Commentary

#BlueChipBattles -- March 21

RecruitingNation ranks the top 10 recruiting battles for basketball's elite

Updated: March 27, 2013, 4:24 PM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com

Whether it's the pursuit of the final piece for the incoming class or stockpiling elite recruits for the future, college basketball coaches are prepared to battle the nation's other top programs to lock up high school basketball's elite players come signing day.

At RecruitingNation, we enjoy watching a good ol' recruiting battle, and that's why we've created #BlueChipBattles. We've constructed a list of the 10 most intriguing races for elite prospects, and will make changes to the list as new information (official/unofficial visits, exceptional performances, trimmed lists and commitments/decommitments) becomes available.

Here's a look at our panel of experts: Dave Telep (@DaveTelep), Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi), Reggie Rankin (@ReggieRankin), Adam Finkelstein (@FinkelsteinNERR), Joel Francisco (@JoelFranESPN), Michael LaPlante (@hoopsconnection).

Get your tweet on

Our scouts have their ears to the street and will update accordingly, but we also want to hear from you, the fans.

Use the hashtag #BlueChipBattles to comment on the list, make a prediction or if you disagree with anything we say. Your tweet could end up on that week's page.

You make the pick

Disagree with the order of our battles? Well, rank 'em yourself here: Rank the battles.

Rashad Vaughn | @ShowtimeMr | Junior

Minneapolis (Minn.) Robbinsdale Cooper | SG | 6-6/200 | ESPN 60 Rank: No. 9

Previous BlueChipBattles rank: No. 8

Who wants him? UNC, Kentucky, Florida, Baylor, Minnesota, Kansas, Louisville, Iowa State and Georgetown.

Front-runners: UNC, Kentucky and Florida.

Dark horse: Iowa State.

@ReggieRankin with the buzz: Vaughn took in the Duke-UNC game in Chapel Hill earlier this month to better evaluate his fit within the Heels' system in addition to getting a feel for the frenzied game day atmosphere of the Dean Dome. Vaughn said he loved the atmosphere, even though UNC didn't play well. "Mr. Showtime," as he's affectionately dubbed in Minnesota, averaged a robust 28.8 points and 10.2 rebounds a contest for Cooper and will look to continue his high level of play during the spring and summer AAU sessions to give the high major programs pursuing him a better look at his versatile skill set.


RecruitingNation ranks Vaughn's recruitment as the No. 10 battle in the country. Tweet us your opinion using the hashtag #BlueChipBattles @RecruitingESPN.


You must be an Insider subscriber to check out the top remaining battles for the Class of 2013's elite and the most up-to-date info on the quest to land the top 2014 talent.

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