Cothron decommits from N.C. State

Luke Cothron, the 6-foot-8 basketball forward at Red Springs Flora McDonald, is no longer committed to N.C. State, but still likes coach Sidney Lowe, the school and its fan base.

"Basically, his concern is playing time," Flora McDonald coach Derrick Bond said Wednesday morning. "He and C.J. Leslie [of Raleigh Word of God] basically play the same position. They have some different skills, but they play the same position.

"If State gets C.J., he is going to a lot of minutes."

Bond said Cothron had mentioned State's dream lineup for next year: freshmen Lorenzo Brown and Ryan Harrow plus veterans Tracy Smith and Scott Wood plus possibly Leslie.

"I know that Luke still likes N.C. State a great deal and is watching the program very closely," Bond said. "He watched every minute of its game on Tuesday night [a 57-56 NIT win over South Florida] and was sitting on the edge of his seat."

Bond said he wasn't sure which other schools Cothron is interested in schools but thinks he will speak with Kentucky, Alabama and Texas A&M.

"All of them could use a player with Luke's skills," Bond said. "Luke wants to go somewhere that needs a player with his skill set. I tell him the more competition the better, but I also tell him he needs to make what he thinks is the best decision for him.

"But I'll tell you, if C.J. were to commit to Kentucky tomorrow, you'd probably see Kentucky come off his list and N.C. State at the top again."

Leslie, a McDonald's All-America and ranked among the top prospects in the country, has not announced a final list of schools. He had committed to N.C. State after his freshman year, but later decided to reopen his recruitment.

Among the schools that he is believed to be most interested are N.C. State and Kentucky.

Ken Tysiac

Junior wing forward commits to Duke

Duke has received a commitment from Michael Gbinije, a 6-foot-6, 180-pound junior basketball wing player from Richmond (Va.) Benedictine.

Dave Telep, the recruiting director of scout.com, has Gbinije ranked No. 14 among the juniors in the country. Gbinije is averaging 17.8 points and 6 rebounds for a 23-7 Benedictine.

Benedictine coach Sean McAloon said Gbinije is a good shooter and gets to the rim well.

"There are things he can improve on, but he is just a junior," McAloon said. "At the next level, he is going to need to be stronger. I think his game is going to translate very well on the next level."

McAloon said early in the recruiting process Gbinije discussed Duke.

"Duke basketball is like Notre Dame football. A lot of people love it and a lot of people hate it," ,McAloon said. "But for Michael it began and ended with Coach K. I mean he is the U.S. Olympic coach. And when Michael finishes his career, rather he plays in the league or overseas, he is going to have a Duke degree. He is going to be set for life."

Telep said Gbinije is smooth and talented.

"He is going to blend in very well at Duke," Telep said. "Michael is a very intelligent player and has played in a disciplined, structured system."I'd like to see him play a little bit more aggressively, but he is an outstanding prospect."

Gbinije recently attended the Duke vs. North Carolina game and made his commitment shortly after.

Tim Stevens