Paul Biancardi

  (1:02 PM)

I want to welcome you all to the RecruitingNation chat for the early signing period for basketball. We are as excited as you are to dive into recruiting.

mark (okemos mi)

will michigan state get any big recruits in 2013 or 2014

Paul Biancardi

  (1:06 PM)

In 2013, they're putting all their eggs in the Jabari Parker basket. They're in good shape with him taking an official there already. In 2014, they're in the mix for Tyus Jones (No. 1 player) and Jahlil Okafor (No. 2).

Jordan Kile (Senatobia)

When will keith frazier make his college choice and how many McDonald's all American will josh pastner in 2013 class

Paul Biancardi

  (1:13 PM)

Looks like Frazier is going to commit late. For Memphis, it looks like they'll have a couple of All-Americans in Austin Nichols and Kuran Iverson.

Derek (Chicago)

Out of all the talented big men still out there, which one do you think Bill Self and Kansas has the best chance of landing?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:16 PM)

Tyler Roberson will make his decision soon (between Nova, Syracuse and Kansas). He's a SF/PF in the top 30, I believe. They're also in good shape with Aaron Gordon and Julius Randle. They're also making a pitch for Andrew Wiggins, the nation's best player. Kansas is not done yet.

Arnold (DC)

Where do you think Kennedy Meeks will play basketball next season, UNC or Georgetown?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:18 PM)

Arnold, it's a two-horse race. His camp is divided and he's unsure when he's going to make his decision. It could be a day or two, or in April. His situation is a big question mark. He doesn't know exactly where or when.

John (Hawaii)

Does UNC have a legitimate chance of landing Wiggins?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:21 PM)

John what's the weather like in Hawaii? Florida State and Kentucky have a lead right now on the others. But if anybody could move up on a list, it's UNC.

JHill (Minneapolis )

Where does Aaron Gordon finally commit to and where's the best fit for him

Paul Biancardi

  (1:25 PM)

That's a $2 million dollar question, JHill.A guy like him, he fits anywhere. Put him at Kentucky and he plays with all those great freshman. Kansas and Arizona have strong rosters coming back as well. Those are the three I would pick from, but don't count out Washington or Oregon.

Chris (Orlando)

Where do you think Jabari Parker will go? Julius Randle? Dakari Johnson? Do you think Florida has a shot at the No. 1 class?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:27 PM)

If Florida gets Parker or Randle, they would have a chance to move past Kentucky. They would have three top-10 players, but they need Parker and Randle to be in that conversation. Parker and Randle are both high on Florida and both have visited. Dakari is just starting his process and named Florida as one of the school's he likes. He's going to be a late signee.

Katie (Lawrence)

Do you know of any big name recruits who have verbally committed who will not be signing an early Letter of Intent?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:36 PM)

Katie, you know about recruiting.I don't foresee anybody not signing early, but you always get someone who decides to put it on hold. We'll know in the next 5-7 days. Great question, but no answer until next week. If I had to go with one name it would be Kentan Facey, because of coaching situation.

Zach Tischendorf (West Lafayette, IN)

Any news on Keita Bates-Diop? I know he's in '14 but he's supposedly due to verbal soon. It seems like Illinois, Michigan, and Purdue are frontrunners. What's the likelihood of him landing in West Lala?

Reggie Rankin

  (1:40 PM)

Hey guys, glad to be on with you. Bates-Diop travel coach says Keita is weighing the pros and cons of his schools and is trying to decide if he should make a decision before the HS season. I think Purdue has an excellent shot. They were there early and he's considering them.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Do the Tar Heels have a shot at any of the top prospects that are likely to sign late (Gordon, Wiggins, Dakari Johnson?

Reggie Rankin

  (1:41 PM)

That's SMU country, right?The Tar Heels do have a shot at Wiggins and Johnson, but not Gordon. They also are a final two school for Kennedy Meeks. Look for UNC to at least land one more big-time prospect.

Tom (Albany NY)

What do you think of the Syracuse recruits this year?

Reggie Rankin

  (1:46 PM)

Syracuse has an excellent class led by Tyler Ennis at the point. Ron Patterson, B.J. Johnson and Chinonso Obokoh, they form an excellent group that fits Syracuse style of play. All 4 excel in transition and will be excellent in the 2-3 zone. They have a lot of length, athleticism and skill in this class. Overall the class fits their needs and system.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Is it safe to say now that Indiana is back, and here to stay, as a perennial national power, with back to back huge recruiting classes in 2012 and 2013, and Crean signing a contact extension?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:47 PM)

Tony, Indiana is BACK!It all started when Cody Zeller signed. They continue to be a national power and have back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes. The plane has been on the runway for Indiana for a while, and now it's taking off.

Rich (FLorida)

Does FLorida have a shot to add another good recruit to an already great class or are they done?

Reggie Rankin

  (1:50 PM)

Florida has had Jabari Parker for an official visit, which I heard went very well. If he ventures away from home, I think Florida would have a shot. Billy Donovan has made numerous trips to Chicago, and I think the Gators are picturing Kasey Hill running the floor with Jabari and Chris Walker. That would give UF a dangerous transition game.

Rick (Kansas)

Whats your take on Embiid? Seems to be saying the right things, but he hasn't been in the game for too long.

Paul Biancardi

  (1:53 PM)

Rich,Embiid is a guy who will jump into our rankings when we change them in January. He's huge, 6-11 and an emerging talent as far as skills go. He is active and has a presence at the rim. Only going to get better and he wants to develop. He's eager to learn and Self is proven as a developer of big men.

Paul (Chicago)

John Groce has done some impressive recruiting work, given his late hire. Looking forward to 2014, do you see a legit chance that he can lure one of the big Chicago centers (Jahlil Okafor or Cliff Alexander) to Champaign?

Reggie Rankin

  (1:56 PM)

I think he absolutely has a chance to land one of them. He's done a great job of having a presence in Chicago. he already has two Simeon players committed from 2013 class. If I had to make a prediction, he probably has a better shot at Alexander at this point, but he has a great shot at either one. They have made the in-state/Chicago kids a huge priority.

Jeff (NY)

How is Kevin Ollie perceived in recruiting circles? If he gets the full time job before the end of the year any chance uconn makes up some ground?

Paul Biancardi

  (1:58 PM)

Ollie is perceived very well in recruiting circles. People like him and respect him as a former player and now coach. If UConn was to push the button and make him permanent coach, their recruiting would increase significantly. Done a remarkable time recruiting and coaching in short amount of time as head coach.

Mike (Chicago)

Reggie, thanks for chatting. Any chance at all Jabari stuns everyone and goes BYU? I have no rooting interest for or against BYU, but I think it'd be pretty cool.

Reggie Rankin

  (2:01 PM)

I think BYU has done a great job of recruiting, especially with the last class they had. They have made Parker a priority with him having family in Utah. My gut tells me he will commit to one of the traditional powers recruiting him. I think he heads to either Michigan State, Florida or Duke.

Craig (Braintree, MA)

Will the Gophers performance this year affect whether they get either of the top two 2014 Minnesota recruits?

Paul Biancardi

  (2:03 PM)

Craig, I always answer questions from hometown guys. Certainly a school's performance plays a role in a recruit's mind. At the same time, if they don't have a good season, it could prove a need for top recruits. Minn needs to build a huge fence around Tyus Jones because he's an impact guy.

Marty (DC)

since johnathan williams III is now healthy, if he has a big season will he go back up in the rankings?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:06 PM)

He has a great chance to move up. Now that he's healthy, I expect him to be very productive and separate himself. We try to reward consistent production, that's the key being consistent.

Wayne (Bloomington)

How big of a pick-up was Noah Vonleh for the Hoosiers? Do you see them being better next year than they are this year?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:11 PM)

Noah is a huge pick up for a number of reasons. They land another out-of-state immediate impact player. They already done a good job within the state's borders. I think they will be an elite team again next year. Not sure they're better, but they'll have guys back with experience (except for Zeller who might enter the draft).

John (Columbus)

Chances of Ohio St getting Wiggins or Dakari Johnson?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:13 PM)

My gut tells me the Buckeyes will not sign Wiggins. But they will have a better shot at Johnson given their recent success with post players since Matta has been the head coach. And that may even be a stretch.

James (Utica, NY)

How is Michigan looking in the recruiting world? The new Player Development Center and renovations to Chrisler have gotta help? Are Walton, Irvin and Donnel legit in next year's class?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:18 PM)

Michigan has done a great job with its last three classes, starting with Trey Burke. They have really made themselves a major player on the recruiting trails. New practice facility is a great help. They have an elite PG in Walton, Irvin and Donnel can shoot the ball. It's an excellent system and fit for John Beilein.

Bill (MD)

By getting Dodd and Peters for 2013, and Faust in 2011, has UMD gone back to locking up the DMV area?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:20 PM)

I think Maryland has made significant strides in recruiting the DMV area. But it's a hot area for Georgetown and the ACC powers. The Terps' presence is back and Turgeon has made the area a priority. But I don't think they have the area on lock. Not yet.

Brandon (Texas)

Will Texas land any Top 100 recruits? And why aren't the Longhorns players for the state's top talent?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:24 PM)

I think the Longhorns are heavily in the mix for Randle and Keith Frazier. Both are immediate impact players. Texas is recruiting the state's top talent, but they have a young team and fit and timing is everything. Sometimes state's top talent won't end up as Longhorns. They have to leave state often to find the right fit players.

bruce (illinois)

why does it seem duke has trouble landing the top tier players in recent years?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:30 PM)

I dont think that's true at all. In 2011, they signed No. 1 SG Austin Rivers. Last year, they had two elite guys in Rasheed Sulaimon and Amile Jefferson. And 2013, they have Matt Jones and Semi Ojeleye committed. And they're heavily in the mix for Jabari Parker, and it's important to note Coach K is from Chicago.

RuneRebsRun (Lob Vegas, NV)

What are UNLV's chances of landing Isaac Hamilton or Jermaine Lawrence?

Reggie Rankin

  (2:32 PM)

I think Vegas has a better shot at Hamilton. They've really worked the West Coast and been involved with the elite players. Plus I think he fits their style of play, specifically on offense the way he scores. If he says no to the Pac-12, that really helps their chances.

Reggie Rankin

  (2:33 PM)

I'm heading out now but Dave Telep will be along shortly to take us to the victory lap.

Matthew (Raleigh, NC)

Any news on the Wolfpack?

Dave Telep

  (2:36 PM)

Barring an unforeseen shock, BeeJay Anya is set to pick them on Friday. I think that's where we are at for Thursday.

Jesse (New York)

With one scholarship left, do you think Syracuse will try and land Roberson or Lawrence, or try and convince McCullough to re-classify? Do you see them as having a legitimate shot at Lawrence or Roberson if its the former?

Dave Telep

  (2:39 PM)

All the above. Roberson looks like he's leaning toward Kansas or Syracuse. I would imagine he decides before Lawrence, which is likely to impact Lawrence's decision. I get the sense if McCullough could reclassify, he would do it. But from what we gather, he won't be academically ready to do it.

Bill (Connecticut)

Kevin Ollie seems to have done a great job for the Huskies so far, not only on the court, but in recruiting as well. Do you think him being a former player gives him an advantage in persuading recruits?

Dave Telep

  (2:41 PM)

Ollie has appeal because he's the guy next door who made it to the NBA. When he tells his story, it's captivating. He easily connects with people. A lot has been made of his character. In my dealings with people in last 16 years, he strikes me as having as much integrity as anyone I've seen. As a recruiter, he's armed with character, NBA pedigree and loads of available playing time.

Matt P (West Lafeyette)

Alright, I got my three guys signed for 2013 but I need to do big things for 2014. Who do I have a chance with? Keita Bates-Diop is sounding like he is going to commit soon but do I have a chance? Please help!!!

Dave Telep

  (2:43 PM)

We have to answer Coach Painter's question. By the way, is Robbie Hummel coming back?I'll give you five names to look for: Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan St., Purdue and Illinois. With another fall of unofficial visits, he could break Shavlik Randolph's record for visits taken.

Matthew (Toronto)

Who would you say is the favorite to land Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor?

Dave Telep

  (2:47 PM)

We're far from having an answer but I like the direction Duke has taken with them. Here's the hitch, usually package deals are a waste thinking about them. I've seen my fair share fall by the wayside. But there's something with these two guys. They have a unique relationship, won world championships together and like each other. I think they're going to college together. I don't think we're having a resolution anytime soon but you'll hear Kentucky, Michigan St., Kansas, and Ohio State a lot with those two.

Katie (Lawrence, KS)

Do you think Kansas has a snowballs chance in hell with Julius Randle or Andrew Wiggins?

Dave Telep

  (2:48 PM)

Yes, Kansas has a chance. At this moment, the pulse with Randle behind the scenes reads Texas. Now, in July, I would have thought Texas was a long shot. Here's my point: this thing has taken many twists and turns. It's not ending soon so how many turns it has is not know. Kansas has put together a class where he would slide nicely into. Are they getting him? Can't say. Neither can Texas or Kentucky, or NC State, Oklahoma or Florida.

Jake (New Mexico)

When do you think Stevie Clark will announce? What do you think the odds are that he signs with Baylor instead of Oklahoma State?

Dave Telep

  (2:51 PM)

We're coming down the homestretch. Maybe this week but I think it ends during the early period. Oklahoma State is the favorite. Baylor is chasing and they're making him think. Pay attention, he's close.

David (Kentucky)

DaveIf you had to start a team with Andrew OR Aaron, who do you choose? Thanks

Dave Telep

  (2:54 PM)

I'm going Andrew. If I'm starting a team, I'm usually going point guard or big man. Last time I checked, the Harrison Twins were guards. I'm going Andrew. He can score it and dish the rock. He's a bowling ball coming down the lane going at high school kids. Only Jason Kidd is a bigger PG in the NBA and we don't even need to mention his size, strength and innate advantages in college. Now if I'm a college, I offer both and take the first one to commit and then offer the other three of their teammates as well.

Dave Telep

  (2:55 PM)

Here's a live chat breaking commitment: Three-star PG Brandon Randolph to Xavier, according to a well placed operative.

Brian (Lexington,(titletown)Kentucky)

I'm hearing there is a chance Gordon commits early, and being that he finished all his officials with UK last, is there a chance he may try to beat randle to the punch and take a spot at UK.

Dave Telep

  (3:00 PM)

Made a call on Gordon. As of three days ago, he wasn't ready to end his recruitment. I still think Washington is dug in there pretty deep and he's not at the point where he's thinking about beating anyone to the punch. Think about this: if a kid knew where he wanted to go and he knew there's a chance his scholarship would go to someone else, I think he might commit. In Gordon's case, if he was going to pick Kentucky, why not do it already to make sure the spot is yours? Just thinking out loud here.

Tom (Spokane)

Any good Euro's to look out for to sign late? Zags got one this year, WVU got one this year, UMD got one last year. Some great Europeans coming to NCAAs but no real talk about them.

Dave Telep

  (3:03 PM)

Here's the last one guys.I will give you the email of our editor. My wife and I would love to go to Europe to evaluate Zags recruits. Due to budget constrictions, I'm stuck stateside. Look, I'm sure the Zags are going to add more guys. They are trying with Ben Simons in 2015 from Australia (I'll go there too BTW). I am also sure that if they have a line on a guy they ain't gonna tell no one!

Dave Telep

  (3:04 PM)

We want to thank you all for chatting with us today and apologize if we weren't able to get to your question. We can try again tomorrow as we conduct another hoops chat via Twitter. Use the #RNChatNSD to ask us questions. Good bye for now.