McNeils Recruiting Picks Up

Japhet McNeil, a 5'11'' 160 pound point guard from Christ the King High School in Middle Village, New York, has seen a couple of new suitors jump into the fray in the last few weeks.

Along with schools like Siena, Niagara, and Bradley, who have been involved for some time, Christ the King coach Bob Oliva gave RivalsHoops.com his thoughts on Japhet's recruitment and some new names taking a peek at the crafty point man.

"I'd say that Niagara leads over Siena right now," said Oliva. "And Bradley is still right there. They've been there all along.

"East Carolina just came in to see him. (Head coach Bill Herrion) likes him. They just need to see him more. And I just got( a call from) Duquesne today."

Sources tell RivalsHoops.com that Ohio University and Rutgers are also taking a look at McNeil. An assistant coach from Ohio U. was on hand to see Christ the King's seeding round match-up against Archbishop Molloy at St. Francis College in Brooklyn on Tuesday night. McNeil, after being held scoreless in the second half, hit a clutch, game-winning three-pointer to rescue the Royals, helping CK to a 51-49 win. McNeil finished with 14 points, despite contending with a gimpy ankle.

The game pitted McNeil against Molloy point guard Marlon Smith, whom Ohio University was also taking a look at. However, McNeil was guarded most of the time by burly junior guard Sundiata Gaines.

It remains to be seen whether the higher level progams taking a look at McNeil will become serious suitors. However, as different programs' options dwindle down the stretch with the class of 2003, don't be surprised if some others give McNeil a look, too.