ACC Basketball Recruiting Roundup March 10

One day before the ACC Tournament begins, let’s take a quick trip around the league to see what the latest recruiting news has to offer.

Clemson

Kendall Williams (SG, 6′2″, 2010) has chosen to play at New Mexico, picking the Lobos over Clemson despite Clemson’s best efforts to land him. Clemson has already gotten a commitment from Marcus Thornton (SF, 6′7″, 2010) for the class but is still looking to land Juco forward Ricardo Ratcliff (PF, 6′9″, 2010). Ratcliff is also considering Arkansas, Missouri, and Alabama.

Virginia

Virginia has already pulled a large class for 2010 and is still looking to bring in more. With James Johnson (C, 6′8″, 2010) anchoring the class that includes K.T. Harrell (SG, 6′3″, 2010), Will Regan (C, 6′8″, 2010), Joe Harris (SG, 6′5″, 2010), Billy Baron (PG, 6′1″, 2010), and Akil Mitchell (PF, 6′7″, 2010), the Cavaliers will be looking to bring in a major new look next season. 2011 is still wide open for the Cavs.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest is in the top three for Tyler Olander (PF, 6′9″, 2010), who is also being pursued by Virginia but doesn’t list them as a favorite. Wake’s main competition for Olander is UConn (he’s from Storrs, CT) and Florida. Wake already has commits from Carson Derosiers (C, 6′11″, 2010), Travis McKie (SF, 6′6″, 2010), J.T. Terrell (SG, 6′3″, 2010), Melvin Tabb (PF, 6′8″, 2010), and Tony Chennault (PG, 6′1″, 2010).

North Carolina

This year’s North Carolina team has had to deal with unexpected losses on the court and the whispers about talented recruits coming in next year. Without a doubt, UNC is loading up on guards and wings with possible one-and-done superstar Harrison Barnes (SF, 6′6″, 2010), along with Reggie Bullock (SG, 6′6″, 2010) and Kendall Marshall (PG, 6′3″, 2010). These players will have to shore up a depleted backcourt and try to get the ball in to the UNC big men.

Duke

The pride of the 2010 class for the Blue Devils is Kyrie Irving (PG, 6′2″, 2010), who also might be gone after one year. Duke also landed Josh Hairston (PF, 6′8″, 2010) and Tyler Thornton (PG, 6′2″, 2010), both solid players who should see court time quickly.

Maryland

Maryland missed on Tobias Harris but landed Mychal Parker (SF, 6′6″, 2010) , Terrell Stoglin (SG, 6′0″, 2010), and Ashton Pankey(PF, 6′8″, 2010). Pe-Shon Howard (PG, 6′2″, 2010) is also in the class but it’s unlikely he’ll be able to step in and replace Vasquez’s output by himself. Maryland also has a commitment from Hankur Palsson (SF, 6′6″, 2010).

We’ll cover more of the ACC next, and work in our coverage of the first round of the ACC Tournament (in person).