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As July nears, familiar faces have strong starts for 2013

roy-williams

Mike Miller

The men’s college basketball July evaluation period is around the corner, and several familiar upper echelon college basketball programs are well positioned as a key month on the recruiting trail approaches. It’s too early to formulate team recruiting rankings, with around 30 of the top-100 high school prospects in the 2013 class verbally committed, but several schools have started strong in their efforts for next season. Ten schools that appear to be ahead of the game, in no order, are as follows:

North Carolina: Two top-20 prospects would be considered a haul at many schools, and the Tar Heels have locked down two potential impact players with in-state power forward Isaiah Hicks and USA U18 team member point guard Nate Britt. Hicks is an interior talent with massive potential, while Britt is a consummate point guard who has proven his talent in tough D.C.-area contests.

Florida: The Gators are no strangers to backcourt talent under coach Billy Donovan, but top-5 national talent Kasey Hill could star as an impact freshmen. Hill is considered the No. 2 point guard prospect and is the total package as a lead guard. The next step is to add a big man to Hill and what looks to be a deep backcourt going forward.

Kansas: If the 2012 recruiting class for the Jayhawks was meant to build depth, the 2013 class emphasizes quality. Two top-50 prospects are already locked up, with in-state combo guard Conner Frankamp currently playing from USA Basketball’s U17 team, and 6-6 swingman Brannen Greene. The Jayhawks can afford to be selective in targeting another top tier talent or two to complete this class.

Duke: While the Blue Devils will have to add some depth around him, 6-4 shooting guard Matt Jones is an all-around dandy. With scoring pop that extends deep across the 3-point line, Jones will be capable of stretching the floor. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt that Jones plays on a grassroots team with the national No. 2 prospect, undecided power forward Julius Randle.

Michigan: There arguably isn’t a star in this group, but with three easy top-100 players, the Wolverines have a great group already committed to join a program on a definite upswing. Derrick Walton is the heir apparent at point guard if Trey Burke heads to the NBA after his sophomore season, and shooting guard Zak Irvin and power forward Mark Donnal both look like future starters.

Marquette: A great group of talent in Wisconsin is to the Golden Eagles’ benefit, as coach Buzz Williams and his crew of relentless recruiters have already snagged three pledges. All three are natives of Milwaukee, with burly wing forward Deonte Burton a strong player that fits perfectly in the system, as well as point guard Duane Wilson. Touted junior college forward Jameel McKay is also a Milwaukee native, though he’s playing at Indian Hills CC in Iowa.

Purdue: Perhaps like no other conference, the Big Ten schools have emphasized early verbal commitments in recent years. The Boilermakers will add tremendous depth and potential star power with their three early verbal commitments, headlined by knock down outside shooter Kendall Stephens, a long 6-5 guard with skills. In-state point guard Bryson Scott looks competent, and wing Basil Smotherman is a guy with some potential. Overall, this is a solid group.

Arkansas: When the Razorbacks received a verbal pledge from 6-9 power forward Bobby Portis, not many people had a firm evaluation on him. That’s changed. Portis has shot up player rankings charts with tremendous play at times. In Portis, the Razorbacks have a legitimate top-25 player that has the potential to go even higher. In-state point guard Dederick Lee recently decommitted from Arkansas, but the Hogs have time to find another lead guard to fill his shoes.

Alabama: It’s not always easy to find big men that can walk and chew gum, but the Crimson Tide has two early pledges from top-100 players in the 2013 class, in 6-10 center Jimmie Taylor and 6-8 forward Shannon Hale. Both big men have shown flashes in the spring, and have participated on different squads in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. Alabama was among the last BCS schools to land a pledge in 2012, but is off to a hot start in this class.

Louisville: Dynamo combo guard Anton Gill looks like a slick fit after his pledge to the Cardinals. He’s a value with potential to play both guard slots, and has the ability to be a top notch guard at the college level. Strong numbers returning to the roster allows Louisville to be picky in their recruiting efforts, but it’s no secret that they’d like to add a talent big man to Gill.

Next Five: BYU, Indiana, Ohio State, Georgetown, Notre Dame..

Kellon Hassenstab runs Hoopniks.com. Follow him on Twitter @hoopniks.