It's pretty brazen to say things like we expect Love to select UCLA this week, but I'd be shocked if it does not come to fruition.  UNC made a good impression at the Tournament of Champions in Chapel Hill, but big Kevin Love is destined to wear a Bruin uniform.  I have felt this way for months, but sources close to the situation have told me that he will make Ben Howland very happy in short order.

Kevin has torn up many of the AAU events over the Summer.  He was very impressive backing down most anyone at the TOC on his way to winning the tournaments MVP, where his talented Southern Cal All Stars took the event.  He continued to play well in Vegas this weekend, along side soon to be Dukie Taylor King.

If I am wrong on this one, I will take my crow fried, but a check around many premium boards will tell you that many of them feel as if I do, meaning I will dine with company.

While it would not surprise me if his camp delays the decision again, the talented big kid will likely play his ball in Cali.  There has been no offcial announcement set as of today.

 Big Love should be a Bruin

 Love with MVP trophy

 Southern Cal All Stars  - Larger Images of the Southern Cal All Stars are listed under TOC Pictures and may be viewed as a slideshow.

Patrick Patterson had one of his least effective games, but Boo Williams still advanced with a 81-51 rout of the Charlotte Royals.  Patrick had 6 points and 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in limited action.

Just after that, Kyle Singler led his Portland Legends to a 84-65 win, to advance.   Singler sat for much of the game, including the last six minutes.  He took a nasty spill and tweaked his ankle, having to ice it down afterward.  Kyle tossed in 20 points grabbed 9 boards, had 3 assists and a blocked shot.

 Singler

It is the first opportunity I have had to see Singler, and I am very impressed.  He is adept in every facet of the game and is very polite off the court.  There is a really nice interview going out Sunday, two in fact from Kyle, where he covers many things.  This will be for newsletter subscribers only. 

Both teams must win tonight to advance to tomorrows games.  Coach Collins and Wojo took in both pro sects performances, as did Romar and many others.

Don't feel too sorry for Patrick Patterson having an off game or judge him from the stats in today game listed above.  He leads the event with 10 blocks and is second in rebounding with 42.

Eric Gordan leads the tournament in scoring at 27.3 per game.  He is in a battle with Kalin Lucas as I type.  For those who do not know ... there are six courts all in the same facility, each with a game in progress. Coaches are allowed at this event and share space with scouts and media.  The event is held in North Augusta, South Carolina, but most people stay in Augusta Georgia home of the Augusta National, and other golfing events.  The area is very green and nice, but is outrageously hot, being 97 degrees today. 

You can see things like UF coach Donavan going to Hooters, and Roy Williams scouting Derick Rose.  As for Rose, he is considering skipping college and playing a year in Europe.  There is a ton of overall talent in the event and I will touch on that later.

Expect a lot of news forthcoming, If you are a recruiting fan, I urge you to try the newsletter which goes out Sunday via E-Mail and hardcopy to those who have requested it.  You will not see this information anywhere else on the net unless it is leaked.

I will update as soon as possible, but I am now on the way to see super Greg Monroe, another player we will cover extensively in the newsletter.  Not to worry, there will be some free stuff and we will get back to great articles very soon.  I will also continue to refine the site as time permits and will have some great pictures in that I believe in illustration.

Coach K was in on the first day, but is attending business involving Team USA.  Kyle Singler said he loved playing for the U-18 USA team and that he'd play for his country again, should he have the chance.

I am hoping for an interview with former Maryland Player John Lucas and his son Jai.  I will also be chatting with new Oklahoma Coach Jeff Capel.  So much to do, so little time ...catching up will be fun though.  That is, after a five hour drive back;)

Singler and Monroe went head to head in a much anticipated match up that was one of the weekends showcase games.

Kyle Singler arrived late in Indy and according to our source "He was ever so slightly off in his game, yet he still knew where to be at all times."  "He is a very well rounded player that is way ahead of the curve in many areas of the game, and he gets better or shows me new things everytime I see him."  "He looked great in San Antonio last week, and I imagine he was a bit tired here arriving late."  "He missed a few shots he'd normally hit, however, he looks good when he kicks in a unique extra gear."

He went on to say "Greg Monroe was amazing in tonights game!"  "He's had a great weekend, but he really turned it on ... I am not sure if he missed a shot and he dominated the glass."  "His offensive moves were way better than I had seen in the past."  He did not have any stats on the match, but did say that Coach K indeed took in this game, as did Team USA U-18 and Washington Coach Romar.  Monroe is certain to rise on many recruiting lists, not that he has that far to go before he tops the list.

Samardo Samuels didn't hut himself over the weekend either.  We should have an in-depth report on this kid later.

In other briefs, Nolan Smith continued to show he can really rebound for a guard.  Smith nabbed 5 boards and scored 21 points and dealt three assists in the All Star Game.  Eric Gordon had a nice line too, netting 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the same game, which earned him All Star MVP.  Travis Releford won the MVP for his group.  The talented guard showed off an all around game and mentioned interest in several schools, including Duke.  Another Duke prospect is Luke Babbitt.  Babbitt impressed me in Richmond, showing an all around game, especially offensively and he didn't have guards that were feeding him the ball.  It remains to be seen how interested Duke is in many of the players mentioned, but they seem to be in good overall shape, with many options available to them,  Keep in mind though, in recruiting,  kids can change their minds with in a very short time.  Wojo attended the Adidas Camp.

    Shawn Siegal on the ABCD Camp

I took the Love photo at the TOC in Chapel Hill. He was the MVP of that event, too.

This week will remain busy on the recruiting trail with the Nike Peach Jam in North Agusta, SC.  Later in July, Las Vegas is the place to be, where three events Reebok Big Time, the Main Event and Adidas Super 64 will take place July 22-26.  Needless to say, that'll be well attended by coaches and media.

The AAU National Championship takes place July 27 to August 1st in Florida.  Los Angeles will be the home for Reebok Summer West and Adidas Best of Summer, both July 27th to the 31st.  As you can see, July is a very important month for recruiting.

Update from Saturday -  Taylor King averaged 22 PPG on Saturday, rebounding the ball with a passion.  He was 4 of 8 from the three point stripe and 16 of 26 over the two games.  He had 28 rebounds in the two games, showing he is not soft.

He is currently tied as the camp's top rebounder.  Of course, his team has had many injuries and he is playing extended minutes.

Friday - Taylor King - #154 – 76ers - #40 Rivals.com (#7 SF)

Huntington Beach, CA – 6’8” – 2007 – Duke

With Rose injured, King definitely tried a bit harder today.  He was also more conscious of shooting less, and being more of a team player.  In the afternoon game, he was really effective going to the glass, and he’s now 3^rd on the rebounding per game list.  He doesn’t necessarily block out the best, but he seems to have an eye for where the ball is coming off the rim, and he finds a way to get it (also, it didn’t hurt his stats that he got extended minutes in the afternoon game with Rose out.)  His shot wasn’t really “on”, but I was more impressed with his good effort. He even tried to take a charge (which I thought he got though he was called for blocking). Sean Siegal

Anthony Crater - #32 – Jazz

Flint, MI – 6’2” – 2008

Same old from Crater yesterday.  The kid makes great passes that leave you shaking your head and is now 2^nd in camp with 5.0 assists per game.

Sean took in King in front of Duke Assistant Wojciechowski.

Justin Young on  Patrick Patterson, 2007 – Some things will never change. If it seems like every week during the summer, the term beast or warrior gets tossed around for the West Virginia native, it's because it's true. And for some reason, it doesn't hurt to keep reminding people. Patterson is one of the most coveted big guys in the country and a must see recruit for the likes of Florida, Kentucky, Duke, Wake Forest, etc, etc, etc. He brings out the head coaches and in the evening session, he gave them plenty to get excited about. Patterson's offense is coming along at a great pace and his offensive post play at Nike camp has been spectacular.

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Watzones favorite link of the day- Henderson and UNC's Ellington

Introducing Jon Scheyer

Eric Gordan has reopened his recruitment

Or has he?-

Duke Athletics Links

The Mothership, DBR and more links