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Paul Biancardi

  (2:36 PM)

Good afternoon hoop fans! Alot has happened and there is still alot that is going to happen in the world of recruiting. Let's get to the questions.

Mark

If Demarcus Cousins does not sign with UAB. Where does he go?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:38 PM)

Mark, I don't believe this is an issue even if Cousins doesn't sign early. His and his family's tight relationship with Mike Davis means to me that Cousins is committed to UAB. As long as Davis is there Cousins will be a Blazer next year.

Joe (Ames, IA)

Paul- What is your feeling on Iowa's Harrison Barnes? I know the state schools have an uphill battle against the big boys. With Henry going to Memphis, Kansas will be all over him and the big dogs in the ACC like him a whole lot. Thanks.

Paul Biancardi

  (2:40 PM)

Hi Joe. You're exactly right. The in-state schools have a tremendous uphill battle against the likes of Kansas, Florida, Indiana, Texas, North Carolina and Duke. This will be a major recruiting battle.

Mike (Charlotte, NC)

Hey Paul - Any news in the John Wall saga? I heard he made it to Duke for the Rhode Island game.

Paul Biancardi

  (2:43 PM)

Hey Mike from Charlotte, this is Paul from Matthews! I just got off the phone with John a few minutes ago and it really looks like he's gonna sign in the spring. He's still unsure but his time is running out to sign and send in a letter during the early period. He has great interest in Baylor, Memphis, Duke and Kansas and possibly N.C. State.

Mike Indy

Who is Tom Crean's next big recruit?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:46 PM)

Hey Mike. Tom Crean and his staff are working relentlessly on Dominic Cheek but their next big recruit will probably come from the 2010 class. Harrison Barnes, Kyrie Irving and Adreian Payne are all on their radar.

Tyree (Memphis, TN)

Obviously I'm ecstatic about the Xavier Henry commitment and I'm also very intrigued by the transfer of JuCo wingman Darnell Dodson, not to mention the other two recruits, Nolan Dennis and Will Coleman, my question is, who else signs to fill in those possible last two scholarships? Calipari has mentioned he thinks we will have 6 available scholarships next season. Is the possibility of getting the young PG John Wall? How about the big man Derrick Favors? Either one? Both? One, then the other? The '08-'09 season is only 3 games young and I'm already pumped about the future. Give me some more good news!

Paul Biancardi

  (2:51 PM)

Hi Tyree. With the commitment and signature of Xavier Henry, that could lure other big-time recruits to Memphis becuase the real great players will want to play with other great players. Memphis is involved heavily with Wall, Favors and Cheek. There's a chance they'll get on of those.

Jack (Boston, Ma)

Paul, What's the latest on Brandon Knight? Does he have a top few schools or a favorite at this point?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:54 PM)

Jack from Beantown, how's it going? Knight is the best point guard in the class of 2010. He's got a long list of suitors and in no particular order they include Duke, Florida, Georgia Tech, Miami, Syracuse, Florida State, Wake Forest and Connecticut. He doesn't seem to have a clear-cut favorite at this point.

JM, Tx

Where do you rank OU's 09 class with today's addition of Keith Tiny Gallon?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:56 PM)

OU's class is really strong. Capel and his staff have done an excellent job. With the addition of Gallon, this class will jump a few spots from No. 6 into the top 5.

Chris (Spokane,WA)

What do you think of Gonzaga's class (Dower, Arop and Kong)? Three underrated guys that could and should make an immediate impact.

Paul Biancardi

  (3:01 PM)

Hi Chris, almost noon time there and your worried about recruiting?? I love it! Mark Few has done it again with another very good class. Dower is a big body with long arms who has soft hands and good footwork around the basket. He has a very good lefthanded jump hook in the paint and is a good rebounder, especially on the defensive end. It's hard to get good post players and Dower is certainly a good one.

john (cincinnati)

paul, after watching uk get rolled by unc, please tell me there is help coming to lexington?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:04 PM)

John, I know it looked tough last night but you gotta remember who you were playing and were you playing. Billy G. doesn't have all the pieces he needs just yet. Daniel Orton, the best true center in the class, will be there next year, along with Jon Hood, a 6-6 small forward, and G.J. Vilarino. This group, led by Orton, will help immediately. Be patient. Billy G. has a plan, he just needs time to execute it.

Jeff

Will Stephenson stay in the US or follow Jennings to Europe?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:07 PM)

Jeff, I think Lance is going to look to go the college route. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances that lead him to Europe. With Jennings, he is the lab rat. With all of these kids I feel that college is the first option. But if Jennings succeeds you may see more of them head over there.

John (Philly, PA)

Any word on Kyryl Natyazhko? I've heard he has already turned down Kansas and UCLA. Where do you see him ending up, and how good will he be?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:13 PM)

Dear John from Philly, that's first I've heard of a guy turning down those two elite programs. He must have some school in mind if he's doing that. It looks like this big, strong, skilled post players is going to wait to sign. It looks like a recruiting battle will take shape as he's one of the most sought after prospects left in '09.

Michael (Connecticut)

any word on Jim Calhoun next big recurit players for next season? big name players?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:16 PM)

Calhoun has already come up real big with Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Alex Oriakhi this year. Those two guys are immediate impact players. Looks like Durand Scott is headed to Miami, the Huskies were in the running for him. Don't worry about UConn. Calhoun and his staff are always on the recruiting trail.

Kasey (NJ)

Where do you think Cheeks will end up? And why can't Bobby Gonzalez get any of that North Jersey talent?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:23 PM)

Hi Kasey. Dom Cheek is favoring Kansas, Villanova, Pitt and Memphis. Those three are his leaders. Whoever lands him, gets a winner with his size, skill and playing for Coach Hurley he is one of the most sought after players in the country. Coach Gonzalez is an excellent recruiter and Seton Hall will bring in the players they need to compete in the Big East. I wouldn't be so concerned with just getting kids from that area, although it is an in-state school. Cheek may not wind up at any east coast school, except maybe Villanova, when it's all said and done. Coach Gonzalez will find what he needs to climb the ladder in the Big East.

Greg (Richmond, VA)

Hey Paul! What's the latest news for BC's 2009 class?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:28 PM)

Greg, when you look at the Eagles roster, Rice is the only senior they have to replace next season. Coach Skinner wants to make sure they use the scholarship wisely. BC usually comes up with guys under the radar who can play. Just look at Reggie Jackson, he can really play.

Tyler (Lexington, KY)

How about Divsion 3 Wisconsin Platteville in their upset of Divsion 1 Bradley?! This seems unheard of! How do you think it will affect recruiting?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:32 PM)

Thanks, Tyler. Plattesville has won national titles in division III, however for Bradley, one loss doesn't make a season. This shouldn't effect recruiting unless Bradley goes on to struggle the rest of the year. In basketball, it is better to lose early.

Lisa, Carmel

Huge IU fan! How good is this kid Watford from AL? I also heard that a recruit from GA - Mobley was in town a couple of weeks ago. I have heard he is a great prospect.

Paul Biancardi

  (3:36 PM)

Hi Lisa. I'm not sure about a kid from Georgia on thier campus but I do know about Watford. He's a very versatile player who is at his best when driving to the basket. He possesses excellent body control in the lane. He is a terrific rebounder and is an wonderful athlete. He has the talent, skill and size to be a special player for Tom Crean at IU.

Ben (Carrollton, GA)

Paul...anything new on the Derrick Favors front? Do you think Paul Hewitt reels him in when all is said and done?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:38 PM)

Thanks, Ben. Nothing new on Favors. It's still Georgia and Georgia Tech. It looks like he'll wait until the spring to sign.

Paul Biancardi

  (3:40 PM)

Thanks everyone for great questions! Have a safe Thanksgiving. We'll see you back here on Dec. 3rd when all the recruiting classes will be final and we'll know who is going where and who is left. Please check out our Recruiting Insider show every Thursday on ESPNU at 6:30 ET for all you recruiting info.