Editor's note: Every Monday in "Starting 5," we'll roll out five stories, themes and nuggets from the basketball recruiting world to tip off your week in proper form. We'll set the table with the stories that need to be told and give you a leg up on the water cooler conversations around the office.
This week's edition of Starting 5 includes a closer look at Georgetown's latest commitment, visitors galore over the weekend for North Carolina and Georgetown, which junior Kentucky is targeting and the trickle-down effect it could have in the Class of 2014, and an introduction to a freshman star at LeBron James' alma mater.
1. Copeland epitomizes late-bloomer tag
Twelve months ago, forward Isaac Copeland (Raleigh, N.C./The Miller School) was sitting on the bench as his Ravenscroft team, led by Louisville-bound guard Anton Gill, won a North Carolina state championship. A few weeks later at the Carolina Challenge, Copeland scored five, four and three points in consecutive outings.
Granted, Copeland was coming off an injury at the time. Still, last year at this time Copeland was more prospect than player and his on-court résumé was that of a Southern Conference or CAA player. On Sunday, however, the player now ranked No. 37 overall and No. 6 among power forwards in the Class of 2014 committed to Georgetown one day after his visit to the Hoyas.