Cactus Classic: Recruiting news

TUCSON, Ariz. - As the Arizona Cactus Classic rolls on, Rivals.com gathered recruiting information from several prospects, which included some interesting news from Renardo Sidney, currently the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2009.

Although many observers expect Sidney to stay in Los Angeles for college, the skilled power forward has been expanding his school list lately. Saturday he mentioned Arizona State, USC, UCLA, Texas, Kansas and Memphis as schools of interest. He also added another school to the top of his list. Evidently impressed by his surroundings in Tucson, Sidney spoke glowingly about Arizona.

"I'm really liking Arizona right now," Sidney said. "The gym is off the chain, and I got to walk around campus the other night and it's just crazy. I'm planning on coming back down in a month or so for a visit."

Sidney's play in this event has been has been less than stellar. His squad LA Dream Team was bounced out of the event in its first bracket game with Sidney averaging 12.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Immensely skilled, Sidney hasn't been able to fully tap into his abilities this weekend because of poor physical conditioning and emotional instability on the court. For Sidney to remain at the top of his class, and more importantly, for Sidney to become the player he is capable of becoming, he most stop being his own worse enemy.

Josh Smith (Seattle Rotary Select)- One of the top big men in the class of 2010, Smith has been impressive this weekend. His body is working itself into better shape, and at 6-foot-10, 270-pounds, he has shown some impressive lift around the basket.

Stating that the entire Pac-10 is recruiting him, Smith also listed offers from Louisville and Gonzaga. Duke and Georgetown are also recruiting him vigorously, and Texas and Tennessee have just recently gotten into the mix. Smith said he is wide open and a long way from making a decision.

Ray Turner (Franchise All Stars)- One of the most aggressive interior players in the event, Turner is garnering a lot of attention from schools with his strong play this spring.

Nebraska, Texas A&M, Baylor, Marquette and New Mexico have offered the high energy power forward. Memphis, Arizona, Pepperdine and USC are showing interest. Turner would also love to hear from Duke and Virginia.

Marshawn Powell (Boo Williams)- Slowed by an injured knee, Powell has still remained effective during the Cactus Classic.

Arkansas and Virginia are the two schools that standout to Powell. Arkansas has offered and Powell expects Virginia, which his right in his backyard, to offer soon.

Elijah Johnson (Pump N Run Elite)- The athletic point guard has a top five of UCLA, Texas, UNLV, Kansas and Oklahoma.

Establishing itself as the best run and top event nationally on the travel circuit, the Arizona Cactus Classic has detailed statistical information and box scores from every game at www.azcactusclassic.com.