FGCU Basketball Recruiting Weekly Wrap: Thanksgiving Edition

(via HoopSeen)

Each week, the FGCU Eagles Nest will be bringing you statistics, videos, and more from Florida Gulf Coast's group of 2015 commits. This week, the trio of Eagles signees were all in action over the week of Thanksgiving.

Reggie Reid: 2015 PG - Harlem High School (Ga.)

Tuesday, Nov. 18
68-64 win vs. Evans
23 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists

Friday, Nov. 21
70-64 win vs. Grovetown
22 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists

Saturday, Nov. 22
50-44 win vs. Lakeside
32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists

Rayjon Tucker: 2015 SF - Northside Christian Academy (NC)

Monday, Nov. 24
66-62 win vs. Calvary Baptist
24 points, 14 rebounds

Friday, Nov. 28
60-48 win vs. Stephenson
17 points
Saturday, Nov. 29
54-53 loss vs. Greenforest Christian
20 points

#DunkCity commit @Rayjon_Tucker24 GOT UP in last night's Northside Christian game. Eagles signee has major hops. pic.twitter.com/cqKnzgL5OM
— FGCU Eagles Nest (@FGCUEaglesNest) November 30, 2014

Elijah Long: 2015 PG - John Carroll HS (Md.)

*USA TODAY ranks John Carroll as the No. 24 team in the country

Monday, Nov. 17
76-44 win vs. Chapelgate Christian Academy

Wednesday, Nov. 19
59-41 win vs. Friends School
Stats: 6 points
QUOTE: "...set the tempo on the defensive end and never let Friends get into their halfcourt offense comfortably" (via Prep Hoops Maryland)

Friday, Nov. 21
57-51 win vs. Boys Latin School
Stats: 24 points

Monday, Nov. 24
60-25 win vs. Severn

Wednesday, Nov. 26
52-50 win vs. St Paul's

Monday, Dec. 1
54-52 win vs. Gilman
Stats: 17 points
VIDEO: Elijah Long Sinks Three Pointer

AVG: 15 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, leads the team in charges taken (provided by Coach Tony Martin)

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2015 PG Reggie Reid signs NLI to Florida Gulf Coast

Florida Gulf Coast landed their third commitment of the 2015 class on Friday when the school announced that Harlem, Ga. point guard Reggie Reid had signed his NLI to the Eagles.

Rivals and 247Sports rank the 5-foot-11 floor general as a three-star recruit. Multiple outlets have reported that he also held an offer from Appalachian State.

After averaging 27 points per game as a sophomore at Harlem HS, Reid transferred to Elev8 Sports Instituite in Delray Beach, Fla for his junior year. However, the 2x All-County Player of the Year is reenrolled at Harlem and has set high goals for his senior season.

“Make it back to state, get past the first round and try to get a ring,” Reid told the Columbia County News-Times.

Reid joins point guard Elijah Long (John Carroll HS, Md.) and small forward Rayjon Tucker (Northside Christian Academy, NC) in Dunk City's 2015 recruiting class. All three have signed their NLIs, and the Eagles still have one scholarship open for the 2015-16 season.

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Canadian PG Elijah Long Commits To Florida Gulf Coast

2015 point guard Elijah Long (John Carroll HS, MD) committed to Florida Gulf Coast after a weekend visit to Dunk City, he announced Monday.

“I just felt it was the best fit for me...the style of play - they play exactly how I play with fast tempo, lot of screens." Long said of his decision. "Coach Dooley connected with me on the visit. He was very open about life, not even about basketball. He's very serious on the court and a funny guy off the court."

The Mississauga, Ontario native is widely considered one of Canada's best players in the 2015 class and averaged 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on the EYBL circuit with CIA Bounce this summer. Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Tyler Ennis, are just a few of the storied alums of the Toronto based AAU program.

"When I was nine or ten years old, very few people from Canada made it to the NBA," Long said. "As I grew older, there was Wiggins, Bennett, Ennis. I never thought they would make it to the NBA because I just thought it was a whole other level. I couldn't believe it. "

"When I see a bunch of those guys making it to the pros, not even in the NBA, it really opens my eyes and shows me it's not just a dream. It's a reality and you work hard and do the right things you might end up in the NBA or playing pros overseas," Long continued.

Verbal Commits ranks Long as a two-star prospect. He held an offer from Old Dominion with interest from other schools such as Purdue and George Washington.

"I'm a pass first point guard. I can score the ball when I want, but I tend to get everyone else involved," Long said. "My strength is, believe it or not, to get to the cup. I drive a lot. I never had a jumper when I was younger so I was always driving. Now that I developed a jumper, it opens up the lane for me."

Elijah developed his game playing at a young age with his brother and current Iowa State guard Naz Long. The junior averaged 7.1 ppg in 20 mpg last season as the Cyclones advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.

"We were never the best players when we were younger," Long said of he and his brother. "I just saw how hard he worked. It's a blessing for him and an eye opener for me: work hard and you can achieve your goals."

The determined floor general becomes the second commitment of FGCU's 2015 class as small forward Rayjon Tucker gave his pledge to the Eagles in late September. Assistant coach Jamill Jones was the lead recruiter for both prospects.

With a slew of seniors graduating at the conclusion of this season, the Eagles have two remaining scholarship spots for the 2015-16 season. There will be a lot of minutes up for grabs next year as Long, and many other new faces in the program, seek to build on Dunk City's success.

"I'm definitely trying to put Florida Gulf Coast on the map with my teammates, even more so than it is now. Try to make it to the Sweet Sixteen and be the loudest team in the tournament," Long said of his goals in Fort Myers. "Basically, I just want to grow on the court and off the court...with my coaches and educationally."

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2015 SF Rayjon Tucker Commits To FGCU

Florida Gulf Coast landed their first commitment of the 2015 class on Wednesday when Rayjon Tucker (Charlotte, NC) gave his verbal pledge to the Eagles.

"They just built a relationship with me and my family from the start," Tucker said. "I like how family oriented they are. I just felt like I was part of the family from day one. That was the main thing that pushed them to number one."

The small forward out of Northside Christian Academy took an official visit in late August and now a month later has announced his decision to continue his basketball career at FGCU in the fall of 2015.

"The campus is great and beautiful. It's not too hot. Most people think being in Florida is really hot," Tucker said. "The people and facilities are great. It's just a family environment."

While FGCU assistant Jamill Jones was on the lead for Tucker's recruitment, Joe Dooley traveled to Charlotte on Wednesday to watch the explosive wing. The Eagles ended up landing quite possibly the highest rated commit in FGCU history.

"The coaching staff likes how I play on both ends of the court...bringing intensity to the game and pushing everybody as hard as I push myself - just my work ethic," Tucker said.

Recruiting outlets evaluated the 6-foot-5 wing as a three/four star prospect and the sky is the limit for high-flying Charlotte product. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 111 player in the class of 2015.

Pretty impressive for someone who just started focusing on the sport two years ago. Tucker gave up football, where he played wide receiver, and started playing solely basketball his sophomore year.

"I just loved basketball more. The desire in my heart was to play basketball more than football," Tucker said.

He exploded onto the recruiting scene this summer and started attracting high major interest. Tucker held offers from Virginia Tech, Boston College, VCU, Clemson, and Auburn, among others. He attributed that to his multifaceted game.

"I'm a slasher, mid-range. I play defense and rebound the well and am great in open space," said Tucker, who also mentioned improving his ball handling and shot.

Remember how internet sensation and current FGCU freshman guard Christian Terrell seemed like a perfect fit at Dunk City for his above the rim antics? I think you can throw Tucker in that same category (just check out his mixtape)

"Without a doubt. That was what led me to my decision as well. The style of play is fast, up tempo - just like my high school and AAU teams. That's what I excel at most," Tucker said.

He plans on signing his NLI to FGCU during the early signing period in November (Nov. 12-19).

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Derric Jean Talks FGCU Visit & Recruitment

Florida Gulf Coast hosted 2015 guard Derric Jean, of Florida Flash and McArthur High School, on an official visit this past weekend.

"Everything, the campus and scenery, was just beautiful," Jean said of his trip to Dunk City.

The Eagles offered the explosive Hollywood, Fla. guard on July 11, after a phenomenal showing at Best of the South in Suwanee, Ga.

"The coaching staff likes my game penetrating the lane and handling the ball," Jean said. "...I'm at my best in transition and on the defensive end."

The stat stuffing prospect averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 steals en route to McArthur's 21-7 record last season. ESPN ranks the 6-foot-1 guard as a three star recruit and the 20th best player in Florida's 2015 class.

This was Jean's 2nd official visit of the fall as he already visited FIU and will be headed to Louisiana Tech next weekend, Sept. 20-21. He then plans to make a decision in November, before the high school season resumes.

In the meantime however, Jean wants to improve his "decision making and shooting." He also voiced his focus on communicating better with his teammates on the floor.

You can check out his high school highlights below.

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FGCU Makes Cut For Power Forward Mustapha Traore

Power forward Mustapha Traore, of the Phelps School and Team F.O.E., recently cut down his list of college choices to Fairfield, Monmouth, Saint Peter’s, Wagner, Fairleigh Dickinson and Florida Gulf Coast. All of the schools have offered except for FGCU.

According to COBL, the 6-foot-8 big man plans to take unofficial visits to each of the schools and then cut his list to three. He will then officially visit those three schools and make a decision by mid-October.

In the same article, his grassroots coach Skip Robinson said this of FGCU:

“Coach Joe Dooley was one of the assistants at Kansas that recruited the Morris twins, so I know coach Dooley for seven or eight years now, and Jamill Jones is a Philly guy, played in the Philadelphia Public League, he knows a lot of the same people. One of the mid-major schools that is on the rise.”

With the live period over, August is popular month to take college visits. Providence forward Ladarien Griffin will be taking an unofficial visit to FGCU on August 23 while Baker County shooting guard Charles Ruise is planning an official #DunkCity visit in early September.

For more on Florida Gulf Coast recruiting, check out our 2015 FGCU Recruiting Board.
Follow @FGCUEaglesNest

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FGCU Recruiting News & Notes: 8.1.14

The 2014 July live recruiting periods are in the books and although Florida Gulf Coast has not yet landed their first 2015 commitment, it was still quite a busy month for the Eagles. We break down the latest news on the FGCU recruiting front. Check out our 2015 Recruiting Board for a full list of offered recruits.

Point Guards Headed Elsewhere

Over the last week, a trio of FGCU targeted point guards were taken off the board after committing to other schools. Riverdale Baptist floor general Kenny Wormley, who held offers from FGCU, Siena, Norfolk State, and Wintrop, decided on the Saints. Meanwhile, LaMarr Kimble, of Neumann-Goretti HS, stuck close to home and committed to Saint Joseph's. Despite Joe Dooley's efforts to land a recruit from his home state of New Jersey, Jake Silpe (Cherry Hill, NJ) gave his verbal to UPenn. The Eagles had offered him on July 13.

Eagles Miss Out On Package Deal

Florida prospects Keith Stone (Zion Lutheran HS / Deerfield Beach, Fla.) and CJ Williamson (Evans HS / Orlando, Fla.) were rumored (by AllMetroHoops) to be a package deal. The former recently picked up an offer from Florida, and they both cut their lists this weekend. FGCU was knocked out of the running as Stone is down to VCU, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Virginia Tech while Williamson cut it down to Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, Washington State, Kansas State, Clemson, and Alabama.

FGCU An 'Early Favorite' For Ernst

In some good news, the Eagles offered 6-foot-8 power forward Brady Ernst of Clinton HS (IA). He's in the process of setting up visits and according to Prep Hoops Iowa, FGCU is his early favorite.

"I like the way they play up-tempo, and where it's located obviously," Ernst told the outlet. "And it's kind of a newer school so we can make a lot of history there."

#DunkCity Offers A Few More

After the final week of the live period, Joe Dooley and staff offered a few more prospects: 6'3" point guard Marlon Stewart (North Scott HS / Davenport, IA) and 6'8" power forward Abdul Shanun (Balboa City School / Accra, Ghana)
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FGCU Recruiting Notes: First Live Period Of July

The first men's basketball "live" recruiting period began on Wednesday, July 9 and ended Sunday. If you're unsure of what the live period entails, check out a fantastic explanation by NBC Sports. It is basically a time frame in which college coaches can watch potential recruits at events. Although coaches can evaluate during these periods, they are not allowed to make in-person contact with prospects.

As expected, Florida Gulf Coast was very busy during the first of three live periods in July. Below are some important notes on FGCU's activity.

•FGCU was in attendance at the Battle of the Best, in Lithonia, Ga. Multiple Florida-based grassroots teams were present, including the Florida Vipers (CJ Williamson, Keith Stone) and Team Speights (Sajon Ford, Avery Brown, Mark Matthews). They all have offers except Matthews, who has been putting up impressive numbers ever since the start of FGCU team camp.

#DunkCity is watching @TeamSpeights5, with FGCU prospects @mmattscore2015 @sajonford @Avery_brown5, at Battle of the Best (Lithonia, Ga.)
— FGCU Eagles Nest (@FGCUEaglesNest) July 11, 2014

•#DunkCity was also in Philadelphia, Pa. for the Breakout Classic. Jeantal Cylla (Lake Worth HS), Jake Silpe (Cherry Hill East HS), and Tim Rowe (Berkmar HS) rounded out the list of known Eagles recruits at the event.

#FGCU is recruiting at @BreakoutClassic, among other events, this week...Eagles prospects @JCylla @SilpeSmooth @timrowe_42 competing there.
— FGCU Eagles Nest (@FGCUEaglesNest) July 10, 2014

•Florida Vipers teammates CJ Williamson (Evans HS) and Keith Stone (Zion Lutheran) want to become a package deal, according to AllMetroHoops. Florida Gulf Coast has offered both prospects but plenty more teams are in the mix, including Alabama. The Crimson Tide extended offers to the two recruits on Sunday.

The Eagles also offered seven new recruits over the last week:
Justin James - 6'7 / SG / 2015 of Oldsmar Christian HS (Port St Lucie, Fla.)
Derric Jean - 6'2 / PG / 2015 of McArthur HS (Hollywood, Fla.)
Rayjon Tucker - 6'5 / SF / 2015 of Northside Christian Academy (Charlotte, NC)
Dakota Quinn - 6'8 / PF / 2015 of Davidson Academy (Nashville, TN)
Aric Holman - 6'9 / PF / 2015 of Owensboro HS (Owensboro, Ky.)
Jake Silpe - 6'2 / PG / 2015 of Cherry Hill East HS (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Jonathan Laurent - 6'6 / SF / 2015 of Dr. Phillips HS (Orlando, Fla.)

Check out the full 2015 FGCU Recruiting Board.

The next live recruiting period begins on Wednesday, July 16 at 5 p.m. and extends until Sunday, July 20 at 5 p.m.

Follow @FGCUEaglesNest

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FGCU Among Powerhouse Schools Recruiting 2016 SG Eli Wright

(via Future150)

With college basketball recruiting becoming even more competitive, FGCU is already scouting out the class of 2016. And when it comes to 6-foot-5 shooting guard Eli Wright, the Eagles aren't afraid to go head-to-head against some of the nations powerhouse programs.

Florida Gulf Coast started showing interest in Wright in early June and contacted the Apollo High School (Owensboro, Ky.) star on Sunday, the first day coaches could begin to call and text rising juniors. Wright currently has offers from Mississippi State, Western Kentucky, Winthrop, Oklahoma State, UAB, Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Atlantic Sun member Northern Kentucky.

But his explosive play this spring has also garnered the attention of the nation's top tier schools. According to AllMetroHoops, Wright heard from Indiana head coach Tom Crean at midnight. He also was contacted by Tennessee, Ohio State, and the 2013 NCAA Champion Louisville Cardinals. Wright visited the Cardinals last week and told the Eagles Nest visiting FGCU is a 'possibility' as well.

His play with grassroots club Hoop Dreams has sprung him up recruiting boards and he is now ranked as the 36th player in the nation by Future150.

This will be a big test for Joe Dooley and FGCU recruiting, but I think they're up for the challenge. The Eagles will watch Wright, as well as his AAU teammates Malik Dow (6'5" SF), Jaiveon Eaves (6'2" SG), and Will Hager (6'2" PG), during the live period in July.

For more on FGCU recruiting, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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Point Guard Jonathan Jean Talks Florida Gulf Coast And Recruitment

Florida Gulf Coast point guard Brett Comer is months away from embarking on his final season with the Eagles. With that in mind, FGCU is looking for the right point guard in the class of 2015. High on their radar is 5-foot-11 Jonathan Jean.

"They like how I'm a leader and a floor general," Jean said of Florida Gulf Coast.

The floor general plays for East Bay High School, located in Gibsonton, Fla. In his junior campaign, Jean averaged 16 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.6 assists per game. During the grassroots season, the Eagles target dons the Nike Team Florida uniform.

"This spring for us was kind of rough. We started off pretty good and then we ended on a bad note," Jean said of their EYBL season.

He still showcased his talent among the best of his age, including 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals against Team CP3 at Session 1. FGCU head coach Joe Dooley was present at the event located in Sacramento.

Jean is familiar with the Eagles after visiting 'Dunk City After Dark' last October.

"I really liked it. It was fun. It seemed like the student section there is really part of the team," Jean said. "I also went to the game against Mercer and that game was really fun."

As for his recruitment, Jean said FGCU and Saint Joseph's are going after him the hardest.

"West Virginia was also on me really hard, but they got a point guard that committed there. I've been talking to Tennessee and Jacksonville," Jean said.

He is holding off on official visits until college is in session.

"I want to go to schools when it's in session when everyone is there and I can meet the team," Jean said."

With his decision planned for around September or November, the 5-foot-11 point guard is focusing on his game.

"Shooting off the dribble, that's something I need to work on," said Jean, who will be attending USF's team camp with East Bay High School.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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FGCU Targets Impress At Pangos All-American Camp

Florida Gulf Coast recruits Kevin Dorsey, Travon Bunch, and Curran Scott impressed scouts and media, alike, at the Pangos All American Camp in Long Beach, Calif. this weekend.

The three day excursion is an annual event held by well respected coach and evaluator Dinos Trigonis. While it offers aspects such as workouts and individual instruction, the games, featuring some of the most highly touted recruits, are what garner the most attention.

Dorsey, a 6-foot-0 point guard out of Paul VI High School (Fairfax, Va.), made a name for himself on Saturday evening when he started to heat up from long range. Four first half threes from Dorsey ignited his 'Maryland' squad. He also recorded 7 assists, en route to being the fourth leading assist man at the camp with 5 apg. Dorsey's performance also landed him on the camp's Top 60 game list. College Basketball Talk's Scott Phillips said Dorsey "scored off of screens, changed paces well and knocked in some jumpers from the perimeter."

The 2015 guard is a 4-star recruit (according to 247Sports) and received an offer from FGCU in July of 2013, just a week after the Eagles hired assistant coach Jamill Jones. Jones previously coached Dorsey at Team Takeover, a grassroots team located in Washington, D.C. With Paul VI HS, Dorsey competed at the 2013 City of Palms Classic and even faced off against incoming FGCU freshman guard Zach Johnson.

Travon Bunch, another FGCU target, also showed brilliant flashes at the All-American camp. The 6-foot-11 center showed "good mobility" and uses his "very long arms on defense." Out of Racine, Wisc, Bunch (Georgia Prep / Atlanta Celtics) told Ballers Bridge on May 9 that FGCU is one of four schools recruiting him the hardest.

A Session Two top performer, 6-foot-5 small forward Curran Scott was another Florida Gulf Coast recruit putting his skills on display in California. On Saturday night, Scott recorded 19 points and on Sunday, he dropped 23 points. The Edmond, Okla. native does not yet hold an offer but heard from FGCU in early May and competes with Athletes First on the EYBL circuit.

Check out our 2015 FGCU Recruiting Board and follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest) for more Florida Gulf Coast recruiting news.

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2015 Guard Fletcher Magee Bursting Onto Spring Scene

Fletcher Magee, a 2015 prospect with Each 1 Teach 1, has quickly become one of the hottest recruiting commodities this spring. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has accumulated over ten offers since starting the AAU season.

"It's been because of my work. I go in and shoot and do dribbling drills at the YMCA in the morning and after school I have workouts with my team," Magee told the Eagles Nest. "My shooting and the time I've put into getting my ball handling better has definitely helped me get those offers."

In his second year with E1T1, Magee has averaged 8.1 points a game through two EYBL sessions so far. His most impressive performance came against Expressions Elite (Ma.), when he posted 17 points on an efficient 5/8 shooting. Coming off the bench is a change for Magee, who averages 20 ppg during the high school season at First Academy.

"I have to be willing to not play as much but to be efficient with the time I'm getting. I still play my normal game. I don't really dribble and create as much with E1T1, but my role is to be more of a shooter," Magee said. "It's a lot different, but I've adapted pretty good."

When on the court, Magee is productive with his time, often taking advantage of smaller match-ups.

"The best thing I take advantage of is shooting over people," said the 6'4" Magee. "I have a quick, high release so if a smaller defender is on me, I can just rise over and shoot it.

After keeping an eye on Magee for a while, FGCU offered the Orlando product in mid-April.

"I was really happy," Magee said. "I've been down on campus and seen what FGCU's like so I was really excited about it. Since they've shown success in their program, it's a really big offer. Especially with the program they're building there, and I think their best years are to come. They can do something special."

The program's noticeable success is due to the hard work of many Orlando area products. Olympia High School's Sherwood Brown was named 2013 A-Sun Player of the Year as he led the Eagles to a Sweet Sixteen. Brett Comer, who holds the program record for assists, committed to FGCU out of Winter Park HS.

"Them going to Florida Gulf Coast shows it's definitely a good fit for kids around here because they've all gone there and seemed like they enjoyed it," Magee said.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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2015 Guard Ahmad Caver Talks Florida Gulf Coast Offer

FGCU continued their pursuit of a 2015 floor general on Monday when Joe Dooley offered point guard Ahmad Caver.

"At first I didn't hear him clearly. I thought he said 'what others offers do you have?' And I told him ODU," Caver told the Eagles Nest. "And then he said 'Now you've got one from us'. I was really surprised because I just woke up from a nap after working out."

Although listed as a point guard on most recruiting websites, the 6-foot-0 guard can play both positions.

"Dooley said I was versatile. I could play point guard or shooting guard," Caver said. "He likes players like that."

Caver's versatility is showcased with North Gwinnett High School (Suwanee, Ga.) during the school year. There, he plays with fellow D-I recruit Tobias Howard.

"Believe it or not, a couple years ago we were rivals. We played all the time. Then we came together and found that chemistry quickly," Caver said. "That first tournament we got it and everything since then we've been great."

While North Gwinnett competed at the Wally Keller Classic in nearby Punta Gorda, Fla., the two guards took in FGCU's campus during their spare time.

"I loved the campus. I wanted to go back the very next day," Caver said. "It's on the beach and in Florida where the weather's always good."

The two recruits also play together on the AAU circuit for Stackhouse Elite - coached by former NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse.

"Everything I do now, I learned from him [Jerry Stackhouse]. He taught the fundaments at first because when he played, he wasn't a flash player," Caver said.

His play with Stackhouse Elite has drawn the interest of over a dozen mid-major schools; Florida Gulf Coast and Old Dominion are the only ones to offer, as of now. Caver was originally in the class of 2014 but after reclassifying, he will take prep school visits soon.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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FGCU Target To Make Decision Tuesday

With one scholarship to fill and a thin front court, FGCU is trying to sign one more forward in the class of 2014. That signing could come on Tuesday.

Former Southern Miss signee Willie Carmichael shared, on his Twitter account, that he will announce his new college decision tomorrow at his high school basketball banquet. And according to Ben Frederickson of GoVolsExtra, Carmichael will be deciding between Tennessee, Florida Atlantic, Alabama, and Florida Gulf Coast.

The 6-foot-7 power forward from Wekiva High School (Apopka, Fla.) received his official release from Southern Miss on May 5, and will quickly make another choice.

The obvious one seems to be Tennessee. Carmichael could follow Southern Miss coach Donnie Tyndall to Knoxville, and play under the man he originally committed to. Apparently he is "very high on the Vols." Furthermore, current 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions are 100 percent Tennessee.

The consensus three star's decision comes during a busy week for FGCU hoops. Former Eagle Eric McKnight announced he will transfer to Tennessee while ex-FGCU guard Christophe Varidel will be headed to Alabama. Now in the pro ranks, 2013 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year Sherwood Brown will spend his spring with Fuerza Guinda de Nogales in Mexico. In his debut, Brown recorded 12 points and 2 rebounds.

As reported by the news-press, Butler transfer Nolan Berry will be on campus Tuesday through Thursday for a visit. The former teammate of Florida Gulf Coast signee Eric Moeller is just one of many big men FGCU is trying to entice into committing to Dunk City. The same report noted that three to four bigs have scheduled tentative visits with the Eagles this month.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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Forward Keith Stone Discusses FGCU Offer

Keith Stone, a forward out of Zion Lutheran High School (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), received an offer from Florida Gulf Coast and Joe Dooley on Monday, April 21.

"[Joe Dooley] liked that I could play many positions since I'm 6'8" and can handle, dribble, and pass the ball well," Stone told the Eagles Nest in an interview last week. The Eagles' ability to produce post season success interested the rising 2015 forward.

"They've got a great history there since they reached the Sweet Sixteen," Stone said.

Stone led a Zion Lutheran team, coached by John Guion, to a 21-7 record in the 2013-14 season. The combo forward reached the 30 point mark multiple times, including 36 points in a win against Lake Worth Christian and fellow FGCU target Jeantal Cylla, who dropped 32 points.

Now on the AAU circuit, Stone plays with the Florida Vipers. This weekend they took home the 17U title at the Gulf Coast Hoop Fest in Biloxi, Miss.

"It's been great. I've got a great point guard in Jose Morales and a good big man in Antonio Vrankovic," Stone said. "That's really all I need to work with."

Stone's phenomenal play hasn't just garnered interest from FGCU however; South Carolina, Florida State, and Wyoming, among others, have been keeping on eye on Stone. At the moment, he has a Wyoming visit planned for August.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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Florida Gulf Coast 2014 Recruiting Profile: Zach Johnson

(Courtesy of SFHS Sports)

Zach Johnson
Height & Weight: 6'2" | 180 lb.
School: Norland (Miami, Fla.)
Position: Point Guard
Rating: 3-Star
Video Playlist

Johnson's Meteoric Rise Coming At Perfect Time For FGCU

Two summers ago Zach Johnson was a little known commodity. The 6'2" guard had yet to become a household name when it came to high school basketball in the Sunshine State. That would soon change.

After spending his freshman and sophomore years at Miramar High School, Johnson transferred to nearby Miami Norland High.

"I believed my game would excel if I transferred there," Johnson said. "Also I wanted to win a state championship. I think it was the best decision for me.

The dynamic guard exploded onto the Florida scene in his junior year, building on a productive regular season to dominant the state playoffs. His impressive surge drew attention from high major schools such as Florida State and Miami.

'Game would excel' - goal accomplished.

"It was really preparation. We played great teams all year and that just prepared me for all the upcoming teams in the state playoffs," Johnson said.

Once in Lakeland for the state final four, Johnson continued to make huge strides as he lead the Vikings in scoring. With a 42-30 victory over Pine Forest, Norland captured their second straight 6A State Title.

'Win a state championship' - goal accomplished.

With back to back state titles, Norland was the 6A team to beat entering the 2013-14 season. But still, Johnson stayed focused.

"We try not to put too much pressure on ourselves. We continued to do what we did - work hard and we knew good things would come."

But before his senior season began, Johnson had to make his college decision. He held a plethora of offers, including FGCU, Murray State, Butler, and Tennessee.

Well you know how the story ends - Johnson choose the Eagles, for a multitude of reasons. One came in the form of Providence guard Christian Terrell, who had committed just months before.

"Christian was a big factor in my commitment. He's a great person and a great basketball player," Johnson said. "We will be a great backcourt."

"I loved the coaches. Dooley has great experience and has coached amazing players. Coach Fly and Coach Richter - I built a great relationship with them," Johnson added. "The school that was on me from the beginning is the one I wanted to choose. Florida Gulf Coast was there from day one and they showed me that I was number one on their list."

Knowing where he would spend the next four years, Johnson continued his tear as a Viking. Norland strode through the playoffs and secured a state title three peat with a 60-44 win over Lake Minneola. Johnson scored a game high 19 points and was eventually named to the 6A All-State team by the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches.

Johnson's spectacular climb through the high school basketball has him peaking at the right time and heading to a deep Florida Gulf Coast team that seems primed for another NCAA Tournament appearance.

Check out our two other recruiting profiles: Christian Terrell and Eric Moeller.

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Point Guard Michael Green Talks Florida Gulf Coast Offer

South Plantation High School point guard Michael Green picked up a scholarship offer from Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night.

The Eagles offer marks the second of his young career, the first coming from Northern Arizona.

"It means a lot when it comes closer to making my decision. Not a lot of schools show interest this early," Green said about the Eagles offering early. "I like the effort they put forth into recruiting me. I know it means a lot for recruiting a small kid like I am. It shows that they really want me."

While Green is only 5'11" in the South Plantation jersey, what he lacks in height, he makes up for in quickness and finishing ability. With the high school season over, Green runs the AAU circuit with Team Breakdown - the former home of 2014 FGCU commit Zach Johnson.

"Zach has also been recruiting me. He's been telling me how much he likes the program, how good they've treated him and how he gets along with the team," Green said. "It's not just the coaches, I have a friend telling me it's a good school and good program."

Back on Feb. 8, the two guards out of southern Florida took in Florida Gulf Coast's 73-46 victory over North Florida.

"I loved the intensity of the crowd. I liked the support that the fans show to the basketball team," Green said. "The campus itself is beautiful. I could see myself staying there for the next four years when I go to college. They make me feel really comfortable. I liked the way the staff and the fans treated me."

With a Florida Gulf Coast visit and offer in his pocket, Green is also attracting interest from Florida State, UCF, USF, Mercer, and Georgia among others.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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FGCU Offers Small Forward And Point Guard From South Florida

Monday became a busy night for FGCU recruiting as the Eagles extended scholarship offers to both 2015 point guard Michael Green, of South Plantation High School (Fla.), and 2015 small forward Keith Stone, of Zion Lutheran High School (Fla.).

Green is a quick 5'11" guard out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He is great at getting to the rim and has a range that extends well beyond the three point line. Considering he was just offered by #DunkCity this probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but Green can get up and slam as well. Joe Dooley traveled to see him today and FGCU becomes his 2nd scholarship offer, the first being Northern Arizona. During the AAU season, Green plays for the same squad, Team Breakdown, as current Eagles signee Zach Johnson played for.

Another South Florida product, Keith Stone also picked up an offer from Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night. Eagles head coach Joe Dooley watched Stone in a workout. The 6'7" small forward works well inside and a nice shot fake that opens up his mid-range jumper. Stone plays smooth in transition also. FGCU's offer marks his sixth scholarship, one other comes from Atlantic Sun foe North Florida.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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FGCU Recruiting Notes - April 17th

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

This week has been busy for the FGCU recruiting trail so here are some Eagles recruiting notes to stay up to date on who might be coming to Florida Gulf Coast.

Jay Wright
After it was reported that the Capser College guard would be visiting FGCU this weekend (April 18), we have found out that the visit was tentative and eventually fell through. In addition, Florida Gulf Coast is now "off his list."

Nolan Berry
The Butler transfer center will be visiting FGCU, along with Saint Louis, UC-Davis, Loyola (IL), next month. Berry was teammates with current Eagles commit Eric Moeller when the two both attended De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis. He would be a huge get for Florida Gulf Coast.

Marcus Freeman
Today (April 17), Freeman, a 6'8" power forward from Louisburg College, committed to Coastal Carolina over Florida Gulf Coast. The Eagles came late to the party, offering him on April 9.

Jabari McGhee
Contrary to an earlier report, McGhee is not visiting Ole Miss this weekend, according to Rebels beat writer Hugh Kellenberger; he has already visited Western Kentucky (Feb. 21), FGCU (March 15), and Louisiana Lafayette (April 8). His 247 Crystal Ball Predictions are currently 50% Ole Miss and 50% Florida Gulf Coast, after I switched my pick from the Rebels to Dunk City.

For more on FGCU recruiting, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

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Possibilities For FGCU's Open Scholarship Spot

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

With the departures of Eric McKnight and Dajuan Graf, Florida Gulf Coast now holds one open scholarship slot for the 2014-15 season. Although it confused fans a month ago, the Eagles' continuous recruitment with the class of 2014 now makes sense. But now the question is: who will come to Dunk City and fill that final scholarship? We explore the possibilities.

FGCU dipped into the transfer market, as it was reported that the Eagles are after Butler transfer Nolan Berry. The 6'10" freshman center left the Bulldogs after he played in just 18 games. The big man was a consensus three star recruit out of De Smet Jesuit High School, where he played with Florida Gulf Coast commit Eric Moeller (Co. Central Florida). A source informed us that Dooley made a visit to Berry during the week of March 31, but Berry is waiting a bit to start taking visits.

Considering that Florida Gulf Coast returns one player who averaged over 5 rebounds a game last season (Jamail Jones - 5.6), the Eagles are looking for a big man to solidify the front court. While Berry is an option, Jabari McGhee (2014) of Hargrave Military Academy also fits the bill. The 6'7", 210 lb forward took an official visit to Dunk City on March 15 and has narrowed down his list to FGCU, Western Kentucky, Louisiana Lafayette, Ole Miss, and Georgia Tech. In addittion to Florida Gulf Coast, he has already visited Western Kentucky (Feb. 21), and ULL (April 8), and plans on visiting Ole Miss on April 18.

The Blue and Green also have their eyes on JUCO guard Jay Wright (2014) of Casper College (Casper, Wyo). According to Verbal Commits, the 6'1" guard will take an official visit to FGCU on April 18. As a starter for the Thunderbirds, Wright averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season.

Excluding the aforementioned, Florida Gulf Coast has offered four other recruits in the class of 2014 according to Verbal Commits: guard Jamall Gregory (Calvin Coolidge HS - Washington D.C), small forward Zach Lee (Elev8 Sports Institute - Albuquerque, NM), power forward Quadree Smith (Potomac HS - Fairfax, VA), and power forward Marcus Freeman (Louisburg College - Williamston, NC).

Starting on Monday, April 14, until Thursday, April 17, there is a NCAA dead period when coaches cannot make in person contact with recruits. The live period resumes again on April 18 and extends to April 23rd. Also worth noting is that the regular signing period begins on Wednesday, April 16.

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