For the most part, things have been quiet as it relates to commitments in the 2013 Class in Florida. However, this weekend two of the top guard prospects in the state decided to end the process and are now off the board. 6’1 point guard Rashawn “Pookie” Powell of Orlando Dr. Phillips chose the Memphis Tigers and 6’4 combo guard Cedric Hankerson of Coral Reef H.S. gave the nod to Boston University.

Pookie is headed to Memphis

Powell was heavily pursued by several schools and suddenly narrowed his choice down to a final three of Memphis, Alabama and Illinois before committing to the Tigers. Powell’s trust in Memphis head coach Josh Pastner and former NBA guard Damon Stoudemire who is now an assistant with the Tigers had a major impact on his decision. It was a sort of a shocker that Powell committed so soon to the Tigers without taking any of his visits.

Powell is an explosive guard that can get to the rim at will. He is very similar to the Tigers current point guard Joe Jackson with his ability to score and create for others off the dribble. Jackson will be a senior when Powell arrives on campus, so he will have a year to get acclimated to the system before the reigns are completely handed over to him.

Powell who was a member of the Florida Assault travel team in the summer led Dr. Phillips Powell to a 24-6 record last season. He joins Memphis high school standouts 6’5 Markel Crawford (Melrose HS) and 6’7 Nick King (Memphis East) in the Tigers 2013 recruiting class.

Hankerson ends recruitment

In South Florida, Hankerson gave Boston University a major recruiting haul from the sunshine state. He went on an official visit to Minnesota last weekend and was scheduled to take an official visit to Virginia Tech next weekend. However, Hankerson put a stop to all of his plans and picked the Terriers on Saturday.

After several conversations with Hankerson and his father we knew that academics would be a major factor in his decision. That’s why we aren’t as surprised as some with the decision to attend the America East Conference school. Hankerson has the potential to become an all league player for the Terriers due to his versatility and scoring ability.

Hankerson enjoyed a successful summer with Gold Coast and was a Source Hoops All State performer at Coral Reef last season.