Who Will Thrive in 2009?

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

Every year some player seemingly comes out of nowhere to see their recruiting stock blow up.  Sometimes it’s a well timed performance, others it’s just college coaches finally seeing what everyone else does.  In years past guys like Alan Chaney, Jordan Williams, Carson Desrosiers, and Rod Odom have all seen their recruiting stock virtually go through the roof in a very short amount of time. 

So who are some of the guys likely to see their stock take off in 2009?  Here are the New England Recruiting Reports best guesses…

Tyler Olander – He showed glimpses of his ability last summer as he went from a guy who was content to hang out on the perimeter and shoot threes to a true mismatch problem who was skilled enough to thrive on the perimeter but athletic and tough enough to produce in the paint.  After growing another two inches, if he plays with energy this year he could be a sure thing high major by 2010. 

Naofall Folahan – Never heard of him?  Probably because he doesn’t get a whole lot of burn with his Notre Dame Prep team.  But he’s just getting better because of it and come the summer you can bet there will be a long list of coaches intrigued by a near 7 footer as mobile and athletic as Folahan. 

Jordan Laguerre – The junior guard has been dominant to start the high school season.  He’s skilled and explosive enough to have the same results against tougher competition and if he does it this summer his recruitment will take off. 

Rodney Beldo – He’s one of the best guards in Massachusetts and one of the hardest guys to find in the summer.  If he makes it to some exposure events he’ll get just that…exposure. 

Melsahn Basabe – It’s tough to get minutes behind Nate Lubick and Erik Murphy, but Basabe is doing it this year and producing.  The New York native runs with the Gauchos over the summer and already has an offer from Xavier.  Plus with Murphy headed to Florida next year all those shots will now belong to Basabe. 

Kaleb Tarczewski – The 6’10” center from New Hampshire is one of New England’s best kept secrets at the moment.  But you can bet that will all change as kids this big with upside don’t stay hidden for too long. 

Nerlens Noel – Murphy and Bull are already undeniable high major prospects in the class of 2011, but there may be a third.  He’s long, athletic, active, and incredibly mobile…plus he’s running with BABC which means he’ll get looks all summer long.