Kenny Hall
Photo by Michael Hollenbeck
Sanginaw High's Daniel West, right, is expected to announce today he will sign with Tennessee on April 9 be ready to play next basketball season. Kentucky and Wake Forest were among the schools recruiting.
Tennessee is dipping into the Great Lakes State for another point guard.
Daniel West (6-foot-1, 175 pounds), of Saginaw, Mich., is expected to announce today that he'll sign with the Vols on April 9, the first day of the spring signing period, and be ready to suit up for UT next season.
West's announcement comes on the heels of Tennessee landing a commitment from the No. 28-ranked player (Rivals.com) in the class of 2009, 6-9 power forward Kenny Hall.
Hall, from Stone Mountain, Ga., told the News Sentinel on Sunday that he has made a verbal pledge to sign with the Vols in November.
"I liked the coaching staff from the start, and I like the way the team plays,'' said Hall, who averaged 24.6 points and 12.6 rebounds for Redan High School. "I loved the arena with everything new and the JumboTron; it's like an NBA arena.''
Hall, the No. 10 power forward, also has been recruited by Duke, UCLA, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Southern Cal, Clemson, Georgia, Alabama and Ole Miss.
"I think my strength is anything in the paint; I can hit the mid-range jumper and take people off the dribble or post them up,'' said Hall, who made his first unofficial visit the weekend of the UT-South Carolina football game and followed up with another unofficial visit for the Kentucky basketball game on Sunday.
"I think I need to work on my handle (dribbling) and my foot speed,'' he said. "I know I have to be in shape to play for Coach (Bruce) Pearl.''
West is already playing an up-tempo, full-court style for Saginaw High School, which is ranked No. 7 in the USA Today's Super 25.
"You have to make good decisions to play point guard at Tennessee,'' said Lou Dawkins, West's head coach at Saginaw. "Daniel is the best point guard in the Midwest, and I'm not just saying that because I'm his coach.
"People are just now finding out about him; North Carolina called here today.''
West also has heard from Kentucky, St. Johns, Cincinnati, Wake Forest and Minnesota, even though he doesn't have the stars behind his name in the various Internet recruiting rankings.
"That's because we left him off the AAU circuit last summer so he could concentrate on his grades and make sure he was eligible,'' said Dawkins, who played his college basketball for current Minnesota coach Tubby Smith at Tulsa.
West is averaging 17 points, nine assists, seven steals and two turnovers per game this season, and he's hitting 82 percent of his free throws, 42 percent of his shots from the field and 36 percent of this 3-pointers, according to Dawkins.
"I dare teams to press us, because he's that good,'' Dawkins said. "If you take him away from us, we lose. It's as simple as that.
"Daniel doesn't back down from anyone. He doesn't care who's on the other side of the ball.''
West is expected to compete with UT sophomore Ramar Smith - a Michigan product from Mt. Clemens - for the starting point-guard duties.
The Vols' other point guard, Jordan Howell, is a senior.
West's commitment and anticipated signing gives UT three players in this class with another scholarship left to offer.
Tennessee signed 6-10 post Phillip Jurick of East Ridge High School and 6-8 wing Renaldo Woolridge of North Hollywood, Calif., in November.
The Vols have targeted Scotty Hopson, a 6-6 shooting guard from Hopkinsville, Ky., for their final scholarship in the Class of 2008.
Hopson has been selected to play in the prestigious McDonald's All-American All-Star game in the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wis., and is the No. 9 ranked player in the Class of 2008 according to Rivals.com.
Hopson also is considering Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky and Mississippi State.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 62
Ironcity writes:
This is great news. Just discussing with friends today about who our back u point guard would be next year. Sounds like this kid is a gem.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Mr. Hobson, you are looking at a chacne for some serious minutes at UT. Not to diss other schools, but UT has the best combination of possible PT AND a high-profile (lots of TV) with Bruce Pearl.
Remember, 3 senior guards will graduate. Ramar Smith most likely rotates beween 2 and 3, along with JP. Cameron Tatum is in that mix as well. None are 3-point shooters, tho maybe Tatum is a bit unknown there.
Josh Tabb will be in that 2-3 mix as well. Ramar will most likely be at 1, with Jp, and the new recruit Hall will get a shot.
So, Mr. Hobson, you could be looking at a ready-made deal.
mun4life#454315 writes:
yippee
Einstein writes:
This is good because we can play him and Ramar together because in addition to playing point guard, Ramar can slash to the basket and cause problems for the other teams.
Ironcity writes:
Hall doesn't come on board until 2009. Tatum can shoot the three and so will Woolridge. The make up of our team is changing right now to a lot of long lanky players. Should fit perfectly into Pearls style.
doctorvol#211700 writes:
Hopson, not Hobson. C.Tatum can shoot.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Thanks for this info Mike and KNS, I've been looking for stuff on this kid for the past few days and without a subscription to Rivals or Scout, it's pretty much impossible.
Next year (starters):
PG Ramar Smith
SG Cam Tatum
SG JP Prince
PF Tyler Smith (fingers crossed that he'll stay)
C Wayne Chism
2nd wave:
PG Daniel West
SG Josh Tabb
SF Renaldo Wooldridge
PF Duke Crews / Ryan Childress
C Phillip Jurick / Brian Williams
***Signing West leaves us with 1 scholarship when Tyler leaves. Kenny Hall is taking Ryan Childress' scholly after next year. If Tyler leaves after this season, we could still get Hopson, but I think we're leaning towards waiting for Leslie McDonald next year and assuming Tyler is coming back for one more season. I think that is best for UT and for Tyler.
MrBamSeydu writes:
OK scratch that last part, apparently we have an extra scholly laying around somewhere for Hopson this year..... then if we get McDonald next year, that will be RIDICULOUS!!
MrBamSeydu writes:
mparker:
You're calling him mr. hobson.... retard. It's hopson. I thought it was a typo, but you did it more than once. Plus you say we've got all this PT then you list 3 or 4 people competing for the SG spots. Ramar is a PG.... we are recruiting West for backup because you HAVE to have two PGs in Pearls system and we don't have anyone else on the roster other than MAYBE JP who could possibly play PG with great success.
Mr. HOPSON--- you could come in right away and start, guaranteed. JP and Hopson would be 2 and 3 with Tatum and Tabb coming in as the first subs.
murrayvol writes:
Relax yemmus. Tyler knows he's not ready for the league just yet. And Prince needs to develop some of that "upside" before being penciled into the starting 5.
eb502us#225637 writes:
The last scholly must be saved for a shooting guard. Hope it's Hopson but if not, again, it must be saved for a shooting guard. Did I say we need a shooting guard? Ramar and JP will never be shooters so unless Tatum lights it up from the outside next year, we need someone who's a threat from the perimeter. A shooting guard is a must. Did I mention how badly we need a shooting guard? Ok.....I think I've made my point :)
cphil writes:
I have a gut feeling, and I hope I'm right, that Tyler Smith will stay for his full eligibility. His dad would have wanted him to, and the kid has always been a Vol through-and-through, even when he was at Iowa.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
I hope he can hit free throws?
RemembertheAlamo writes:
if you can't shower at the end of practice until you hit 10 free throws.....if we were doing that then we might could hit them in the clutch........
FWBVol writes:
I don't see Tyler Smith staying for his senior year for two reasons. First, while he might be a sophomore academically and athletically, that doesn't take into account the year he spent at prep school after graduating from high school and before going to Iowa. Next year will be his fourth year out of high school and if he's not ready for the NBA by then he might never be. Second is along that same line of thought. I can't see any kid turning down pro money for another year of school unless their family is already comfortable financially.
Peyton could stay for his senior year because as was said at the time, "His mother didn't need a new house."
Todd Helton, although picked in the second round of the MLB draft after graduating from high school, was able to turn down a reported $400,000 bonus by the Padres and come to UT for three years because his family was comfortable.
A kid coming from a family without a lot of money, especially considering his dad did pass away, will probably want to take care of his mom ASAP.
ZWVol11 writes:
And you have to remember Tyler has a 2 year old son to look out for too
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Why does this article start out with five paragraphs about Hall who has his own article?
oldorange writes:
Its good to finally get a "heads up on the basketball recruiting class....Thanks
anthony writes:
why is everyone always pickiing on ole john adams in these ghings instead of sticking to scriipt?? And what about our spelling?
wvuvolfan writes:
i agree burnt, what's up with that JA? give mr. west his due.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Sign 'em all.
GreerVol22 writes:
Nice eye Bruce. If KY and NC are calling then the kid is legit.
But you gotta thank this guys HS coach. To keep him out of AAU is typically the kiss of death to recruiting boards per his current rank. He should be commended for his conviction to get this kid academically qualified.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
Tyler has said since he got to UT, he will give us two seasons and has not backed off of that!!!
Can anyone say "RAISE" as in Pearl's salary. This will be the off season that people come hard after Coach. I feel he is happy here and feels appreciated BUT, I hope Mike really makes him feel appreciated after this year. Of course we have to wait till after the tourney, to see how deep we go!!!
GREAT STUFF HAPPENING IN BBALL
THANKS COACH PEARL
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
We need five-star Leslie McDonald out of Memphis. I bet BP called him before leaving FedEx Forum.
THE_VOL writes:
Old news! I reported this yesterday on the Hall article - oh, sorry, I don't know anything. LOL Way to stay on top of things Griff!
Now, while there is only one scholarship left for next year - and yes, Hopson is the #1 target - do NOT be surprised if another becomes available IF the right kid can be landed. But hey, what do I know!
rccheek#205272 writes:
Isn't the picture labeled wrong? Isn't it Dan West and not Kenny Hall? Compare to the action shot below.
shopsports#273141 writes:
Yes, Pearl will deserve a raise, but let's not forget, Summitt has been very loyal, she has won for a long time now, and sells tickets. We have to budget for both. That is just the way it is. Those who love it, can pay higher ticket prices.
russ writes:
Pearl deserves a raise. Summit is the highest paid WB coach (as she should be), but why give her more? She needs to thank Pearl and Fulmer for the money she makes now!
VenomousVol writes:
shopsports! Pat's salary and Bruce's have absolutely nothing to do with one another. Pat is and should be the highest paid WOMENS coach in the land. UT should guarantee that she will always be the highest paid womens coach, she deserves that. BUT and this is a huge BUT, womens basketball doesn't sell the tickets, merchandise, or get anywhere near the exposure that mens basketball gets. ESPN hyped the UT/Memphis game more than they do the womens final four. So BP should make more than Pat, for those reasons and the fact that he will draw more on the open market. Nobody will pay Pat more than she is making now, not another school or the WNBA either.
GreerVol22 writes:
AirForce. KY passing on some guys is not a bad thing. It worked out for a guy named Lofton.
Basketball_Jones writes:
If this Hopson kid comes to UT, and I think he will UT will have another great recruiting class. If Pearl can win without Mickey D All Americans think what he'll do when we get a couple. I am excited to see this Woolridge kid play, I remember his dad spent alot of time above the rim in his day.
What we really need though are some guys who can shoot. Losing Lofton and the spotty Jajuan will really hurt us, even though now in the clutch I would rely more on Tyler that Chris, Clo really struggles against guys who are 6-4+ and those fade aways with a 6-7 guy in his face he was hitting last year don't go down quite as easy this year.
Hopefully we'll the 2nd #1 seed in the tourney and get to play in Alabama. I heard on ESPN last night that they think if we win out and win the SEC that we'll jump Memphis due to RPI and head to head matchup. I don't want to see the #2 seed in our bracket be Kansas, I want it to be Duke.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
BRAD SUMMEY
it's cause i'm legally blind, and can't read very well, you sorry-a$$3d jerk.
is it possible for you to EVER not be a jerk??? every dang post you make is bitter and nasty.
what the heck, are you just looking for someone to clock you???
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
airforceone:
great post. Some of what I read on Lofton said he was evaluated 'incorrectly' in HS as a point guard.
Most likely the best thing that ever happened to Chris was NOT getting recruited by UK, since he 1) got PT at tenn and 2) had a big chip to motivate him.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
heels_fan:
I'd like to see one of our bigs develop into an inside enforcer. There are times we need someone to board and box and just generally push people around, and we don't quite have the player to do it:
Wayne is good offensively, but isn't always aggressive; Duke is aggressive, but he isn't that big; Brian is big, but still has weight to lose and skills to gain (still think he might be a real force as a junior and senior).
murrayvol writes:
heels_fan: I have some #s for you - KU 109-TxTech 51. Kansas will not be a #2 in anyone's bracket. Their next loss (if they get one) will be in the NCAAs.
Re Lofton: The best thing that ever happened to him was getting no love from UK or UL out of HS. If he goes to either place, he becomes a role playing 8-10 minutes/game spot shooter. As the Army would say: He's become all he could be at Tennessee. I think most of us will settle for that.
And Hopson?? Beats me. I doubt that Pearl will ever risk team chemistry for any player.
DSaVol writes:
A few observations on today's discussions:
1. Summit has essentially maxed out. She may get some raises but she's at the ceiling for all practical purposes. Understand that the girls don't even pay their own way on a straight up basis so don't tell me how many tickets she sells and women's championships are only worth a fraction of men's titles. Don't worry paranoid Vol fans - Pearl will get taken care of and he ain't goin' anywhere! As for Pat - yawn....
2. Hopson is supposedly an outstanding player but who really knows? After all, IF you've seen him play it's against HS kids and he originally committed to MISSISSIPPI FREAKIN' STATE! Either he got the right number for that decision or a whole bunch of big time hoops schools didn't want to mess with him - or both. As for him being a one and done guy - LMFAO!!! - weren't Ramar and Duke and Wayne in that category too???? If all these guys who are supposed to be one and done actually were, the NBA would draft nothing but freshmen! Don't believe the hype on any of these kids cause only 3 to 5 a year are actually as good as advertised AND make the adjustments to the college game. I recall Tony Jones talking about Duke being a freshman of the year guy, Ramar being one and done and Wayne being an All-SEC caliber player. Still waiting.....
murrayvol...kansas needs to beat TX twice before they get a #1. A 60 pt win over Tx Tech is, well, not much to brag about. It really doesn't matter if a team is a #1 or #2 since they're gonna have to beat at least 3 outstanding teams anyway. TN was a #2 two years ago and lost in Rd 2 while they were a #4 last yr and missed the Elite 8 by a play. Just gotta go beat whoever is in front of you and hope some of the big boys in your bracket get upset along the way.
Basketball_Jones writes:
MurrayVol I'm with DSA on this one. I wouldn't base a teams seeding on a game like this. K-State played them pretty good the other night at home and Beasley picked up 2 fouls in 3 minutes, Walker was in fould trouble all night. That was a homer job by the refs, both Beasley fouls were ticky tacky.
DSA you made the point abot Ramar was supposed to be a one and done player. I think he really had that ability off the dribble but he can't shoot a lick. If he could learn to jump stop and hit the pull up jumper instead of sometimes going all the way to the basket out of control and getting a charge he would be a much more effective player. Derrick Rose at Tiger High does it real well and hits 10-15 footers all day.
As far as Chism goes, he plays like an All SEC player some games then disappears at times (sounds like Jajuan). I think he and Duke need to box each other before every game to get worked up and get mean inside. Only time will tell on this though.
MrBamSeydu writes:
mparker: you must be dyslexic, too? you read that pretty well for someone who's "legally blind". but hey, i'll try to be nicer to you from now on..... i can see your feelings get hurt easily.
I'd rather get McDonald than HoPson to be honest with everyone. McDonald seems to be way more head strong and less of a me-first guy. Either way, as long as we get our first ever MCD's AA at some point in the next 2 recruiting classes I will be ecstatic.
volfan_in_mississippi writes:
DSaVol: Why the surprise that someone would commit to Mississippi State?
Travis Outlaw, Jonathan Bender, Monta Ellis, and Al Jefferson all committed to State before deciding to go straight to the NBA.
DSaVol writes:
volfan...didn't say I was surprised. My point was that MSU isn't exactly a national powerhouse - yeah, they've had some moderate success over the years - but they aren't NC, Duke, Kansas, UCLA, etc...which is typically where guys who are supposed to be as good as Hopson get nabbed quickly. Of course, the more likely scenario is what I said - he got the right number just as those you mentioned in your post surely did. Too bad for Stansbury that the NBA has a higher salary cap otherwise he might be the new John Wooden.
volfan_in_mississippi writes:
DSaVol: Yeah, I see your point, and it is kind of a joke here that anytime Stansbury lands a big commit then the kid is going pro.
Ironcity writes:
AF One interesting insight on Hopson. Is he from a big city (near Cincy or Lousiville)? Most problem players seem to come from the inner city. They struggle with school and they struggle socially in the college environment. I would trust CP with his ability to get this kids head on staight if its just the big kid i a small pond mentality. I have seen him do it to a certain extent with R Smith.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
BRAD SUMMEY
It's the details, and the proofing, that can't get done.
Look, I don't give a d@mn if you are 'nice' or not, but the constant personal slams on people get old.
Anyway, I was tired when I wtote the post, and what I was trying to get across was this:
Ramar can play 1, 2, or maybe even 3. The 2 in UT's system is not limited to a SG type player. However, if Mr. Hopson is a good SG, he'll certainly get a long look.
ONe thing is for certain, it would be nice if CBP gets more options for lineups.
TK writes:
We need a PG. Ramar Smith is not a point guard. He plays street ball and has a hard time playing in a controled system. That is why his play is so up and down. On the press he should be called Kentucky Fried Chicken...cause he gets fried. But,he must be the best BP has. At the first of the year I thought Tabb would play more PG. I do not question Bruce though.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
TK:
what Ramar can do VERY well is break down a D. He just has to do more things once he DOES break it down.
While I hate to see Chris and JaJuan graduate, next year will be Bruce's first 'Burce' team. Doesnt' that seem odd?? It feels like he's been here for longer than 3 years.
ssukonic#254241 writes:
Ramar is an interesting player to analyse. He's a heck of an athlete.....just not that stable point guard who's always going to make good decisions and if you don't guard him will make you pay. Now, he does make you pay on the dribble drive as well as anyone as someone mentioned. I wonder how much time he's putting into his shooting. He needs big time work. I know there was an article some time back where coach pearl was encouraging him to shoot the 3. I don't think he's taken one in a month. Of course, we've been playing pretty tight games here recently. What I do like about him also is that when he lost the starting position to Howell there for awhile, it didn't look like he was sulking at all....just determined to do well when he got the chance. So, I think the good attitude is there. Would love to know the inside info on that though.....
bigbluevol writes:
ramar hit a three against auburn and I'm pretty sure he took a three against UK, but he did not make it.
zjcvols#543765 writes:
Childress will not play next year... he'd done. Williams better be worth the two-year wait b/c he's taking possible minutes away from Jurick (who I heard will be a stud). If Hopson comes, here will the lineup next year
Starters Bench
PG R.Smith PG D.West
SG S.Hopson SG J.Tabb/C.Tatum
SF J.Prince SF R.Woolridge/C.Tatum
PF T.Smith PF D.Crews/P.Jurick
C W.Chism C B.Williams/P.Jurick
Let's say T.Smith leaves (which I'm 70% sure he will) The lineup looks like this. Hopson comes here
Starters Bench
PG R.Smith PG D.West
SG S.Hopson SG J.Tabb/C.Tatum
SF J.Prince SF R.Wooldridge/C.Tatum
PF D.Crews PF P.Jurick
C W. Chism C B.Williams
If Hopson doesn't come, Tatum would start. If Ty Smith stays, this is a FF team, if ty smith leaves, it's still a top 12-16 team
knoxville_born writes:
Go to YouTube and type in "daniel west saginaw" to see a video of highlights from West's AAU team. Dude looks like a baller!
navyvolinva writes:
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?sec...
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.