Syracuse....The Blue Devils have been recruiting 2011 point guard Quinn Cook pretty hard, and a lot of people expected Cook to commit to Duke two weeks ago. There has been talk, however, that Cook has been cooling on Duke lately. Could Kabongo's interest in Duke be part of the reason Cook has decided to wait on his decision? Bleacher Report 10/30