AGENT ZERO TO HERO RECAP, PART II
by Ron Bailey
As in Part 1 (Agent Zero to Hero Recap), players being recruited to various degrees by Big East schools follow. All of these young men participated in the recent Agent Zero to Hero Invitational held at Hoop Magic in Chantilly, VA. For a championship update and 17u All Tourney selections, visit i95Ballerz.com.
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Victor Olidipo (pictured left) – If there is a rising junior that could end up being the next Thomas Robinson - being in time one of the most highly recruited players in the East – it is Victor. Though he’s getting an early start, and has a long way to go, the 6’3”, 180 pound Olidipo always leaves onlookers shocked at some athletic play, whether it is a follow up slam, fast break move, or blocked shot. More and more, Olidipo is impacting the game down offensively, including open court patting, good spot up shooting, and always making the right play.
Providence has offered, while Pittsburgh is very interested. Joining Providence in tendering a scholarship offer are Oklahoma, Maryland, George Mason, James Madison and UNC-Greensboro, while Clemson, BC and VCU can be placed along with Pitt has expressing interest.
Jerian Grant – Similar to Olidipo in being multi-skilled and playing for both Triple Threat (AAU) and DeMatha Catholic High School, Grant differs in that he’s a smooth operator, a player that through skill seems to make the game look easy. Able to shoot and dribble, the 6’3”, 175 pound brother of current Clemson forward Jerai Grant and son of ex-NBA’er Harvey Grant has grown up around the game and it shows.
A rising junior, Grant was offered recently by Providence and Oklahoma, who can be added to existing offers tendered by Virginia Tech and George Mason. Also like Olidipo, VCU, Clemson, JMU and a host of others are seriously scouting him.
Mike Gbinije (pictured left) – A 6’6”, 180 pound rising sophomore, Gbinije may be a ‘golden child’ in that he can do it all, including shoot, defend, drive, and pass. Even more impressive is he does all of this in a team setting.
Not surprisingly, the heavies are starting to contact, with Georgetown and Pittsburgh (who has offered) hot in pursuit from a Big East bent, while Texas, North Carolina and Virginia Tech (another offerer) have joined the parade. Recently, Florida may have also offered.
John Manning (pictured to right) – Backing up the youngster parade is Manning, who at 6’10” and 200 pounds has turned heads in the Washington, DC area. Georgetown has shown interest, as have Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Mason. It’s no wonder they have, given Manning’s good shooting touch, mobility, and penchant for mixing it up. He’s definitely one to follow.
Marquel Starks – Georgetown has been on this rising junior for awhile, with good measure given Starks’ blend of speed and skill in a 6’2”, 175 pound frame. ACC and CAA schools are also showing Starks, a point guard, recruiting love.
Colin Beatty – Another Big East possible (Rutgers has inquired), Beatty is an athletic swingman who has a good midrange shot who loves to get out on the break. The 6’5”, 190 pound prospect has received attention from Auburn as well as Mid-Atlantic institutions Lehigh, UMBC and others. His recruitment is sort of schizophrenic, but should crystallize this season, his senior campaign.
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