SB Nation Dallas - Dallas High School Basketball: Julius Randle One Of Nation's Top Recruitshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2012-10-02T16:28:36-05:00http://dallas.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30045022012-10-02T16:28:36-05:002012-10-02T16:28:36-05:00Julius Randle cuts list down to six schools
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<figcaption>Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The Dallas senior, one of the most highly coveted players in the nation, has narrowed his list to Kentucky, NC State, Florida, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma.</p> <p>It's cut day for Prestonwood senior Julius Randle, as the 6'9 240 combo forward, one of the top 5 players in the country, announced that he had narrowed his list of schools to six:</p>
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<p>Tweet from PCA reveals Julius Randle down to UK, NC State, Florida, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma.</p>
— Dave Telep (@DaveTelep) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveTelep/status/253228867039404032" data-datetime="2012-10-02T20:24:01+00:00">October 2, 2012</a>
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<p>Virtually every school in the country has been on Randle's heels, so it's a big victory for the Longhorns and Sooners to get this far. Baylor and Oklahoma State, both of whom have plucked McDonald's All-Americans out of the Metroplex in the last few years, were eliminated on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Nationally, neither Duke nor UNC could convince the Texas native to keep them under consideration, resulting in an interesting list of schools still in the hunt.</p>
<p>It's unsurprising that Kentucky and Kansas, two of the bluest of blue chip programs, are still alive, but few would have given NC State and Florida much of a chance a year ago.</p>
<p>However, as long as John Calipari is involved, he has to be considered the front-runner for any player seriously considering spending only one year in college.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/frontrunners_paradise/2012/10/2/3445742/julius-randle-basketball-recruiting-six-schoolsJonathan Tjarks2012-08-20T08:00:47-05:002012-08-20T08:00:47-05:00Julius Randle Reportedly Visits Ohio State
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<p><b><i>Correction: Somewhere in our editorial process, Oklahoma State was replaced with Ohio State. The Cowboys have been in the mix for Randle for some time, and we apologize for the mistake. The error was completely ours.</i></b></p>
<p>In a somewhat unexpected move, highly-touted local basketball prospect Julius Randle took an unofficial visit to Ohio State on Sunday:</p>
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<p>5* 2013 PF Julius Randle reportedly on an unofficial visit to OK St today. Interesting as Pokes weren't on radar. Randle a UT, UK target.</p>
— Jeff C. (@JC_Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/JC_Hoops/status/237325267423604736" data-datetime="2012-08-19T23:08:47+00:00">August 19, 2012</a>
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<p>The Buckeyes <a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/14/3240465/julius-randle-basketball-recruiting-update/in/3004502">weren't on what was rumored to be Randle's short list</a>, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything this early in his recruitment process.</p>
<p>Under Thad Matta, Ohio State has become a national power in both basketball and football. Over the last decade, they've sent a huge number of one-and-done prospects to the NBA -- Greg Oden, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26680/kosta-koufos">Kosta Koufos</a>, Mike Conley, Daequan Cook and Byron Mullens -- while also consistently playing deep into the NCAA Tournament.</p>
<p>So while Columbus isn't very close to home and doesn't have quite the same glamour as Lexington or Chapel Hill, it wouldn't necessarily be a huge shock if Randle seriously considers Ohio State.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage of the recruitment of Randle and the other top players from the Dallas area, stay tuned to the<a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/13/3240461/dallas-high-school-basketball-prospects-julius-randle"> SB Nation Dallas StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/20/3254500/julius-randle-recruiting-news-ohio-stateJonathan Tjarks2012-08-14T08:00:31-05:002012-08-14T08:00:31-05:00Julius Randle Recruiting Update: No Clear Frontrunner
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<p>The Dallas area is about to get a taste of the madness that is high-level college basketball recruiting.</p>
<p>While the Metroplex annually produces high-level D1 prospects like LeBryan Nash (Lincoln / Oklahoma State) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123221/perry-jones-iii">Perry Jones III</a> (Duncanville / Baylor / Oklahoma City Thunder), neither player was considered on the level of Julius Randle, the class of 2013 forward from Prestonwood Christian.</p>
<p>NBA scouts are already very familiar with Randle's name, and were it not for the league's age restrictions, he would likely have forgone college altogether. A skilled and athletic 6'9 240 combo forward, Randle is considered by most to be in the same class as Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker in terms of the best amateur basketball players in the world.</p>
<p>His <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/102849/julius-randle">recruiting list</a> reads like the who's who of college basketball -- Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Kansas -- but the local schools -- Texas, Baylor, SMU -- are still hanging around as well.</p>
<p>Last year, Shabazz Muhammed (who eventually wound up at UCLA) dragged his recruitment well into the spring and summer. That could happen in 2013 with Randle, which means John Calipari, Coach K, Roy Williams et. al might be frequent flyers to DFW.</p>
<p><i>A highlight tape of Randle on the AAU circuit. Judge at your own peril:</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3Vmt_24T4zE" frameborder="0" height="275" width="400"></iframe></p>
<p><i>For more coverage of the recruitment of Randle and the other top players from the Dallas area, stay tuned to the<a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/13/3240461/dallas-high-school-basketball-prospects-julius-randle"> SB Nation Dallas StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/14/3240465/julius-randle-basketball-recruiting-updateJonathan Tjarks2012-08-09T07:00:21-05:002012-08-09T07:00:21-05:00Dallas Area High School Basketball Primer
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<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
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<p>With the AAU summer season winding down, recruiting for the top high school basketball players in the Dallas area has just begun. None are more coveted than Julius Randle, considered the top player in the country.</p> <p>The days of Texas being a one-sport state at the high school level have long since come and gone. Amateur basketball is burgeoning both in the Lone Star State and in DFW in particular, and coaches from top schools all over the country have taken notice.</p>
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<i>Elite Seniors:</i><br>
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<p><b>JULIUS RANDLE<br></b><b>Power Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>Plano Prestonwood Christian | Texas Titans<br>Interested Schools: Texas, Florida, Kentucky, NC State, Kansas, Oklahoma<br>Consensus Ranking: 5*, Top 4</p>
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<p>Randle is widely considered one of the top four players in his class along with fellow Texans Andrew Harrison and <span class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Harrison</span> as well as Chicago phenom Jabari Parker. After a strong AAU season with the Texas Titans, Randle was recently crowned as the #1 overall prospect in the 2013 class by Jerry Meyer (247 Sports). Randle returns for his senior season to defend Plano Prestonwood Christian's TAPPS Class 5A State Championship. He has not yet narrowed his college list, but is looking closely at the Carolina schools, National Champion Kentucky, and most of the Big 12 schools. Whatever school lands the uber-talented forward will be thrilled.</p>
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<p><b>KEITH FRAZIER<br>Wing | 2013</b></p>
<p>Dallas Kimball | Houston Hoops<br>Interested Schools: Arizona, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma St, Memphis<br>Consensus Ranking: 5*, Top 15<b></b></p>
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<p>Frazier made the jump from Irving High to Dallas Kimball last season and led the Knights to the UIL Class 4A State Championship. However, that transfer (and subsequent title) was <a href="http://highschoolsportsblog.dallasnews.com/2012/05/wfaa-report-questions-uil-athletic-eligi.html/">not without controversy</a>. As it stands, Frazier plans to return to Kimball after a summer playing with AAU powerhouse Houston Hoops. It has been widely believed that Arizona was his school of choice, but local programs Texas A&M and Baylor have been creeping closer to the top of his list.</p>
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<p><b>MATT JONES<br>Shooting Guard | 2013</b><br><br>Desoto | Texas Titans<br>Interested Schools: Committed to Duke<br>Consensus Ranking: 5*, Top 30</p>
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<p>The Desoto Eagles lost in the UIL Class 5A Region 2 finals to State-bound Garland Naaman Forest last spring. Naaman Forest featured Texas-bound seniors Prince Ibeh and DeMarcus Holland and will surely take a step back. However, Desoto returns its star in Matt Jones, considered one of the top dead-eye shooters in his class. Committed to Duke, Jones will follow in the footsteps of class of 2012's Rasheed Sulaimon (Houston Strake Jesuit) after he ends up at Durham. Jones has also been in the ear of his AAU teammate Randle, telling him to continue their devastating inside-out combination as Blue Devil teammates.</p>
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<h4><i>Highly-Recruited Seniors:</i></h4>
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<p><b>JORDAN MICKEY<br>Combo Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>Dallas Prime Prep | Urban DFW<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Louisville, Ohio St, West Virginia, SMU, Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to LSU<br>Consensus Ranking: 4*, Top 50</p>
<p><b>KARVIAR SHEPHERD<br>Center/Power Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>Dallas Prime Prep | Urban DFW<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Louisville, UCLA, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas, Georgetown, USC, SMU, TCU</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to TCU<br>Consensus Ranking: 4*, Top 50</p>
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<p>Last year, Arlington Grace Prep steamrolled its way to a TAPPS Class 4A State Championship with Baylor-bound big man Isaiah Austin leading the charge. Hard as it is to believe, the Lions may be even better this year. The senior duo of Mickey and Shepherd gives Grace Prep the best frontcourt in the state, and rising junior Emmanuel Mudiay (more on him below) will be stout at point guard. Both Mickey and Shepherd have a combination of in-state and out-of-state colleges on their lists.</p>
<p><i>[Ed. Note] Mickey, Shepherd and Mudiay (below) were all <a href="http://highschoolsportsblog.dallasnews.com/2012/10/sportsdayhs-will-have-live-updates-from-wednesdays-dec-prime-prep-eligibility-meeting.html/">ruled ineligible to play</a> after attempting to transfer to Prime Prep this year.</i></p>
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<p><b>KENDAL HARRIS<br>Combo Guard | 2013</b></p>
<p>Richardson Berkner | Urban DFW<br>Interested Schools: Committed to USC<br>Consensus Ranking: 4*, Top 100<b></b></p>
<p><b>SOMA EDO<br>Power Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>Richardson Berkner | Dallas Mustangs<br>Interested Schools: SMU, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Marquette, Creighton<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*, Top 150</p>
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<p>Berkner lost to Desoto in the UIL Class 5A Region 2 semifinals last spring, but should build upon last season as State Championship hopefuls in 2013. The Rams are led by Harris, who is also the lead guard on Shepherd and Mickey's excellent Urban DFW AAU team. Edo has had a standout summer, and the undersized big man has seen recruiting interest pick up beyond just in-state schools. Meanwhile, Harris just recently pulled the trigger and verbally committed to the Trojans after taking an unofficial visit to USC.</p>
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<h4><i>Other Seniors To Know:</i></h4>
<h4></h4>
<p><b>ZACH COLEMAN</b><br><b>Power Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>Dallas Woodrow Wilson | Dallas Mustangs<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Committed to Missouri</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Decommitted, now committed to UMass<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>LEYTON HAMMONDS</b><br><b>Combo Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>North Richland Hills Richland | Dallas Mustangs<br>Interested Schools: Committed to Oklahoma St<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>GREG WESLEY</b><br><b>Combo Forward | 2013</b></p>
<p>Arlington Juan Seguin | Texas Titans<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Arkansas, UT-Arlington</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to North Texas<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>KYLE WILSON</b><br><b>Wing | 2013</b></p>
<p><b></b>Fort Worth Dunbar | LBA Seawolves<br>Interested Schools: Recently decommitted from Baylor<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>BRANDON PARRISH</b><br><b>Wing | 2013</b></p>
<p><b></b>Arlington Juan Seguin | Urban DFW Elite<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Kansas St, Oklahoma St, Wichita St</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to TCU<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>JEFFREY CARROLL</b><br><b>Wing | 2013</b></p>
<p>Rowlett | Dallas Mustangs<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Kansas St, Nebraska, Oklahoma, SDSU, SMU, TCU, UTEP</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to Oklahoma St<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></b></p>
<p><b><span class="sbn-auto-link">NATHAN HAWKINS</span></b><br><b>Wing | 2013</b></p>
<p>Rowlett | Dallas Mustangs<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Kansas St, North Texas, UTEP.</strike> <b>[UPDATE]</b> Committed to Nebraska<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>MARCUS FOSTER</b><br><b>Shooting Guard | 2013</b></p>
<p>Wichita Falls Hirschi | Dallas Mustangs<br>Interested Schools: <strike>Oklahoma, Kansas St, TCU, SMU, Texas, Lehigh, Creighton</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to Kansas St<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>JEREMY SENGLIN</b><br><b>Combo Guard | 2013</b></p>
<p>Arlington Bowie | Texas Select<br>Interested Schools: <strike>TCU, North Texas, Air Force, Lehigh</strike> <b>[UPDATE] </b>Committed to Weber St<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*</p>
<p><b>SHIRMANE THOMAS</b><br><b>Point Guard | 2013</b></p>
<p>Dallas Prime Prep | Urban DFW Elite<br>Interested Schools: Creighton, North Texas, Tulsa, Wichita St<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*<b></b></p>
<p><b>MARQUAN BOTLEY</b><br><b>Point Guard | 2013</b></p>
<p>Plano Prestonwood Christian | Texas Titans<br>Interested Schools: TCU, Albany, Santa Clara<br>Consensus Ranking: 3*</p>
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<p>There are a lot of good players across the board in DFW. Expect to see a few of these guys on Big 12 or other area teams next year. Obviously, strong senior seasons are key for a lot of these guys as they try to land a scholarship for next season.</p>
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<h4><i>Underclassmen To Know:</i></h4>
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<p><b>EMMANUEL MUDIAY</b><br><b>Point Guard | 2014</b></p>
<p>Dallas Prime Prep | Texas Select<br>Interested Schools: Kentucky, Texas, Kansas, Baylor, Arizona, Texas A&M, Oklahoma<br>Consensus Ranking: 5*, Top 10</p>
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<p>Mudiay, who is the cousin of Texas point guard Myck Kabongo, is one of the most sought-after point guards in the class of 2013. Practically the entire Big 12 and the state of Texas have offered the talented five-star junior. He has also spoken very favorably about John Calipari's point-guard friendly system at Kentucky. First things first: with Mickey and Shepherd flanking him in Arlington, Mudiay has a chance to stamp Grace Prep as the best team in the Lone Star state next year.</p>
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<p><b>ELBERT ROBINSON</b><br><b>Power Forward | 2014</b></p>
<p>Garland Lakeview Centennial | LBA Seawolves<br>Interested Schools: Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, Oklahoma<br>Consensus Ranking: 4*, Top 50<b></b></p>
<p><b>D’ANGELO ALLEN</b><br><b>Shooting Guard | 2014</b></p>
<p>Dallas Kimball | Dallas Showtyme<br>Interested Schools: Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgetown, Marquette<br>Consensus Ranking: 4*, Top 100<b></b></p>
<p><b>ALEX ROBINSON</b><br><b>Point Guard | 2014</b></p>
<p>Kennedale | DJHS<br>Interested Schools: Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Houston, Oklahoma St, SMU, TCU<br>Consensus Ranking: 4*, Top 100</p>
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<p>Allen and the Robinsons (not related) are three other names to keep an eye on in the class of 2014. Most of the interest right now is Big 12-generated. After their junior seasons, though, expect to see a spike in their recruitments, a la Mickey or Shepherd this summer.</p>
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<p><b>MICKEY MITCHELL</b><br><b>Combo Forward | 2015</b></p>
<p>Plano Prestonwood Christian | Texas Titans<b></b></p>
<p><b>KING MCCLURE</b><br><b>Combo Guard | 2015</b></p>
<p>Dallas Triple A Academy | Texas Titans</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Teammates on the Texas Titans AAU U-16 team, Mitchell and McClure are two of the nation's best in the rising sophomore class. Mitchell is one of the most well-known prospects nationally, especially with an older brother, Mike Mitchell, who is a Top 150 football recruit in this year's class. Mickey may end up following his brother to college, so take close notes. The Mitchells are originally from Florida, and the rumor is Mickey may transfer back there to play for Winter Park (alma mater of Duke's Austin Rivers). Meanwhile, McClure's Triple A Academy, a non-UIL FOCUS Academy school, plays an aggressive area schedule. McClure should be worth the price of admission.</p>
<p><i>[Ed. Note] Mitchell tore his ACL playing football for PCA and will miss his school's basketball season.</i></p>
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<p><b>ELIJAH THOMAS</b><br><b>Power Forward | 2015</b></p>
<p>Rockwall | Team Texas Elite<b></b></p>
<p><b>AUSTIN GRANDSTAFF</b><br><b>Combo Guard | 2015</b></p>
<p>Rockwall | Team Texas Elite</p>
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<p>Looking for a sleeper team next year? Check out the Rockwall Yellowjackets and their two rising sophomores, Thomas and Grandstaff. Rockwall was a Class 4A school last year, but is making the jump to Class 5A this year. It won't hurt to have these two getting buckets as the Yellowjackets try to keep pace in a new class and make the Class 5A playoffs.</p>
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<p><i>For more on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a> hoops, check out SB Nation blogs <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/">Barking Carnival</a> and <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/">Burnt Orange Nation</a>. We've got every area school covered as well at </i><i><a href="http://www.ourdailybears.com/">Our Daily Bears</a> (Baylor), <a href="http://www.doubletnation.com/">Double T Nation</a> (Texas Tech) and <a href="http://www.frogsowar.com/">Frogs O' War</a> (TCU).<br></i></p>
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<p><b>Related Articles:</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/5/2/2992055/texas-high-school-basketball-state-of-the-aau-nation">Texas High School Basketball: State of the AAU Nation</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/01/27/a-look-at-texas-high-school-basketball-recruiting/">A Look at Texas High School Basketball Recruiting</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/7/24/3165476/texas-basketball-recruiting-2013-big-board">Texas Longhorns Basketball 2013 Recruiting Big Board</a></b></p>
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https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/3227968/julius-randle-basketball-recruiting-2013-dallasjc25