Jason Maxiell

04/30/04: Max is on page 48 of the latest Slam Magazine. Its the June issue with Kenyon on the cover.

Jason Maxiell :: Max Factor
They told him. The ghosts of Cincinnati bruisers past warned Jason Maxiell about the challenges. About Bob Huggins. The yelling.

The cursing. Danny Fortson. Corie Blount. Kenyon Martin. Ruben Patterson. They all weighed in. "They told me I have to give it my all every night," the junior says. "That's what Coach Huggins wants. But it prepares you for the next level."

By the time he leaves, Maxiell will have done plenty to warrant inclusion with the tough guys who came before him: in '03-04, he averaged 13.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2.1 bpg for the C-USA tournament champ Bearcats. He's a 6-7, 250-pound anchor in the middle of the usual UC mayhem. It's a job J-Max started preparing for in high school in Carrollton, TX, when he used to lift with the football players. But after last season, he knew strength alone wasn't enough. "I didn't feel comfortable facing the basket last year," he says. "So I worked hard on that during the summer. Now, I can take one or two dribbles and make a shot. I want to play the four position every way possible, like Ben Wallace does and like Kevin Garnett does."

Accomplish that, and Jason may do more than just find a spot among the former UC greats. He might even get Huggins to stop yelling. A little. - Slam Magazine

10/23/02: "Jason Maxiell has started three games in his college career. He averaged 8.1 points as a freshman. Yet the University of Cincinnati sophomore is on the list of 50 preseason candidates for the John Wooden All-America team. He is listed by Lindy's magazine as the ninth-best power forward in the country and the most entertaining player in Conference USA. The Sporting News rates him as the nation's sixth-best power forward.

"A lot of it has to do with history,” UC coach Bob Huggins said. “Because of Kenyon (Martin). Because of (Steve) Logan. Because the guys who have been here and done what they're supposed to do that had some ability have all fulfilled those expectations.”

It is Maxiell's potential that has attracted national attention. He is a certain starter this season who will play roughly 30 minutes a game. He is UC's only proven post player.

The 6-foot-7 Maxiell is more confident, more vocal, stronger and more skilled than a year ago. He has better footwork, better balance and more moves. His ball handling has improved.

When he arrived at UC early in the summer 2001, he bench-pressed 195 pounds and leg-pressed 440. Now, he benches 275 and leg-presses 900. "Max is a guy who doesn't take any days off,” senior guard Taron Barker said. “He plays hard every possession. That's why, on a scale of 1to10, he's a nine instead of a six; last year he was a six because he was a freshman. He's made a big jump. "Max is a pro. Like Shaq in the post, he's got to touch the ball. He has to."

Maxiell appeared in all 35 games last season, mostly as UC's first substitute (he was Conference USA's Sixth Man of the Year). He averaged 6.8 rebounds, blocked 52 shots and dunked the ball 36 times. He had highs of 18 points (vs. DePaul) and 15 rebounds (vs. Coppin State).

Maxiell got better as the season went on. He seemed to pick up more confidence around the first of the year, scoring in double figures in 11 of the last 23 games. All from a guy who averaged only 20.9 minutes a game. "What surprised me was how hard he worked and how well he listened from Day 1," UC associate head coach Dan Peters said. “I can remember the very first day we ever had a workout, I pointed to the wall up there (in Shoemaker Center) where it says All-Americans and I said, "Jason, if you work like that while you're here, you'll be up there someday."

During the summer, Maxiell was a counselor at the Nike camp in Indianapolis. After camp ends each day, the counselors - often some of the top players in the country - play games. UC coaches heard that Maxiell more than held his own. Among those playing: Arizona guard Jason Gardner, Notre Dame guard Chris Thomas and Xavier senior David West. "I was playing mostly against the guards, because they had me more on the perimeter than down low,” Maxiell said. “I just played, but they said I did pretty good. I couldn't tell. It helped me know that I could handle perimeter pressure and take the ball a couple dribbles and put it up.”

He expects to face a lot of double teams this year, something Maxiell said started toward the end of last season. UC needs him to stay out of foul trouble.

A year ago, he told the Enquirer he just wanted “to get stronger and help the team with rebounds. I'm not worried about scoring this year, but next year ...” Is it time? “I know I'm going to be the only big man scoring down low, and that's what Huggs wants me to do,” Maxiell said. Said Huggins: “I think he's going to have games, but Max feels a whole lot more comfortable in a team concept. It took Kenyon until his senior year before he really felt comfortable ... being the go-to guy, and he was certainly capable of doing that before his senior year. I think Max is kind of that way. Max thinks team first." - Enquirer.com

1/15/02: "I really love him. He is a shot-blocker who is also capable of scoring in the lane. Maxiell can also rebound and he had a 15-point, 13-rebound performance against Charlotte recently. He has star written all over him for the future." - Dick Vitale

10/16/01:
http://enquirer.com/bearcats/2001/10/16/uc_new_big_man_on.html

10/8/01: "...coach Bob Huggins could do worse than use freshman Jason Maxiell in the low post, despite his 6-7 stature. Maxiell is relentless under the backboards and could be the best rebounder in the country someday." - Frank Burlison, FoxSports

6/21: "Jason Maxiell, the Bearcats' highest rated incoming recruit, told The Enquirer he has the grades and standardized test score needed to be eligible as a UC freshman. But that's not official.
Brian Mand, UC's associate athletic director for compliance, said Maxiell's transcripts from Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas, have not been sent yet to the NCAA Clearinghouse. The 6-7 power forward, the No.51-rated recruit in the country by The Sporting News,is taking summer-school classes at UC." - Enquirer.com

6/3: Consensus 32nd best player in the country. - RSCI

5/21: "When we initially saw Jason Maxiell play at the 2000 Spiece Run N' Slam Tournament at Purdue University, we both thought he was a Mc Donald's All-American player. We still think that. He is a bruiser who goes to war and pounds both boards, plus he can step out and hit the 15 foot mid-range shot consistently. He will start in our opinion in due time next season if not right away. He looks like a Pete Mickeal type player and better." - AllStar Report (Roy and Harv)

5/21: "I felt Jason Maxiell would see more playing time initially than Terry Licorish, should Terry end up a Bearcat." - J Tiers, All Star Report

5/21: "Maxiell is a very athletic and relentless worker on the boards. He is a little on the short side for a BF but makes up for it with intensity and skill. Jason posesses some nifty moves around the basket and showed signs last Summer that he could step out and hit the 10-15 ft jump shot. He will need to work on his consistency with his jumper and bulk up a little more, but he is a great player for cincy. On the down side, I spoke to a source very close to him about a week or so ago who indicated the chances of him qualifying were not looking good and that Jason could likely end up at a juco." - Eric Bossi, Phog.net recruiting

5/14: Named 6th team, All American. (basically, the 6th best PF in the country) - Bob Gibbons, All Star Report

5/10/01: 41st best senior in the USA. - School Sports.com

4/22: "I'm planning on going to Cincinnati and helping the team win a National Championship and hopefully get closer than they did this year (Sweet Sixteen). They like to run up and down and I see myself fitting in pretty well. I just want to keep playing hard and it should be a pretty good season" - Jason Maxiell, Dallas Morning News.

4/13: named on the first team, all-city, by the Dallas Morning News.

4/8: 7th best PF in the country. "6-7/225, Carrollton, Texas/Newman Smith -- Texas, Texas A&M, Illinois, Cincinnati, Kansas, Michigan: Highlight-film player with his electrifying dunks and athletic rejects. Also has improved jump shot. All-District defensive player of year, 19 ppg, 7 bpg." - Steve Wacaser, The Sporting News

4/7: currently ranked 24th in the country, in his class. - HoopScoop

3/27: "Cincinnati signed Jason Maxiell, a McDonald's All-American nominee from Carrollton, Texas, to a national letter-of-intent during the early signing period. A 6-7, 230-pound senior at Newman Smith High School, Maxiell averaged 11 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots last season. Maxiell, who is rated the No. 18 nationally among high school prospects by Bob Gibbons' All-Star Sports, was named to the all-tournament team at the U.S. Olympic Sports Festival." - UCBearcats.com

3/24: "Jason Maxiell, who signed in November, still needs the necessary test score to be eligible next season." - Enquirer.com

3/01: finished the year as third in the city of Dallas in scoring (24.5 ppg) and first in the city in rebounding (14.3). - Mike Ryan

2/10: "had a triple-double for this team, which lost on Friday night. He had 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 blocked shots." - Forum contributor, Dave Schlueter

1/29: "Jason Maxiell had another huge game this weekend. I just saw in the Dallas Morning News that Jason had 26 points, 14 boards, and 7 blocks." - Forum contributor, Dave Schlueter

1/23: "Maxiell is ranked #24 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP and has a legitimate shot at making the McDonald's All-American Team." - HoopScoop

1/22: Ranked 4th overall in the Texas senior class by TexasHoops. Numbers one thru three were former 'Cat recruits: TJ Ford, Daniel Ewing and Keith Langford.

1/18: "is averaging 24.1 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks for Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas. “Every time he touches the ball, they're double- and triple-teaming him,” Newman Smith coach Charles Duke said. “He'll just step out and hit that jumper on you in a minute. He's got the whole game. “They're not letting him move. They're throwing him down and doing everything they can. He just deals with it. He takes it in stride.” Maxiell had 34 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks against unbeaten Willowridge. Newman Smith is 7-11, 3-2 in its district." - Cin Enquirer

1/9: Maxiell is leading the city in rebounding (15.2 pg) and is second in the city in scoring (24.5 pg) - Dallas Morning News

1/2/01: listed as the 4th best PF in the country. - Ohio Preps

12/31: "he played in the Dr Pepper tourney and was the real deal against WT White. He had 34 points, 15 rebs and 6 blocks. But in the next game against North Shore, Cedric Williams played him pretty well. Maxiell has a nice touch though from 15'. But he had trouble posting up 6-8 Williams. But the bottom line is Newman Smith doesn't look to give Maxiell the ball on a consistent basis. If the guards on that team ever figure out who the go-to guy is, then they'll be okay." - unknown post-er on Texas Hoops

12/20: "Maxiell is a sensational run/jump athlete" (rank: 62) - Brick Oettinger

11/21: scored 34 pts in a loss to Richland. Carrolton Smith is 1-2 so far on the year.

11/21: "I think a guy who is going to find a way to be a great player is Jason Maxiell (6-7, Carrollton, Texas, Cincinnati signee). I think he is one of those phenomenal athletes that finds a way, a la Shawn Marion, to be a great success at every level. He's going to a little more of a free-form system, which allows that kind of success. He's probably only 6-5 1/2 even though everyone lists him at 6-7, but you talk about a guy who can play above the rim, who can just absolutely dominate games on both ends of the floor. He's probably not going to be a McDonald's All-American, but will be an All-American." - Van Coleman, Future Stars

Carrolton Newman Smith plays in district 6, in the 5A (largest) class.

11/9: "has signed a national letter of intent to continue his basketball career at the University of Cincinnati. A 6-7, 230-pound senior at Newman Smith High School, Maxiell averaged 11 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots last season. Maxiell, who is rated the No. 18 nationally among high school prospects by Bob Gibbons' All-Star Sports, was named to the all-tournament team at the U.S. Olympic Festival this past summer. He was also named to the all-tourney teams at the NBA Players Association camp, the Nike Augusta Peach Jam and the Nike SuperShowcase and participated in the Nike All-American camp. "Jason has the tools to be a really good college player," stated Cincinnati head coach Bob Huggins. "He is like a bigger Erik Martin (who played at UC in 1992 and 1993). He has a 72-inch wing span. He's a great rebounder and his offensive skills are much more advanced than those of recent freshmen we have had." - UCBearcats.com

11/4: "MAXIELL TO SIGN - UC recruit Jason Maxiell, a 6-7 power forward from Carrollton, Texas, will formally sign his national letter of intent with the Bearcats at a 2 p.m. press conference at Newman Smith High School this Wednesday his mother, Patricia, said Friday. Maxiell, one of the nation's top 40 prospects, is UC's first commitment this fall." - Cincy Post

10/23: Rated as the third best senior in Texas, behind TJ Ford and Daniel Ewing. - Texas Hoops

10/10: rated 63rd best player in his class - Brick Oettinger

10/7: "Maxiell, Texas Hoops' #3 ranked senior, chose the Bearcats of Cincinnati over many of the nation's top programs. Maxiell is a 6-foot 6-inch power forward who is a dunking and shot blocking machine. He is a ferocious rebounder and follows up offensive boards with two-hand thunder dunks. He has developed a very good low post game with a soft turn-around 12 footer. His excellent athletic ability and intimidating presence in the lane will make him a worthy replacement for ex-Bearcat and Dallas native Kenyon Martin." - Texas Hoops

10/6: "I doubt many University of Cincinnati fans realize the significance of the commitment the Bearcats got from Jason Maxiell (Newman Smith High in Carrolltown, Texas) earlier in the week.
The 6-foot-6 Maxiell was the most relentless player — well, along with Ousmane Cisse, anyway — I saw all summer. He's also vastly underrated by many of the national recruiting services/Web sites — just as another player who later became a Bearcat (Kenyon Martin) was when he committed five years ago." - Burlison, FoxSports

10/5: "It comes as no surprise that Cincinnati has beaten schools like Texas, Kentucky, and Arkansas for 6'7 Jason Maxiell from Carrollton (Newman Smith) TX. The Bearcats jumped into the battle early (last spring) and, as a result, for months have been the heavy favorite for this incredible athlete who ranks #36 nationally in the senior class by the HOOP SCOOP. Actually, this happened yesterday, but we had to read about it this morning in the Cincinnati Enquirer, despite the fact that our Texas Editor Wes Grandstaff has Maxiell in his Team Texas AAU program.
Maxiell reminds you of Kenyon Martin, who was the consensus National Player-of-the Year at Cincinnati a year ago, and 6'7 Donnell Harvey, who was the consensus National High School Player-of-the-Year two year ago at Cuthbert (Randolph Clay) GA, because he is a dominant force on the boards, he always plays with tremendous intensity, and is an explosive athlete who is almost impossible to stop when he decides to go the hole.

His best move is a power move to the basket, which he often uses to dunk in an opponent's face, but he also has a better mid-range game at the same stage than either Martin or Harvey. Also like Martin, Maxiell is from the Dallas area and he's only just beginning to scratch the surface of how good he can become. But Maxiell isn't ranked as high (we had Martin ranked #16 in the state of Texas in our final national rankings in the Class of 1995), because he isn't as strong physically and the current senior class nationally is absolutely ridiculous in terms of quality of talent. In other words, Maxiell isn't a finished product yet, but we look for his to thrive in Bobby Huggins uptempo system, just like Martin did." - PrepStar

10/4: "He blocks everything that comes in the paint. Everything…he wants," Maxiell's high school coach said. "Everything he can get under the goal he dunks. He's so quick it's scary." The Bearcats did an outstanding job selling Maxiell that he resembled former Cincinnati star and No. 1 draft pick Kenyon Martin. Defensively, both play the same style basketball. Maxiell is an athletic type who challenges plenty of shots. Offensively, like Martin early in his career, he has a long way to go to become really effective. However, he isn't afraid to attack a rim." - Rivals100 Hoops

10/4: "For the past year, Jason Maxiell said he has wanted to play basketball at the University of Cincinnati. And he's going to get that chance. The 6-foot-8 power forward from Carrollton, Texas, said Tuesday night he called the Bearcat coaches and orally committed to attend UC next fall. Maxiell, from Newman Smith High School, arrived for his official recruiting visit Friday with a favorable impression of the UC program and left feeling even better about it. Maxiell said he liked “basically everything.” “The campus, the academic program, the coaching staff,” he said. “I got along with the players, and walking around the campus, it felt like home.” Maxiell, who had said he wanted to return to Texas and discuss the decision with his mother, also was being recruited by Kentucky and Arkansas. “He's relentless on the boards, perhaps the best rebounding power forward that I saw this past year,” said Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports. “He is a warrior. He's got much to learn and miles to go before he sleeps, but he's got — as they say — the tools.” Maxiell was the first recruit to make an official visit to UC this fall. Point guard T.J. Ford from Sugar Land, Texas, is scheduled to visit this weekend." - Enquirer

10/2: "Jason Maxiell, a 6-foot-7 power forward from Carrollton, Texas, and 6-9 Hiram Fuller from Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Ill., visited the UC campus and indicated they like the program. Maxiell, who was making his first official visit, has been leaning toward UC although he first wants to discuss his options with his mother Patricia. He is scheduled to visit the University of Kentucky next week for Midnight Madness. "Coach (Bob) Huggins is a straight-up guy, he tells you the truth and gets right to the point," Maxiell said." - Cincy Post

10/1: "Maxiell said Saturday that he didn't know if visiting Kentucky for MidMad would happen. He has said all along he is leaning toward UC." - Cin Enquirer

9/28: "Maxiell has played basketball for only three years. He moved with his family from Chicago to Texas before his freshman year of high school and was sought out for the sport because of his height. He has progressed quickly. The 6-foot-8 power forward from Carrollton, Texas, is scheduled to arrive Friday for an official recruiting visit at the University of Cincinnati. He said the only other school he is considering is Kentucky, but Rivals100Hoops.com reports that Arkansas also is involved and that Maxiell will visit UK for Midnight Madness (Oct.13). “I'm mainly leaning toward Cincinnati,” Maxiell told The Enquirer. “Cincinnati is what he's been saying since Day ,” Newman Smith High School coach Charles Duke said. “He had me call them.” Recruiting experts say Maxiell is raw offensively but is so athletic and hard-working that he is reminiscent of former UC star Ken yon Martin, last year's college player of the year and No. 1 NBA draft pick. “He's a little bit of an undersized power forward athlete, but in this day and age, guys who play that hard are at a premium,” Clark Francis of HoopScoop said. “There are not many guys in college that have his athleticism and his intensity. He's fairly strong right now, but he'll get bigger and stronger. He's a talent.” Francis ranks Maxiell among the top 40 players in the country. So does Bob Gibbons of All Star Sports. “Jason Maxiell is right now a Kenyon Martin-type athlete,” Gibbons said. Duke said Maxiell averaged 11 points, almost 10 rebounds and five blocks last season. “I like Bob Huggins and his assistant coach (Mick Cronin),” Maxiell said. “I like his program. He plays a fast-paced game. I'm a running player, up and down, and a good defensive player.” Maxiell is the first of three recruits with scheduled official visits. Point guard T.J. Ford from Sugar Land, Texas, said he will visit UC the weekend of Oct.7, and Kelvin Torbert, generally regarded as one of the top five players in the country, is scheduled for the weekend of Oct 28." - Cin Enquirer

9/27: "He's compared to Kenyon Martin, he's one of the best shot-blocker's in the class of 2001, and has three national powers recruiting him. Texas' Jason Maxiell is that player. According to Carrollton Newman-Smith High coach Charles Duke, Maxiell is considering Cincinnati, Kentucky and Arkansas, who each had in-home visits this month. He's expected to officially visit Cincinnati Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and Kentucky for Midnight Madness. Each program loves his ability to run the court, great conditioning and inside play. "(Kentucky coach) Tubby Smith and (Arkansas coach) Nolan Richardson told me that they've never seen a kid who played a whole game," Duke said. "We are a running style team. He never gets tired, never comes out." Cincinnati, who many believe is the leader, potentially features Jamaal Davis and Rod Flowers at power forward. Kentucky could have Jules Camara, Jason Parker and Marquis Estill at power forward in 2001-2002. And Arkansas will likely return Alonzo Lane, Carl Baker and Larry Satchell at the inside spots. Maxiell first gave an inkling of his talent at the USA Youth Festival. The 6-foot-5, 219-pound power forward averaged 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.4 rebounds per game. He finished first in shot-blocking and third in rebounding. Maxiell followed up with excellent performances at the Nike Camp in Indianapolis, Ind., the Nike Peach Jam in Augusta, Ga., and AAU Super Showcase in Orlando, Fla. At the Peach Jam, he averaged 11.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game for his traveling team, Team Texas. As a junior, Maxiell shot an amazing 80 percent from the field en route to 19 points and seven rebounds per game. "He's so quick off the floor, he explodes," said Duke, who went 17-15 in his Newman Smith debut. "We want him to work on his jumper and left hand." Maxiell will also need a big year in the classroom. He has a 860 on the SAT, but a 2.0 grade point average in his core classes. "He's a quiet kid off the court, that's his nature," Duke said. "His mother makes sure she's right on top of him." - FoxSports

9/26: "He likes Bob Huggins' Cincinnati program a lot. In fact, the Bearcats are his first official visit and it comes the weekend of Sept. 30. He has one other visit set up, but the Bearcats appear to be the team to beat. There hasn't been a lot of national buzz about TX BF Jason Maxiell (Rivals100Hoops No. 53). However, Maxiell is more than deserving of some attention. At the Nike Camp, and as a forward for Team Texas Red, Maxiell excelled. He's a great athlete whom Cincinnati or whomever lands him, undoubtedly hopes they can mold into the image of a Kenyon Martin. Like Martin in his first few seasons at Cincinnati, Maxiell is much more advanced defensively at this stage. Currently, Cincinnati leads Kentucky and Arkansas for his services. "I like Bob Huggins and I know about his program," Maxiell said. "I know the staff and I know a lot about his players." Jason will make his official visit to Cincinnati the weekend of Sept. 30. He'll then travel to Kentucky for Midnight Madness. Arkansas is also expected to receive a visit from him as well. Texas, which was once recruiting him, is no longer in the picture. "Tubby Smith called me from Australia [Sunday night]. He was calling to check up and see how things were going. The assistant coaches came in and did a good visit for my mom." - Rivals100 Hoops

9/26: "Our Texas Editor Wes Grandstaff tells us the final four for 6'7 Jason Maxiell from Carrollton (Neuman Smith) TX, who ranks #36 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, are Cincinnati, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas. Most people think this one is a slam dunk for Cincinnati, but Grandstaff tells us that he had a great visit over the weekend and others are telling us that the Wildcats may actually be a lot closer to getting a verbal commitment than most people realize. This is especially interesting, because Marvin Stone is just a sophomore and Marquis Estill and Jason Parker are both freshmen, plus Jules Camara, who is sitting out this year, is also waiting in the wings." - HoopScoop

9/24: "is likened to former Cincinnati star Kenyon Martin. He was expected to follow Martin's example and play for the Bearcats. "Till Kentucky came in and talked to him," said Charles Duke, Maxiell's high school coach. "Kentucky's in there now." Now Maxiell lists UK, Cincinnati and Arkansas as his three finalists. He's planning to officially visit UK next weekend. He hopes to make a decision by the end of the month." - KentuckyConnect

9/19: "The Bearcats also appear to be in the lead for Jason Maxiell, a 6-8, 210-pound power forward from Newman Smith High in Carrollton, Texas, and he's scheduled to visit the UC campus on Sept. 29. Maxiell is also being recruited by the University of Kentucky, Michigan and Oklahoma." - Cincy Post

9/13: Texas had an in-home today with Maxiell

9/8: "The Bearcats did a lot of work on his this summer, but most of it was Rod Baker who is now with Rutgers. I think they are in there, but Texas is now making a push as well. Before Bill Self left for Illinois, he was in great shape with Maxiell in regards to Tulsa." - Rivals100 Hoops

9/6: "Cincy is also expecting to get a home visit soon with 6'7 Jason Maxiell, a Pete Mickeal clone, who Huggs loves. We have not been able to confirm that this home visit has been arranged." - The Schmidt Bro's at AllStar Report

8/18: "The best rebounder I saw (all summer) was Cisse, but Jason Maxiell (Newman Smith High in Carrolltown, Texas)... was certainly in that same stratosphere." - Frank Burlison, FoxSports

8/17: "is one of the more intriguing prospects in the Class of 2001. He's a super athlete (ala Kenyon Martin) with a developing offensive game (ala Kenyon Martin). His defensive game is more advanced (ala Kenyon Martin) at this early stage in his career. He's considering a number of schools, including Bob Huggins' program (ala Kenyon Martin). Maxiell says that he's going to take some official visits before deciding on a college. Maxiell was solid all summer long with Wes Grandstaff's Team Texas Red program. Currently, Maxiell is considering Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan and Oklahoma. However, Cincinnati appears to be the team to beat. "I like the style of their program and the game they run is pretty nice," Maxiell said. "They get the ball to the big man." Aside from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan and Oklahoma are in the running for his services." - Rivals100Hoops

8/8: "Cincinnati leads," said 6'7 220 lbs. PF Jason Maxiell of Newman Smith HS in Carrollton, TX. Maxiell, a rugged athlete who can really fly, also lists Kentucky, Kansas, and Oklahoma as schools that have offered scholarships. However, he says, "It's really a two horse race between Kentucky and Cincinnati. I'll definitely be taking visits to both of those schools before I make my decision." Jason averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks last year in HS." - All Star Report

7/28: "Power forward Jason Maxiell is a player on the rise, thanks to outstanding performances in Orlando at the AAU Junior Boys National Championships. Maxiell is an aggressive player on both ends of the floor. He attacks the boards at both ends of the floor, is a solid defender and can get up and block shots. Teams like Tulsa, Illinois and Texas are looking hard at Maxiell, who has also caught the attention of Cincinnati and Duke. Too bad the one-on-one meeting between Maxiell and Kansas City's Wayne Simien, both 6-8 power-forward types, didn't turn into more of a battle Friday afternoon. Maxiell's Team Texas led by 17 with five minutes left in the second quarter of the third-round game with the Kansas City 76ers. Simien, who has committed to Kansas, couldn't do much for the 79ers after getting two quick fouls and sitting down for a good chunk of the first quarter." - Sporting News

7/28: "Team Texas Red 77 SYF Players 56. SUMMARY: Bracey Wright and Jason Maxiell each pumped in 17 points to lead a balanced attack as Team Texas Red vanquished the SYF Players of Indiana, 77-56 on Thursday night at the AAU 17 and Under Nationals." - Insiders Report

7/25: "Jason Maxiell a 6'8" forward from Texas had a terrific tournament as he has showcased his terrific, raw athletic ability. Jason told us his top five schools are Cincinnati, Kentucky, Kansas, Ole Miss and Oklahoma. Cincinnati and Kansas appear to be very strong with Maxiell a top 25 prospect nationally."

7/20: "#7 ranked PF in the USA, 6-7/225, Carrollton, Texas/Newman Smith -- Texas, Texas A&M, Illinois, Cincinnati, Kansas, Michigan: Highlight-film player with his electrifying dunks and athletic rejects. Also has improved jump shot. All-District defensive player of year, 19 ppg, 7 bpg." - Steve Wacaser, Sporting News

7/15: "..is one player who will be making waves in Division I someday. Although shorter than the 6-foot-8 he's billed to be (actually 6-foot-5), he is an effective power player due to his great body and superb athleticism. This kid can really create. He has aggressive baseline moves, and swings around on the rim like a gymnast. He also has very long arms and defends out to the perimeter. He's being chased now by Kentucky, Duke and Texas, and hasn't mentioned Purdue in a while." - Mr Hoops

7/13: "Give me Marko Killingsworth or Jason Maxiell instead of Eddy Curry; I get a harder worker and a 3 or 4 year player instead of a "one year wonder." - Randy Shinkle

7/11: "Biggest Surprises (at Nike Camp) 1. Jason Maxiell, power forward, Carrollton (Texas) Newman Smith Comment: With a 9-foot-2 reach, Maxiell dominated action on both ends of the court. Blocking or altering several shots, and dunking over opponents with his endless arms. - FoxSports

7/11: "Maxiell has been trying to establish himself among the better players nationally while in Indianapolis. Rivals 100 Hoops apparently felt that he has been pretty successful, saying that he "was hitting at both ends. Instead of dominating on just defense, Maxiell made some short jumpers as well." They were not alone in that assessment. "Maxiell is just a monster inside," said Vince Baldwin of Midwest Hoops. "I think he is a perfect fit for a team with a lot of talent. He is the blue collar player everyone needs." His recruitment -- Michigan is very interested -- seems to remain wide open at this point, and will probably see several new schools making inquiries in the coming weeks. Maxiell is one of a number of players whose performance this week is elevating their stock in the national rankings. Midwest Hoops ranked him as the #3 PF at Nike through Saturday, while Hoop Scoop had him at #21 in camp overall through Sunday's action. - Michigan.rivals

Some recent rankings for Jason:
Prep Spotlight #43
Prep Stars #69

7/6: Overall Ranking at the NBPA Camp per FastBreak Recruiting: #24

7/4: "Tobie Smith, who ran the old independent Michigan recruiting site, talked recently to both Jason Maxiell and JaQuan Hart. Tobie has heard both Purdue and Michigan called on Maxiell, but Maxiell told Tobie on Monday that only a handful of schools had made calls to him, in particular "Cincinnati, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, South Florida, and that's about it." Maxiell went on to deny talking to Michigan." - Mr Hoops

6/24?: Started all 5 games at the USA Basketball's Development Festival and avg'd 10.4 pts, 8.4 rbs, 2.4 blks. He shot 52% from the field. His rebounding was third best in camp and his 2.4 bpg was the best in camp.

6/19: Scored 15 pts, 9 reb's and 4 blocks in USA Basketball's Development Festival Opener in Colo Sprngs. He played Center, likely against prep standout Rick Rickert (18 pts, 9 rbs, 1 blk). jason played on the same team as TJ Ford, Ed Nelson and Marcus Spears.

6/16: Jason Maxiell, a 6-8, 210 pound power forward from Newman Smith H.S. in Carrollton, Tex., is one of the top rising senior prospects in the Lone Star State. A very athletic big man who can finish the break with authority, Maxiell told the Insiders Report that he is only seriously considering five schools this spring -- Michigan State, Oklahoma, Texas, Cincinnati and Tulsa. Maxiell averaged 17 points, 12 rebounds and nine blocks per game this past season as a junior at Newman Smith. He plays for Wes Grandstaff's Team Texas program. - Insiders Report

5/00: "Jason Maxiell, 6'8", JR, Texas Red: Impressive athlete who jumps out of the gym. Had several explosive dunks and is a major factor on the offensive glass. A fine athlete who runs the court extremely well and jumps out of the gym. A little raw but very talented. Reminds me of a "raw" and younger Shawn Kemp in many ways. Will move into our top 30 2001 rankings." - The Recruiting Beat, Spiece Tourney notes