Rhodes looking at four

This time of year, point guards come at a premium on the recruiting trail and a handful of programs are zeroing in on Harmony Prep (Ohio) point guard Marcus Rhodes.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound point guard from Gary, Ind., is manning the point for the offensive juggernaut that Harmony Prep has become. His role has changed from a 23 point per game scorer last year at Christian Center Academy to 16.5 points and 5.2 assists per game for Travis McAvene, who Rhodes has played for at both schools.

"He's really opened that role with open arms," McAvene said. "He knew we were going to bring in more talent around him and that he wouldn't be getting all of the points like he used to. But instead, he's got nine or 10 Division I guys with him playing just as hard."

In the backcourt alone, Rhodes has three quality opponents in practice and three high-major options at his disposal in Josh Tabb (Tennessee), Tyrone Appleton (Virginia Tech) and Deonta Vaughn (a Big Ten target).

With his steady and unselfish play this season, Rhodes has seen his recruitment take on a couple of schools from the Big East as well as a pair of mid-majors. Rhodes said Ball State (offer), South Florida, St. John's and TCU are the most serious schools to date.

Ball State assistant coach Steve Lynch recruited Rhodes while at Missouri State, and Rhodes even committed to the school but went the prep school route when he didn't qualify.

"I've been talking a lot with St. John's and South Florida," Rhodes said. "I'll probably be setting up a visit with St. John's in a couple of weeks. I've never been to New York before. I mean, it's the Big East. They play all of their games in the (Madison Square) Garden. I can see myself playing there.

"Same thing with South Florida. You can't beat the Big East and they are in it now. That's something that I'm looking at."

There was a possibility that Rhodes was going to hook up with a program at the winter break but academics prevented the mid-season move to the college ranks. Rhodes said he's hoping that either South Florida or St. John's offers soon.

"I'm looking at their staffs and their rosters, seeing who is coming and going," Rhodes said. "I know I'll find the right place."