Sunday, June 20, 2010

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (6/21)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup is published every Monday.

Recruits

Branden Dawson, SF/PF, Gary (Ind.) Lew Wallace- There aren't many guys in the class of 2010 who can match up with Dawson physically and he knows it. A rugged wing who can play the four because of his toughness and athleticism, he just gets it done. Most of his damage was done within 12 feet, but he does shoot pretty well from 15 feet. WV Sports 6/17

Norman Powell is one of the more physical and athletic shooting guards in the class. He is on the verge of taking his game to another level if he can develop a more consistent jump shot by getting more arc on the flight of his ball. Jackets Online 6/17

Julian Royal had himself a nice evening. The 6-foot-7 forward from Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton seems to be coming to terms with where he's most effective. He got on the glass, used soft touch on the interior and then stepped out for some jumpers. It's always good to see him working the glass. ? He wasn't spectacular in the way he did things, but Tyler Adams was solid on Thursday. The Duke commit is a space eater who has really worked his body into shape. He can play physical and rebounds pretty well and that's what the Blue Devils were looking for. WV Sports 6/17

Josiah Turner, PG- Bringing a physical presence to the court as a point guard, Turner makes plays on both sides of the ball with his athleticism. Most impressive Thursday afternoon were his numerous difficult finishes at the rim in transition. He had a couple and-ones and finished with both his right and left hand against contact. Cardinal Sports 6/17

Austin Rivers is a high school senior and ranked among the top prospects nationally, and Rivers' youngest son, Spencer, plays in the eighth grade. The Celtics have granted Rivers wide freedoms to travel to see his family, but the strain of being so far removed from his children's lives started to take a noticeable physical toll on Rivers this season. "I'm going to go and watch my kids play AAU basketball," Rivers said. "And I'm going to wait for a little bit." SI 6/18

If Doc Rivers wants to enjoy watching his kids play, this next year would be the time to do it. Especially with Austin, a dazzling point guard whom many experts say is the nation's No. 1 prep prospect. Two years ago, Austin Rivers verbally committed to UF and Billy Donovan. But that was back when Billy and the Gators were hot, just a year removed from winning back-to-back national championships. They're not hot anymore. Duke and North Carolina have edged their way into Austin's decision-making process. In fact, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski was recently in Central Florida, watching Austin play. And a couple of former Duke players (and current Orlando residents) have also been in Austin's ear. Perhaps you've heard of them -- J.J. Redick and Grant Hill. Florida Today 6/18

Josiah Turner, PG- Along with Kabongo, Turner has established himself as the best point guard in the camp. He has been unstoppable going to the basket and has defended with authority. Friday night, he also was knocking down jumpers. Cardinal Sports 6/19