12 @ 12: Commitment predictions

Every one loves a bold prediction in sports. And if you are a hardcore recruiting fan, there is nothing better than a bold commitment prediction. I’ll take a shot at the top 12 uncommitted players in the class of 2010. If I get it wrong, save your email. If I get it right, send chocolate chip cookies.

Harrison Barnes – The gut says he goes to Duke. The Blue Devils have been high on his list and the Iowa native has been to Durham for a visit and raved about it. Reminds me of a Shane Battier personality, too. Keep an eye out for Kansas, too.

Brandon Knight – Tough to get a read on this one. But there is something about UConn that makes sense with the strong combo guard from Florida. The Huskies have a proven guard-to-the-NBA pipeline. UConn needs to add a big-time guard in 2010, too.

Adreian Payne – Behind the scenes whispers have connected William Wesley, a.k.a. Worldwide Wes Kentucky, with the 6-10 forward from Ohio. Translation: Look out for Kentucky. West Virginia is very strong, too.

Joe Jackson – The hoops mavens in Memphis swear Joe Jackson will be a Memphis Tiger. And when the hoops mavens talk, they are always right. Jackson told Rivals.com last night that his list now consists of three schools – Memphis, Tennessee and Kansas. I’m banking on the Tigers.

Tony Mitchell – Georgetown head coach John Thompson, III was at every game Mitchell played in Las Vegas and quietly sat on the sidelines with a smile on his face. Maybe the Hoyas are in their deeper than the public realizes. Kansas State wants to reclaim a commitment from the Grand Prairie, Texas native. I like GU for this one.

Tobias Harris – Very hard to gauge who is in favorable position here. Syracuse, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Kentucky all have a good shot, in my opinion. Wouldn’t be surprised to see it come down to ‘Cuse, ND and GT. From there, it’s a tight race. Today’s prediction is Syracuse. Tomorrow could be a different answer.

Jelan Kendrick – Don’t sleep on Georgia Tech. The hometown team has been in with the versatile backcourt player since his freshman year. He’s familiar with the team, familiar with the coaches and obviously familiar with Atlanta. This one will probably go to the second recruiting period.

Kyrie Irving – This one will come down to Duke and Indiana. And from there it is a crap shoot. If Harrison Barnes commits to Duke, it wouldn’t shock me if Irving follows suit. The two have developed a relationship and have talked in passing about playing together. Right now, I’ll say it’s 60/40 Duke over Indiana.

Dwight Powell – After a dynamic summer with Grassroots Canada and on his own at camps, Powell rose up the rankings and can now pick his place to call home in college. Big on academics, don’t be surprised to see the skilled big man at Stanford in what is shaping up to be a solid class for Johnny Dawkins.

Doron Lamb – Kansas and Oklahoma – two places every kid from New York lists, right? The Oak Hill scorer said those two are high on his list. The Sooners are a sleeper to watch with him. But, as always, keep an eye on Kentucky. I like OU for some reason here.

Josh Selby – As soon as his commitment to Tennessee broke open, the common belief was the Baltimore native would be Kentucky. The only question was when will it happen. However, Selby is now reportedly visiting Connecticut on Wednesday. Don’t count the Huskies out. I believe they land Selby or Knight. It might be a matter of who goes first. With that in mind, Selby could be Kentucky bound. It wouldn’t surprise me if he waits until the spring to make that decision, too.

Cameron Clark – Look for this one to be an Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State battle. The Texas scorer will take some visits in the fall and eventually sign with a Big 12 school in my opinion. Lock this one up for Oklahoma State.