Category Archives: Big 12

Freshmen that Will Play Pivotal Roles this Season

Posted on by
Reply

Ever since the NBA enacted the rule to ban players straight out of high school we have seen more and more freshman having major impacts. Kevin Durant was the one that really set the bar, winning the Wooden Award in his first and only season on campus in Austin. Others that have been very impressive have been Michael Beasley, John Wall, Derrick Rose, and the list goes on. So who are some players to keep an eye on this year?  Continue reading →

Perry Ellis Commits to Kansas

Posted on by
Reply

Wichita Heights (KS) senior power forward Perry Ellis, our 35th overall player in the 2012 class, has decided to attend Kansas. He chose the Jayhawks over Wichita State, Kansas State and Kentucky

Ellis is a very talented player that will really help Kansas’ front court depth. He is more of a traditional post player with an array of moves. He doesn’t have elite athleticism but has more skill than most big men in the class. Overall he’s a very good get for Kansas and Coach Self.

Ellis said Kansas was where he felt the most comfortable. ”I love being around my family and Kansas was not too far and not too close,” Ellis said. “I’m excited about my choice. You see what (Bill Self) has done with his players, for example the twins (Marcus and Markieff Morris). You can see how he improved them.”

Kansas was one of the first schools to recruit Ellis and that was crucial to Kansas landing him.  ”That was real important,” Ellis said. “I thought (as a freshman) that I was pretty good, but that was pretty humbling. It was a good feeling to have him be there for my first game.”

Ellis is the top recruit that Kansas has landed in the 2012 class. He’s listed as the #33 player by Scout.com, #37 player by ESPN.com, and the #24 player by Rivals.com.

“This is an important recruit for Kansas,” Scout.com recruiting analyst Evan Daniels said. “They had Zach Peters already in the 2012 class, but they had missed on some big-time guys as of late. This is one they’ve been recruiting for a long time.”

Ellis led Wichita Heights to a third consecutive state title last season while averaging 22.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Follow Reid on Twitter at @Rtwenty1A

Follow Hemingway of the Hardwood at @hoopshemingway

Q&A with JaVontae Hawkins

Posted on by
1

 Few players helped their stock this summer more than Flint, Michigan’s JaVontae Hawkins. Hawkins, a 6’5” shooting guard, has continued to rise up the 2012 rankings due in large part to his performances this summer with his AAU team, the Michigan Mustangs. Hawkins is one of the most complete SGs in the class, and holds offers from a laundry list of top schools. He is one of the better athletes in the class but also is very skilled.

After spending his first three years of high school in his hometown of Flint, Michigan Hawkins decided to transfer to Huntington Prep (Huntington, WV) for his senior season. After losing two brothers in a matter of 3 years due to shootings, he has strived to make it out of Flint and to be a success.  Although it is certainly something that nobody would chose to go through, it has made him a more driven and stronger person. I recently caught up with JaVontae to get the latest on his recruitment and his decision to attend Huntington Prep.  Continue reading →