Classy classes.(college basketball recruiting)(Brief Article)

Surprise, surprise. Florida, Duke and North Carolina are off to stellar starts in compiling their 2002 recruiting classes--but they're not alone.

As the summer evaluation period drew to a close, more than 60 seniors had made non-binding commitments to schools across the country. Granted, plenty of things can change between now and when these players can sign letters of intent in November, but entering the week, Duke, Florida and North Carolina are leading the way in assembling the top recruiting classes of 2002. In addition to those three, at least seven other schools are off to great starts.

Leaders of the pack

Duke The Blue Devils hold commitments from three potential top 25 seniors: point guard Sean Dockery, shooting guard J.J. Redick and center Michael Thompson. The addition of Dockery prevents the Blue Devils from being short in the backcourt in case Chris Duhon jumps early to the NBA. Small forward Lee Melchionni also pledged his allegiance to Duke. The Blue Devils can sign five players and are looking to add as many as six. Should they land two of their inside targets, they would ask Melchionni to walk on for his first season, creatively circumventing the "5/8 Rule."

Florida Billy Donovan had commitments from Anthony Roberson, the No. 2 point guard in the class, shooting guard Rashid Al-Kaleem and swingman Matt Walsh. Then Mario Boggan, 6-8, 310, added himself to the list last week. Florida still is on the lookout for one more big man.

North Carolina The Heels welcome two elite back-court recruits: Raymond Felton, the top point guard in the class, and Rashad McCants, the top shooting guard. Now, Matt Doherty's focus shifts to landing at least two of the top 25-rated inside targets.

In the hunt