Commentary
Big West breakdown
Long Beach State, UC Irvine bringing in PGs who will have instant impact
Updated: November 4, 2011, 10:58 AM ET
By
Joel Francisco | Recruiting Nation
Here are a few things to pay attention to in the Big West as the NCAA basketball season nears and signing day is around the corner:
By the time the CIF Southern Section playoffs rolled around, it could be argued that Caffey was the best point guard in California. He has ideal size with long arms, and his athleticism is off the charts. He possesses that highly coveted second gear, allowing him to leave defenders in the dust. He gets to the rim at will and has the savvy to locate open teammates with his pinpoint passing. He needs to continue to smooth out his release on his jump shot, but he is a better shooter than all-conference guard Caspar Ware was as a freshmen.
Best incoming freshman
PG Michael Caffey, Long Beach StateBy the time the CIF Southern Section playoffs rolled around, it could be argued that Caffey was the best point guard in California. He has ideal size with long arms, and his athleticism is off the charts. He possesses that highly coveted second gear, allowing him to leave defenders in the dust. He gets to the rim at will and has the savvy to locate open teammates with his pinpoint passing. He needs to continue to smooth out his release on his jump shot, but he is a better shooter than all-conference guard Caspar Ware was as a freshmen.
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2012 CONFERENCE BREAKDOWNS

Recruiting Nation will be breaking down every conference throughout the month. ![]()
- Conference USA
Memphis SF Thomas is one to watch - Southland
Sleeper Australian F at Nicholls State - Missouri Valley
New Missouri State coach already thriving - Summit League
Early playing time for Oakland SF Poches - Mountain West
Lobos, Broncos pluck talent from Australia - Big Sky
Northern Arizona diving into California - America East
Vermont's McGlynn to have instant impact - Atlantic 10
Xavier staying atop the conference - Ivy League
Harvard establishing itself inside with Smith - Independents
New SGs Lamb, Taylor worth watching - Big East
Drummond could be key to UConn repeat - Patriot League
Holy Cross PG given opportunity to thrive - ACC
Duke's Rivers, UNC's Hairston will factor in - Big 12
Baylor keeps bring in the bigs - MAAC
Instant impact for Niagra's new PG - NEC
Monmouth SF Nicholas worth watching - Southern
Charleston's ESPNU 100 C will be a force - Atlantic Sun
FGC's SG will have immediate impact - CAA
George Mason adds an ESPNU 100 center - MEAC
Hornets' highlight-reel dunker is must see - WAC
Aggies' new 7-3 center will be a force - Big Ten
Indiana C Zeller will have instant impact - Ohio Valley
Missouri State's new PF to have big impact - Big South
High Point's bringing in a three-star SF - SEC
Will Kentucky's class live up to the hype? - Horizon
Butler Bulldogs add clutch-shooting SF - MAC
Kent State, Ohio add scoring guards - Big West
Long Beach State's new PG is must see - WCC
Zags incoming trio worth watching
