Moderator

  (3:00 PM)

Hello everyone, I am just about to get the guys on the line. Thanks for all your questions.

Dennis (evansville, IN)

Indiana recruiting is in my opinion the best it has EVER been right now. We seem to be hiring the right coaching to go along with a belief system that the kids are definately buying into. Maybe its just me but i think IU is back for good and it looks to me that they are here to stay for years to come starting this year. They look to be a legite top 10 ten for years to come. YOUR thoughts...

Reggie Rankin

  (3:04 PM)

I agree Dennis. I think IU recruiting is at an all-time high and it resembles back when Bob Knight had it rolling and was identifying top local prospects. IU is here to stay and its evident with the 2012 class having four major local prospects.

Malik (Lexington)

How long do you think it will take for Coach Cal to get a developed Nerlens?

Mike LaPlante

  (3:05 PM)

Great question. Nerlens will be a great project for Coach Cal to develop. He is advanced defensively but needs refinement on the offensive end. However, he should flourish in Cal's system and rapidly develop on that side of the ball.

Cole Thomas (Canton, Ga)

In the class of 2013, you do not see the first center until BeeJay Anya ta 15. The class of 2012 had 5 center in the top 10. Do you think these have anything to do with each other, or just merely a coincidence?

Dave Telep

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think they have anything to do with each other but we see going forward in 2013 and to a degree the 2014 class are fewer big-bodied post players, fewer true centers and plenty of guys with allergies to the paint. Every time a 275-pound guy takes a 3 in an NBA game, we all cringe.

Bill (Milwaukee wisconsin )

What do you think of Duane Wilson

Reggie Rankin

  (3:09 PM)

Athletic lead guard with good speed and quickness. Can get deep in the lane, can score out to the arc and is an excellent drive, draw and kick player. He's a good fit in Marquette's pressure man defense, and should be able to make a play with the clock winding down. Excellent local get for Marquette.

Jon Doe (Columbia, South Carolina)

Who Will Be the best PRO Prospect In the 2013 espn hs basketball rankings

Paul Biancardi

  (3:10 PM)

Dear Jon, when you use the word prospect, we think of potential and long term. With that said, I'm still going to go with Jabari Parker because of his advanced skills, size and understanding of the game will make a very good pro for a long time. He will be an all-star someday.

Jerome (Largo, Maryland)

Please answer this Kris Jenkins Gonzaga DC debate! My buddy swears he is a high major player and that schools like Maryland and Georgetown are missing the boat on him for not wanting him. I see him as a 6'4 power forward who is too slow to guard anyone on the perimeter and would be a major liability at that high level. I think he is a great player but at a mid major. My buddy thinks he can be a great player in any league. Clearly I disagree but who do you all side with?

Mike LaPlante

  (3:12 PM)

Hey Jerome, considering we have him ranked No. 45, it's clear we side with your buddy. Jenkins has an excellent opportunity to be a high-major prospet. His size and position might mean that he's limited to what schools he can go to but his production will make him a valuable asset as the high-major level.

John (Hawaii)

Does Joel Berry have the potential to eventually pass up Tyus Jones as the #1 PG in the 2014 class.

Dave Telep

  (3:14 PM)

Anything's possible but I don't think this is probable. Until someone can demonstrate complete command of a team, ability to act as an extension of the coach, keep his teammates happy and knock down shots, Jones is safe. Berry has made big strides with his overall approach to the PG game, but Tyus is safe at No. 1.

Josh S. (Philly)

How good can Ryan Arcidiacono be for villanova?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:16 PM)

Hey Josh, Arc can be an excellent PG for Jay Wright in their perimeter-oriented system. His toughness and ability to make plays off the dribble will help me be a dependable PG right away. His No. 1 asset is his toughness. I once saw him play with stitches in his head!

Hokie Nation (Blacksburg)

How do you think Kameron Williams would do in Blacksburg? Could he be our next Malcomb Delaney with his scoring?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:19 PM)

With new head coach James Johnson, there's been some departure of recruits. Williams would be a welcome addition as he may be the most natural scorer in the class. A Malcom Delaney type scorer for sure but may be better suited in a role like Eric Maynor or Jameer Nelson at a lesser conference. He needs to be careful what level of school he picks.

MIKE (TAMPA)

There are a lot of problems with our youth basketball. Kids keep transferring high schools or switching AAU teams and we wonder why 400 kids a year transfer colleges now. They reclassify like nobodies business. I know how influential and powerful the rankings are, but why not just stop ranking kids who reclassify or aren't getting it done academically? These rankings have a lot of influence and if hard lines are taken it could do more to change some of these youth basketball issues than most people will even acknowledge. Don't rank the kid who goes to a different high school every year or has no chance of qualifying.

Mike LaPlante/Paul Biancardi

  (3:23 PM)

Hey Mike, excellent question and some great points. When doing the rankings, we take into consideration a lot of things that you mentioned but the final rankings are a product of their play on the court. We understand there are some red flags with transfers etc. but it's not our job to recruit them.

Sam (Ohio)

Louisville commit Anton Gill had a big spring. Could he possibly move up to be an All American?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:26 PM)

Sam, Gill has had a good career so far and an excellent spring. A very effective, efficient and athletic SG who is really confident and comfortable in transition. He's a very good player and in our top 50, but he still has some work to get done.

John Calipari (Lexington)

Why haven't I offered James Young yet?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:27 PM)

You have John.

Otown fan407 (Orlando )

Where do you see RaShawn Powell in the discussion of top 100?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:29 PM)

We have him at No. 77 in the rankings and he's steadily improved. His strengths are his ability to distribute, drive, draw and kick, as well as someone who can make the defense pay with his shooting. I think he's poised to have a big summer.

James (New York City)

Where will Rysheed Jordan rank amongst the top 100? He's a top 10 player in my eyes.

Dave Telep

  (3:32 PM)

James, we think very highly of Jordan. We have him our top 40 and I think he could easily be inthe top 25 if he shoes he can play at different speeds, run a team and make crisp decisions. For him its just about putting a little polish on his game.

Roger (Los Angeles, CA)

Please explain how the area Toronto is producing so many recruits of late? As far as recruiting hotbeds where do you rank it?

Mike LaPlante

  (3:34 PM)

Hey Roger, Canada in general and Toronto in particular has exploded as of late with talented hoops players. a big reason for that is the development of their grassroots programs. As far as hotbeds go, the greater Toronto area is beginning to rival some of the bigger hotbeds in the U.S.

Travis (NH)

Do you see julius randle or jabari parker joning matt jones at duke

Paul Biancardi

  (3:36 PM)

There's a good possibility one of them could. Coach K has put in a lot of time with both and when that happens, a dividend usually gets returned. He's made both of them a priority.

Daniel (Atlanta)

Coach Gregory had a very first good class at GT. How do you like there chances for players like Solomon Poole and Trayvon Reed?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:38 PM)

They have a great shot at both players. Solomon Poole's brother transfered to Ga. Tech from KY, so I would think that helps their chances. Trayvon Reed is an in-state player and as a former Gregory assistant, I know he will go after the in-state prospects like Reed.

Taylor (Gainesville)

In your opinion is the signing of Kasey Hill as big or bigger than the signing of Brad Beal for UF?

Paul Biancardi/Dave Telep

  (3:41 PM)

I think when you sign Hill, a local Fla. prospect, it doesn't get bigger than that. With that said, he has a lot to live up to be as good or better than Beal. Hill is the best PG Billy Donovan has ever signed. Right now there's a gap between Hill and Beal, a few years from now, it might not be as pronounced.

AP (TURKS )

Are there any kids from the Caribbean that makes the rakings?

Dave Telep

  (3:42 PM)

Tim Duncan's kids aren't old enough.

Jeff (Vegas)

Why is Malcolm Hill number 82 on your list for 2013? This kid should be at least Top 30 to Top 40. SMDH

Reggie Rankin

  (3:43 PM)

I think Hill is playing extremely well and will be in a position to improve his ranking over the summer. I'm a big fan of him and will be an excellent wing player when he arrives at Illinois.

Scott (Knoxville)

Can you talk about Robert Hubbs. It seems like he may be a bit under the radar since he's had a lot less exposure than many other top 100 kids. Thanks.

Mike LaPlante

  (3:45 PM)

I got a chance to check out Hubbs at the Real Deal in the Rock and agree, he's an under the radar player, but has a chance to turn heads over the summer. He's continued to improve and it wouldn't surprise me if his rank shows it when July's over.

cole thomas (Canton, Ga)

Name your top 5 point guards regardless of class

Dave Telep

  (3:46 PM)

2014 Tyus Jones, 2013 Andrew Harrison, 2013 Kasey Hill, 2014 Emmanuel Mudiay, 2014 JaQuan Lyle.

Billy (Bob)

I noticed the number ratings are much lower than normal. Are y'all trying a new rating system now or is this class that bad?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:47 PM)

Hey Billy, we adjusted our grading system and you can check it out here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/news/story?id=2639514

Mark (Over there)

Anthony Barber is rumored to be highest on Kansas and Alabama. How much do you like Bama's chances of landing him?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:49 PM)

Mark, just spoke to his HS coach today. It is KU and Bama as 1 and 2 in his mind and both want him as a priority. Other schools that have offered - FSU, Mizzou, Virginia, SMU and Ga. Tech are coming on strong as well.

cole thomas (canton ga)

Aquille Carr has a lot of buzz around him because of his great skill for his size. Do you feel like he can honestly make and impact for Seton Hall being only 5'7"?

Reggie Rankin

  (3:50 PM)

Don't be fooled by his size. Carr has tremendous spped and quickness. He is fearless and will make a tremendous impact once he gets into a college setting. His size is no factor and he has great heart.

Alan (Baton Rouge)

Is the new LSU coaching staff (Johnny Jones and Robert Kirby) behind the delay in Devonta Pollard's announcement?

Mike LaPlante

  (3:52 PM)

I'd say Alan, you're guess is a s good as mine. But Kirby, who was heavily involved with Pollard when he was at GTown, is likely impacting his decision. When he makes hsi decision? I have no clue. Hopefully before Sept. 1.

Kyle (South Hill, Va)

Do you think Kennedy Meeks will be a Tar Heel?

Dave Telep

  (3:54 PM)

I believe UNC was indeed the offer he was really waiting for. Their the team everyone on his list is most worried about. However, a dark horse in his recruitment is Georgetown, who he has an affinity for.

Roy Williams (Chapel Hill, NC)

Who do you think we will land with Hicks and Britt on board?

Paul Biancardi

  (3:56 PM)

Dear Roy, I think with Hicks and Britt on board, you will be in need of a shooter and size. Some of the size UNC is looking at is Julius Randle, Kennedy Meeks, Marcus Lee, Jarquez Smith.

John (Washington DC)

Do you see the Georgetown Hoyas getting any other players in the 2013 ESPN 100 in addition to Stephen Domingo? We have heard rumblings about Johnathan Williams III, Rysheed Jordan, and Josh Hart here in the District.

Reggie Rankin

  (3:59 PM)

I think the Hoyas will definitely be in the mix for ESPN 100 players. I think the rumblings about those three are legit. Could see one, maybe two of the three, joining. But it's still early.

Christopher (Collierville TN)

What did you guys see in Skal L. that possessed you to put him at No. 8? Does his frame have room to add on, or will he even need to? Thanks

Mike LaPlante

  (4:01 PM)

Skal is an outstanding young talent who is deserved of his ranking. Although it is still early in his progression of a player, he possesses a high skill level and feel for the game that is unique for a player of his age. Reminds me a lot of a young Tim Duncan.

Keith (Florida)

D'vauntes Smith Rivera's description of his game sounds a little like Austin Freeman's game. Would you agree, if not how would you describe his game?

Dave Telep

  (4:03 PM)

That's not a bad comparison in terms of what their production will look like. Freeman was a better shooter than DSR but DSR was better around the rim and a better passer. Both are big-bodied guards and DSR will score 1,000 points at Georgetown.

Joel (Lexington)

If Andrew wiggins reclassifies to the 2013 class does he have a chance to take top spot from Mr. Parker?

Paul Biancardi

  (4:04 PM)

He absolutely would have a chance to take the top spot. That's a competition we would welcome, but we would also have to spend a lot of time debating it. It would be two thoroughbreds neck and neck for a photo finish.

Paul/Dave/Mike/Reggie

  (4:06 PM)

Thanks everyone for all your questions. We are excited about our new rankings and looking forward to being on the road this summer. Keep checking back with ESPN RecruitingNation for all your basketball recruiting needs.