No matter what website or scouting service you look at, Perry Ellis of Wichita Heights (KS) and JP Tokoto of Menomonee Falls (WI) are listed as two of top players in the class of 2012. While at NBPA Top 100 Camp at the University of Virginia, both Ellis and Tokoto took the time to update TheShiver.com on where they stand in their recruitment.
Ellis listed Memphis, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, North Carolina, Stanford, Wake Forest, Oklahoma, and Wichita State as the schools recruiting him. He mentioned that there are others involved too and that all besides North Carolina, Stanford, and Wake Forest have offered.
As of now, Ellis does “not right now” have any favorites in his recruitment, though he did mention he grew up as a Duke fan and lives only two or two and half hours from the KU campus.
“That’s what I’m talking to my parents about. I’m not sure yet. I gotta see how I’m feeling,” said Ellis of whether location will play a part in his choice.
Asked when he will make his college selection, Ellis responded, “Probably my senior year.”
Wednesday was the first day that schools were allowed to call 2012 players, and while Kansas did call him, Ellis did not get to speak with the Jayhawks. The same thing happened with another school, but Ellis did talk with Memphis, North Carolina, Kentucky, Stanford, Wake Forest, Oklahoma, and Wichita State.
Checking in at 6’8, 210-pounds, Ellis, who has a 4.0 GPA academically, said he sees himself as a three at the collegiate level.
On what he likes about KU, Ellis said, “The coaches, nice facilities, the players are nice. I got to talk to the players.” Ellis is being recruited by Danny Manning and Bill Self from KU, but is “not sure” yet if he wants to remain in-state for college.
Regarding the foremost strength of his game, Ellis said, “Taking [my defender] off the dribble.” What about his main weakness? “Going right. I always go left, every time. I gotta work on that to give me more options,” said the two-time defending Kansas Gatorade State Player of the Year.
A teammate of Ellis at NBPA Camp is JP Tokoto, a 6’6, 190-pound wing. Tokoto already lists 15 scholarship offers, despite having merely just finished his sophomore year. Wisconsin, Marquette, Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa State, Iowa, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Miami, North Carolina, Duke, Maryland, and Florida were the schools Tokoto rattled off.
“No, not right now,” replied Tokoto when asked if he has any favorites. North Carolina was the first school to call the Badger State star on Wednesday, but Tokoto heard from Maryland, Florida, Texas, and Miami too.
On whether location will play a part in his choice, Tokoto remarked, “No, not really, probably not.”
While there is a chance that Tokoto, whose real first name is Jean-Pierre, could have a decision made around this time next year, it is not a definite.
“By the end of next summer. If not a decision, at lease a top eight or top five,” said Tokoto of when he plans to commit.
“I like Kansas actually. I haven’t been down there in a while,” Tokoto said. “My dad talked to Coach Self about a week ago. I believe they tried to call and we tried to call back, but we couldn’t reach them. It’s a great program with great program. Coach Self [is good]. I’m supposed to go down there this year during the season.”
Asked to assess the main strengths of his game, Tokoto commented, “Probably my leaping ability, getting to the rim off the bounce. I’m working on my jumpshot.”
It is that jumper that Tokoto said is his primary weakness as of now. “I’m working on it though,” he said. “I got the midrange down. I’m working on the long range.”
“The latest I’ve heard is Scottie Pippen and Grant Hill,” said Tokoto of who people compare his game to.
“It’s nice to be here, to be invited as one of the 2012s here with the older guys. I learn a lot about everything.” Tokoto said of what being at NBPA Camp is like.
With Kansas having come in with early offers for both Perry Ellis and JP Tokoto, the Jayhawks appear to be in good shape with both of them at this early stage in their recruitment.
