Barking Carnival - Texas Longhorns 2013 Basketball Recruiting TrackerSince 1883.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47205/barking-carnival-fave.png2013-05-14T13:32:03-05:00http://www.barkingcarnival.com/rss/stream/32060232013-05-14T13:32:03-05:002013-05-14T13:32:03-05:00Wiggins picks KU: What that means for the Big 12
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<p>Uber-prospect Andrew Wiggins committed to Kansas today. That's both bad and good for the Big 12.</p> <p>In a recruitment for the ages, Canadian uber-prospect Andrew Wiggins committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a> today. For those that don't follow recruiting, Wiggins is the most-hyped prospect to come out of high school since the <span>Greg Oden</span>/<span>Kevin Durant</span> duo in 2006. He's penciled in (practically in ink at this point) to be the top pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Not only that, NBA scouts are projecting him to be the most impactful #1 pick since...wait for it...<span>LeBron James</span>.</p>
<p>And he's Big 12-bound.</p>
<p>While that happens to be terrible, terrible news for opposing Big 12 coaches, it's great news for the conference in general. Wiggins' pro-Jayhawk announcement will be the third good thing to happen to the conference this spring. Last month, Oklahoma St.'s <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174487/marcus-smart">Marcus Smart</a> and Baylor's Isaiah Austin both announced their intent to return to school, catapulting both the Cowboys and the Bears to front-runner status in the conference.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Kansas looked as vulnerable as ever. The Jayhawks lose their entire starting line-up, with four seniors and since-departed freshman sensation <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145556/ben-mclemore">Ben McLemore</a> all bound for the pros. While head coach Bill Self has long made a habit of reloading, the Jayhawk bench didn't particularly impress, with former McDonald's All-American <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174425/perry-ellis">Perry Ellis</a> looking like the only reserve ready to take a starring role.</p>
<p>With Smart, the Big 12 Player of the Year, returning along with every key contributor on the roster, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/oklahoma-st-cowboys">Oklahoma St. Cowboys</a> should go into next season as the conference favorite. Likewise, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a> will boast a formidable frontcourt with returning starters Austin and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99934/cory-jefferson">Cory Jefferson</a>, along with key reserves <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174369/rico-gathers">Rico Gathers</a> and Taurean Prince. Meanwhile, Scott Drew has worked his usual recruiting magic. The Bears have a solid array of Top 100 talents incoming ready to fill roster holes, including a big one left by the graduation of stud point guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145085/pierre-jackson">Pierre Jackson</a>.</p>
<p>With the addition of Wiggins, Kansas adds a third National Championship contender to the conference mix. The Jayhawks will be incredibly young, but it's not unreasonable to expect Wiggins to star right away and contend for National Player of the Year honors. He's not coming alone, either. Kansas' class is impressive, boasting two other five-star recruits in Joel Embiid and Wayne Selden. Their only problem may be youth. With a rotation comprised almost entirely of freshmen and sophomores, Kansas won't be <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a> bad, but will need to coalesce quickly to avoid a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a>-like NIT fate.</p>
<p>As for Wiggins' losing finalists, Kentucky may have missed out on the "Best Recruiting Class of All-Time," but return a few key players to add to the only recruiting class in the country that ranks better than Kansas'. That includes three Texans (Andrew Harrison, <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Aaron Harrison</a></span>, and Julius Randle) who rank in the top 6 nationally. Eat that, Texas fans. North Carolina will be fine as it always has under Roy Williams, but appear to be on the outside with regards to the 2013 title chase.</p>
<p>If there were a bigger loser than opposing Big 12 coaches, it's most definitely the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-st-seminoles">Florida St. Seminoles</a> and head coach Leonard Hamilton. Texas fans chagrined that the Longhorns lost out on Randle have to feel badly for FSU fans. Wiggins' parents (his father is ex-Houston Rocket Mitchell Wiggins) were both Florida St. alumni, and the Seminoles had already secured a commitment from Wiggins' close friend and teammate Xavier Rathan-Mayes. In short, Hamilton had put all his eggs in Wiggins' basket.</p>
<p>Now, his future with the Seminoles is as cloudy as ever. The talent level from Hamilton's more successful past iterations is quickly depleting. Senior Michael Snaer leaves after a disappointing season, following in the footsteps of past draftees <span>Chris Singleton</span> and Bernard James. Although FSU has pulled its fair share of upsets in recent years, Hamilton's track record in Tallahassee is not good. He has never finished higher than third in the conference, nor gotten past a Sweet 16. Even Rick Barnes can scoff at those accomplishments.</p>
<p>But back to matters of closer concern. The Longhorns may suck next year, but thanks in part to Wiggins' decision, the Big 12 will not. There should be some exciting basketball played in the conference next year, if Texas fans can even stomach turning on the television to watch it.</p>
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/5/14/4330740/andrew-wiggins-chooses-kansas-what-are-the-big-12-implicationsjc252013-04-30T11:03:42-05:002013-04-30T11:03:42-05:00Texas lands late 2013 hoops recruit from Detroit
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<p>A late recruit comes on board from Detroit (MI) Pershing.</p> <p>Martez Walker, a 2013 wing player from Detroit (MI) Pershing, has committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a>. The news was first broken by T.J. Kelley from <a href="http://www.ipsbasketball.com/">IPSBasketball.com</a>, a Michigan-area recruiting service. Walker becomes the fourth commitment in the 2013 class, following Isaiah Taylor, Demarcus Croaker, and Kendal Yancy.</p>
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<p>Detroit Pershing 2013 wing Martez Walker commits to Texas per his travel team @<a href="https://twitter.com/reachlegends">reachlegends</a></p>
— TJ Kelley (@scoopIPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/scoopIPS/status/329249462268592129">April 30, 2013</a>
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<p>Walker <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/4/25/4266342/2013-sg-martez-walker-why-did-the-texas-longhorns-offer">had taken an official visit</a> to Texas last week, at which point he received an offer from head coach Rick Barnes. Per Kelley, Texas assistant Rob Lanier <a href="https://twitter.com/scoopIPS/status/329254892453634050">initiated Walker's recruitment</a>. The late pursuit by Texas is reminiscent of past recruitments of players like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146215/sterling-gibbs">Sterling Gibbs</a> and Demarcus Holland. Both guards were added the prior two years after roster shakeups freed scholarship availability.</p>
<p>The Longhorns have already lost two perimeter players prior to graduation: point guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146214/myck-kabongo">Myck Kabongo</a> (declared for NBA Draft) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146211/sheldon-mcclellan">Sheldon McClellan</a> (transferred). In addition, there are questions about the future of sophomore guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146210/julien-lewis">Julien Lewis</a>, who may still end up transferring, and Croaker, who has eligibility concerns prior to enrolling at Texas.</p>
<p>Walker had late interest from schools like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/providence-friars">Providence Friars</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a>. He also held offers from mid-major schools like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/bradley-braves">Bradley Braves</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/eastern-michigan-eagles">Eastern Michigan Eagles</a>. While Walker isn't highly rated (he's not ranked in the <a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2013-Basketball/CompositeRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool">247 Composite</a>, though <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/126772/martez-walker">ESPN</a> lists him as a 3* recruit), he does possess size at 6' 5", 170 pounds, and some scoring ability. Likely, Walker will provide backup minutes at the 2 and 3, and hopefully be a plus shooter and floor spacer.</p>
<p>What Walker's commitment means for the future of Lewis and Croaker remains to be seen. For now, welcome the newest Longhorn hoopster to the 40 Acres.</p>
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/4/30/4286110/2013-sg-martez-walker-commits-to-the-texas-longhornsjc252013-04-25T14:43:09-05:002013-04-25T14:43:09-05:00Texas offers 2013 SG Martez Walker
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<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
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<p>According to multiple sources, 2013 wing guard Martez Walker from Detroit (MI) Pershing received an offer after he officially visited Texas.</p> <p>2013 wing guard Martez Walker from Detroit (MI) Pershing officially visited the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a> this past week. The news was first broken by a local area recruiting reporter, Steven Manrique. According to multiple Texas recruitniks, during the official visit, Walker received an offer from the Longhorns coaching staff.</p>
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<p>Pershing small forward Martez Walker is visiting <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Texas">#Texas</a> tomorrow. They have offered him.</p>
— Steven Manrique (@mdhsathletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/mdhsathletics/status/325712530653732867">April 20, 2013</a>
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<p>With three guards already signed in the 2013 class, it's natural to wonder why Texas is going after another guard prospect so late in the game. If no news is bad news, then the following two "non-news" items may explain why.</p>
<p>First, one of Texas' signees, wing Demarcus Croaker out of Orlando (FL) Jones, <a href="http://texas.247sports.com/Article/Complete-recruiting-update-on-Texas-Longhorn-basketball-128140">recently retook his ACTs and has yet to receive his score ($)</a>. During his official visit earlier this year, Croaker had already received what was thought to be a qualifying ACT score. It's a bit concerning that he took the test again. While Croaker has stated that he does not expect any eligibility issues, the possibility that Croaker may be ruled academically ineligible could have contributed to the Walker offer.</p>
<p>Second, rumors are still swirling that sophomore guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146210/julien-lewis">Julien Lewis</a> is on the fence about his transfer options. Fellow sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146211/sheldon-mcclellan">Sheldon McClellan</a> has already left the program, giving Lewis a prime opportunity to lock down the starting 2 guard spot with a strong summer. If Lewis were to stay and Croaker were to achieve eligibility, the duo would get perimeter minutes along with returnee DeMarcus Holland and incoming freshman Kendal Yancy. Texas head coach could also opt for three-guard sets, either when starting 3 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174555/ioannis-papapetrou">Ioannis Papapetrou</a> sits or slides up to play power forward.</p>
<p>Walker is a 3* prospect in the class that has currently taken an official visit to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a>. Per <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/texas/post?id=14318">Max Olson of ESPN HornsNation ($)</a>, Walker is also mulling visits to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/providence-friars">Providence Friars</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/central-florida-knights">Central Florida Knights</a>. It sounds like Walker is willing to wait until the May 15 Regular Signing Period deadline, or possibly beyond (in which case he would sign a financial aid agreement).</p>
<p>While he doesn't appear to be as explosive an athlete as Croaker or as solid a ball-handler as Yancy, Walker would add an additional dimension to the backcourt should he commit. He has a nice shooting stroke and looks like a high-energy player. But if Lewis decides to stay and Croaker achieves eligibility, there will be a lot of players fighting for limited minutes.</p>
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https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/4/25/4266342/2013-sg-martez-walker-why-did-the-texas-longhorns-offerjc252013-04-18T09:16:49-05:002013-04-18T09:16:49-05:00Croaker & Taylor Sign LOIs
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<p>Two of the three committed hoops seniors have sent in their LOIs, while the third is expected to sign a financial aid agreement.</p> <p>Per the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a> men's basketball Twitter feed, two committed seniors signed and faxed in their National Letters of Intent today. Wing DeMarcus Croaker from Orlando (FL) Jones and point guard Isaiah Taylor from Houston (TX) The Village both have signed.</p>
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<p>Please welcome Demarcus Croaker to the Texas Basketball family! His NLI just came in this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23SigningDay">#SigningDay</a></p>
— Texas Basketball (@TexasMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasMBB/status/324532722007678978">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Isaiah Taylor is now an official member of the Texas Basketball family! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23SigningDay">#SigningDay</a></p>
— Texas Basketball (@TexasMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasMBB/status/324603430796677123">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>A third senior, combo guard Kendal Yancy-Harris from Richardson (TX) Berkner, previously signed a LOI with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> during the early signing period in the fall. Consequently, he is not eligible to sign another LOI this year. He is expected to sign a financial aid agreement guaranteeing his scholarship for next year.</p>
<p><b>[UPDATE 11:42 a.m.]</b> Yancy-Harris is on board, and may go by just Yancy next year.</p>
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<p>Kendal Yancy is officially a Longhorn! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23SigningDay">#SigningDay</a></p>
— Texas Basketball (@TexasMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasMBB/status/324921040209854464">April 18, 2013</a>
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https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/4/18/4238570/demarcus-croaker-isaiah-taylor-sign-national-letters-of-intent-texas-longhorns-basketballjc252013-04-01T13:38:33-05:002013-04-01T13:38:33-05:00Texas hoops land third guard in 2013 class
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<p>The combo guard from Richardson (Tex.) Berkner committed after taking his official visit to Texas.</p> <p>Over the weekend, shooting guard Kendal Yancy-Harris from Richardson (Tex.) Berkner committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a>. Yancy-Harris <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/3/25/4144690/2013-sg-kendal-yancy-harris-official-visit-texas-longhorns-recruiting-rick-barnes">had taken an official visit</a> to Texas on March 28. During the visit, a couple of current Longhorns tweeted congratulations to Yancy-Harris on his commitment. Those tweets turned out to be premature, but only by a couple of days.</p>
<p>Yancy-Harris had signed a Letter of Intent to play for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> last fall, but was released from his LOI after USC fired then-head coach Kevin O'Neill. Yancy-Harris chose Texas over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a>, although the Longhorns were really the only serious contender and the lone school to receive a visit.</p>
<p>He becomes the third commitment in the class, along with point guard Isaiah Taylor from Houston (Tex.) The Village and wing DeMarcus Croaker from Orlando (Fla.) Jones. Yancy-Harris registers as a 4* prospect, ranked 82nd nationally by 247 Sports and 111th by <a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2013-Basketball/CompositeRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool">247 Composite</a>.</p>
<p>While Texas had a crowded backcourt this past year, the three guard class doesn't come as much of a surprise. Texas has already lost <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146211/sheldon-mcclellan">Sheldon McClellan</a>, who was <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/3/28/4156272/sheldon-mcclellan-requests-transfer-from-the-texas-longhorns">officially granted a transfer</a> the same day of Yancy-Harris' visit. In addition, there are rumblings that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146210/julien-lewis">Julien Lewis</a> may look around as well, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146214/myck-kabongo">Myck Kabongo</a> is more likely to declare for the NBA Draft than not.</p>
<p>That leaves the Longhorn backcourt precariously young again going into the 2013-14 season. Should Kabongo declare, rising sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174549/javan-felix">Javan Felix</a> will assume starting point guard duties. He started the first 23 games of the season while Kabongo sat due to eligibility issues. Lewis is penciled in as the shooting guard for now, but both Yancy-Harris and Croaker will compete with rising sophomore DeMarcus Holland for playing time.</p>
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/4/1/4171152/texas-longhorns-hoops-add-guard-kendal-yancy-harris-to-2013jc252013-03-25T09:07:42-05:002013-03-25T09:07:42-05:00Another 2013 guard schedules OV to Texas
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<p>The Top 100 combo guard from Richardson (Tex.) Berkner will visit Austin on March 28.</p> <p>2013 guard Kendal Yancy-Harris from Richardson (Tex.) Berkner will visit the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a> on March 28, according to multiple sources. Yancy-Harris had originally signed a Letter of Intent to play for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>, but requested and was granted a release following the firing of head coach Kevin O'Neill. He is also considering the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/baylor-bears">Baylor Bears</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a>, but his interest has almost wholly been in favor of Texas.</p>
<p>Yancy-Harris took an unofficial visit to Texas in February, when the Longhorns <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/2/8/3961250/texas-longhorns-hoops-vs-oklahoma-st-cowboys-preview-open-thread">played Oklahoma State</a>. He hasn't taken visits to any other schools. ESPN's Dave Telep reported that Yancy-Harris' decision will take place <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/dave-telep/post/_/id/3343/cleaning-out-the-notebook-11">almost immediately following his Texas visit</a> ($). In addition, 247's Jerry Meyer reported the visit date of March 28, as well as <a href="https://twitter.com/jerrymeyer247/status/315144094856929281">the expectation that the Longhorns would be the pick</a>.</p>
<p>Texas currently has two prospects committed in the 2013 class: point guard Isaiah Taylor from Houston (Tex.) The Village, and wing DeMarcus Croaker from Orlando (Fla.) Jones. Both players committed following the Early Signing Period last November, and are expected to sign LOIs in April. Should Yancy-Harris commit as well, he would not be eligible to sign an LOI (since he already signed one with USC), but would ink a financial aid agreement guaranteeing his scholarship for next year.</p>
<p>The big question with an imminent Yancy-Harris commitment is how next year's backcourt shakes out. The initial thought is that starting point guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146214/myck-kabongo">Myck Kabongo</a> is almost certainly gone, and that Barnes already expects him to declare for the NBA Draft. That would leave rising sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174549/javan-felix">Javan Felix</a> as the de facto starting 1. Note that even if Kabongo returns, Texas still has 3 available scholarships to give next season as Jaylen Bond has elected to transfer.</p>
<p>Texas also expects to return rising sophomore DeMarcus Holland, who took on a jack-of-all-trades role in the backcourt and started a few games at the 2. Rising juniors <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146210/julien-lewis">Julien Lewis</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146211/sheldon-mcclellan">Sheldon McClellan</a> are both, as of now, slated to return as well.</p>
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<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/jc_hoops">jc_hoops</a> Demarcus Croaker straight 2 guard. Looking at Kendal Yancy-Harris as point guard who can also play the 2.</p>
— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) <a href="https://twitter.com/jerrymeyer247/status/315163557815779328">March 22, 2013</a>
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<p>Per the Meyer tweet above, the expectation is that Croaker will push for playing time at shooting guard or in three-guard sets, while Harris could slide in to the combo guard role that Holland occupied this year. If all the pieces return in 2013-14, the competition for playing time in the backcourt should be extremely fierce.</p>
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/3/25/4144690/2013-sg-kendal-yancy-harris-official-visit-texas-longhorns-recruiting-rick-barnesjc252013-03-20T12:21:49-05:002013-03-20T12:21:49-05:00Julius Randle spurns Texas, commits to Kentucky
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<p>The 5* forward from Plano (Tex.) Prestonwood Christian picked Kentucky over Texas along with Kansas and Florida.</p> <p>Julius Randle, a five-star power forward from Plano (Tex.) Prestonwood Christian Academy, committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> today. He announced his decision live on ESPNU and picked Kentucky over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a>.</p>
<p>Randle sat out most of his senior season with a broken foot. However, he returned in time to lead his high school, Plano PCA, to a second consecutive Texas TAPPS State Championship. That return convinced the McDonald's All-American committee to grant him a waiver exception to play in the game, a notable achievement. A five-star prospect in the 2013 class, Randle is one of the most gifted forwards in recent history. He is almost certainly a "one-and-done" prospect that will be picked in the high lottery in the 2014 NBA Draft.</p>
<p>He has drawn comparisons to versatile 4's like Jamal Mashburn and Chris Webber. Per the <a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2013-Basketball/CompositeRankings?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool">247 Composite Rankings</a>, Randle is ranked 2nd nationally, trailing only Huntington (W. Va.) Prep's Andrew Wiggins. <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/">Burnt Orange Nation</a>'s <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2013/3/20/4123154/julius-randle-decision-commitment-prospect-texas-kentucky">Peter Bean has a great scouting report</a> on Randle, emphasized by this money quote: "Ridiculous. On every level: ridiculous."</p>
<p>For Texas, this is just the latest blow in what has been <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/1/16/3876206/texas-longhorns-basketball-should-we-leave-rick-barnes-alone">an extremely trying season</a>. Last fall, reports emerged that the Longhorns were considered a favorite in Randle's recruitment. Rick Barnes and the Longhorn coaching staff have been recruiting Randle seemingly forever, and the close proximity, level of comfort, and chance to be a local star all sounded very appealing to Randle.</p>
<p>Missing on Randle stings more than just about any lost recruitment in the Rick Barnes era. Randle was looking for a final reason to come to Texas, and the Longhorns simply could not convince him that winning was achievable in Austin.</p>
<p>The bottom line, as <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/3/19/4124924/bellmont-failing-the-texas-standard-mack-brown-deloss-dodds-chris-plonsky">Scipio Tex so recently pointed out</a>: Barnes has created a Standard that he is no longer reaching. What's the expectation? Wins and talent. In terms of performance, the last two years have been the worst in Barnes' history at Texas. Meanwhile, Barnes has increasingly been shut out of the <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/5/2/2992055/texas-high-school-basketball-state-of-the-aau-nation">Texas AAU scene</a>, and the players he has recruited have shown little indication of exponential improvement in Austin.</p>
<p>For the past two years, Texas basketball fans have been hoping that Julius Randle would be the salve to heal both wounds. It's hard to stomach that such a dream scenario will never come to pass.</p>
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/3/20/4127532/2013-5-pf-julius-randle-spurns-the-texas-longhorns-commits-to-kentuckyjc252013-03-19T16:06:41-05:002013-03-19T16:06:41-05:00Texas Hoops land 2nd commitment in 2013 class
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<p>The versatile shooting guard from Orlando (Fla.) Jones high school has officially picked Texas.</p> <p>It was a move that seemed like a long time coming. DeMarcus Croaker, a shooting guard from Orlando (Fla.) Jones, officially committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a>. The news was first reported by ESPN's Reggie Rankin.</p>
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<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/recruitingespn">recruitingespn</a>SG Demarcus Croaker has committed to Texas! Story and Analysis coming</p>
— Reggie Rankin (@ReggieRankin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReggieRankin/status/314102280234352640">March 19, 2013</a>
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<p>Croaker and Texas had been closely linked last summer, and a commitment appeared imminent after multiple unofficial visits had been scheduled for Croaker to see Austin. Those visits never materialized, with the public word that Croaker had struggled to meet standardized test score minimums that would have qualified him for admittance to Texas. Instead, Croaker committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/murray-st-racers">Murray St. Racers</a> in December.</p>
<p>A few weeks ago, Croaker decommitted from Murray St. and subsequently <a href="http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/2/27/4035394/2013-sg-demarcus-croaker-schedules-official-visit-texas-longhorns">took an official visit to Texas</a>. In interviews, Croaker mentioned other schools had reached out to him but also stated that he had not planned other official visits and was ready to decide. All signs pointed to Texas.</p>
<p>That expected commitment has become official. Croaker's commitment remains verbal until April, when the regular signing period opens. At that time, Croaker is expected to sign his Letter of Intent.</p>
<p>Croaker is <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Demarcus-Croaker-14035">ranked 89th by 247</a>, and 132nd in the 247 Composite. He played on a stacked AAU team, Florida Elite, alongside 5* talents Chris Walker and Kasey Hill, as well as Kansas signee Joel Embiid. His high school program went just 10-17 on the year, though Croaker did miss a handful of games due to a perhaps unfair suspension. He received two technicals in one game for hanging on the rim after a dunk, triggering the suspension.</p>
<p>While he's not that highly ranked by the recruiting services, <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/basketball/2013/3/19/4124748/demarcus-croaker-commits-texas-longhorns-2013-scouting-report">Blake B. at Burnt Orange Nation</a> is a huge fan and considers him a top 50 prospect in the class:</p>
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<p>Croaker is a veritable freak athlete (41-inch vertical) and will be on plenty of highlight reels throughout his tenure at Texas.</p>
<p>He's also a very good ball handler who could easily spend some time at the point if need be. I don't think I'd call him a combo guard, but he can definitely get into the lane and drop dimes when his teammates are open.[...]</p>
<p>He has a sweet stroke, and is the rare three-level scorer nowadays that can score at the rim, from midrange, and from behind the arc. He's probably not a pure shooter quite yet, but his pull-up game is pure butter.</p>
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<p>If Croaker can score, he'll find a place in the rotation very quickly. He joins a crowded backcourt that includes freshman DeMarcus Holland and sophomores <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146211/sheldon-mcclellan">Sheldon McClellan</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146210/julien-lewis">Julien Lewis</a>. In that mix, if Croaker gets playing time, he will have earned those minutes the hard way.</p>
<p>Croaker becomes the second--and possibly final--member of the 2013 recruiting class, joining point guard Isaiah Taylor from Houston The Village. The Longhorns are still recruiting 5* power forward Julius Randle, who will announce his decision tomorrow.</p>
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2013/3/19/4124916/texas-longhorns-land-a-commitment-from-2013-sg-demarcus-croakerjc25