The Beak basketball notes:

We are a little over two weeks from the start of the 2012 Louisville Football season but the buzz about basketball hasn’t stopped.

We are right in the middle of the recruiting period. Recruits are making their college choices and planning their official visits. Recently some Louisville targets have made some of those plans known.

Jordan Mickey: He is one of the most sought after power forwards in the 2013 class. Mickey will cut his list of suitors at the end of the month and Louisville is expected to be on it. He told Alex Schwartz of NBE Basketball in June that, “A style of play that fits me would be a team that likes to run, get up and down.” Rick Pitino’s up-tempo offensive system would qualify. I look for the Cardinals to be a serious consideration for Mickey.

Marcus Lee: He is arguably the top big man in the Class of 2013. We learned this week that Lee has set an official visit to Louisville and will be on campus Sep. 8th. The 6-foot-9 power forward is great at scoring in transition and has a soft touch around the basket. Though he needs to add weight to his lanky frame, Lee can block shots with the best in the country. He is considered to be a Indiana lean but looks like the Cards are still in consideration for this big mans services.

Anthony ‘Cat’ Barber: He is one of the most sought after PG in the class. Barber is a great prospect at the point because of his great size, length, and the major burst to his game. We learned this week that Barber will be on campus Sep. 8th. IMO there are three schools with the shot at landing his services. Alabama, Kansas, and Louisville. “I just want to view all the schools before I can make my decision,” Barber said. “I think it’ll come down to how comfortable I am at all the schools, knowing where I can come in and play and being real comfortable with the system.”
With Peyton graduating there will be major minutes available next year at the Point Guard position. This just might be the thing that helps “Cat” make his decision.

Jarrell Martin: He is one of the best Power Forwards in the class of 2013. In an interview with Martin’s coach Jeff Jones, Eric Bossi of Rivals.com reported Sunday that there are several developments in Martin’s recruitment. He won’t sign until the spring and has cut his list to 7. And Louisville is among the remaining teams on that list. Because of early academic trouble and then a school transfer, his junior season was his first full season on the high school circuit. So Martin’s true potential has yet to be discovered. Not only does he rebound, he explodes and looks to blaze a path for himself. Awesome mix of strength, power, semi-inside skill and the desire to make the most of his chance.

Mangok Mathaing: We learned that the 6’10” center is at Louisville and has enrolled for classes. He has been cleared at least academically and was supposed to take part in a team meeting on Sunday. Sounds like the big man still has some hurdles to clear before suiting up this season. He may end up redshirting, but there is some speculation that he will actually play.