Small Talk With Michael Frazier

     Michael Frazier is ranked and the 18th best shooting guard in the 2012 class by Rivals.com. I recently spoke with Frazier, here is what he had to say:

    Joseph Thompson: You committed over a year ago. What made you want to commit so early?
     Michael Frazier: I was born in Gainesville and I have a  lot of family there, so it was kind of like going back home. Plus, I have wanted to play there since I was 5.
     JT: Billy Donovan simply wins. How big of a factor was that in your decision?
     MF: It was a huge factor. I want to win and I know he will push me to my limits to make me the best play that I can be. He demands the best from his players, his staff, and himself.
     JT: Who played the biggest role in you decision making process?
     MF: My parents because they supported me in making my decision so early.
     JT: What are your goals for your freshman year?
     MF: I want to work hard and fight for playing time and make a run deep in the tournament.
     JT: What are your goals for your college career?
     MF: Win a national championship and get my degree.
     JT: How do you feel about the fellow members of the class of 2012 for Florida?
     MF: I feel very comfortable with them because we all have a good relationship already and I know that they will come in and work hard and we will be able to push each other.
     JT: Are you looking forward to playing with Kasey Hill again in another year?
     MF: Yes, we had a lot of success in high school.
     JT: Do you think you played a role in Kasey Hill committing to Florida?
     MF: Yes, I tried to get him to come because I think we will make a great 1-2 combination because we had so much success in high school.
     JT: What was Coach Donovan's biggest pitch?
     MF: He just wants the best out of his players and he is a proven winner.
     JT: Who is your favorite Florida player of all-time?
     MF: Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem because they play for the Heat, my favorite team.

Small Talk with Shawn Smith

      Shawn Smith of Jacksonville, Florida committed to Texas A&M this spring. Smith is rated as a 3-star prospect and the 30th best point guard in the class of 2012. Smith is one of five player Billy Kennedy has signed for next year. I talked with Shawn today, here is our conversation:

           Joseph Thompson:What made Texas A&M standout? 

           Shawn Smith: My relationship from my recruiter, Coach Sip, and Coach Kennedy, and once I committed I got so much love from the fan base and future teammates/family. That made me sign my LOI.

             JT: Did you visit?

            SS: I didn't. I know the campus is great. My main goal was developing trust with everyone and I feel that I've reached that goal.

            JT: Who played the biggest role in your decision making process?

            SS: My Mom. She loves the coaching staff and felt it was a good fir for me.

            JT: When did Texas A&M start talking to you?

            SS: Last year.

            JT: Do you think your style of play will fit into Coach Kennedy's offense?

            SS: Certainly, I watched a few games last year.

            JT: What are your goals for freshman year?

            SS: Get that NCAA title. Shock the world after we're conference champions.

            JT:   Any other goals for your college career?

            SS: Become a better player, mature my game, and be able to play on the next level.

            JT: When will you arrive on campus?

            SS: 29th of this month. (May)

Small Talk with Harold Givens

Harold Givens is a Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and LSU target. Georgia watched him workout today.
     Joseph Thompson: Who do you have offers from?
     Harold Givens: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Marquette, Miami, Virginia, Georgia Tech, USC, Tulane, Tennessee, and Arizona.
     JT: Have you made any visits?
     HG: I did last year, when I had the time. I have scheduled visits for the summer.
     JT: How do you think AAU is going to be this year?
     HG: An eye opener.Best Ever. It is going to be fun.
     JT: What are your strengths?
     HG: I'm very athletic and athletic. I can shoot, passing, defend well, get blocks, and get steals.
     JT: Any weaknesses?
     HG: My ballhandling and footwork. They're getting there though.
     

Small Talk with Tony Nunn

     Tony Nunn picked up an offer from Tennessee today. I talked to him about his recruiting today.

     Joseph Thompson: Did you pick up an offer from Tennessee?
     Tony Nunn: Yes
      JT: Who have you been talking to?
     TN: Kent Williams
     JT: Who is on your list?
     TN: I have offers from Tennessee, Cincinnati, ECU, UNCC, Virginia Tech. My list is Miami, UNC, Stanford, Oklahoma, Wake Forest and Alabama.
     JT: What's the most important factor in your decision?
     TN: How good of a program the school is and the environment around the school.
     JT: Have you made any visits?
     TN: I haven't at this time.
     JT: When are you going to make your decision?
     TN: October 12, my birthday.