It Takes 5ive: Chandler has promise

CINCINNATI- The intensity picked up Tuesday at the It Takes 5ive adidas Classic with the beginning of bracket play. Out of the 2010 class, Eric Atkins impressed with his overall play while 2011 Louisville commitment Michael Chandler displayed why he is regarded as a five-star prospect.

Michael Chandler (Derrick Rose All Stars)- When evaluating the big men at this event, there is Fabricio de Melo and then there is Chandler. The 2011 Louisville commitment has an impressive physique at 6 feet 10 and is oozing with athleticism. Chandler did all his work in the interior when we watched him, and it was impressive work. He snagged rebounds outside his area, finished with authority, snapped some impressive outlet passes and was also steady and smooth from the free throw line. Best of all for Chandler as a prospect is that he has a lot of room between his head and his ceiling.

Eric Atkins (DC Assault)- It was as simple as this in DC Assaults win over the Nashville Celtics. When Atkins was in the game, DC Assault's lead ballooned. When he was out of the game, the Celtics mounted comebacks. Atkins has all the tools to be a high level performer at Notre Dame. He has length as a point guard, a subtle burst with the basketball and a great feel for passing the ball. Then when points are needed he has the shooting ability and creativity to produce.

Jacoby Brissett (Florida Rams)- There aren't many 2011 combo guards with the combination of size, athleticism and skill that Brissett possesses. At 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, he can play make all the plays a combo guard needs to make. As a no brainer high major prospect in both football and basketball, the question is what sport will it be. At this point it will likely be one or the other in college, and Brissett is leaning towards basketball.

Shannon Scott (Southern Kings)- The 2011 point guard's value will go up if improves his ability to score, but there is no knock on his ability to get inside the defense and dish the rock.

Austin Hollins (Nashville Celtics)- He has length and a steady midrange game. The questions are whether or not he will develop the body and the perimeter skill game to be effective at the high major level. Schools are evaluating closely.

Josiah Turner (Pump N Run)- A natural point guard, Turner is doing an excellent job playing his role alongside guards Jordin Mayes and Terrell Stoglin. He has had a physical presence on the court and has finished effectively from midrange and in.

Cady Lalace (Florida Rams)- One of the sleeper prospects at the event, Lalace has length, athleticism and a promising skill game as a power forward.

Josh Ritchart (Team Superstars)- A skilled four man out of Sacramento, Calif., Ritchart made three-pointers, blocked shots and finished with touch inside. Currently being recruited hardest at the mid-major level, Ritchart will likely end up in the Pac-10.

Anton Grady (Friends for Life)- His length and skill level definitely place this 2011 prospect in the high major category.

Recruiting News

A number of schools on the hunt for a point guard are tracking KC Pump N Run's Trevor Releford. Releford is still wide open at the moment, but he does list offers from Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Minnesota and Texas A&M.

One of the top guards in 2011 Kevin Ware has offers from Miami, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Florida and interest from Kentucky, Memphis and Kansas. Ware considers Miami his favorite because of style play.

After scoring 25 points in a tough loss, Chicago Elite's Lavonte Dority told Rivals.com he is considering offers from Marquette, Baylor, Indiana, Providence and New Mexico.

Josh Ritchart has offers from St. Mary's, pacific and UC-Davis, but is also getting interest from California, Stanford, Oregon State and Washington State. Other regional mid-majors are involved as well as Ivy League schools. Ritchart is strongly interested in California and Stanford, and head coaches from both schools watched him play on Tuesday.

Four-star forward Mychal Parker said Maryland is at the top of his list with Virginia, Miami and Kentucky following in that order. All but Kentucky has offered. Arkansas and USC have offered and Alabama and Georgia Tech are showing interest.

Perhaps the top 2011 quarterback in Florida, Jacoby Brissett is also a no brainer four-star combo guard. Presently he is being recruited by Miami Old Dominion, South Carolina, Clemson, Kentucky Xavier and Florida. Given his desire to play basketball, expect Brissett's recruitment to blow up

Cady Lalane, who has emerged as a top sleeper prospect at this event, is receiving the most recruiting attention from South Carolina, Miami and VCU. The athletic and long power forward is also hearing from Ole Miss, UCF, Syracuse and Stetson.

Speaking of sleeper recruits, Lalane's teammate on the Florida Rams Will Sheehey has made a big splash during first foray on the travel circuit. At the moment Williams & Mary and Florida Atlantic have offered Sheehey.

Lanky 6-foot-4 wing Austin Hollins recently picked up an offer from Memphis to go along with offers from Arkansas and Belmont. Hollins is also receiving strong interest from Arizona State.

Stephen Baird informed Rivals.com that he is committed to Liberty.