Powell is a dynamic shooting guard that is getting a lot of attention; specifically from schools such as: UCLA, Arizona State, California and most importantly SDSU. ESPN has rated the 4-Star at 93, but that may go higher as he continues to improve his play. From my perspective it’s no-brainer; he would fit perfectly into the Fisher schematic. Ostensibly, he possesses the prototypical characteristics that Fisher looks for: athleticism, quickness and a basketball savvy.
Hopefully Powell will be paying attention to this years SDSU team; that team will give pause to anyone who is on the recruiting radar of SDSU. This team is poised to go deep and rise Nationally in the ranks as well garner huge attention from the “elite” media. As a shooting guard he would serve well under James Rohan for the first year, than take over as the starter for at least three years (assuming he does not go Pro).
Powell has some good schools to select from; but, honestly, SDSU is by far the best on the list. Why? Considering the momentum alone is enough to sell any athlete. Xavier Thomas was quoted as saying: “it’s the place to be” when he finally made his decision. Also, SDSU ‘s ascension in the ranks of top 25 programs has lent itself a reputation that draws the attention of all super-star recruits, Powell is no exception. With a state-of-the-art athletic complex; championship runs and regular appearances in the NCAA tournament, why would Powell consider going anywhere else.
The 2011 schedule also will mark the first time since 2007 that the Aztecs play at least two power conference teams (Michigan and Washington State) in the same season. Since then, SDSU has taken a different approach to scheduling, limiting itself to one power conference opponent in an effort to increase its chances of winning more games and earning a bowl berth.
3-Star Xavier Thames decides that SDSU is the place to be. Another point guard will certainly add the needed depth at that position. Losing Richie Williams two years ago left SDSU with a void at the Point Guard position. Now, with labradford Franklin and Xavire Thames at the helm, SDSU has secured strength at the valuable position of Point Guard for years to follow.
Xaier was a coveted recruit; receiving interest from UCLA, St. Marys, Arizona including SDSU. ESPN’s write up on Xavier was favorable; here is an excerpt:
“Thames is one of the top sleepers in the class of 2009. He is a combo-guard with very good quickness and speed with the ball. In addition, he has a solid frame with fairly long arms. Thames is much more of a scorer at this point, but he will find the open man as well. He has a quick first step to the basket and possesses a real knack to score or draw the foul in traffic.”
Xavier Thames statistics fro 2009 while playing for Washington:
Kyle Caudill was once committed to Arizona State but decided to back out and rethink his recruitment. The Brea (Calif.) Brea Olinda center said making a commitment so early was a teenager’s decision. But that doesn’t mean the Sun Devils still aren’t being seriously considered by Caudill, a 6-foot-11, 260-pound recruit who was one of the better players at the Double Pump May Tournament last weekend in Carson, Calif. “I was committed there and that’s still a possibility for me,” Caudill said. “I love coach (Herb) Sendek but I just kind of rushed into a decision the first time. I’m still really looking at them. “They’re definitely not out. They’re still very much alive. I just made a 16-year-old decision.”
Arizona State, Harvard, Oregon State and San Diego State have offered Caudill and he said all four programs are under serious consideration.
He visited with the Beavers last fall and especially likes coach Craig Robinson and his staff. Harvard stands out because of its academics and coach Tommy Amaker. San Diego State has recently gotten involved and Caudill plans to take an unofficial visit there sometime soon. And Arizona State is sticking around.
“Right now it’s still pretty open,” Caudill said. “I’m still waiting to see how the summer goes and then I’ll probably narrow it down after that.” Caudill is hoping more coaches could see him this summer and then other schools could get involved. Already Stanford, Notre Dame, California and Wake Forest are showing interest but none of those four programs have offered yet.
First it was Andy Katz from ESPN giving the Aztecs some well-deserved respect by naming them as a preseason top 25 team. Now, ESPN’s Pat Forde has included SDSU on his list of teams to watch in 2010-11. SDSU is on a list that contains 24 of the nations elite teams. No other team in California is mentioned on this list.
From associatedcontent.com: “The Aztecs had one of their best teams last season, and they have been steadily improving for several years now. The Aztecs may not make it to the big dance, but I see them pushing into the Elite Eight next year.”
I’ve been following this team for 20 years now and its about time SDSU is getting the recognition its deserves. Its long over due but as they say better late than never.