2012 big man Brandon Ashley is a big time star, and a big time target for UK. Today he trimmed his list down, naming his final seven schools. UK made the cut and we know what coach Cal and the BBN have to offer the young and talented foward, so let’s take a look at the competition.
Arizona: The cats already have a talented foward in their 2012 class in Grant Jerrett as well 2011 top 100 fowards Sidiki Johnson and Angelo Chol as well. Still, Brandon has said Zona is one of the schools on him the hardest. Former AAU teammate Nick Johnson is also part of the 2011 class, could the two team up again?
Oregon: Ashley to the Ducks is interesting because they are obviously rebuilding. They landed talented shooting guard Jabari Brown, who played with Ashley on his AAU Soldiers team, so don’t be surprised if he ends up teaming up with Brown again. Ashley has mentioned Oregon as the other school on him the hardest.
Georgia Tech: Yet another rebuilding program that is hot after the big man. Tech has a commitment from 2011 foward Julian Royal, and are in on talented in state big Robert Carter as well as fast rising foward Brice Johnson. At this point Ashley to GT is a bit of a longshot as it’s not close to home, not a top program, and there’s no obvious connection to the team.
Syracuse: Syracuse has made a habit of landing some of the top big men in the country in recent years. After getting commitments from Fab Melo and Rakeem Christmas in the past two seasons it’s not impossible to think Boeheim could get the talented foward to come to the east coast. DaJuan Coleman is considered a slight Cuse lean, and I don’t see them both going to the Orange unless Christmas or Melo declares at the end of the season.
Texas: This is one of the more interesting teams on Brandon’s list. Obviously he has aspirations to go to the NBA, and outside of coach Cal, Rick Barnes has the best record of getting players there. Texas will have a young frontcourt next year and unless two of their guys really flourish this season there’s more than enough room for Ashley.
UCLA: They have to be considered the darkhorse to land Ashley, it’s close to home and has a rich tradition both in the tournament and getting players to the next level. If they can convince Shabazz to come to Westwood it will make it all the more appealing for the big man to stay in state. The Bruins already have a commit from talented foward Jordan Adams, and are in the mix for some of the best players in Georgia, they could be on the verge of a monster class.
So what do you all think? Will Brandon end up wearing Kentucky Blue or will he suit up for one of the programs above?
