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As signing period ends, possible sleepers ink

hurley

While there is no doubt that most recruiting junkies have their eyes on the blue chip prospects that haven’t made their intentions known, many D1 colleges have been active in filling out their roster over the last week or so. An eclectic group of junior college players, international prospects and sleepers are inking across the landing, and could emerge next season. A sampling of such additions includes:

· · Whatever time frame that fans gave Danny Hurley to get the ship righted at Rhode Island could be too much. He’s already scored important prospects via transfer and the recruiting trail in rebuilding the Rams program. In addition to productive Rutgers big man, Rhode Island added another player that was on Hurley’s team at St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.) in junior college guard Xavier Munford. While junior college player rankings are not as readily available as high school ratings, Munford is considered at least a top-50 player in the two-year ranks.

· · Vanderbilt snagged bouncy wing Sheldon Jeter away from his home state of Pennsylvania. He has the kind of athleticism and fluidity that made him sought-after by many high-major schools, and has the potential to develop over time. He’s a name that could come back to haunt the schools that missed on him.

· · While there seems to be the case for an impeding implosion at UConn with mass roster exodus as coach Jim Calhoun ages, rim-devouring big man Phillip Nolan could be a huge late pick-up for the Huskies if he’s able to get initial eligibility. There aren’t a lot of interior options for the Huskies on a depleted roster, and a fast and athletic interior player like Nolan is likely to be used early and often next year.

· · Assistant coach Chris Harriman is noted as an international recruiter, and Nebraska’s addition of Sergej Vucetic is one that Husker fans should file in the back of their minds. While not the prospect that Gonzaga’s recent addition Przemek Karnowski is, Vucetic could be a nice one down the line at Nebraska.

· · In the case of point guard Michael Orris heading to Kansas State, what was expected to be an eventuality came true. Orris inked to play for Bruce Weber at Illinois, but will instead head with Weber to Kansas State. With good size and skill, Orris was definitely worth keeping in the fold for Weber.

· · The focus for many schools is adding a player to complete 2012 recruiting efforts, but Missouri and Missouri State both added players for 2013 last week. The former is 6-7 forward Zach Coleman, who is somewhat of an unknown player, though he runs with a noted grassroots team in the Dallas Mustangs. Missouri State was able to secure a commitment from in-state shooting guard Austin Ruder, an absolutely superb outside shooter who has been filling up nets for the Kansas City-based Spiece Mokan team.

Photo credit: University of Rhode Island