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DEL.ICIO.USSouth Atlanta basketball star Favors embarks on recruiting tour
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Like most of the top basketball recruits in the state, South Atlanta center Derrick Favors will travel around the country this month playing in front of hundreds of college coaches.
College coaches are allowed by the NCAA to watch players during a July evaluation period.
South Atlanta coach Michael Reddick said as soon as he can catch up with Favors, his 6-foot-9 All-American center, they will sit down to begin trimming his list of potential colleges. Reddick said they likely will trim to at least six schools before classes begin on Aug. 11.
He said that Georgia and Georgia Tech are still in the hunt for Favors, who averaged 23.7 points, 17.1 rebounds and 9.1 blocked shots last season.
“My phone has been ringing off the hook,” Reddick said. “We haven’t eliminated anybody so far.”
Favors is not the only top undecided player in the state. Between AAU tournaments and summer camps, we caught up with some of the area’s top prospects:
•Fayette County guard/forward Noel Johnson has Georgia Tech very high on his list, according to his father, Cheese Johnson, a former professional player.
In addition to the Yellow Jackets, the 6-foot-7 Johnson also is interested in Southern Cal, Louisville, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. Cheese Johnson said they will narrow the list by the end of the summer.
“They are all kind of [in the running] right now,” Cheese Johnson said. “We like the way all those coaches have developed players. Location is not a problem. I went from growing up in New York to playing college ball in Kansas.”
•Miller Grove point guard Mfon Udofia said he probably will trim his list on July 22. The 6-foot-3 Udofia is rated the No. 30 prospect in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 5 point guard.
He said he is interested in Georgia Tech, Florida, Wake Forest, Texas and Virginia. He said Georgia backed off because it had enough point guards, but that he would listen if the Bulldogs called.
ON SECOND THOUGHT: After committing to play at Ohio State, McEachern junior guard Trae Golden has decided to re-open the recruiting process this summer.
Last week, he backed off the commitment and informed Buckeyes coach Thad Matta of his decision.
“I just want to see what else is out there,” Golden said. “I keep hearing the recruiting process is crazy.”
Ohio State, Florida, Georgia and Georgia Tech are under consideration. Although North Carolina and UCLA haven’t offered, Golden said he has talked with the schools and would be interested.
CHASING ANOTHER RING: Norcross senior Taariq Muhammad said he was happy with the school promoting assistant coach Jesse McMillan to the head coaching position after Eddie Martin left to coach at GAC.
“It makes for a smooth transition,” said Muhammad, a heavily recruited point guard on two of the school’s last three championship teams. “We are just going to stay consistent and do what we have to do.”
Muhammad is trying to trim his college choices between Auburn, South Carolina, Miami, Oregon, Southern Cal, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Penn State, Minnesota and Tennessee.
FOR YOUR THOUGHTS ONLY: Football season is around the corner, but basketball is a year-round sport. What player or team impressed you the most during the summer leagues? What player or team is poised for a real big year?
Permalink | Comments (52) | Post your comment | Categories: Basketball
Comments
By Rick S
July 11, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
It is vital that Georgia begin signing more highly recruited In-state High School Basketball players as too many are electing to leave the state to attend other Universities. Why? My opinion is until the prospects begin seeing evidence that UGA is totally committed to building a championship caliber basketball program which includes a new basketball arena, Georgia will remain low on many of the top recruits list. A new basetball arena is a MUST!
By pj
July 11, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
It’s a good sign that most of those guys mentioned Georgia on their lists. You think that Tourney win and subsequent national coverage didn’t help?
As soon as we’re done bringing in miscreants and thugs that have been on our roster, we might have a really good team by 2010.
By pj
July 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
It’s a good sign that most of those guys mentioned Georgia on their lists. You think that Tourney win and subsequent national coverage didn’t help?
As soon as we’re done bringing in miscreants and thugs that have been on our roster, we might have a really good team by 2010.
By Ben Moore
July 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Yep and by 2010 Georgia State will be in the NCAA Tourney and both Georgia Tech and UGA will have fired their basketball coaches.
Go Panthers!
By Brian
July 11, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
UGA needs to get Udofia and Favors to go with current commit Demario Mayfield. If not, then Torin Walker looks like a possibility or Richard Howell. It will take 3 PG’s (Swansey, Ware, and Udofia) to amount to what Sundiata Gaines was to the team…
By KevinM
July 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Okay, Derrick, you write that he backed out of his OSU verbal, yet you list OSU with Tech and Georgia. Does this make sense? I have heard rumblings about Kentucky, but they aren’t listed. They were an original favorite a couple of years ago.
By Michael
July 11, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with the first comment…the Stegaosaurus needs to be replaced. Damon Evans also needs to get the indoor facility Coach Richt wants build ASAP.
By dmahone6365
July 11, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Brian It seems that Ware and Swansey are the PGs of the future. I know the UGA staff is high on Ware and that is probably why they backed off on Mfon. But like Mfon said, it is not too late if they decide to get back in on him.
KevinM Trae hasn’t ruled out Ohio State, and he very well may end up a Buckeye. He still list OSU on his list along with the other schools. I saw Kentucky on a recruiting site, but he didn’t mention them to me when we talked on Wednesday.
By dmahone6365
July 11, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Brian It seems that Ware and Swansey are the PGs of the future. I know the UGA staff is high on Ware and that is probably why they backed off on Mfon. But like Mfon said, it is not too late if they decide to get back in on him.
KevinM Trae hasn’t ruled out Ohio State, and he very well may end up a Buckeye. He still list OSU on his list along with the other schools. I saw Kentucky on a recruiting site, but he didn’t mention them to me when we talked on Wednesday.
By Michael
July 11, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with the first comment…the Stegaosaurus needs to be replaced. Damon Evans also needs to get the indoor facility Coach Richt wants build ASAP.
By will
July 11, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I think GT will get Derrick Favors, Mfon Udofia, and Noel Johnson. They are leading for Johnson and Udofia and I doubt Favors will pick UGA over GT. GT will be loaded in 09.
By GTbball
July 11, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
GT will land Favors, Udofia, Rice Jr, Noel Johnson, and many other top in state recruits for the ‘09 class. This will be CPH’s best haul yet. Things are looking up for our program after 4 hard years of trying find a steady PG (we havent had a starting PG return for back to back seasons since ‘04.
UGA will be a mediocre team for the next 5 years until they hire a new coach. Felton just cant get it done.
I can almost promise you Favors and Noel Johnson are a package deal to GT.
By jp
July 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I”m sorry but you guys prob didn’t attend GT because you’d realize that right now UGA is a superior program to GT. They are just better off in bball right now. More talent from top to bottom than GT. I seriously doubt GT lands all of those guys. We can get mfon and Noel but the others are seriously doubtful. CPH is not a great recruiter. And as getting it done is concerned, CPH is not a better coach than Felton. Felton gets it done with less talent in an inferior arena and at a football school. I would right now take felton over hewitt.
By Will
July 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
J.P. I am assuming you’re joking right. UGA does not even have close to the talent GT does this year and GT leads for Mfon, Noel and are in good position with Favors so there is a good chance we sign all. If you’re not joking you’re a dumbshit.
By Ernest
July 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Derrick:
Hope all is well with you and your family! Thanks for talking hoops during the summer.
I agree with will and GTbball, I think this will be the year CPH brings in a strong recruiting class with a local flavor. He is due given some of the challenges he’s had the past few years. Add to that, I believe these young men will stay at least 2 years, if not longer. All Tech will need is a ‘wide body’ to bang down low and it will be icing on the cake.
I caught a few summer league games at ML King and came away impressed by Tucker. Manny Atkins effortlessly drained 3’s from the outside. I think he is going to have a great season. Manny along with Mfon should be the top bball players in 6AAAA this year.
By BravesFan79
July 11, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Im glad that everyone is now seeing what i see. And thats that GT could be VERY good in 2009!
Gt will be good this year as well. UGA will be middle of the pack in the SEC at best.
GO GT!!
By BravesFan79
July 11, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
GO GT!
By 3 Rivers jacket
July 11, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
What about Brian oliver. Is he in the fold at least verbally. We need a great year to get back with the elite where we belong.
By GTbball
July 11, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
JP…are you retarded or just plain stupid?
GT is MUCH more talented than UGAy this year. Its really not even close. I dont know where your looking but you must be delusional.
UGA will finish below .500 this year and will finish last in the SEC overall. They just dont have the firepower. UGA has some good young post players but other than that, theres nothing there.
As far as recruiting goes…. GT leads for, Rice Jr, Udofia, Holsey, and Johnson. We are co-leaders for Boynton and Favors.
UGA will be getting a commitment soon from Miller, who is a project at best. I wonder why they offered Miller in the first place?….hmmm.
Put away your pipe UGA fans, GT basketball is about to explode again…we are a program on the rise, back from where we came from.
By Pensacola Dog
July 11, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
GTbball, what tournament did yall play this past year? Oh thats right none!!!!!Nuf said
By Will
July 11, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Yeah congrats for winning the weak SEC. If UGA was in the ACC they would have lost in the first round. How the hell can can Felton be a better coach then Hewitt when Hewitt has been to 3 NCAA tourneys in the last 5 years and UGA has been to 1? Still hardly any elite prospect want to go to UGA.
By LawDawg
July 11, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe how delusional Nerd Herd hoop fans are. Are you all that stupid? Hewitt could be the worst bench coach in the country. UGA has as much talent if not more than the Nerds. Their future looks brighter too. The Dawgs only lost one player on the roster, developed several good first year players, and have a better incoming class than the wannaBees. To say that “GT will be loaded in ‘09” is a very VERY comical indeed, much like the 20 year old GT student who is advertising he has never kissed a girl and has dated online for 5 years! Nerds = Losers….Face the facts and reserve your spot for an early exit from the ACC tourney and playing on the road in a NIT game (if lucky).
By Will
July 11, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe how stupid you are Lawdawg. I stopped reading after you said you only lost one starter. You lost Gaines, Humprey got kicked off the team and JJ was going to start this year and he tranfered. If GT landed Favors, Boynton, Udofia, Johnson, Holsey and Oliver to go along with Lawal, Shumpert, Miller, and Peacock how would that team not be loaded? And how could Hewitt be the worst bench coach in the country when we have been to 3 NCAA’s in the last 5 years and have been to the national championship. I guess I will give you a break since you’re a stupid trailer-park redneck. Have fun being one of the worst teams in the country this year.
By Will
July 11, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe how stupid you are Lawdawg. I stopped reading after you said you only lost one starter. You lost Gaines, Humprey got kicked off the team and JJ was going to start this year and he tranfered. If GT landed Favors, Boynton, Udofia, Johnson, Holsey and Oliver to go along with Lawal, Shumpert, Miller, and Peacock how would that team not be loaded? And how could Hewitt be the worst bench coach in the country when we have been to 3 NCAA’s in the last 5 years and have been to the national championship. I guess I will give you a break since you’re a stupid trailer-park redneck. Have fun being one of the worst teams in the country this year.
By blac
July 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Grayson formerly of Druid hills now at DHS is a sleeper. Don’t worry about size, he’s a player. Think of DJ Augustine, but a better shooter and athlete. He’s better than Muhammed. He’s behind Udofia. Nuff said. I ve been watching him the last three years.
By Lou
July 12, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
I don’t think you can really say UGA had a better class than GT this past year either (which would have been a first). UGA got Howard Thompkins who is a very good player but is no Thaddeus Young, Derrick Favors, etc. GT had 1 recruit a very good Iman Shumpert maybe a little more high profile than Thompkins, but still no Thaddeus, Favors, etc. Then UGA filled the rest of their roster with players who would not see the floor at GT (maybe travis leslie but would be a role player at that). We will then use those extra scholarships on the likes of hopefully Boynton, Favors, Johnson, Udofia, Rice, or Holsey (5 out of the 6). And just looking at the PGs can explain how G Tech recruits and how UGA recruits: GT will take the Marburys, Crittentons, Jacks, Millers, Udofias, Boyntons, Brandon Knights of the world while UGA will take the Mayfields, Wares, Swanseys, etc. Lawdawg just shut the hell up, you obviously no nothing you stupid backwoods hick.
By Lou
July 12, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
know*
By Chief
July 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Here we go again…Who’s got the better program, players, recruits, coach, etc. During their past 8 meetings UGA is 5-3 against Tech. You don’t need a slide rule to figure this one out. Go dawgs!
By eb
July 12, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Tech better get Favors and a couple of other top-flight recruits if Hewitt wants to keep his job.
By eb
July 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Tech better get Favors and a couple of other top-flight recruits if Hewitt wants to keep his job.
By Will
July 12, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Who’s the better program?? GT is 100-84 against UGA in basketball overall.
By Chief
July 12, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
* TO WILL *
If you want to go back to the dark ages when set-shots were the rage to see who has the most wins then I’ll concede it to you. But if you look at the past 8 years (you know, modern times), then UGA is the better team. Slam dunk!
By Devil Lover
July 12, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks for talking about bball already. I am sorry to inform Norcross HS’s competition that this will not be a rebuilding year. The devils went undefeated during the summer league and I am predicting that they will keep their approx. 5 yr undefeated record at home in tact this yr.
OK wheeler, you will be the no. 1 team by all of the ajc prognosticators when the season starts but keep looking over our shoulder, because Norcross will be moving up and you might get a chance to stop our three year run and two yr run at beating you.
By blac
July 12, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
who Norcross recruited now. Where are the real playerrs. I guess martin moved to where he can recruit now at a private school. He used Aminu and couldn’t win without him. Some coach. When going gets tough the recruiting coach gets going!!
By blac
July 12, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
who Norcross recruited now. Where are the real playerrs. I guess martin moved to where he can recruit now at a private school. He used Aminu and couldn’t win without him. Some coach. When going gets tough the recruiting coach gets going!!
By BravesFan79
July 12, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
GT will be a top 30 team next season and a top 10 team in 2009!!
UGA better at hoops??
GT= Chris Bosh, Marbury,Travis Best, Crinnention, Young, Harpring, Mark Price, Jack, John Salley, ect…..
UGA= Dominique back in 1980…. haha
No one CARES about hoops at UGA…and UGA’s fans prove this everytime they blog because its clear knowledge of basketball is seriously lacking.
I predict GT will be better this year than the year we had Crinnenton and “throw it up and hope for the best” Young.
Provided Dickey stays healthy…i think people are really underestimating the influence a 5th year big man will have on the team. And dude can flat out score!
By Robham
July 13, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
Seriously? Neither program is looking good. GT has a better basketball history, no question. As far as future is concerned, UGA is hoping to build on a surprising SEC tourney run and a decent recruit (one). Great. Many teams can bring in a player or go on a run. As for GT, it better have a good recruiting class, at least for Hewitt’s sake, or things are going to look down for a while. Bottom line, no matter what else happens Favors will determine the strength of the 09’ class.
By Fed UP!
July 13, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this
Lets hope D Favors has enough respect and love for his City (i heard living close to his family is important to him) to go and help GT get very far in the NCAA tourney…. and i doubt Shumpert will leave if he knows Favors is coming in…. we will be LOADED!!
Um…. Robham…. GT will be pretty good this year with a 5th year motivated center in the lane,,,,TRUST ME! and for the first time in 4 years we have a returning pt guard.
By Robham
July 13, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Since when was Dickey ever motivated Fed UP? He plays when he wants to.
By 82DAWG
July 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter who Georgia signs, Felton will either force them from the team or they will be kicked off. History is the best indicator of future results. No reason believe that this will change now.
By LawDawg
July 13, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
To Will and the other wannaBees:
I guarantee I know more about hoops than any of you socially inept, cubicle residing Nerds. Why on Earth would Favors want to play for a bunch of p**-color wearing under achievers when he could go to a MUCH better and higher profile program? Why would he want to play at that crud hole (The Big Mac-arena) that only holds about 9000?..I’ll take Swansey and Ware above any PG you clowns have and the big man Price above any post players you have. We also filled the needs with the class coming in. I think most people (other than the purely biased, assanine Nerd fans) reading this blog would also say Felton is a better all around bench couch than ole mouth-agape Hewitt. Because I truly think UGA is better off at hoops right NOW, and I like the Dawgs, that makes me a trailer trash redneck? Grow up little boy, and move out of momma’s basement. I’ve got news for you: 80% of this state pulls for UGA over the Nerds. You have got an uphill battle in your name calling wars.
By Davey
July 13, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Lawdog…. You really don’t even follow recruiting do you? Their is no way you guys get Favors. He’s no longer considering UGA. Plus it has been rumored that him and Noel Johnson want to go to Tech together. BTW tech leads for Johnson…. I’m willing to bet my fanhood that he doesn’t go to UGA. The other schools going after Favors are Duke and Memphis.
Also you guys can have Swansey and Ware. Miller and Shumpert are much better players. I think most UGA fans would agree with me on that.
By robham
July 13, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Kammeon Holsey committed to Tech today.
By Devil Lover
July 13, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
NORCROSS IMPRESSED ME THE MOST THIS SUMMER DURING THE SUMMER LEAGUE. UNDEFEATED AND ALMOST NOT CHALLENGED. THEY DON’T HAVE A BIG MAN OR BIG SCORER LIKE YEARS PAST BUT THEY HAVE TEN GUYS WHO CAN RUN, JUMP AND PLAY GOOD BALL. THEY WILL START WITH TWO 6’7” PLAYERS AND AND THREE GOOD OUTSIDE SHOOTERS AND BALL HANDLERS. tHEY SHOULD WIN THEIR REGION AND THEN IT WILL BE UP TO THEM HOW FAR THEY GO IN STATE TOURNAMENT. SINCE COACH MAC WAS CLOSER TO THE PLAYERS THAN MARTIN I EXPECT SOME REAL POSITIVE ENERGY THIS YR.
By Devil Lover
July 13, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
NORCROSS IMPRESSED ME THE MOST THIS SUMMER DURING THE SUMMER LEAGUE. UNDEFEATED AND ALMOST NOT CHALLENGED. THEY DON’T HAVE A BIG MAN OR BIG SCORER LIKE YEARS PAST BUT THEY HAVE TEN GUYS WHO CAN RUN, JUMP AND PLAY GOOD BALL. THEY WILL START WITH TWO 6’7” PLAYERS AND AND THREE GOOD OUTSIDE SHOOTERS AND BALL HANDLERS. tHEY SHOULD WIN THEIR REGION AND THEN IT WILL BE UP TO THEM HOW FAR THEY GO IN STATE TOURNAMENT. SINCE COACH MAC WAS CLOSER TO THE PLAYERS THAN MARTIN I EXPECT SOME REAL POSITIVE ENERGY THIS YR.
By GTA
July 13, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Holsey committed this morning, yet we still haven’t gotten an article on it in our “hometown” paper, I bet we get one in the Macon paper before we get one in Atlanta.
By Will
July 14, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Yes lawdog that makes you a trailer trash redneck that f*** your cousin. Why would any body want to go to Tech get a great education, play in the ACC, compete for a championship and live in Atlanta. LMAO How can Felton be a better coach then Hewitt? Hewitt has taken GT to the NC game and has been to the tourney 3 of the last 5 years. Why would you take Swansey and Ware over Miller, Shumpert and Clinch? Because you’re a homer and you truly know that UGA guards aren’t on GT’s level. You beat Ware and Swansy over Div II programs while Shumpert Miller and Clinch had offers from Memphis Duke UNC ect. UGA hoops is a joke and now big time prospect want to go there.
By Kevin M
July 14, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Hey Will, Please remind me who won the head to head matchup this year. Also, please tell me who kicks tech’s a* in pretty much every major sport. Hmm… seems to me like somebody has absolutely no room to talk. And oh ya, living in downtown atl is definitely a selling point as opposed to living in a gorgeous college town like athens.
By Will
July 14, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Yea Kevin UGA only beats GT when GT loses all their players to the NBA while all UGA players are losers and get kicked off the team. How come 5 and 4 stars are intrested in GT and not UGA?
By APS alum 06
July 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
I played against Favors and Mfon in their region my last yr in high school. Both kids are beast. I say Mfon chooses GT as he will have a better shot at PT earlier. Kids from South Atlanta are highly touted players but when it comes down to the academics…they dont have it. Hence the likes of Vincent Banks, Rapheal Wimby. So Favors grades better be good enough to get into a tech or UGA otherwise this conversation is null and void.
By Devil Lover
July 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Derrick. I guess management did not want you to do a basketball blog during the summer so them buried you.
Keep up the good work.
By SCOUTOFTHEYEAR
August 12, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
WHATS UP FELLAS.. IMA BE EZ NOW, BUT AS THE SEASON HEATS UP.. SO WILL I.. IMA GIVE IT TO YALL LIKE THIS 4 NOW..
SOUTH ATLANTA STARTING 5
PG- 6’0” NICK WATKINS - UNDECIDED SG- 6’2” JUSTIN GALLOWAY - UNDECIDED SF- 6’5” ANDRE MALONE - (AUBURN) PF- 6’9” DERRICK FAVORS - UNDECIDED C - 6’9” NICK JACOBS - SOPHOMORE