:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11324567/20130213_ter_bm2_127.0.jpg)
At noon today the spring recruiting period officially gets underway for men's basketball, ending the dead period that covered the week of the Final Four. It will likely be an aggressive time for the Purdue basketball staff, as they have yet to secure a commitment for the 2014 class. In addition to that, it wouldn't be surprising to see the staff try to add a 2013 commitment - be it 5th-year player or otherwise - after an unsuccessful run to do the same at this time last year.
The Purdue coaching staff has been going HARD after two 2014 players, Middletown, Ohio, forward Vincent Edwards and Elida, Ohio, two-guard Dakota Mathias.
Purdue has been Edwards' top school ever since he appeared on the scene, but Michigan has reportedly made a hard run at him as of late. Right now, I believe he only has offers from Purdue, Michigan, Dayton and Xavier, but I have a feeling that will quickly change. He was in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines' unsuccessful bid to win a share of the Big Ten title against Indiana at the end of the regular season and reportedly had a hell of a time. On top of that, the Wolverine's national title game run last weekend can't hurt their standing with him. What I've yet to hear about, however, is how the Wolverines would be impacted if Tim Hardaway Jr., Glenn Robinson III, Trey Burke and Mitch McGary all decide to go pro after this year. Right now ESPN's Chad Ford has McGary and Burke as lottery picks, and Robinson right outside as the No. 15 pick.
Mathias has been said to be close to committing, but also said he wants to play at least the first few weeks of spring AAU before making a final decision. The 6-foot-4 guard made his official visit to Purdue at the end of March. He's a scorer who averaged 25 points a game as a junior this season. I've seen a couple reports comparing him to Ryne Smith, so take that for what you will. Purdue and West Virginia seem to be the two major schools after him, along with Dayton and the entire MAC conference.
Purdue also reportedly has made an offer to Alec Brennan, who ESPN describes as an "intriguing prospect with the mold of a classic face-up four man."
These are just a few of the players you can expect to hear about Purdue coaches watching during the spring and summer recruiting periods. As I said earlier, don't be surprised if Purdue also is linked to recruiting 2013 prospects, that is, guys that would be on campus next fall.