For recruiting fans, 2013 should be one of the more entertaining classes to follow recently.
First a look at the core of the 2013 roster to be built around.
Seniors
SG Calvin Newell (he could potentially see some time at point by then)
SF Cameron Clark
SF/PF Tyler Neal
PF Amath Mbaye
Juniors
None (Unless a transfer or something happens)
Sophomores
Guard of some kind in the 2012 class
Post from the 2012 class
Note: In this scenario I'm expecting a scholarship loss due to the Tiny Gallon issues.
Now for the subplots of the 2013 class, its a little bit of a perfect storm.
1. A lot of scholarships to fill. Osby, Blair, Fitz, Pledger, Grooms and Arent are all scheduled to play their last season then. With 6 open ships OU is looking to sign a lot of kids, this class could very well make or break the Lon Kruger era.
2. A talented in state class. This is going to be one of the better classes in Oklahoma in recent memory. There are potentially 4 players who could end up in the Rivals 150 rankings. That means to fill many of those ships OU doesn't have to go far to get some quality kids.
3. Texas is also loaded with talent. Julius Randle, Matt Jones, Keith Fraizer, Marcus Foster, Kendall Harris and Jordan Mickey are all North Texas kids who should end up high major. Thats not even counting the Houston area headlined with the Harrison twins.
4. Abd will love this, OU needs to land a juco or two in this class from the way I look at it. Bringing in 6 freshmen at the same time is just plain risky. A juco big and juco point/combo guard should be on the OU list in 2013. This is a also a good time to recruit jucos as I hate trying to fill spots with them late. Target some early, sell the playing time aspect and get the cream of the crop. Dont settle for some kids when scrambling in April.
I am sure there are some more intriguing sub plots in 2013 but I can't think of them right now at 2:00 AM.
The 2013 class will likely have a make up like this.
2: Points/Combos (With at least one being a true point, that the staff believes is ready to start since OU is losing two points)
1: 2/3 Wing/Guard type
2: Posts
1: best available
As fair as the local kids.
Jordan Woodard and Stevie Clark both fit the point/combo guard type. The one draw back with Stevie is I'm not sure if he'll ever be a true point. He could be a very interesting weapon to have at the college level for 4 years as the second he steps on the floor, he stretches the floor so much. He's a weapon, thats his main value right now.
Now Jordan, there isn't a kid in the state I'm more sold on right now. If he grows to the same height as his older brother (6'3) its over. I'm not playing around, its over. There wont be anyone in the state who will able to check him. He grows a few more inches and his shot gets more consistent it will be unfair at the high school level.
I saw this kid drop 20 straight to finish out a game in the EYBL circuit He hit 3 after 3 vs the New York Gauchos while going to the line a ridiculous amount of times in the final 3 minutes of game. I was sold on him as a Big 12 level point before his high school season ended, but seeing the scoring potential he flashed, oh me oh my, he really could be something special.
Another amazing thing about him for me right now is the fact that he's so young for his age. I've been told he's still 15, and wont be 16 till this fall. In this day and age with prep schools he's the same age as many 2014 prospects but is in the class of 2013. He's only 15, and he's only going to get better, he's such a humble kid too. Before the past couple months he had been under the radar when compared to Parker and Clark. If he stays humble as he starts getting hyped up it really means a lot to his grounded personality.
I think Jordan will be the next McDonald All American from Oklahoma.
Juwan Parker fits the mold of the wing prospect who can play the 2 or the 3. Off the top of my head I believed he dropped 16 a game this year with Booker T, I think over the next two seasons he should be in the 20+ range and one of the top scorers in the state. His biggest drawback is that he might not have the natural quickness to beat a ton of people off the dribble. He is a good enough of a shooter to make up for that and he has good lift on his vert.
Shaq Morris is the fourth possible high major kid in the state. He is 6'7 but built like a bull and has a lot of natural strength. He also posses a soft touch around the rim. The knock on him recently has been not possessing the best work ethic in the weight room. If he gets committed in a college level weight room he would mature into one of the strongest players in a high major conference. Also through the grapevine I heard thism he impressed in his time on campus Monday, he might become an OU priority soon.
There are a few more kids like Zach Rodgers (Holland Hall), Don Simmons (Edison) and Nico Meadows (Capitol Hill) who I think could sneak into the Big 12 level.
