News and Notes: Baby Ralph signs with Tubby; Clemson gets a sleeper; Mizzou gets in on the Chase

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Midsouth Editor

December 14, 2007 - As the holiday feasts take place on the hardwood at the collegiate level, the pickings are still good for many programs who have already secured student-athletes’ signatures for next fall. Meanwhile hope will spring eternal for others lying in wait.

Huntsville, AL combo guard Chase Robinson (Lee) has certainly picked up where he left off last season with the Generals. Robinson almost single-handedly led Lee to the SportsMed Shootout over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Robinson is dropping nearly 20 points per game, while being charitable with the basketball as well. Chase informed i95ballerz.com recently that Missouri coach Mike Anderson has recently inquired and Missouri “is a favorite” right now.

Georgia point guard Andre Young has signed a letter-of-intent with Clemson University

Oliver Purnell and his nationally ranked Clemson got a steal this summer when Georgia point guard Andre Young gave the Tigers his signature. Young is a super quick, bulldog of a point guard. What Young lacks in stature (5’8) he more than makes up for in heart and grit. Young is also a fine shooter and scorer and his deft touch led his Georgia Blazers to the Memorial Day Classic title and Peach Jam championship game this summer. Young is also an excellent student.

6-foot-10 Georgia big man Ralph Sampson recently pledged his services to the University of Minnesota and Coach Tubby Smith. Sampson III, the son of former All-American and NBA All-Star Ralph Sampson, instantly gives Tubby the national, high-level recruit so desperately needed to re-energize a dormant Gophers program. “Baby Ralph” has improved his aggression since I first saw him a few years ago and will now dunk on you. Sampson too, is an excellent student.

Young boy Trevor Lacy he has instantly become the most exciting player in Huntsville.

Butler High frosh Trevor Lacy is a bona fide superstar in the making. The 6-foot-4 swingman can rise and finish with the best of them and has instantly become the most exciting player in the city of Huntsville. Lacy still needs to improve his handle and perimeter shot, but in a couple of years: watch out!

Sparkman High recently lost the services of senior combo forward Aubrey Bethea. In speaking with a source inside the program, Bethea was dismissed from the basketball team for “conduct detrimental to the school”.

Bethea is a 6-foot-6 inside player that combines quickness with superior athleticism on the court. Several mid-majors were monitoring Bethea’s progress on the court and in the classroom. i95ballerz.com will keep you updated on where Bethea finishes his prep career.