The Big East’s basketball dominance always prompts the question, “Who’s next?” Despite realignment shockwaves and a shaky future for the conference, the Big East is still attracting the most talented players in the country.- Follow The Fizz on Twitter for the latest SU recruiting news
The dust is settling on the 2012 recruiting/signing season, and The Fizz reveals its top 5 most talented players in the class, starting with number five:
5) Omar Calhoun/ SG/ UConn
Calhoun walks the same path from the Big Apple to Connecticut that Kemba Walker did. It’s hard to say if he’ll play Kemba-level ball, but he does deliver on an elite shooting ability. As The Fizz has pointed out, Calhoun is deadly from the key, and when he isn’t shooting the ball, he’s finding someone who can. The bottom line with Omar is that he’s versatile, can shoot better than most, and is the authority of this recruiting class on ball movement. He’ll fit well into Jim Calhoun’s (no relation) offense.
4) Kris Dunn/ PG/ Providence
Dunn is Part I of what is one of the most groundshaking recruiting duo in Providence history.¬†Teamed up with Ricardo Ledo¬†under first year HC Ed Cooley, Dunn brings his leadership from New London, where he continues to set records in his senior season. Dunn is the second best point guard prospect in the country, and for good reason: he averages over 25 points per game at New London. Plus, he’s potent in the lane, finding space and putting himself and his teammates in scoring position. Anyone who makes room for Ledo to score is invaluable, as we’ll see next season.
3) Dajuan “DC 2.0” Coleman/ C/ Syracuse
Landing the Jamesville-Dewitt big man was a recruiting coup for Jim Boehiem, and Coleman is not going anywhere despite the Bernie Fine scandal. He’s undoubtedly Syracuse’s best incoming player, and he represents SU’s continuing ability to land impact players. He’s a big target under post and cuts out lots of space where it counts. Coleman is also becoming leaner and faster, and hopefully the next interior force for the Orange. He’s one half of an incredible big man rivalry transitioning to the ACC, because…
2) Steven Adams/ C/ Pitt
The Fizz puts Adams at #2 only because he’s still accumulating experience on American basketball courts. The on-court battles between Adams and DC in the new ACC could be epic (depending on how long each stays in school). The New Zealand native had to finish at least 2 years in an American high school to be NCAA eligible after a Panthers assistant visited New Zealand, watched him workout, and said very simply:¬†“I want you to come and play for Pitt in 2012.”¬†Adams’ size lends to his impressive physicality at 6’10” 210 pounds. Pitt coaches believe he’s still growing and will end up at 7-feet. He follows in a long line of physical big men for the Panthers. He’s adept at getting to the basket, and plays with fierce athleticism. He rocked the scoreboard at a recent Team USA game, posting 37 points and 14 rebounds. Adams joins James Robinson, a top 60 guard prospect, in the ‘Burgh as one of the better recruiting pairs in Pitt history and a top 10 class in the country.
1) Ricardo Ledo/ SG/ Providence
Ricky Ledo is far and away the best player-to-be in the Big East. Needless to say, Ledo is Part II of the best recruiting class the Friars have ever had. He plays pure basketball, and finds ways to get the ball in the basket. He has a deadly accurate shot, supreme passing ability, and an aggressive dribble. ESPN’s scouts say “Ledo’s talents are virtually limitless.” ¬†He gets by defenders one-by-one, knocking them down systematically. In the rare case that he needs help, his instincts to find open teammates come naturally. Ricky Ledo is a potential superstar and why he’s¬†The Fizz’s top recruit¬†of the 2012 Big East class.
Posted: Jake Moskowitz
