Reggie Rankin

  (2:32 PM)

Good afternoon hoop fans! Thanks for joining me in today's chat room. Now that the football signing period is over we can focus on some b-ball! Let's get started.

Chris (MD)

Reggie -- Can you talk about Lance Stephenson and Maryland? Looks like the Terps have come out of the blue and now are a serious contender to get him... What do you think the odds are he ends up in College Park??

Reggie Rankin

  (2:34 PM)

Thanks, Chris. I think Maryland is looking to land a marquee recruit and Lance fits that bill because of his ability to score. He can put up points as well as anyone in this class. He'd be a good fit for the Terps because he can get up and down the floor. His recruitment has been pretty quiet so far so it's hard to say if he ends up there, but with his teammate James Padgett already signed their chances are as good as anyone's.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you have any update on DeMarcus Cousins?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:37 PM)

Nice to have you back, Steiny. Cousins is the most complete post player, in my mind, in the 2009 class. He has a combination of size, skill and athletic ability that is unmatched. I would be surprised if he makes a decision before the new coach at Alabama is named.

Steiny (NYC)

What can you tell us about John Henson. Do you think he is going to be a great player for years to come?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:39 PM)

We'll get another of yours, Steiny. Keep 'em coming. John is a long, athletic and skilled player. He has the skill level of a small forward at 6-10. He's a terrific shot blocker and offensive rebounder. I've described him as a right handed version of Lamar Odom at times. He needs to get stronger, but he has all the tools to be a great player.

Steiny (NYC)

James McAdoo one of the top 2011 prospects?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:41 PM)

OK, one more, Steiny. In the Class of 2011, McAdoo is easily a Top 10 prospect. He runs the floor, can finish in transition at the basket and is an excellent rebounder. He has a nice mid-range game and has a sweet stroke. I've compared him to young James Worthy with the way he runs the floor. James will definitely be someone to keep an eye on in the future.

Harvey(Charlotte,NC)

Scout.com reports that Harrison Barnes is making a surprise visit to Coach K's office for the game tonight. Does this firmly put Duke as the favorite?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:45 PM)

Harvey, chances are Duke will make a heck of an impression on Barnes tonight with all that surrounds a Blue Devil-Tar Heel matchup. This will certainly push Duke towards the top of his list if they're not there already. A host of schools, however, are still squarely in the mix.

Mike (Philly)

hey reggie...do you think Renardo Sidney will be a bruin?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:50 PM)

Thanks Mike. With the great tradition of UCLA and they're long history of successful post players, Sidney will look closely at the Bruins, if they offer him. It's not a lock even if they do. USC is still in the hunt, along with Virginia, Mississippi State and others. This is definitely worth keeping an eye on as we approach the late signing period.

Nate (Madison)

Do you see Jeronne Maymon having any impact for Marquette next year? What about his teammate Junior Lomomba? How highly is this freshman ranked already? Thanks!

Reggie Rankin

  (2:55 PM)

Good question, Nate. Maymon will compete for playing time next year because of his size and physique. He has a D-I body right now although he's a tad short for the 4 position. He can score almost anywhere inside the arc. He is also a terrific rebounder and he is tough and competitive. Buzz will certainly find time for him. As far as Lomomba is concerned, he is on our ESPNU 100 Watch List and should be among the nation's best by the time he's a senior. He's an excellent wing player, really competes, he's tough and fearless. He can get to the basket with his power. I would be shocked if he's not a Top 100 guy in three years as long as he continues to develop.

Phil (Charlottesville)

Villanova, top 3 class this year? How are they looking for 2010?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:02 PM)

Phil, as soon as we re-rank the new classes in the spring, Wildcats should certainly elevate into the top 3. They're off to a great start with the verbal commitment of James Bell in the 2010 class. He's a high-rising athlete who is improving as a 3-point shooter. He will continue the tradition of excellent perimeter shooters for head coach Jay Wright.

Mike (DC)

What do you think of Georgetown recruit Markel Starks?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:07 PM)

Mike, I like Starks alot. He's a true point guard with a ton of speed. He gets in the lane and finds teammates and can also step back and hit the open 3. He's great in transition with a drive-draw-and kick. Starks needs to get stronger but he has all the makings of a true point guard. Really good vision, fits the ball in tight spots. He will be a great fit at Georgetown in two years.

Chris (Tampa, FL)

Reggie, Obviously the Noles won't be able to replace Toney Douglass but will Michael Snaer be able to help keep this team winning next year?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:09 PM)

Thanks, Chris. I do think Snaer will be able to help FSU next year. He's one of the better defenders in this year's class. He can guard all three perimeter positions. He will definitely compete for time next season and be a contributor assuming he adjusts well to the college game.

James(Houston, TX)

Reggie, What do you think about Kentucky's class? I think most talent scouts think Orton will be good, but what is your opinion of Jon Hood?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:15 PM)

James, I agree with all the other scouts that Orton will be an impact player as a freshman as long as he's healthy. He will remind old-school Kentucky fans of Mel Turpin and Sam Bowie. I think Jon Hood is a wing player that has good size and will provide Kentucky with a guy that can shoot the long jumper and be able to slash in transition or the half-court. He absolutely needs to get stronger for the next level and I also worry about his athleticism guarding wing players int he SEC. But he does have skill and will provide a good shooter to the Wildcats. With him being from Kentucky, wearing that Wildcat blue should get him and the fans going.

Ryan (Minneapolis, MN)

Will Royce White see a lot of time next year for Tubby? If he does, is there a chance he could be a one and done?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:21 PM)

Ryan, good question. One of the things Tubby will like about Royce is he's a good rebounder. He can score in and around the lane. His playing time will be determined by how much he can adjust to D-I playe. I don't think he's a one and done kid. I think he's a potential four-year guy who is still developing his skills. He needs to be much more comfortable on the perimeter making scoring plays. But he certainly has a lot of upside.

Ryan (IL)

What incoming freshman class do you think will have the most impact on their team in 2009-2010?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:27 PM)

Good question, Ryan. Well, our No. 1 player Xavier Henry is ready to make an impact at Memphis as soon as he arrives. He's got the body and the skill set to be a factor. I also think Avery Bradley will be an impact player at Texas next season. He has a terrific mid-range game and he is arguably the best perimeter defender in the 2009 class which should get him on the court immediately. Another one is "Tiny" Gallon. He has all the tools to make an impact at Oklahoma. If Blake Griffin decides to go pro, Gallon will be the go-to guy in the post. He reminds me of a taller version of Charles Barkley, when motivated. He is tremendously gifted but needs to play hard all the time. When he does he is a top five prospect.

Nick (Pittsburgh)

do you see dante taylor starting next year along side dejuan? and could pitt have a top 5 or top 10 recruiting class this coming year?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:34 PM)

Thanks Nick. Dante Taylor will give the Panthers a terrific one-two punch in the post. He's got great size and he's strong and athletice. He can score in the post with turn aorund jumpers. Taylor runs the floor well and can finish above the rim in traffic. As far as him starting that will be determined by his adjustment to D-I practices and games as well as college life. He has all the tools to start. Once we re-rank the classes we'll see where the Panthers are ranked. It wouldn't surprise me if they landed one more kid to jump into the top 10.

ken, CA

when does the late signing period take place? Is that the only remaining period that recruits can sing for the 09-10 academic year?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:41 PM)

Ken, the late signing period starts April 15th and finishes on May 20th. Recruits cannot sign letters of intent after that date but can sign one once they enroll at a school, whether that's in July for summer classes or in the fall.

Reggie Rankin

  (3:45 PM)

Thanks for all the great questions! Keep sending them next week and I'll get to as many as I can. Next weeks chat will take place on Monday, Feb 16. Also, don't forget to check out the Lincoln (N.Y.) vs. St. Patrick (N.J.) game this Friday night on ESPN2 at 7 pm EDT. Thanks again!