Reggie Rankin

  (2:30 PM)

Good afternoon hoop fans. Thanks for joining us on our new chat day as we tie in our recruiting coverage with ESPN.com's Monday college basketball coverage. Looks like we have some good questions so let's get right to it.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Peyton Siva is the answer to Louisville?s backcourt problems?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:34 PM)

Thanks, Steiny. I think that Siva will give Louisville something they don't have presently and that's a true point guard. He'll be a true lead guard on the floor. He can attack the basket and find open teammates. He can knock open shots. He'll excite the Freedom Hall crowd with his athleticism. Is he the answer? We'll find out. But I feel he is better than what the Cardinals have now and they definitely need help at that position.

Nick Verona NJ

hey reggie how do you think avery bradley will do at texas can he be a candidate for freshman of the year and can you say the same for jordan hamilton

Reggie Rankin

  (2:38 PM)

Avery Bradley will definitely be a candidate for rookie of the year in the Big 12. He is a tremendous athlete who can get to the rim and also stick the mid-range jumber. He's also arguably the best perimeter defender in the 2009 class. He fits perfectly into what the Longhorns do defensively with their pressure man-to-man d. He also will fit nicely into their spread offense. As far as Hamilton, he will also be considered a terrific rookie because of his ability to score the basketball. He may not be as well rounded as Bradley, though.

Steve (Dallas)

What are your thoughts on John Jenkins? Is he an impact player right away at Vandy next year?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:41 PM)

Steve, Jenkins is very capable of being an impact player next year. He has outstanding shooting ability which could land him playing time right away. He fits into Vandy's spread offense nicely. He's also got good size. I'd be shocked if he doesn't challenge for SEC Rookie of the Year honors.

Matt ( Garner,NC)

Do you think John Wall is the next superstar in the NBA?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:46 PM)

Matt, first, I think John needs to work on being a star at whatever college he decided to go to. Let's let him play his first college game before we anoint him the next NBA superstar. He certainly has the tools to become a great player but he definitely has things he needs to work on. No. 1 is his shooting. He must become a more consistent shooter. Athletically, though, he is at that level.

Mike (DC)

How do you think Orton will fit in at UK? Do you see any other uncommitted players joining UK next year?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:52 PM)

Good question, Mike. Daniel Orton gives the Wildcats a true low-post rebounding presence. He's a true center and a great athlete. If Patrick Patterson stays, they would be a great 4-5 punch in the SEC. Orton's No. 1 concern is his health. If he stays healthy he'll make an immediate impact at Kentucky next. I know Kentucky is looking at the point guard position for the late signing period and two names that come up are Darius Smith from Chicago and Eric Bledsoe from Alabama. They are also accumulating other names as we speak. With Billy Gillispie's junior college experience don't be surprised to see a JUCO name pop up.

Shaun(Louisville,Ky)

Reggie, what kind of impact will John Henson have at UNC? I've read that he can play the 3 and 4 position.

Reggie Rankin

  (2:59 PM)

Shaun, that is correct, Henson can play the 3, 4 and even the 5 positions. The only weakness John Henson has is his lack of strength. He is the most skilled big man that I've seen in the country. He is a true triple threat. He can pass, dribble and shoot. He's basically a 3-man at 6-foot-10. He has long arms like Sam Perkins with the skill of a small forward. In my opinion, John Henson has the most upside of anyone in the 2009 class. He should challenge Derrick Favors for ACC Rookie of the Year next season.

Randy (St. Paul)

Hey Reggie, how much of an impact do you think Royce White can make on the Gophers for next year? And how was he left off the McDonalds All American game?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:05 PM)

Thanks, Randy. I think he's capable of helping Minnesota at the power forward position next season. He's learning to become a small forward but that's a work in progress. He still needs to work on his shooting and dribbling. But he is a great athlete and a terrific finisher around the basket. When I saw him play at the recent Nike Super 6 in New York he was aggressive and focused and it was the best I've seen him play. He was best player at the event, in my opinion. He will get a chance to play, probably off the bench. As for the McDonald's game, my only answer would be there are better players out there right now at his position.

Steve(BlueHeaven, NC)

Hey Reggie, is Dexter Strickland better suited for the 1 or 2 at UNC? Thanks

Reggie Rankin

  (3:19 PM)

Steve, there has been alot of debate about Strickland's position. He is definitely a 2-guard who can slash to the basket with quickness and athleticism. He can play some point guard in a pinch but he is much more comfortable as a two. at the Nike Super 6 he was terrific. He really shot the ball well, especially from 3. If he continues to shoot the ball well he'll be an immediate impact player next year.

Sam (Barrington, RI)

Reggie, do you think that Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee will be the answer for Duke's frontcourt problems since Shelden Williams left? Also, do you think Duke has a chance at John Wall and would it be a good idea for both parties?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:23 PM)

Sam, time will tell if they're the answer but I think they're definitely capable of providing the size, skill and talent the Duke has lacked down low in the recent years. Like I said, though, only time will tell. Duke needs a point guard as athletic and as impactful as John Wall in order to get them back to Final Four status. Don't count out Coach K landing him but his recruiting has remained up in the air as we approach the late signing period.

Jon (Memphis, TN)

If Memphis lands both Wall and Cousins do you feel they knock off UNC for top class of 2009?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:27 PM)

Well Jon, that would definitely close the gap if the Tigers land those two. You're talking about the top-ranked shooting guard, point guard and center in one class. That would be something special.

Derek (Los Angeles, CA

Hey Reggie, Is USC's recruiting class going to jump dramatically in the rankings with the recent Renardo Sidney verbal. I believe they aren't even ranked in the top 25 right now.

Reggie Rankin

  (3:28 PM)

Derek, when you add a top five kid like Sidney that certainly gives your class a substantial boost. I would expect the Trojans to jump into the Top 25 come May.

Bobby Hurley (Ocala, FL)

Is Kyrie Irving as good as I was in HS? I say more Brevin Knight (which wasn't bad either)

Reggie Rankin

  (3:32 PM)

I think Kyrie can be just as good as either. He has good size and good feel for the game (father played a Boston University). He's an excellent shot creator in transition. His best days are ahead of him but he will definitley have an impact at a high-major school as long as he continues to get better.

Jimmy B (Syracuse)

How important is Riley to my 2009 class? We have lacked that shot blocking big man for a while...is Deshonte Riley that guy?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:36 PM)

Thanks Jimmy. Glad to see you checking out ESPN.com! Riley brings size, athletic ability, and shot blocking prowess to the court. He would be a good compliment to Syracuse's returning players next year. He'd also be a good fit in their 2-3 zone scheme with his long arms.

Ben Mobile AL.

I have not heard as much about Leslie McDonald since he picked UNC are people cooling on his ability or is he just getting lost in the mix? How do you see his future in Chapel Hill?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:43 PM)

Good question Ben. I think Leslie is a talented wing player who can play the two or the three. It seems that sometimes people look for him to take over games and he doesn't so people get down on him. He tends to run hot and cold but he should be a good get for the Tar Heels and will most likely be a four-year player.

Marsh (StL)

To go along with Randy's question, how was John Wall not a McDonald's All-American? Also, is he even considering UNC since he is from North Carolina? UNC could use a PG after Lawson leaves.

Reggie Rankin

  (3:45 PM)

John Wall is in his 5th year of high school making him ineligible for the game per the Selection Committee's rules. He's not considering North Carolina at this point as their class if set, scholarship-wise.

Reggie Rankin

  (3:47 PM)

Thanks for all your great questions. We had some technical difficulties for a few minutes there so we appreciate you guys sticking with us. We'll be back next Monday at the same time to field all your recruiting questions. Thanks and have a great week!