Black Shoe Diaries - Penn State Basketball Recruiting: July Evaluation Period DiaryDOMINATE THE STATEhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47529/blackshoediaries_fave.png2014-07-31T09:00:08-04:00http://www.blackshoediaries.com/rss/stream/56535862014-07-31T09:00:08-04:002014-07-31T09:00:08-04:00Hoops Recruiting: Post-July 2015 Big Board
<figure>
<img alt=""Hold me back Keith, or else I'll do ALL of the recruiting."" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cCh6qSrIYE1SeBPdA5V6kD1e8F0=/0x70:4000x2737/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36291916/20140212_pjc_bl4_278.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"Hold me back Keith, or else I'll do ALL of the recruiting." | Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>So much hoops 'crootin news we had to save the 2016 update for another day.</p> <p>It's nitty-gritty time for the high school senior class. Offers are going out, lists are getting trimmed, and Pat Chambers and his staff are making their final pushes before the early signing period in mid-November. <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/pages/basketball-scholarship-matrix" target="_blank">The Nittany Lions have one scholarship to work with</a> at the moment and have their sights set on some new names after the end of the July live period. First, a look at how the current crop of commits performed over the last month.</p>
<p>Also, if you missed any of our previous July grassroots coverage, <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/10/5889545/penn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-evaluation-period-diary-mike-watkins-josh-reaves-pat-chambers" target="_blank">check out our StoryStream</a>.</p>
<h4>2015 - 1 scholarships available</h4>
<h5>Commits</h5>
<h5></h5>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;">PLAYER</th> <th style="text-align: center;">HOMETOWN</th> <th style="text-align: center;">POSITION</th> <th style="text-align: center;">STARS</th> <th style="text-align: center;">NOTES</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Michael-Watkins-33607">Michael Watkins</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Philadelphia, PA</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Math, Civics & Sciences HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Team Philly</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Forward/Center</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'8"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">225</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/6/12/4424884/oh-hello-2015-pa-pf-c-michael-watkins-commits-to-penn-state">
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">Committed</div>
</a>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/6/12/4424884/oh-hello-2015-pa-pf-c-michael-watkins-commits-to-penn-state">
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">6/12/13</div>
</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Deividas-Zemgulis-58957" target="_blank">Deividas Zemgulis</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Leonardtown, MD (via Lithuania)</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: St. Mary's Ryken HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: n/a</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Small Forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'6"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">220</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/6/12/4424884/oh-hello-2015-pa-pf-c-michael-watkins-commits-to-penn-state"> </a>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/5/12/5712006/oh-hello-2015-md-sf-deividas-zemgulis-commits-to-penn-state-basketball-recruiting" target="_blank">
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">Committed</div>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">5/12/14</div>
</div>
</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/6/12/4424884/oh-hello-2015-pa-pf-c-michael-watkins-commits-to-penn-state"> </a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Reaves-34807">Josh Reaves</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Fairfax, VA</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Oak Hill Academy</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Team Takeover</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Shooting Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'4"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">185</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/1/5691658/josh-reaves-penn-state-recruiting-basketball-commits-doworkpat" target="_blank">
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">Committed</div>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">7/1/14</div>
</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>It was a quiet final weekend for both Mike Watkins and Josh Reaves, the latter of whom <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jreaves23/status/492830951266070528">suffered an apparent injury</a> (presumably playing for Team Takeover in Atlanta) which kept him out of the month's final action. Penn State's latest commit averaged <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nikeeyb.com/eyblfinals?id=1258154-boxscores">15 minutes in five games</a> at the Nike Peach Jam, a shame considering how well Reaves played at the Ty Lawson/Victor Oladipo camp just a week earlier (<a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/1h6z2FVdU-0">highlights here</a>).</p>
<p>Watkins was also in Atlanta from July 17th-20th, playing for Team Philly at the Under Armour Finals, and Chambers was there to take in another strong performance from his future power forward:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Danny Manning, Pat Chambers, and Lorenzo Romar + scores of assistants about to check out Team Philly and Team Superstar (CA). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAFinals?src=hash">#UAAFinals</a></p>
— HoopSeen (@hoopseen) <a href="https://twitter.com/hoopseen/statuses/489562202677186560">July 17, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Been impressed with the toughness & motor of 6'9 '15 Mike Watkins of Team Philly. Penn State got a good one <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAFinals?src=hash">#UAAFinals</a></p>
— Rick Lewis (@Coach_Rick57) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Rick57/statuses/489845252631838720">July 17, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Davis Zemgulis finished out his AAU career with a bang, reaching the semifinals at the <a href="http://vegasfinals.com/">Vegas Finals</a> with DMV AAU outfit Threat 220:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/DZ00LT">@DZ00LT</a> knocked down 3 more bombs.. Bringing his total to 17 made Tre's in 4 games! jump shot soft as church music!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vegasfinals?src=hash">#vegasfinals</a></p>
— Threat220 (@threat220) <a href="https://twitter.com/threat220/statuses/493119962723000320">July 26, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/DZ00LT">@DZ00LT</a> lead all scores with 18pts , <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyTarke">@AnthonyTarke</a> had another strong performance 16pts , Alex Long added 10pts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreatNation?src=hash">#ThreatNation</a></p>
— Threat220 (@threat220) <a href="https://twitter.com/threat220/statuses/493527452258287617">July 27, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Overall, a strong month for the <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2015-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings">ninth ranked class in the country.</a> Now onto the juicy stuff.</p>
<h5>Targets</h5>
<table width="600">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;">PLAYER</th> <th style="text-align: center;">HOMETOWN</th> <th style="text-align: center;">POSITION</th> <th style="text-align: center;">STARS</th> <th style="text-align: center;">NOTES</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Levan-Alston-32267" target="_blank"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Levan-Alston-32267">Levan</a><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Shawn-Alston-32267"> Alston</a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Haverford, PA</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: The Haverford School</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Team Final</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Point Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'4"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">165</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<br><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2013/05/haverford-pg-shawn-alston-picks-up-first-offer/">Offered</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/status/383408066479149056" target="_blank">Visited</a> 9/28/13</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Traci-Carter-24341">Traci Carter</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Burlington, NJ</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Life Center Academy (NJ)</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: We-R-1</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Point Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'2"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">170</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TheRecruitScoop/status/229005356968337410">Offered</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://pennstate.247sports.com/Article/Penn-State-to-host-Philly-teammates-Shep-Garner-and-Traci-Carter-90660">Visited </a>9/15/12</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Samir-Doughty-33792" target="_blank">Samir Doughty</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Philadelphia, PA</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Math, Civics & Sciences HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Team Philly</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Combo Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'3"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">170</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/status/483623766388666368" target="_blank">Offered</a><br><a href="http://pennstate.247sports.com/Article/Penn-State-basketball-Advanced-Skills-notebook-29377050" target="_blank">Skills Camp Attendee</a>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Bryant-Crawford-23808" target="_blank">Bryant Crawford</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Washington, DC</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Gonzaga</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Team Takeover</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Point Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'2"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">170</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://pennstate.247sports.com/Article/2015-SG-Josh-Reaves-enjoys-visit-to-Penn-State-148515" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Bryant-Crawford-23808/TimelineEvents" target="_blank"></a>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Bryant-Crawford-23808/TimelineEvents" target="_blank">Offered</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Bryant-Crawford-23808/TimelineEvents" target="_blank">Visited</a> 10/27/12</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUh950zDpIE">Khalil Iverson</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Delaware, OH</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Delaware Hayes HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Ohio Varsity</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Guard/Forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'5"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">200</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">NR</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ZachFleerLGHL/status/475378812981477377">
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">Offered</div>
</a>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ZachFleerLGHL/status/475378812981477377">Visited </a>6/7/2014</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Markis-McDuffie-34539">Markis McDuffie</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Jersey City, NJ</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: St. Anthony's (NJ)</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: SportsU</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'7"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">185</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://pennstate.247sports.com/Bolt/Penn-State-offers-2015-wing-28377997">Offered</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kerry-Blackshear-31305" target="_blank">Kerry Blackshear</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Orlando, FL</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Evans HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Q6 All-Stars</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Power Forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'8"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">220</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/russhoops/status/491724241411510272">Offered</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Samir-Sehic-33965" target="_blank">Samir Sehic</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Cypress, TX</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Cypress Woods HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Houston Hoops</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Center</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'9"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">250</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="12998_medium"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Samir-Sehic-33965/TimelineEvents" target="_blank">Offered</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Brandon-Childress-53447" target="_blank">Brandon Childress</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Baldwin, MI</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Baldwin Senior HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: P45</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'3"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">185</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">NR</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TheRecruitScoop/status/469946761029500928">Offered</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kipper-Nichols-40633">Kipper Nichols</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Lakewood, OH</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: St. Edward HS</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: King James Shooting Stars</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Small Forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'6"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">200</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/dcassilo/status/430888985108283392">Offered</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://pennstate.247sports.com/Article/Penn-State-basketball-Advanced-Skills-notebook-29377050">Skills Camp Attendee</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Justin-Robinson-34996" target="_blank">Justin Robinson</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Manassas, VA</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: St. James School</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Boo Williams</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Guard</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'1"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">170</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="12998_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153176/12998_medium.gif"></a>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="https://twitter.com/CoachShopSJ/status/466359053296631808" target="_blank">Offered</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Matt-Holba-16877">Matt Holba</a></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Chesterton, IN</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">HS: Guerin Catholic</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">AAU: Speice Indy Heat</div>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Guard/Forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">6'6"</div>
<div style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">185</div>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">NR</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;"><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/KyleNeddenriep/status/461328682934489088">Offered</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>Gone: </b>Tyler Lydon (Syracuse), Donte Divincenzo (Villanova), Jamil Hood (Long Island), Jackie Davis (Washington St), Justin Jenifer (Cincinnati), Kevin Dorsey (Minnesota), Sam Miller (Dayton)</p>
<p><b>Names to watch: </b>G<b> </b>Milik Gantz, F Aaron Falzon, G R.J. Jones, F Tyler Kohl, G Glynn Watson, G Jarvis Johnson, C Jimbo Lull, F Tony Anderson, G Dupree McBrayer, F Evan Boudreaux, G Edward Polite, F Esa Ahmad, F Develle Phillips, G Donovan Mitchell</p>
<p>A few new offers went out in July, most notably to Samir Sehic and Kerry Blackshear. Sehic was arguably the top performer at the Lawson/Oladipo camp, where Dwayne Anderson and, later on, Pat Chambers set up shop during the first live period of the month. The 6'9" center averaged 22 points and nine rebounds over a five game stretch and earned an offer soon after camp. The staff will need to get him on campus ASAP, however - according to Scout.com, he's <a href="http://virginia.scout.com/story/1427168" target="_blank">leaning towards the ACC</a>, likely Virginia. Blackshear appears to be more open in his recruitment, with offers from schools all over the country. Penn State won't be wholly unfamiliar with his AAU connects, either - former Q6 All-Star and current Stanford forward Schuyler Rimmer was a top target for Chambers once upon a time. Although, with Watkins in tow, Chambers' priorities for the final scholarship may lie elsewhere.</p>
<p>If there is one hole in Penn State's 2015 class, it's at the point guard position. So it should come as no surprise that most of the Nittany Lions' top targets in this class are lead guards. Traci Carter's recruitment has slowed down considerably due to the fact that he sat out both the April and July live periods with a torn meniscus, so it's a little foggy as to where Penn State, or any program for that matter, sits with him.</p>
<p>The staff did receive some illuminating news from one of their top targets last night, however. Levan Alston, the Philly combo guard whose <a target="_blank" href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2013/05/haverford-pg-shawn-alston-picks-up-first-offer/">first offer came from Chambers and company,</a> narrowed his list to six and the Nittany Lions made the cut (along with VCU, Temple, Marquette, Notre Dame and Penn). From the <a target="_blank" href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2014/07/top-2015-guard-levan-alston-sets-final-six-schools/">always-excellent City of Basketball Love:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I think [2015 commits] Mike Watkins and Josh Reaves, they're just two great [players], we have the potential to be a top-ranked class in the country if I decide to go there. [Incoming freshman] Shep Garner is one of my closer older friends that I have, and his dad coached me during the AAU season, we talked a lot about it. They're one of my first offers."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A promising quote, no doubt, but don't peg Alston for that last scholarship just yet. His father played at Temple and his best friend, Trey Lowe, is also considering the Owls along with VCU. Alston will visit Happy Valley and the other five schools sometime between now and mid-late September, according to CoBL. Here are some highlights of the top-100 guard:</p>
<p><iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6V8b2aJKlqg?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Samir Doughty hasn't reported any new offers since the end of the live period, which is a little surprising considering the glowing reviews he received at various events:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Samir Doughty continues to prove that very few 2015 prospects are better at attacking the rim & finishing. Good body control. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Showdown14?src=hash">#Showdown14</a></p>
— Eric Hampford (@Future150EricH) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future150EricH/statuses/487954439232176128">July 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Team Philly with a big 2nd half comeback to beat Team Superstar 68-58. Samir Doughty could not be stopped late. Ends with 22. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAFinals?src=hash">#UAAFinals</a></p>
— Future150.com (@Future150) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future150/statuses/489581793482244096">July 17, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Samir Doughty with back to back slams in transition. One thing is for sure, he enjoys getting to the bucket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElevateHoops?src=hash">#ElevateHoops</a></p>
— Jeff Neiburg (@Jeff_Neiburg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeff_Neiburg/statuses/487958744710795264">July 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Penn State remains the only high-major to have offered Mike Watkins' AAU and HS teammate, and frankly, the Nittany Lions could do a lot worse in filling that final scholarship. Like Alston, Doughty is more of a combo guard than a true point guard, but both are special scorers. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on Doughty's recruitment; it's bound to get a little more competitive.</p>
<p>A few quick hits:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Indiana forward Matt Holba was reportedly offered a few weeks ago, but visiting Penn State doesn't appear to be in his plans. The 6'6" wing has already been to Bucknell, and the <i>Indianapolis Star</i> reports he's setting up trips to <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indystar.com%2Fstory%2Frecruiting-central%2F2014%2F07%2F14%2Fpikes-tahjai-teague-picks-up-new-offer-matt-holba-setting-official-visits%2F12645361%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackshoediaries.com%2F2014%2F7%2F31%2F5942053%2Fpenn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-live-period-pat-chambers-levan-alston-mike-watkins-josh-reaves" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Lehigh and William & Mary</a>.</span></li>
<li><span>Penn State was the first B1G program to offer Khalil Iverson back in June (you sensing a trend here?) - now <a href="https://twitter.com/Evan_Flood/status/492056596583702528" target="_blank">Bo Ryan, Tom Crean, </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/Evan_Flood/status/488310150181425153" target="_blank">Thad Matta</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Evan_Flood/status/492056596583702528" target="_blank"> </a>are showing interest in the Columbus wing. Iverson <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachFleerLGHL/status/479305138386268160" target="_blank">camped at Wisconsin a few weeks ago</a> and a Badgers offer could be forthcoming.</span></li>
<li>Michigan shooting guard Brandon Childress is <a target="_blank" href="http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-5541488220856069641/baldwin-standout-brandon-childress-to-skip-football-focus-on-basketball/">giving up football to focus on the shootyhoops</a> (sorry CJF), and plans on narrowing his list to five schools by August. Childress has offers from Penn State, Boston College, West Virginia and a cornucopia of mid-major/Ivy schools.</li>
<li>Penn State dipped into the JuCo ranks to sign Devin Foster this summer, and they may be in the market for another would-be junior in Andre Spight out of South Plains College (TX). <a target="_blank" href="http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/30/junior-college-prospect-andre-spight-working-to-improve-point-guard-skills/">Chambers was scouting Spight</a> at the JucoRecruiting.com All-American Showcase in Vegas last week.</li>
</ul>
<div style="width: 550px; height: 300px; background-color: #cee3f6; border: 3px ridge #0b0b61;">
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https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/31/5942053/penn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-live-period-pat-chambers-levan-alston-mike-watkins-josh-reavesChad Markulics2014-07-16T08:00:04-04:002014-07-16T08:00:04-04:00Hoops Recruiting: July Live Period Diary, Days 3-4
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Fhr1pzVlb3ESdY_z7AgZTLMggB0=/0x0:2967x1978/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35660688/478485509.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The weekend saw offers go out to some big-time 2016 prospects and another rise in the rankings for one 2015 commit.</p> <p>The last few days have been pretty busy, both for Penn State's coaching staff and the recruits they're chasing around the country (both literally and figuratively). A number of offers have gone out to some major prospects during the short "dead period" that began on Sunday night and ends with the start of another "live period" on Wednesday evening.</p>
<h3><b>Commit Watch</b></h3>
<p>Deividas Zemgulis hasn't been the most active high schooler on the grassroots circuit, so it was nice to see him take part in a couple of events this past weekend. After being <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Mell/status/487675339553128448" target="_blank">named an all-star at the Hoop Group Skills Camp in Reading</a>, Zemgulis spent the rest of his weekend with DMV-area AAU team Threat 220 at the Elevate Hoops Showdown at Philadelphia University, which had hosted the Reebok Breakout camp just a day earlier. Two of Penn State's coaches were in attendance, and Davis didn't disappoint his audience:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>PSU head coach Pat Chambers and assistant Brian Daly here for Zemgulis, who had five points as his team led by one at the half.</p>
— Josh Verlin (@jmverlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/statuses/488145164398243840">July 13, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Okay I'm sold on Zemgulis. Great size for a scoring wing, moves well, long arms, quick release though he does a funky thing with his feet.</p>
— Josh Verlin (@jmverlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/statuses/488146993534226432">July 13, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Zemgulis finished with 13 points though his team lost in OT. Should be speaking to the PSU commit for a feature story shortly.</p>
— Josh Verlin (@jmverlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/statuses/488155999006908417">July 13, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Josh Reaves finished out day three of the <span>Ty Lawson</span> & Victor Oladipo All-American camp, and <a href="http://statva.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Day_3_Leaders.192154351.pdf" target="_blank">final stats from the event</a> show just the type of player he'll be in State College - Reaves finished in the top 20 (out of 60 campers) of every major statistical category, including points (11.0 ppg), rebounding (4.2 rpg), assists (2.2 apg) and field goal percentage (53.5%).</p>
<p>Mike Watkins continued to pick up the plaudits at Elevate Showdown:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Mike Watkins with big time one handed oop jam. PSU here smiling at that one. Big has gotten a bit better with his feet and athleticism</p>
— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreyevans_10/statuses/487594368685977602">July 11, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>With his strong play this weekend, Watkins moved up 73 spots in <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Mike-Watkins-33607" target="_blank">247 Sports' rankings</a> to 117th overall (not sure how he was ranked 195th before, but I digress), and he'll likely be moving up on the big boards of other recruiting services. The gentlemen over at City of Basketball Love had an interesting discussion about the future Penn State power forward <a href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2014/07/podcast-of-basketball-love-episode-37/" target="_blank">on their podcast</a> this week.</p>
<h3>Target Watch</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, a lot of scholarship offers go out in the few days between evaluation periods, and Penn State was certainly active on Monday and Tuesday, especially within the class of 2016. Four-star swingman Lamar Stevens of Haverford, PA was the <a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/status/488421520818315264" target="_blank">first to report an offer</a> on Monday night, and fellow top 2016 recruits <a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/status/489119111864016897" target="_blank">DeAndre Hunter</a> (Philadelphia) and <a href="https://twitter.com/ballout4ever/status/489174533044453376" target="_blank">Matthew Moyer</a> (Columbus, OH) each claimed an offer on Tuesday night. All three are high-level prospects that Pat Chambers would do well to get a commitment from, but they'll be battling some elite programs for their services from the get-go.</p>
<p>2016 Massachusetts guard Ian Sistare went on a cross-country campus caravan that rolled through State College and 11 other campuses in June, along with 2015 targets Aaron Falzon and Josh Sharma. The Nittany Lions have offered, along with Xavier, and <a href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2014/07/elevate-hoops-showdown-day-2-recruiting-notebook/" target="_blank">CoBL has an update on Sistare</a> and the type of school he's looking for (at the bottom of the page).</p>
<p>Nazeer Bostick is a former teammate of Watkins' at Math, Civics & Sciences and has a Penn State offer, but since the 2016 wing decided to transfer to Roman Catholic this summer, there hasn't been much chatter about his recruitment. Bostick's performance at Hoop Group's team camp last weekend might change that:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/N_bostick4">@N_bostick4</a> leads Roman Catholic with 21 points in win over Marist. RC will play winner of Susquehanna and Largo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeElite?src=hash">#BeElite</a></p>
— Hoop Group (@TheHoopGroup) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopGroup/statuses/487994081688436736">July 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>The Nittany Lions offered him early in his sophomore season so they'll be monitoring his progress, but Bostick's strength and athleticism should make him one to watch for the rest of the live period.</p>
<p>To more pressing matters, namely the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/pages/basketball-scholarship-matrix">lone remaining scholarship in the class of 2015,</a> Samir Doughty had another strong performance at Phiily U on Saturday:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Samir Doughty continues to prove that very few 2015 prospects are better at attacking the rim & finishing. Good body control. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Showdown14?src=hash">#Showdown14</a></p>
— Eric Hampford (@Future150EricH) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future150EricH/statuses/487954439232176128">July 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Samir Doughty with back to back slams in transition. One thing is for sure, he enjoys getting to the bucket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElevateHoops?src=hash">#ElevateHoops</a></p>
— Jeff Neiburg (@Jeff_Neiburg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeff_Neiburg/statuses/487958744710795264">July 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Ohio's Kipper Nichols has been planning to visit Happy Valley for a while now, <a href="http://hoopsintel.sportswar.com/2014/06/08/kipper-nichols-talks-xavier-visit-recruiting-more/" target="_blank">according to this report</a>, and the sooner that happens, the better for Penn State. Nichols was offered by Maryland and Minnesota last month, and he could receive more after averaging 15 ppg at the Lawson/Oladipo camp last weekend. Ideally, the Nittany Lions would be able to find a guard to fill out the 2015 class, but Nichols is certainly a talented player and it's tough to stop recruiting a player when scholarship situations are as fluid as they are in college basketball these days.</p>
<p>The next live period begins Wednesday at 5:30pm. Josh Reaves' Team Takeover will be playing in the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, the finals of which will be televised on ESPNU on Sunday, July 20th. More on Reaves and others later in the week.</p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/16/5899833/penn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-live-period-days-3-4-mike-watkins-josh-reaves-zemgulisChad Markulics2014-07-11T07:00:03-04:002014-07-11T07:00:03-04:00PSUBB Recruiting: July Live Period Diary, Day 2
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4oK5rAYrBBmUgLZiGnfNOksSQyI=/0x129:2791x1990/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35461874/20140306_ads_bb6_059.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Thursday was an excellent day for two of Penn State's current commits, but how did some of the Nittany Lions' top targets look on the second day of the live period?</p> <p>There's a lot to get to today, so let's dive right in. In case you missed it, <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/10/5886367/penn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-evaluation-live-period-day-1-update-mike-watkins-josh-reaves" target="_blank">here's Wednesday's recap.</a></p>
<h5>Commit Watch</h5>
<p>We didn't get Josh Reaves' numbers from Wednesday's results until Thursday morning, and his reputation as an active defender seems to have preceded him:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>6 fouls for Reaves? I guess he really does play hard RT <a href="https://twitter.com/TyLawVO5AAcamp">@TyLawVO5AAcamp</a> Syracuse vs Duke box score from last night <a href="http://t.co/JihFPi1ZQv">pic.twitter.com/JihFPi1ZQv</a></p>
— Eric Gibson (@BSD_Eric) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSD_Eric/statuses/487218059179196417">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>But yesterday was another day, and Reaves displayed why he's such a prized recruit. He led his "Duke" squad to victory over "Kansas" early Thursday with <a href="https://twitter.com/TyLawVO5AAcamp/status/487397725692891136" target="_blank">17 points on 7-10 shooting (3-5 3pt)</a> and onlookers came away impressed:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Penn State commit Josh Reaves has speed and also is a southpaw shooter. Great pickup for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/psu?src=hash">#psu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lawsonoladipo?src=hash">#lawsonoladipo</a></p>
— Rob Harrington (@Rob_Harrington) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rob_Harrington/statuses/487255975296897026">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Not sure of his stats this morning but Josh Reaves has "it" on the court. Hi IQ guy, makes the right play every time. PSU got a good one!</p>
— DMV Hoops (@B1gDMV) <a href="https://twitter.com/B1gDMV/statuses/487288003942182913">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>After spending the afternoon in Philadelphia, Pat Chambers joined <span>Dwayne Anderson</span> to watch Reaves' second game of the day, in which the Oak Hill guard <a href="https://twitter.com/TyLawVO5AAcamp/status/487409267608416257" target="_blank">scored 14 and added six rebounds in a victory</a>:</p>
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<p>Made familiar trip down 95. Used to come to watch <a href="https://twitter.com/waynethepres">@waynethepres</a> play - now he's stuck sitting w/ me! Checking out some future <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NittanyLions?src=hash">#NittanyLions</a></p>
— Patrick Chambers (@Coach_Chambers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Chambers/statuses/487380552941449216">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Meanwhile, it was another good day for Mike Watkins, his second at the Reebok Breakout Classic, and the 6'9" forward was the recipient of even more plaudits:</p>
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<p>Extremely impressed by improvement of Penn State commitment Mike Watkins over the past year. Will help win games <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adzurita247">@adzurita247</a></p>
— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) <a href="https://twitter.com/jerrymeyer247/statuses/487313377459318784">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Mike watkins has been best/most productive big man n this game <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adzurita247">@adzurita247</a></p>
— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) <a href="https://twitter.com/jerrymeyer247/statuses/487365513975042048">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Sneaky good pickup by Penn State in landing Mike Watkins so early. Knows his strengths and will be a beast after college weight room.</p>
— Eric Bossi (@ebosshoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/ebosshoops/statuses/487405540230709248">July 11, 2014</a>
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<p>It's not crazy to think another big rise in the rankings is coming for Watkins, which is all kinds of exciting and scary and AHH WHAT'S THAT DID YOU HEAR THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE JIM BOEHEIM WITH AN OFFER SHEET oh never mind it was just a naked mole rat rolling around in my trash can. Whew. Here's some video highlights from Philly U, featuring a Pat Chambers cameo at 0:25 and Watkins throwing down an alley-oop from Samir Doughty at 0:54:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZHCLczadqXU?rel=0" height="480" width="853"></iframe></p>
<p>Yesterday we noted there wasn't any info about Deividas Zemgulis' whereabouts this week, but this tweet of his may have provided an answer (English is his second language, give him a break guys):</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>To late <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Knockdown?src=hash">#Knockdown</a> <a href="http://t.co/ygjLQQtynB">pic.twitter.com/ygjLQQtynB</a></p>
— Deividas Zemgulis (@DZ00LT) <a href="https://twitter.com/DZ00LT/statuses/487372208441163776">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>If it's a recent photo, the Hoop Group jersey indicates he's at their <a href="http://hoopgroup.com/elite/elite-camps/" target="_blank">Elite camp at Albright College in Reading, PA.</a> I haven't seen any reports to confirm that, however, so I'll just leave it at that.</p>
<h5>2015 Targets</h5>
<p>As mentioned above, Samir Doughty played with his high school/Team Philly teammate Watkins, and by all accounts acquitted himself well against some tough competition:</p>
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<p>Samir Doughty playing well right now. Good sized PG at 6'4". At his best in attack/transition mode. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a></p>
— Future150.com (@Future150) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future150/statuses/487320985889034240">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>2015 MC&S (PA) guard Samir Doughty offense is really fluid. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a></p>
— Jovan Alford (@Jovan10) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jovan10/statuses/487364555245617153">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Doughty is looking to secure offers from more high-majors this month, but Penn State should be in pretty good standing come the end of the period. He appears to be close friends with Watkins and the Nittany Lions were the first power conference team to extend an offer. Doughty isn't a true point guard, but <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtZ1l0DTDG8">he is a gifted scorer</a> and there's always a spot for a player like that on a Big Ten roster. There is some thought that his offer may no longer be "committable" after Reaves chose PSU just a few days after the Advanced Skills Camp in State College, but I'm not one to dismiss Chambers' penchant for combo guards in this instance.</p>
<p>Three-star small forward Markis McDuffie received an offer from Penn State after the April evaluation period, and he still appears to be <a href="http://zagsblog.com/articles/recruiting-notebook-horace-spencer-ernest-alflakpui-markis-mcduffie-dupree-mcbrayer/" target="_blank">considering the Nittany Lions,</a> according to Zagsblog. The St. Anthony's product had a solid day at Breakout:</p>
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<p>Markis McDuffie with a 15 point effort is the highest for a NJ Hooper at Reebok Breakout Challenge</p>
— NJ Hoops (@NJHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJHoops/statuses/487292855166046208">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Markis McDuffie looking good in the early going. Showing off his perimeter jump shot. So smooth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a></p>
— Eric Hampford (@Future150EricH) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future150EricH/statuses/486985825691783168">July 9, 2014</a>
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<p>A few fringe targets from New Jersey probably played their way out of PSU's sights on Thursday. Guard Donovan Mitchell landed <a target="_blank" href="http://louisville.247sports.com/Bolt/Louisville-offers-Donovan-Mitchell-29558066">offers from Louisville and Memphis</a> after a strong session at Breakout, and Malik Ellison (son of Pervis Ellison) <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnbaltimore.com/ncaa-maryland-terps/3-star-malik-ellison-holds-maryland-offer-has-close-terps-ties">appears to have eyes for Maryland.</a></p>
<p>A new name did pop up from Thursday - Develle Phillips, a 6'8", 190lb forward from Maryland claimed a PSU offer <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reebokbreakout.com/recruiting-roundup-day-2/">in the Breakout Classic's official blog.</a> West Virginia, Kansas State, ECU, DePaul, Wichita State, and Xavier have also offered.</p>
<h5>2016 Targets</h5>
<p>Joe Hampton is one of Penn State's top targets in the 2016 class, and while he's sitting out the July period with an injury, his transfer to Oak Hill for his final two seasons of high school ball is newsworthy. He'll team up with Reaves in Mouth of Wilson, along with the usual all-star cast for which Oak Hill is famous. Hampton talks about his transfer in this video, from <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolHoops" target="_blank">@CapitolHoops</a>:</p>
<p><iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TflSN6KHaVw?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Hampton's now former DeMatha teammate Alani Moore is camping at Philly U, and it sounds like his lack of physical growth is scaring some teams off. <a target="_blank" href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2014/07/reebok-breakout-classic-2016-recruiting-notebook-day-2/">City of Basketball Love reports Moore is hearing</a> from a lot of mid-majors at the moment, despite some good showings on Thursday:</p>
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<p>Nobody has made the "right play" more in this game than Alani Moore. Towson is keeping a close eye on the Dematha point guard. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a></p>
— Josh Stirn (@Josh_Stirn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Josh_Stirn/statuses/487343520647106560">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Alani Moore has been really effective today. Hitting the pullup and making skilled dishes off the deck <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a></p>
— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) <a href="https://twitter.com/coreyevans_10/statuses/487380438269169664">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>PSU has been on Moore for almost a year now, having <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Alani-Moore-27326/TimelineEvents" target="_blank">hosted and offered</a> the 5'10" point guard last November. Anderson is leading his recruitment, and while his "stunted" growth isn't ideal, it might work out in Penn State's favor if they choose to look past that issue - Moore is a hell of a player, as evidenced by his four-star rating from <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/165903/alani-moore" target="_blank">ESPN</a>, and Chambers will certainly be in the market for a point guard in 2016 with <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/pages/basketball-scholarship-matrix" target="_blank">at least four scholarships to work with.</a></p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/11/5889099/penn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-live-period-day-2-mike-watkins-josh-reaves-newbillChad Markulics2014-07-10T08:00:03-04:002014-07-10T08:00:03-04:00PSUBB Recruiting: July Live Period Diary, Day 1
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<figcaption>Jamie Sabau</figcaption>
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<p>July is the biggest month for college basketball recruiting, so we're rolling out a near-daily feature to keep you up to date with Penn State's efforts on the trail.</p> <p>The July live period is officially upon us, as of five o'clock yesterday afternoon. "What's the July live period," you ask? Well it's only the biggest event in the world of college basketball recruiting, dontchaknow? Top high school ballers from all over the country gather to essentially audition for scholarship offers in front of college coaches at various camps. It's like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2014/7/8/5880219/opening-2014-elite-11-recruits-coverage" target="_blank">The Opening or Elite 11</a>, except it runs for three weeks and players can and will attend more than one event (<a target="_blank" href="http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/07/what-is-the-july-evaluation-period-and-why-is-it-so-important/">here's a more in-depth look</a>). Coaches will rack up more frequent flyer miles this month than they'll know what to do with, and Pat Chambers will certainly be one of those who will be sick of pretzels and peanuts by the time August gets here.</p>
<p>Penn State is perhaps in the best position they've ever been going into this period. Already armed with two top-100 recruits, Chambers will use this period to get one last glimpse of the players he'd like to use the final class of 2015 scholarship on, and he and his staff will be checking in (or as they sometimes say, "babysitting") his prized commitments, Mike Watkins and Josh Reaves.</p>
<p>There are going to be so many updates and reports out of these camps that we've decided to give you, fair BSD reader, a one-stop home for all of your Penn State shootyhoop 'crootin needs. We'll be updating this space semi-daily via the StoryStream feature with tweets, tidbits, and articles on all of the previous day's Nittany Lion recruiting news. The BSD basketbros have never done something like this before, so bear with us if there's a hiccup or two, but we're going to try to bring you the best coverage of what team #doworkPat is up to. Here's a little of what we know from Day One:</p>
<h5>Commit Watch</h5>
<p>Mike Watkins is starting off his July in Philadelphia, at the <a href="http://www.reebokbreakout.com/breakout-2014-player-list/" target="_blank">Reebok Breakout Camp</a> hosted by Philly U. He's there along with a number of PSU targets, including his high school/AAU teammate Samir Doughty. As he has this entire summer, Watkins drew rave reviews from onlookers:</p>
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<p>2015 Penn State commit Mike Watkins playing well early in scrimmages here from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/breakoutclassic?src=hash">#breakoutclassic</a>. Athletic 6' 9" big showing off jumper.</p>
— Jordan Divens (@HSHoopsElite) <a href="https://twitter.com/HSHoopsElite/statuses/486942176429879296">July 9, 2014</a>
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<p>Falling in love with 2015 PSU commit Mike Watkins. Blue collar forward with a high motor and high percentage finisher. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a>.</p>
— Eric Hampford (@Future150EricH) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future150EricH/statuses/487009030250835968">July 9, 2014</a>
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<p>Like what Ive seen from Mike Watkins. Will contribute and then have impact at Penn State. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breakout14?src=hash">#Breakout14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BreakoutClassic">@BreakoutClassic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adzurita247">@adzurita247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pt247">@pt247</a></p>
— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) <a href="https://twitter.com/jerrymeyer247/statuses/487009989169389568">July 9, 2014</a>
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<p>Chambers was in the coaches' crowd at the Breakout Classic, getting another glimpse at his future big man:</p>
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<p>The coaches are starting to arrive. Fran McCaffery, Jerome Allen and Pat Chambers waiting outside. Games start at 5.</p>
— Josh Verlin (@jmverlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmverlin/statuses/486962854315442177">July 9, 2014</a>
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<p>Meanwhile, Josh Reaves was in attendance at the <span>Ty Lawson</span> & Victor Oladipo All-American Camp:</p>
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<p>Final game of the night tipping off here at <a href="https://twitter.com/TyLawVO5AAcamp">@TyLawVO5AAcamp</a> <a href="http://t.co/8pJmBHooyD">pic.twitter.com/8pJmBHooyD</a></p>
— Marcus Helton (@MarcusHelton) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcusHelton/statuses/487029946854801408">July 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Reaves' <a href="https://twitter.com/TyLawVO5AAcamp/status/487073314859651072" target="_blank">"Duke" team lost by 21 to "Syracuse"</a> (those team names seem a little fishy for a recruiting event), and not much is out there about his performance. <span>Dwayne Anderson</span> was in attendance for this session, as expected, and hopefully we'll get an account of his play tomorrow at some point. Update: Reaves had nine points and six fouls in the loss.</p>
<p>Deividas Zemgulis hasn't been involved much on the grassroots scene, and it doesn't look like that's changed at all for this period. We'll keep an eye out for any mention of him at a camp, but don't get your hopes up.</p>
<p>That's all for today. We'll be back tomorrow with more on the current commits and a look at what some of Penn State's top targets are doing in front of the onlooking staff.</p>
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/10/5886367/penn-state-basketball-recruiting-july-evaluation-live-period-day-1-update-mike-watkins-josh-reavesChad Markulics