2009 Target Profile: Josh Selby

With the news that he has decommitted from the Tennessee Volunteers and that Kentucky is widely thought to be a major player in his reopened recruitment, Josh Selby has become a name that must be known by UK fans following basketball recruiting. Since he was excluded from our breakdown of UK’s point guard targets due to his erstwhile commitment to the Vols, it’s about time we get to know the kid:

The Facts

Name: Josh Selby
Position: PG/SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
High School: Lake Clifton-Eastern HS (Baltimore, MD)
AAU Team: Team Melo
Rankings: Rivals – #2 PG, #7 overall, Scout – #3 PG, #10 overall, ESPN – #6 PG, #24 overall

The Game

Selby is a scoring combo guard with elite athleticism and a big time competitive streak. He is an explosive scorer who can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways: in transition, off of penetration, and from the perimeter.

He also shows his competitiveness on the defensive end. During the July camp season, he has consistently challenged other top level point guards he has matched up with on both ends and has been very impressive in doing so. He looks to score, but creates effectively for teammates.

He looks to do a little bit too much with the ball in his hands at times, but gets by with it more often than not due to his talent and athleticism. He has some growing to do before he can realize his potential at the next level, but is a major prospect.

The Story

Selby’s decommitment from Tennessee is highly publicized and a big loss for Bruce Pearl and the Vols. Lots of speculation is going on around Selby, particulary considering that it was confirmed that Worldwide Wes met with Selby at the LeBron James Skills Academy. Many say that Selby will now seek out a Nike school (UT is Adidas).

Adding to the fire, a frustrated Tony Jones (UT associate head coach) was quoted by GoVolsXtra saying “I’m not going to comment on any specific player, because I am not allowed to do that. I’ll just say something smells right now.’’

It’s widely believed that Selby’s verbal commitment to UT did not prevent some rival schools from contacting him. While some consider this a faux pais, Bruce Pearl doesn’t really have a right to complain when you think about his tactics in going after Scotty Hopson after his verbal commitment to Mississippi State.

The Players

Bruce Pearl has said from the Maccabiah Games (he’s coaching the Jewish US team) that he will still recruit Selby, but it’s rare to see a kid decommit from a school and recommit later.

Given the circumstances (Worldwide Wes involvement and mentioning of Nike), there were three schools that immediately jumped to mind for most experts: Kentucky, Memphis, and Oregon. UK and Oregon are both well connected with Wes and Nike and Memphis has a commitment from Selby’s cousins, Will and Antonio Barton. However, Gary Parrish reports that Selby’s connection to the Barton’s may not be as impactful as some think. Louisville is also expected to be involved.

General consensus is that UK is in solid position for Selby, but do not expect a rushed decision.

The Impact

Whenever a recruit like Selby becomes available unexpectedly, it causes a ripple effect in the entire class (see Henry, Xavier). UK already has a bunch of targets at point guard, so UK’s involvement with Selby will likely change their approach with other kids as well.

The most high profile of UK’s 2010 targets is Brandon Knight. Knight is similar to John Wall in that a commitment in his class from a high level player at his position will likely not faze him.

Even so, Knight of late has looked an awful lot more like a 2 guard than a point guard or even a combo guard. Commanding the floor has never been his strength even when asked. UK is thought to be strong with Knight as well and I do not think it is out of the question that Calipari lands both. Neither Knight nor Selby is a true point, but I can see them playing together. Even moreso, I can see either at the 2 with Eric Bledsoe running the point.

UK’s second most highly rated point guard target is Kyrie Irving. When Calipari brought Irving’s godfather, Rod Strickland, to UK, many thought UK would have the inside track, but Irving has been adamant that family connections will not be the deciding factor. IU is very strong with Kyrie, as is Duke, and I would surprised if he ends up at UK, especially considering that he becomes less of a priority if Selby comes on board.

Joe Jackson has not been a high priority for the UK staff and Selby probably will bump him another spot down on the list.

We have yet to hear from Selby himself, only his mother, since his decommitment, so it will be interesting when he does speak.