Men's College Basketball

Omaha Biliew, a 5-star power forward from the Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, committed to Iowa State on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

He becomes the Cyclones' highest-ranked recruit in the modern recruiting era.

Biliew is considered the No. 12 player in the class of 2023, the No. 5 power forward and the top player from the state of Missouri, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

He has major upside, but on a talented Link Academy team that also has included Jordan Walsh, Julian Phillips and Tarris Reed, Biliew acknowledged in November 2021 that he's had to learn how to play a role and be a solid team player.

"My game is always going up," he told Eric Bossi of 247Sports. "Right now we have a lot of guys on our team so there are certain roles we have to have. My role is being a high motor guy right now. My time will come where I go out on the perimeter and touch the ball more and be more assertive with the ball. All that will come, I just have to be patient."

Iowa State surely respected that level of humility, as Biliew has gone from a state champion to finding his niche on a new squad:

Sophomore Omaha Biliew led his squad to a STATE TITLE 🏆 @BiliewOmaha pic.twitter.com/Uu2WeoKK14
— Overtime (@overtime) March 14, 2021

He has all the upside of a future star, but Biliew's versatility and team-first attitude make him an extremely appealing addition for Iowa State as well.

The Cyclones are having one heck of a recruiting cycle.

The team already landed a pair of 4-star players in power forward Milan Momcilovic and shooting guard Jelani Hamilton. Now they've further improved their ranks, adding in Biliew as the headliner in the class. T.J. Otzelberger is building a strong team in Ames.

5-Star SF Justin Edwards Commits to Kentucky Over Tennessee; No. 3 Recruit for 2023

Jul 25, 2022

Justin Edwards, a 5-star small forward from the Imhotep Institute in Philadelphia, committed to Kentucky on Monday.

BREAKING: Justin Edwards, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2023 class, has committed to Kentucky, he tells @247Sports.

“I have always seen myself playing for Kentucky, that was a childhood dream of mine.” || Story: https://t.co/LrzSl7h4Lf pic.twitter.com/ot3kyvKKkz
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) July 25, 2022

Edwards is considered the No. 3 player in the Class of 2023, the No. 1 small forward and the top prospect in Pennsylvania, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

He had quite the 2021 calendar year, going from being unranked to one of the top recruits in the nation and a 5-star prospect. But what makes Edwards special?

"When I am at my best I am doing everything," he told Travis Branham of 247Sports in June. "I am scoring, defending, just everything."

Branham agreed with that sentiment, calling him "one of the most well-rounded players in the class," (h/t Ben Roberts of Kentucky.com).

He continued:

"He's very advanced when it comes to his skill set and his feel for the game. This is a kid that scores it from all three levels. He's got a good jumper. He can create his own shot. But he plays the game the right way. He's a really good passer. He just kind of takes what the defense gives him. So if he's given an opportunity to go score the ball, he's going to go score the ball. If the defense collapses on him and there's an opportunity for him to spread the ball out and get it to his teammates for open shots, he's going to do that. He's a good defender. He has a mature approach to the game. He's competitive. Just a very high floor."

Given Edwards' jump up the rankings, it appears he's only beginning to touch on his potential. Kentucky is getting a player who should help them in multiple ways.

The Wildcats should be a great fit for Edwards. His team game and humility on the court should mesh well with John Calipari's team-oriented philosophy. And more than a few players have gone from Kentucky to successful NBA careers in recent years.

The Wildcats may simply be the launching point for Edwards. In the meantime, he'll join a program that routinely stockpiles elite talent.

Report: 5-Star Mookie Cook Considering Duke, Kentucky, More After Oregon Decommitment

Jul 6, 2022

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 25: A Wilson basketball on the floor during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game between the Providence Friars andthe Kansas Jayhawks at the United Center Center on March 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Mookie Cook, one of the top players in the 2023 college basketball recruiting class, is considering Arizona, Duke, Kentucky and Gonzaga after he decommitted from Oregon last week, according to Joe Tipton of On3.

Cook has kept the Ducks in the running and is also weighing a jump to the G League Ignite program, per Tipton.

The 6'7", 200-pound forward is the No. 5 overall prospect in next year's class in 247Sports' composite rankings.

Cook announced his decision to reopen his recruitment process on Instagram, saying it came after "much consideration and talks" with his family.

The standout from Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, hasn't been formally offered a scholarship by Duke, but the Blue Devils coaching staff is expected to watch him this weekend at a Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) event, per Tipton.

He has offers from Arizona, Kentucky and Gonzaga, along with numerous other high-profile programs if he decides to open his recruitment further.

Cook is a prototypical high-end wing prospect with impressive length, athleticism and the ability to make an impact at both ends of the floor. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals for Compass in his junior campaign in 2021-22, per The Season Ticket. He shot 65.5 percent from the field and 47.6 percent on threes.

The forward would benefit from working on his distribution skills, which would allow him to take on more ball-handling responsibility as he continues to rise through the ranks. Otherwise, his mostly well-rounded skill set makes him a high-floor prospect.

Some speculated he was planning to reclassify to the 2022 class after his commitment to Oregon in March, but his family denied that rumor.

Cook has plenty of time to consider his options, and he could even take more visits during the 2022-23 season.

He didn't provide a timetable to make a new choice for the next stop on his basketball journey.

Ranking NBA's Top Undrafted Prospects at Summer League

Richard Hamilton Headlines 2022 CBB HOF Class; Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun Honored

Jun 29, 2022

25 Jan 1999: Richard Hamilton #32 of the Connecticut Huskies dribbles during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Huskies defeated the Hoyas 78-71. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport

Former UConn star Richard Hamilton headlines the 2022 class for the College Basketball Hall of Fame that was announced Wednesday:

Nine icons that shaped our game's history.

Announcing the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022! pic.twitter.com/cOSXA349A5
— National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (@CBHOF) June 29, 2022

Former head coaches Jim Calhoun and Roy Williams were both part of the founding class at the Hall of Fame's creation in 2006, but they will be formally honored at the 2022 ceremony. Almost 200 people were named in the first class, although they have spread the honors across the years a few at a time.

In addition to Hamilton, former players Larry Miller, Frank Selvy and Jimmy Walker were added to the 2022 class.

Coaches John Beilein, Jerry Krause and Lon Kruger are also part of the seven-member new class.

Williams and Calhoun were easy calls for the inaugural class, each winning three NCAA titles during their careers. Williams went to nine Final Fours while coaching blue bloods Kansas and North Carolina, while Calhoun built UConn into a powerhouse over his more than two decades with the school.

Hamilton was one of Calhoun's best players at UConn, leading the Huskies to their first championship in 1999.

The guard, known as Rip during his NBA career, also had one of the most memorable buzzer-beaters in March Madness history:

The remaining players in the 2022 class competed at the college level over 50 years ago.

Walker was a two-time All-American at Providence before becoming the No. 1 pick in the 1967 NBA draft with the Detroit Pistons. Miller led North Carolina to the Final Four in 1967 and 1968 under Dean Smith, averaging 21.8 points per game in his three-year career.

Selvy starred at Furman and averaged 41.7 points per game in 1953-54, scoring 100 points in a single game that season. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1954 NBA draft.

There are also some impressive resumes among the coaches inducted.

Kruger reached two Final Fours and led five different teams to the NCAA tournament, a feat otherwise only accomplished by Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith. He most recently coached Oklahoma before retiring in 2021.

Beilein went to the NCAA tournament with four different teams, but is best known for his time with West Virginia and Michigan. He reached two Final Fours with the Wolverines while winning two Big Ten tournament titles.

Krause spent 17 years as the head coach at Eastern Washington, leading the program from NAIA to Division II and eventually Division I. He also spent time on the staff at Gonzaga after leaving Eastern Washington.

Blake Wesley Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Spurs Roster

Jun 24, 2022

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Blake Wesley #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 18, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Notre Dame guard Blake Wesley is officially off the board after the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Blake Wesley

Position: SG

Height: 6'3"

Pro Comparison: RJ Hampton

Scouting Report: Wesley immediately stood out this year with his athleticism and length for beating defenders off the dribble and getting into passing lanes. His shooting and finishing skills are lagging, but he's also demonstrated enough three-level shot-making for teams to stay patient.

Spurs Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Jeremy Sochan, PF (rookie scale contract)

Malaki Branham, SG (rookie scale contract)

Blake Wesley, SG (rookie scale contract)

Dejounte Murray, PG: $16M (2024)

Doug McDermott, SF: $13.8M (2024)

Josh Richardson, SG: $12.2M (2023)

Jakob Poeltl, C: $8.8M (2023)

Zach Collins, C: $7.4M (2024)

Devin Vassell, SG: $4.6M (2024)

Joshua Primo, SG: $4.6M (2025)

Romeo Langford, SG: $4.1M (2023)

Keldon Johnson, SG: $2.5M (2023)

Jock Landale, C: $2.3M (2023)

Keita Bates-Diop, SF: $1.8M (2023)

Tre Jones, PG: $1.4M (2023)

Free Agents

Lonnie Walker IV, SG: RFA

Devontae Cacok, C: RFA

Joe Wieskamp, SF: RFA

Robert Woodard II, SG: RFA

D.J. Stewart Jr., SG: RFA

The 19-year-old had a solid freshman season for the Fighting Irish, averaging 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 40.4 percent from the floor and 30.3 percent from deep in 35 games.

Given his quickness and ability to penetrate into the lane, Wesley will be a difference-maker for the Spurs during the 2022-23 campaign and beyond.

Bennedict Mathurin Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Pacers Roster

Jun 24, 2022

Arizona guard Bennedict Mathurin brings the ball down court against Houston during the first half of a college basketball game in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Arizona Wildcats guard Bennedict Mathurin was selected No. 6 overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA draft Thursday.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Bennedict Mathurin

Position: SG/SF

Height: 6'6"

Pro Comparison: Jason Richardson

Scouting Report: Explosiveness and shot-making are Mathurin's NBA moneymakers. He's still working on becoming a more efficient shot-creator, but he should immediately be able to score by drilling jumpers and picking up easy transition buckets.

Pacers Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Bennedict Mathurin, SG: rookie-scale contract

Buddy Hield, SG: $23.5M (2024)

Malcolm Brogdon, PG: $22.5M (2025)

Myler Turner, C: $20M (2023)

T.J. McConnell, PG: $8.4M (2025)

Tyrese Haliburton, PG: $4.5M (2024)

Chris Duarte, SG: $4.4M (2025)

Goga Bitadze, C: $3.3M (2023)

Isaiah Jackson, PF: $3M (2025)

Duane Washington, Jr., PG: $1.4M (2024)

Terry Taylor, G: $1.3M (2024)

Oshae Brissett, SF: $1.2M (2023, Team Option)

Free Agents

Ricky Rubio, PG: UFA

T.J. Warren, SF: UFA

Jalen Smith, PF: UFA

Lance Stephenson, SG: UFA

Nate Hinton, SG: RFA

Gabe York, SG: RFA

The 20-year-old excelled in his second season at Arizona, averaging 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 36.9 percent from deep in 37 games.

The Canadian helped lead the Wildcats to a Pac-12 championship and the Sweet 16 of the men's NCAA tournament under first-year head coach Tommy Lloyd.

Given his consistent scoring touch and ability to get separation, Mathurin will be a difference-maker for the Pacers during the 2022-23 campaign and beyond.

Paolo Banchero Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Magic Roster

Jun 24, 2022

Duke forward Paolo Banchero (5) against Texas Tech during a college basketball game in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament in San Francisco, Thursday, March 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

One of the most highly touted prospects is off the board as Duke Blue Devils star Paolo Banchero was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Paolo Banchero

Position: PF

Height: 6'10"

Pro Comparison: Chris Webber

Scouting Report: Powerful and skilled, Paolo Banchero projects as the draft's most pro-ready scorer. His ability to self-create, shoot off the dribble, hit threes and play-make carves out a path toward NBA stardom.

Magic Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Paolo Banchero, PF: Rookie Scale

Jonathan Isaac, PF: $17.4M (2025)

Markelle Fultz, PG: $16.7M (2024)

Terrence Ross, SG: $13.5M (2023)

Wendell Carter Jr., C: $12.5M (2026)

Jalen Suggs, SG: $7.5M (2025)

Franz Wagner, SF: $5.7M (2025)

Cole Anthony, PG: $4M (2024)

Chuma Okeke, PF: $3.8M (2024)

R.J. Hampton, PG: $2.8M (2024)

Moritz Wagner, C: $1.8M (2023)

Devin Cannady, PG: $1.3M (2024)

Free Agents

Gary Harris, SG: UFA

Mo Bamba, C: RFA

Robin Lopez, C: UFA

Bol Bol, C: RFA

Admiral Schofield, SF: RFA

Ignas Brazdeikis, SF: RFA

Banchero is a solid fit with the Magic as the franchise has been looking for a primary creator for a long time. The 19-year-old can create offense off the bounce unlike most of the other Orlando players.

Banchero was also one of the best ball handlers in this year's draft and will easily add playmaking to take the pressure off Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony.

It wouldn't be surprising to see Banchero slot into a starting role in Orlando immediately. He could easily play alongside Anthony, Suggs, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr.

With Jonathan Isaac recovering from hamstring surgery after suffering an injury during his ACL rehab, it's unclear if he'll be ready for the start of the season or how he'll fit into the rotation moving forward.

Banchero had an impressive freshman season with the Blue Devils, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from deep in 39 games.

He led Duke to an appearance in the Final Four during the 2021-22 season and was also named ACC Rookie of the Year.

Given his size and athletic ability, Banchero will be an instant difference-maker for Orlando.

Paolo Banchero Ahead of 2022 NBA Draft: 'Anybody You Put on Me Is a Mismatch'

Jun 23, 2022

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils works on offense against Leaky Black #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four at Caesars Superdome on April 2, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

Paolo Banchero believes he is the best player in the 2022 NBA draft because of his offensive skill set.

The former Duke star discussed his abilities in an interview with Zion Olojede of Complex:

"I'm able to do stuff that is not normal for people my size. Just the way I move, just stuff I'm able to do on the floor at my size is unique. I just think I'm a mismatch whether you put a bigger player on me or a smaller player on me to make me uncomfortable; anybody you put on me is a mismatch."

Banchero was listed at 6'10", 250 pounds during his college career but said he recently measured 6'10½" without shoes and that he has grown since starting his freshman season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday morning that Banchero is likely headed to the Houston Rockets as the No. 3 pick behind Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren.

Even if he isn't drafted first overall, Banchero will have plenty of confidence as he gets to the next level.

"Just having that mindset that I'm the best player on any floor that I step on," he said. "Regardless of who's on the floor, that's just on my mind. I want to go out there and prove it."

Banchero showed his abilities throughout his lone year at Duke, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. He was the go-to option for a team that won the ACC in the regular season and reached the men's Final Four.

During the NCAA tournament, the forward posted 18.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 52.6 percent from three-point range.

Banchero has certainly been a mismatch at the high school and college levels, with few players having the size or agility to defend him. Excelling in the NBA will be a different challenge, but he believes that the success will continue.

Report: Hercy Miller, Son of Master P, to Join Louisville CBB Program as Walk-On

Jun 21, 2022

CHANDLER, AZ - NOVEMBER 07: Hercy Miller, from Minnehaha High School, looks on during the Pangos All-American Festival on November 7, 2020 at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, AZ. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Hercy Miller, the son of rapper Master P, plans to walk on for the men's basketball team at Louisville, according to On3's Matt Zenitz.

Miller began the 2021-22 season at Tennessee State and averaged 2.0 points and 0.2 assists in six appearances. He had also signed a $2 million name, image and likeness deal prior to suiting up for the Tigers.

However, Miller entered the transfer portal for the first time in December after suffering a season-ending hip injury. Master P explained the injury was the impetus for the decision.

"We've got a great program at Tennessee State. We've got great people. We loved the culture. We just don't have enough trainers," he said, per The Tennessean's Mike Organ. "We don't have enough medical people to take care of what needs to be taken care of. We don't have the technology that the Dukes and all these major universities have. An injury like this could have been prevented."

Miller eventually settled on Xavier as his next step. Although the NCAA instituted a rule allowing athletes to transfer one time and maintain immediate eligibility, the 6'3" guard was unable to play for the Musketeers because he switched schools in the middle of the season.

Per 247Sports, Miller will be Louisville's second addition through the transfer portal after power forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield joined the Cardinals from Tennessee. First-year head coach Kenny Payne also has commitments from a pair of 4-star high school recruits, small forwards Kamari Lands and Devin Ree.

Payne, who played at Louisville and was a part of the national championship-winning squad in 1985-86, took over for Chris Mack.

The Cardinals started well under Mack, reaching the 2019 NCAA tournament and winning 24 games in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season. However, Mack was out of a job by January after the team went 6-8 to open the year.

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