Per his protected twitter account, 6’7″ PF Darion Clark (Oak Hill Academy) has committed to play for the Charlotte 49ers.  Check the timeline for @HeardThisBlog for the commitment and follow-up story.

With three early period signings (assuming Clark signs before the early signing period ends this week), this will finish the recruiting class for Alan Major and the rest of the assistant coaching staff, allowing them to focus all their efforts on the 2013 class.  Our early thoughts are we need a PG, SF, PF/C and best player available to replace the losses of KJ Sherrill, Deuce Briscoe, Ilija Ivankovic and Chris Braswell following the 2012-2013 campaign.  Congrats to Darion on his decision and welcome to Niner Nation!

Over the past summer Niner fans everywhere followed the recruitment of Willie Clayton and Shawn Lester closely. Of course, for us at GTG, that meant keeping track of every recruiting blog on the net looking for new information to share with you. One blog that stood out for Atlantic 10 recruiting news in general was Heard This Blog, which considers itself “Your Atlantic 10 Basketball Connection.”

Heard This Blog was founded by Ben Weixlmann, who, in addition to having a ridiculously cool last name, has been writing about sports since he was in high school. He’s since gone on to write for BillikenReport.com and has managed to position himself as a go-to for Atlantic 10 recruiting news.

In the spirit of intra-conference collaboration (and of course, sharing hits), we caught up with Ben and asked him a few questions about recruiting, the Atlantic 10 and gave him a chance to hate on Dayton.

Heard This Blog: Ha! I really do enjoy covering the Atlantic 10.  In my opinion, the A-10 is the best non-BCS basketball conference out there.  Many folks already cover the more well-known conferences, and thus I feel as though I can create a niche following by solely following the Atlantic 10.  As you well know, a lot of the fanbases within the conference are just as rabid as BCS schools, and so it makes for a lot of engaging conversations.

GTG: You’ve made it a priority so far to cover recruiting in this conference. What types of opinions do high school prospects have about the Atlantic 10? Are most of them weighing the conference in the decision, or is it strictly based on the merits of the individual schools?

HTB: This is a very interesting question.  The answer to this question ranges the entire spectrum.  Some recruits I have spoken to are very knowledgeable about the league, and some honestly don’t know anything about it.  I would say it’s 50/50 regarding conference and individual schools.  Many of the top-level recruits in the league simply know the individual school that is recruiting them.  Some East Coast prospects I have spoken to are being recruited by many of the A-10 schools and therefore have a greater understanding of the conference as a whole.

GTG: Related to that, how do you rank the 2012 classes in the Atlantic 10 so far?

HTB: Just as one would expect, it’s Xavier and then a sizable drop from there. The Musketeers have a Top 25 recruiting class nationally for ’12.  I’d argue it’s even closer to Top 15.  Semaj Christon and Jalen Reynolds are both players that will have instant impacts in the Atlantic 10.  I saw Christon play this past summer, and he’s the real deal.  His height, athleticism, and skill set are incredibly advanced.  From there, it’s tough to say.  Dayton has Jevon Thomas and Jalen Robinson.  Both are big-time talents.  Temple, Charlotte, and Duquesne all have two members in their 2012 classes.  It’s just really difficult to grade them out without having a more full understanding.  We’ll know a lot more here in a couple of months.  Xavier is the only one of the bunch that has a full 2012 class.

Today, according to The Charlotte Observer’s David Scott, in Thomasville, GA 2012 Power Forward committed to to play basketball for Head Coach Alan Major and the Charlotte 49ers. Clayton is the second member of the 2012 class, joining Shooting Guard Shawn Lester from Mooresville, NC.

Clayton is about to embark on his final season at Thomasville High School in Georgia and had narrowed his choices down to either Mercer or Charlotte, having recently removed South Florida from his list. Clayton also had offers from Memphis, Central Florida and Clemson. From his comments regarding his visits to Charlotte, it is obvious that he and the current team had a good connection, especially E Vic.

Future 49er Willie Clayton drives to the basket from the post.

We’re expecting big things from Clayton. He’s got loads of potential, a drive to succeed and, maybe best of all, he’s a four year player that fits Alan Major’s playing style. Clayton has a reputation of being a tenacious and relentless rebounder with the ability to score in the paint. One of his goals before college is to expand his scoring range. As with most big men, the offense may not come as easy in year one, but Clayton’s rebounding and defense should come in handy right away in 2012.

Clayton is expected to sign his LOI in November and will be on campus a few times this season in Halton. More information to follow.

Per Evan Daniels at Scout.com, Shawn Lester has verbally committed to play for the 49ers in 2012.

The 6’3″ guard out of Mooresville picked us over Clemson and South Carolina. It’s nice to beat Clemson for the services of a local kid for once. Say what you will about his coaching so far, but Alan Major has done fairly well on the recruiting trail so far. Now we have to hope for our other main targets, Willie Clayton and Mike Hall, to make their commitments to Charlotte as well.

What’s better than a quickie on a Friday?

Two quickies on a Friday.

In scheduling news, it seems our game with Lamar now hinges upon Charlotte’s agreeance to move the date of the game from November 19th to either the 18th or the 20th. Lamar’s football game that day was recently picked up for TV broadcast and could see its kick-off shifted to earlier in the afternoon. Lamar officials do not want both events to occur at the same time. We haven’t heard from Charlotte concerning the game, but since Lamar says they are working on it, we’ll assume Charlotte officials are also finding a solution. More info can be found here.

In recruiting news, our resident expert 2k has been notified that Willie Clayton, 2012 PF, is taking an official visit to Charlotte on August 24th. Clayton is a major target for our staff, so getting a verbal after this visit would be key. There’s been speculation that some of our targets are close to committing, GTG hopes that Clayton is one of those nearing a decision.

Clayton boxing out a Canadian player.

Now that the 2011 recruiting class has seemingly taken shape, The  Niner Nation now looks forward to 2012. Unless something changes, Alan Major and his staff should have three scholarships available to the 2012 class, with one unused this season and the departure of rising Seniors Derrio Green and Javarris Barnett.

Willie Clayton, of Thomasville, Georgia, has been pursued by the Niners’ coaching staff since last summer, and his commitment would establish a Charlotte pipeline to Georgia, having already brought Peach State natives DeMario Mayfield and E. Victor Nickerson since the regime change.

ESPN describes Clayton as an “Energy guy and a player that seems to know exactly who he is,” as well as a player who is, “Engaged in the lane and will work hard for his points. Catches deep and goes up strong. Isn’t afraid to mix it up on the glass. He’s bouncy in the lane.”

Clayton recently exchanged words about his recruitment as well as playing for the USA in the 22U World Championship with Green Tinted Glasses.

Green Tinted Glasses:  What travel team will you be playing with over the Summer?

Willie Clayton:  I am playing with Team Georgia Elite.

GTG:  What is it like to play with “USA” on your chest?

WC:  Playing with USA on my chest means a lot. Can’t explain how much it means..

GTG:  Rivals recently listed Charlotte, UCF, Clemson & Memphis as schools you are hearing from. Which of those schools have currently offered you? And is there any school that is standing out above the rest?

WC:  All the schools have offered.

GTG:  What has you interested in Charlotte’s program?

WC:  The coaching staff, the campus, and I have looked up info about their education, so that helped.

GTG:  Have you had a chance to visit Charlotte’s campus yet?

WC:  Yes, I have visited Charlotte’s campus.

GTG:  For those that haven’t seen you play, how would you describe your game?

WC:  Powerful in the paint, can’t be stopped in the paint, loves to rebound, love the game and a lot of energy.

GTG:  Do you have an idea of when you are going to select a school to attend?

WC:  No, I don’t know the school I am going to attend…

GTG.net would like to thank Willie for taking time out of his schedule to give us insight into his recruiting and play. Continue checking GTG.net for updates and interviews with recruits and former players throughout the summer to help bridge the dead zone known as the “off-season”.

Last week, GTG, caught up with incoming Niner, Forward E Victor Nickerson, and now it is Center Mike Thorne’s turn in the green tinted spotlight. The 6’9″ boasts a 7’2″ wingspan and will be welcomed to Charlotte’s depleted frontcourt of Chris Braswell and KJ Sherrill, along with the newly inked Ilija Ivankovic, when the 2011-12 Season rolls around. Terrence Williams and Pierria Henry will also be incoming Niners this fall.

Mike Thorne throws down during NC Regional game at Jordan Brand Classic at TWC Arena.

Last summer, Thorne saw his stock rise while playing AAU ball for North Carolina Force. Alan Major invested in the stock, and received Thorne’s commitment last fall.

Kind words were easy to find about Thorne, recruiting expert Dave Telep, of ESPN.com chimed in,  ”The natural skills were there, but it was his aggressiveness that led Charlotte to offer him a scholarship. He’s the definition of a late bloomer, an introverted junior who began to understand what he could do with the game and he cranked it up. Mike’s a long-term stock and one that should pay dividends.”

ESPN.com’s National Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi added, ”When you can get somebody who is 6-9 and athletic who works at his game, that’s exciting for Charlotte.”

In Coach Major’s own words, ”Mike has a world of potential. The exciting thing about Mike, he has a strong work ethic and a hunger to improve.  He has some nice moves in the post and, with his size, he has the ability to be a good shot blocker and someone who can alter shots.  We’re definitely excited about his upside.”

Without delay, here is what Mike Thorne had to say with Green Tinted Glasses:

Green Tinted Glasses: How did it feel to go out on top and win the state championship?

Mike Thorne: It felt great, it feels good to end your high school career on a winning note.

GTG: What made you decide Charlotte was the place for you?

MT: The coaching staff and the way they  kept it real with me. Coach Major’s reputation for developing post players.

GTG: Any idea what you are looking to major in?

MT: Criminal Justice

GTG: Is there anyone you try and model your game after?

MT: I look up to Dwight Howard.

GTG: How would you best describe your game?

MT: Good athletic post player who still has lots of room to improve.

GTG: What areas are you looking to improve before your college career starts?

MT: Strength, footwork, quickness, and adjusting to playing at the college level.

GTG: What number will be wearing in the Fall?

MT: #10

GTG: Do you have a nickname?

MT: No, not really, most people call me Big Mike

GTG: What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?

MT: Having fun, laughing, joking and fishing.

Keep coming back this summer, we have more stuff in the works to keep The Niner Nation occupied.

Ilija Ivankovic - 6'10 C from Sante Fe College

Charlotte adds a 5th member to it’s 2011 class, 6’10 C Ilija Ivankovic from Santa Fe College.  Ivankovic played high school ball in Charlotte at United Faith Christian Academy and will have 2 years left with the Niners.  He will fill a much needed role of adding a big man for backcourt depth.

This leave the Niners with one remaining scholarship for the 2011 season.  The signing of Ivankovic has to make you think the odds are not in our favor with Uchebo.  As always, stay tuned to GTG for the lastest on all Niner happenings.

Joseph Uchebo, Future Niner?

The Kentucky Wildcat Basketball blog, Nation of Blue, spoke with Charlotte’s weekend visitor, Joseph Uchebo, about his recruiting process since receiving his release from new NC State Head Coach, Mark Gottfried

The full entry can be found here.

“I have not heard from Kentucky yet,” said Uchebo. “They haven’t been in contact.”

Uchebo did visit Charlotte this past weekend, and the visit sounded like it went well.

“I liked the visit at Charlotte.” “The coaching staff was really nice, and they took me around the campus and to all the classrooms.”

Joesph also said that Indiana and Auburn has been talking to him as well.

Regarding future visits, he said, “I haven’t scheduled any yet, but plan on taking some soon.”

When asked about a timeline on picking as school he said, “I plan on making a decision as soon as possible.”

I also asked if he was on target for qualifying for the 2011 season and he said, “Yes, Sir.”

I wouldn’t expect Joseph to have any ACC schools in the mix, because he told me he can not go to any of them because he would have to sit out a year.

“I want to play right away, and not sit out a year, so I will not be going to any ACC school,” said Uchebo.

This would seemingly eliminate Kentucky, and definitely eliminate Wake Forest and Florida State from being able to take advantage of Uchebo’s talent. Indiana, who recently used their last scholarship for 6’4 SG Remy Abell, would need to find a way to open a spot for Uchebo. Charlotte, along with Auburn and Indiana are all going through the (dreaded) rebuilding process. Uchebo would certainly receive significant minutes at Charlotte from day one.

GTG has learned that today’s mystery visitor is a transfer from a BCS program.  JJ Richardson, a 6’7 Sophomore PF from the Pitt Panthers is visiting the Charlotte 49ers today.  Richardson, originally from Missouri City, TX has had limited opportunities with the Panthers under Jamie Dixon.  Playing just 208 minutes in his 2 years with Pitt, he’s searching for a new place to take his talents. The consensus 3 star prospect was billed as a rugged PF that was a great role player, the antithesis of Shamari Spears coming out of high school.

Stay tuned to the latest updates on Richardson’s recruitment from GTG.