Memphis Roar

With so much negativity surrounding the potential 2009 recruiting class for UAB, there has to be light at the end of the tunnel. Mike Davis has shown from day one that he has the ability to evaluate and land big-time talent. So, when is this light coming?

The main issue in Mike Davis’ tenure as a head coach (both at Indiana and UAB) is his inability to ensure that his star talent stays on the floor (and the team). Plagued by injuries, academics issues and a general tendency to have players leave his program, Davis’ current class hit the ‘panic’ button for most UAB fans.

Three names ring a bell for UAB fans for the ‘09 recruiting year. Demarcus Cousins, Jon Kreft and Casey Mitchell. All three, at one point, had verballed to the UAB program. Now, just 2 1/2 months prior to the final signing period (April), the Blazers have only two solid commitments in Dexter Fields (who we feel is very ‘under-the radar’) and Adrien Coleman.

The next progression for UAB is to move forward.

Eric Bledsoe

UAB is the hometown team.  That is an obvious advantage as Bledsoe is on UAB’s campus quite often according to sources close to Bledsoe and the UAB program. If there is a home game for the Blazers, you can rest assured that he is more than likely there. That said, Bledsoe is one of the hottest prospects in the country for high-major teams looking to land a point guard. Baylor, Florida, Alabama, and Memphis are other teams keeping a watch on him; with Baylor and Florida being the most recent visitors to the 6′1″ PG for Parker High School. MemphisRoar will soon have an update from the man himself; getting an update on where the hometown team stands.

Jahaziel Howard

Howard is the younger brother of Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. No, he is not 6′10 and built like The Hulk, but Howard carries a basketball pedigree. At 6′6″ and over 200lbs, Howard is a matchup problem for most guards. He was tagged as a point guard out of high school and has been labeled as a player who is athletic, has a good jump shot out to 20 feet, and has the ability to post his man or go off the dribble depending on the matchup. Howard played his high school basketball at Southwest Atlanta Christian, leading his team to 20 wins and a state championship quarterfinal appearance his senior year (and helping win two state titles during previous years). During that season, he averaged 22 points and 4 rebounds per game and receiving Georgia 1A All-State Honorable Mention honors. He was also named the All-Area Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

From Howard: “I’ll most likely be at UAB next year,” Howard said.”

You can read more about Jahaziel Howard in a recent article on his story and recruitment here ———->  CLICK HERE

Other players to keep your eye on:

* Taariq Muhammad (cousin of Renardo Sidney)

* Ferrakohn Hall (out of the dreaded city of Memphis)

Julysses Nobles (PG from the Jackson, MS area)

So UAB fans, keep your head up. We here at MemphisRoar believe that, in the end, big talent is headed your way once again. This time, if Davis keeps them on the floor, Memphis will have Blaze breathing down it’s neck.

* MemphisRoar is currently working on getting interviews with these players.