Moderator

  (1:59 PM)

Hello everyone, I am just about to get Paul on the phone, so we can get rolling.

Paul Biancardi

  (2:03 PM)

We had a huge announcement on ESPNU last night with Irving picking Duke as we are approiaching signing day. A lot of guys have committed, but there's more to go.

Marco (Bmore)

What are your thoughts on the Baltimore Class of 2010 with Josh Selby, Will Barton, Eric Atkins, Toscoe Smith.... Just to name a few, but is this one of the top classes for a city in 2010 as far as flat out talent?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:04 PM)

What's up Marco. I agree Baltimore is loaded. I would say Memphis and Chicago would be next.

Mitch (Texas)

Who will be the final Pieces of the Maryland Class? Do they have a a real shot at Harris?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:05 PM)

Maryland is still working on a good class and have a long shot at Harris. Don't ever count out Gary Williams, though.

Greg (Milwaukee)

Obviously Vander Blue's decision is the big news in Wisconsin. Does his de-committ and commit to Marquette say anytthing about Bo's style of play vs Buzz's? Or was it just a case of a kid committing too early? How special can he be?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:06 PM)

Hi Greg, Vander Blue is very talented and had a great summer. I believe this was a case of committing early without looking around fully and gathering a ton of information. It's unfortunate this is becoming a trend.

Eddie (NYC)

How do you see Duke's recuiting class shaping up?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:07 PM)

Hey Eddie, I see Duke's class as great. They have depth, size and a star righ now with Irving. They would challenge for the No. 1 recruiting class in the country if they get Harrison Barnes.

Steven (Chicago)

What are Syracue's chances of landing Harris and/or Shelby? Would either one of them push the Orange's class to the top of the rankings?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:09 PM)

What's up Steve in the Windy City. Chances are good to land both and/or one of them. They have a better shot with Harris because he's in their backyard, although Syracuse has been extremely successful in Baltimore (Carmelo and Moten form D.C. come to mind).

kc (oakland)

Thoughts on Monty's recruiting at CAL?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:10 PM)

What's up kc? So far, very good. Lots of depth with guys who can really shoot the ball. Gary Franklin was a huge get. Coach Montgomery and his staff have really made a dent in California landing some of the better players.

Brice (Raleigh, NC)

With Irving committing to Duke, does that help or hurt the Devils' chances of landing Harrison Barnes and/or Roscoe Smith?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:11 PM)

Hey Brice. With Irving committing to Duke it helps with Barnes and Smith. Barnes and Irving are like brothers, which he said last night on ESPNU. But this clearly helps with both.

Dan (Chicago)

Now that Duke has landed Kyrie Irving, where does this move the 2010 recruiting class for Duke? Also, I heard awhile back that Harrison Barnes and Kyrie Irving might be a package deal, is there any truth to that statement?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:12 PM)

How's it going Dan? There is no package deal, but they would like to go to school together. They are close friends and enjoy being on and off the court together. But there is no guarantees because Barnes will explore the options that are best for him.

Mark (Bangor, Maine)

I know his decision is due this Fall, and I was just wondering how likely it is that Harrison Barnes ends up playing for Roy Williams at UNC?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:14 PM)

What's up Mark? UNC is without question one of Barnes' favorite schools. At this point, I would say its 50/50 in my opinion.

john (atlanta)

Who do you feel is the frontrunner for Quincy Miller? Duke, UNC, or Wake?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:17 PM)

Thanks for the question John. Just a junior, this ESPNU No. 8 ranked player in 2011 is extremely talented and in the backyard of the powers of ACC. Much to early to tell as they hone in on this young man.

MC (Seattle)

Does UW look like the frontrunners on big Josh Smith and Terrence Jones? They'd add a lot too the talented guards back court

Paul Biancardi

  (2:18 PM)

What's up MC. UW is pushing hard and in a sprint to the finish line for Josh Smith as I believe he visits Washington this weekend. They are in the mix with Terrence Jones. Great backcourt, but they need some front court help and either of these kids would be outstanding.

Mark (Orlando)

Give me your best guess on the following recruits: Selby, Teague, and Kendrick.

Paul Biancardi

  (2:19 PM)

What's up Mark. Selby would be UConn or Kentucky. Teague to Louisville. Kendrick to Georgia or Georgia Tech.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

What do you think of the job Anthony Grant has done at Alabama?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:20 PM)

He's done a great job. He's an outstanding recruiter and experienced coach. He just hired a good staff and will get things done.

Todd (San Francisco)

What do you think of Vander Blue committing to Marquette? He looks like the real deal. What can we expect when he suits up for the Golden Eagles?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:22 PM)

Hey Todd, I think this is an outstanding commit for Marquette. They lost a lot on the perimeter last season to professional ranks (NBA/Europe) and graduation. He should be a difference maker in time. He has all the tools. He just needs to improve his jumpshot. With development he has a good chance to play at the next level.

Chris (Philadelphia)

What kind of impact will JayVaughn Pinkston have at the college level? Do you think he plays the 3 or the 4 spot? What college would you say he lands at?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:24 PM)

What's up in Philly? He is currently a power forward trying to make the transition to small forward. He's too quick for other PF to cover and too strong for other SF to defend. He creates a mismatch on the floor. He needs to work on his skills, but should play both positions. Right now I would say the Big East is heavily involved. St. johns, West Va, Seton Hall,Villanova And then Tenn, USC and Virginia as well.

JT (Western KY)

What are the odds that Knight goes to UK. And is it possible for 2 out of the 3 power forwards, (tobias harris, terrence jones, and cj leslie) to also sign at UK?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:26 PM)

Hey JT. KY has an excellent chance to land Knight and they are right there with Harris, Jones (is scheduled for trips KY Oct. 27, Oregon Oct. 31 and UCLA Nov. 6) and leslie. It is possible to land 2 of 3. KY will lose plenty of talent this season but they will bring in a lot as well.

Bryce (ND)

Do you think Tubby Smith can turn Minnesota into a National Championship contender in the next couple years?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:28 PM)

There's no question Smith can turn Minn. into a Final Four team in the next couple of years. It would be a minor miracle, but they should contend for Big 10 champ. soon. He is one of the best program builders/coaches in the country. His track record speaks for itself.

Brendan (Charlestown, Mass)

What about this Canadian kid going to B.C., Brady Heslip? Seems like an under the radar steal for my Eagles...thoughts?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:32 PM)

How's it goin' in BC? As a former BC assistant, I love the job the Eagles are doing. They always do a good job or evaluating and landing talent that aren't household names. Heslip is a hard nosed player with the ability to stroike it from deep behind the line. He has savvy and leadership qualities that should make him an asset to the Eagles.

Steve (Harrisburg)

What are your impressions of JJ Moore? Do you think Pitt will be able to get him or is Louisville the leader?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:35 PM)

He is a solid SF with all the skills you would want on the perimeter. He has the size at 6-5, 200 pounds and athletic ability to be a good defender, which he didn't get a chance to show during the summer circuit. He plays with a high motor and is very active on defensive end of the floor. I think he is a mjor sleeper in Class of 2010. Pitt has a shot at landing him.

Marc (Charlotte)

What's the big deal with dook getting Kyrie Irving? K has gotten 7 5-star recruits since '05 and plenty haven't worked out (Paulus, McRoberts, Thomas, etc.)

Paul Biancardi

  (2:39 PM)

They needed a star PG because thats the piece thats missing. When you add someone of his caliber to an already talented team, there is great reawon to be excited. And now they are ready to add more. With coach K's outstanding track record it's obvious he has recruited many elite players. This one just came at a time of need.

Jeff (Cincinnati)

Where do you think Brandon Knight will end up? Any early favorites?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:40 PM)

Brandon Knight's actual list of schools in no particular order include KY, Conn, Kansas, Syracuse, Florida and Miami.

Jonathan (Memphis, TN) [via mobile]

Jelan Kendrick is a great shooting guard but will likely want to play the point. Who has the best chances of landing this great player?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:43 PM)

WHat's up Jonathan? Kendrick is presently a SF because he is a versatile athlete and player. In time he could transition into a point and has the natural ability to make it happen. As far as schools go, he has a long list of suitors including Memphis, Cincy, Indiana, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Georgetown, Tenn and Fla. International.

jack (chicago, IL)

Flaven Davis of Milwaukee gave a verbal to Loyola of Chicago.What do you know about him?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:51 PM)

Thanks Jack. This is an absolute terrific get for Loyola of Chicago. Davis is a skilled SF with a strong body. He is an inside-outside threat. He can post up smaller opponents and beat them up inside or go out on the perimeter and shoot jumpers or dribble-drive to the hoop and score. In time, if he works on his skills nuder the tutelage of head coach Jim Whitesell he will have a chance to be player of the year in the Horizon League.

Ryan (Philly)

Aside from having a cool name, can Achraf Yacoubou play?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:58 PM)

Yes, he has a cool name but he is also a strong SG who combines toughness and productivity. Only a junior, as he develops at Villanova under Jay Wright, who has great success with perimeter players he will become more of a difference maker. He needs to refine some parts of his game, like all young players do. For instance, some ballhandling and more consistent from the middle game. But there is no doubt about his ability to be a big-time scorer. He should have an impactful career at Villanova.

Brad (Madison, WI)

What do you think of hire of Tony Bennett at Virginia? Any chances he's going to be able to recruit enough talent to compete with Duke and UNC in the ACC?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:02 PM)

Thanks Brad. Tony is an exceptional person and a outstanding basketball coach who is a great evaluator of talent. He played the game at a high level (NBA for a cup of coffee) and learned to coach from his father, Dick Bennett, who was an exceptional coach. Tony did an amazing job at Wash St., which is one of the toughest jobs in the Pac-10. As he gets acclimated and establishes recruiting ties and brings in the right players, you will see Virginia rise to the top of the ACC. But you have to be patient because the top of the ACC is so strong, it takes years to break into. But it will happen.

Paul Biancardi

  (3:03 PM)

Thanks for all your exciting questions about recruiting. We will continue this chat through the early signing period in November. Keep the questions coming. Chat with you next Friday.