An early look at BU's 2012 recruiting

By Craig Meyer/DFP Staff

After a busier-than-expected June due to the departure of former Boston University men's basketball coach Pat Chambers and the hire of new head coach Joe Jones, the summer recruiting period officially began July 6 with college coaches traversing the country to try to build the foundations of their respective program for years to come.

After Chambers hauled in two of the top recruiting classes in the America East Conference in his lone two seasons at the helm, Jones will look to build upon that success as he puts together his first recruiting class at BU, a 2012 class that will become especially important given the fact that the Terriers will graduate six players next year.

With an eye toward the future, here is a look at the players listed as "considering" BU, according to ESPN.com:

*Note: Coaches cannot comment on recruits, per NCAA rules.

Clyde Smith, PG, ESPN Grade: 89

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hometown: Houston


Strengths:

- Plays with great presence and confidence

- Great 3-point shooter, strong pull-up game

- Plays well in transition

- Quickness to be a good defender

Weaknesses:

- Not necessarily a true point guard; more of a scorer than distributor

- Needs to make greater commitment to improving defense

Other Schools Considering: Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame, Oklahoma State University


Donovan Jack, PF, ESPN Grade: 88
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Hometown: Reading, Pa.

Strengths:

- Tough, competitive, plays with great energy

- Good rebounder

- Strong shot blocker

Weaknesses:

- Must add strength, too wiry

- Not great athlete

- Often out of position defensively

Other Schools Considering: University of Delaware, DePaul University, Lafayette University, Duquesne University


Khallid Hurt, SG, ESPN Grade: 85
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Hometown: Newark, Del.


Strengths:

- Great in transition

- Stretches the floor -- good pull-up jumper, but also great finisher around the rim, even through contact

- Good strength for his size

- Persistent defender

Weaknesses:

- Become more aware of time and score situations

- Gambles too much on defense, often picks up cheap fouls

Other Schools Considering: Delaware, Mount Saint Mary's College, Rider University

Brendan Kilpatrick, SF, ESPN Grade: 82
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Hometown: Blue Bell, Pa.

Strengths:

- Versatile skill set

- Strong frame, deceptively athletic

- Consistent catch and shoot threat

Weaknesses:

- Poor off the dribble

- Isn't good enough of a shooter to base his game around it

- Needs to improve lateral quickness defensively

Other Schools Considering: College of the Holy Cross, James Madison University, Fairfield University, Rider

Maurice Watson, PG, ESPN Grade: 82
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 150 lbs.
Hometown: Philadelphia

Strengths:

- Extremely fast and explosive
- Great court vision, good decision maker
- Good ball handler, not risky with his passes

Weaknesses:

- Needs to work on his outside jumper

- Work on becoming more reliable scorer

Other Schools Considering: Princeton University, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, Rice University


Aaron Morgan, PG, ESPN Grade: 78
Height: 5'10"
Weight: ---
Hometown: Newtown, Pa.

Strengths:

- Steady, well-rounded game

- Good distributor, scores within flow of offense

- Strong outside shooter, efficient handle

Weaknesses:

- Undersized, easily outmatched physically, especially near the basket

- Not explosively quick or athletic

Other Schools Considering: Northeastern University, Mt. St. Mary's, Lafayette, Rider