Ladies and gentlemen, meet the latest member of the 2010 UCLA basketball recruiting class, Matt Carlino.

Carlino is a 6′2 PG/SG out of Bloomington, Indiana. He’s actually a member of the 2011 class, but was held back a year as a child, so technically he’s already 18 with enough credits to graduate early which he has chosen to do. The Bruins add some much needed guard depth in the crafty Carlino who can stroke it with the left, and create inside.

Additional info via LA Times

Highlight video after the jump…

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Class of 2010 point guard and McDonald’s All American, Ray McCallum Jr will be playing for his father next season at the University of Detroit. McCallum made the announcement yesterday, live on ESPNU’s college signing day special.

Additionally, ESPNU top 50 rated shooting guard Trey Ziegler will play for his dad as well, at the University of Central Michigan. Trey’s dad Ernie was an assistant coach under Ben Howland during the back to back to back Final Four runs.

This is a devastating blow for UCLA with the lack of guards for next season, and limited amount of unsigned talent available. Coach Howland has stated he would like to give out at least one to two more scholarships for the upcoming season, but may be at a loss after missing out on Wednesday.

Reaction around the net:

LAtimes.com - UCLA loses out on two recruits

BruinsNation.com – An uneventful but very predictable signing day for UCLA

**UPDATE** Angelo Chol has officially eliminated UCLA from his school list.

Class of 2011 forward standout Angelo Chol has officially trimmed his list of choices.

“Last week I took off Arizona State and Wyoming” Chol said, “I’m down to eight now”.  Among those still in the running, UCLA, who will have to compete with Alabama, Florida, Georgetown, Kansas, North Carolina, UCONN and Washington.

The San Diego elite prospect has stated that distance is not a factor. ” “I really don’t care where I go. It doesn’t matter if I stay home or leave.”

**UPDATE** Deonte Burton committed to Nevada.

Compton Centennial high school took out the #1 state ranked Hoover Cardinals, 80-68. In what could be a particularly sweet treat for Bruin fans, Compton’s Deonte Burton (#24) and Hoover’s Angelo Chol (#3) squared off, perhaps giving a glimpse of what may be down the road.

Burton dropped 20 pts in the win, while Chol notched 21 pts.

For a full game recap, check out SanDiegoReader.com

McDonald’s All American Terrence Jones is in no rush to make a decision. Partly because he remains undecided,  but also to give his teammates some exposure and hopefully land a scholarship.

“It’s only right. Coaches may like what they see while they’re coming to look at me. We all help each other out like that.”

Jones has a list of five schools he’s considering, Oregon, Kentucky, UCLA, Washington, and Oklahoma. He’s made official visits to all five campuses. There’s  been no indication on his part as to who may be the leader, however whispers among recruiting circles have said Kentucky is the front runner.

Jones explains:

Well, with Kentucky they’re a powerhouse right now. They win and they put guys in the NBA. Oregon is my home state, and I have a great relationship with the players. At UCLA, Coach Ben Howland is trying to put big things together down there for next year. It’s a great city and they’ve got good players. Washington’s coach, Lorenzo Romar, is an excellent coach on and off the court. I’ve got a great relationship with Abdul Gaddy (UW) too. With Oklahoma, I’ve gotten to know Coach Jeff Capel really well. I got a feel for how it’s a family environment down there. Then I know Tiny Gallon (UO) really well too, so that’s a plus.

For the full interview, check out HighSchoolHoop.com

Bruin fans got an early glimpse at their future when Kentwood high school’s Josh Smith took on Jefferson high’s Terrence Jones last night on ESPN 2. Smith is a 6′9 center, ranked #11 in ESPN’s top 100, with Jones coming in at #13.

To put it lightly, this was an ugly game. If you’ve become accustomed to the grace and beauty of the NBA, the determination and effort of NCAA hoops, then you might have forgotten how unrefined high school sports are. Granted they’re kids in every sense of the word, but it doesn’t deter you from cringing every now and again.

The silver lining was the play of UCLA commit Josh Smith, and 6′7 stud Terrence Jones. Smith is a wide bodied center, with soft hands who can eat up space. He’s light on his feet, and clearly knows his place is on the block with his back to the basket. Don’t let his frame fool you (tipping the scales at about 270lbs), Smith finished the game with 11 rebounds and nine blocked shots. His offense wasn’t a factor only notching nine points, however this was only his third game back from a partially torn patellar tendon. He certainly made his presence felt down low, though. Something the Bruins can definitely combo with undersized center Reeves Nelson next season.

With that said, the real star of the game was Terrence Jones.

The silky smooth lefty dominated at every end of the floor, with Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel watching in the stands. Jones dazzled the crowd with effortless dribble-drives, tipjams, and no look passes. He lead all scorers with 20 points, and filled up the stat sheet with a four steals, four rebounds, and four assists. An early comparison would be a raw Lamar Odom, as Jones looks very comfortable running the point forward. As a freshman, he was a 6′3 PG, who sprouted to the 6′7 he now stands at. His ability to handle the ball remains a weapon in his arsenal.

Jones has yet to choose a school, with UCLA, Washington, West Virgina, Oklahoma, and Kentucky competing for his services. To my knowledge, the Bruins are aggressively recruiting Jones, but I’m sure his stock rose after playing on ESPN 2 national television. Howland recently visited Jones while up in Eugene, Oregon to battle the Ducks.

Additional game notes at Seattletimes.com

P.S. – Sorry for no post game wrap up’s for UCLA vs. Oregon and Oregon State. A busy schedule and a wife did not allow me to write anything up.

Let’s just say the Bruins remain in the thick of the Pac-10 race, but going 2-0 on the road would have marked a turned corner in the season, which they did not accomplish. Tyler Honeycutt and Reeves Nelson continue to impress. Malcolm Lee, where have you gone?

2010 UCLA commit Josh Smith is nearing 100 percent after a partially tearing his pateller tendon nearly two months ago. Smith hopes to resume his normal minutes in the next week or so.

“I’ve been out for about six weeks,” he said. “It’s been a long process, but things are starting to look up now. I would say right now I’m about 95 percent.”

“I had about 12 points in the first game,” said Smith, “Then I had about 15 in the second game. I’ve just been feeling it out. It’s a little frustrating.”

Smith said he’s been in constant contact with Ben Howland and his staff. The Bruins’ sports medicine staff closely monitors Smith’s MRI’s.

“The coaches just tell me to take it easy and not to rush back too soon,” said Smith. “They said that I’ve got to be a little selfish with this because I have a scholarship, and I could hurt myself long term if I rush back. Coach Howland told me that I don’t have anything more to prove. Tuesday’s game will be my first time since the injury playing most of the game.”

Full story at HighSchoolHoop.com

**STORY UPDATE: Brandon Dunson has committed to Arizona State.**

Additional info here.

Brandon Dunson has been turning heads with his recent play at Wabash Valley College, becoming one of the hidden gems for class of 2010. Arizona State, Nevada, UCLA, Gonzaga, Oklahoma State, Western Kentucky, Santa Barbara, and Valparaiso are all said to be interested.  We recently spoke with Dunson about the sudden attention, and where he might end up.

BRUINHOOPS.NET Q & A Session with Brandon Dunson

Q: A lot of Bruin fans might not be too familiar with you just yet, I know you went to Bloomington Central Catholic high school, can you tell us a little more about yourself? Where did you grow up? How did you end up at Wabash?

A:  I was born in Gardena, California but raised in Bloomington, Illinois. I used to visit Los Angeles every summer until high school then AAU wouldn’t allow me to. I spent one semester at Chattanooga then transferred to SIU-Edwardsville. I sat a year because of NCAA transfer rules and played one semester. I wanted to play in a better program and play the point and the 2 instead of the 3 (and sometimes even the 4 defensively). I chose WVC because the coach here has coached mutiple NBA players throughout his career and over 100 Division I guys.

Q: In your opinion, what has been the biggest improvement in your game that has you on radar of the elite programs?

A: I’d say the move to the point is the biggest thing that raised my stock. I went from an undersized wing to a big pg. The confidence with my handle has improved my overall game too. It’s more of a natural position for me.

Q: What schools are showing the most interest? Do you have a favorite?

A: Arizona State, Nevada, UCLA, Gonzaga, Oklahoma State, Western Kentucky, Santa Barbara, and Valparaiso are all interested. I don’t have a favorite at this point. Arizona State was in last night, Nevada was here Monday, and Oklahoma State was in last week.

Q: What position are you most comfortable playing? Point guard or shooting guard? What do you expect to play for the school you choose?

A: Since the season started I’ve got real comfortable at the point. That’s the position I expect to play next year.

Q: Per your twitter, you’ve mentioned speaking with UCLA, and Arizona State and that the “Pac 10 is looking good”. Is it safe to say we’ll see you on the west coast next season?

A: Yeah I’d love to play at on the west coast. I love it out there but I’m going to go to the situation best for my career no matter where it is but I would prefer to play out there.

Q: Have you spoken to UCLA recently?

A: I actually just talked to UCLA today (1/22) after practice. They said they’ve been following me and are still very much interested.

Q: What factors will influence your choice in a school? When can we expect a decision?

A: I want to go to a winning program where I have the opportunity to be an impact point guard. I also want to play for a coach that’s good at developing point guards. I want to take visits before I commit so it probably won’t be until after the season.

Q: There have been whispers from recruiting sites comparing you to Russell Westbrook. Do you see the similarities? What NBA player would you compare your game to?

A: Westbrook is a fair comparison I think though I believe I’m a more consistent shooter (not that I’m comparing myself to an NBA player at this point). I don’t model my game after anyone but if there was a comparison I think Westbrook would be fair.

Q: For the record, what is your current height and weight?

A: I’m currently 6′2 1/2″ 180 lbs.

For a full bio on Brandon Dunson, click here. You’ll be greeted with a picture of Dunson posterizing someone.

You can also keep up with Dunson via his Twitter.

Video highlights after the jump.

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UCLA remains on the hunt for hidden gems across the nation, recently surfacing is 6′3 guard Brandon Dunson of Wabash Valley junior college. He’s currently averaging 12 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Warriors who are 13-0 and ranked 9th nationally at the JC level.

Dunson’s stock has risen, and so have the number of schools competing for his services: Arizona State, UCLA, Nevada, Oklahoma State, and Gonzaga to name a few.

Here’s a couple of interesting notes per his Twitter account.

@delanodr look like ima play on the west coast next season…long beach? Fullerton? Los angeles? Where u tryna b at out there? 8:02 PM Oct 15th, 2009 from web

got a call from UCLA last night, definitely counting my blessings! Glory to God! 7:28 AM Nov 20th, 2009 from web

just got off the phone with Herb Sendek (Arizona State head coach) and like what I heard, definite possibility! 9:10 AM Jan 17th from web

Dunson is a lefty with nice lift on his jumper, and possesses the athleticism the Bruins desperately need. Could this be another Russell Westbrook in the works? We’ll continue to monitor the situation and UCLA’s involvement.

UCLA target Terrence Jones continues his strong senior season for Jefferson high, recently being named to the 2010 USA Junior National Select Team.

Jones had this to say upon being selected:

“It’s always an honor playing for your country, and I’m excited to represent the USA in this game,” Jones said in a news release. “The coaches, the players, it’s just going to be a good event to play in and learn from.”

The Nike Hoop Summit pits  some of  the country’s best high-school-aged players against a World Select Team comprised of elite international players under age 20. This is the third consecutive year the Rose Garden will have staged the event.

In addition to Jones, the first nine members of the eventual 10-man USA roster are as follows:

Guards: Harrison Barnes (Ames H.S. / Ames, Iowa), Will Barton (Brewster Academy / Baltimore), Reggie Bullock (Kinston H.S. / Kinston, N.C.), Kyrie Irving (St. Patrick H.S. / Elizabeth, N.J.), Brandon Knight (Pine Crest H.S. / Lauderdale, Fla.) and Kendall Marshall (Bishop O’Connell H.S. / Arlington, Va.)

Forward: Tobias Harris (Half Hollow Hills West H.S. / Brookville, N.Y.)

Center: Jared Sullinger (Northland H.S. / Columbus, Ohio).

Coaching the U.S. team will be Bob Cimmino, the coach at Mount Vernon (N.Y.) High School since 1994.

YouTube clips not enough? Catch Jefferson high and Terrence Jones as they face UCLA-bound Josh Smith and Kentwood on national television Feb. 2 on  ESPN2.