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Point guard Lynn Greer III, a native of Philadelphia, who is at IMG Academy (FL) for a post-grad season this year, announced for the Flyers on Monday, joining three other recruits in the class.

Greer joins point guard Malachi Smith, wing forward Kaleb Washington, and big DaRon Holmes in the quartet.

Greer has good size at 6-3 and brings a successful background into the Flyers’ program, having won two Philadelphia Catholic League titles and a state championship during his tenure at Roman Catholic (PA). With his ability to score and size, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see him playing in either guard slot at Dayton.

Still, the headliner for the recruiting class for Dayton is unquestionably Holmes, who is a top 50 prospect in the country. Holmes is an athletic big man who seems like he’s got some of the “it” factor that leads to college stardom.

With that said, Greer, Smith, and Washington are all players who seem likely to finish ranked between the top 100 and 200 players nationally and are perfect depth pieces to develop going forward at Dayton.

Ramses “RJ” Melendez pledges Illinois

On Monday night, 6-7 forward RJ Melendez of Central Pointe Christian (FL) announced his commitment to Illinois. Melendez is ranked as the No. 97 prospect nationally in the 247Sports composite.

Playing on a 25-5 team currently, Melendez is a native of Puerto Rico. His high school squad’s Twitter account posted their insight into his game over the weekend:

CPCA Hoops @CPCAhoops

RJ Melendez @MelendezRamses has rapidly evolved as 1 of the most hotly pursued 2021s. The 6-7 wing is focal point after leading us to an @siaa_fl title as a r. Explosive, bouncy, and w/3-level scoring, he’s got the upside as 1 of the next great players to come out of Puerto Rico.

CPCA Hoops @CPCAhoops

Some of RJ Melendez additions to his skills set. @MelendezRamses https://t.co/0YQP2Arhhn

February 12th 2021

10 Retweets38 Likes

Given the dearth of available prospects in the 2021 class nationally, it’s clear Illinois scored big for the long-term by adding an athlete with long-term potential in Melendez. He joins Homestead (IN) wing forward Luke Goode in the class to date, giving the Fighting Illini two top 100 prospects in the 2021 recruiting effort.

Junior point guard Willie Lightfoot names favorites

Perhaps best known as blue-chip Tennessee commitment Kennedy Chandler’s understudy at Sunrise Christian (KS) this year, 6-0 point guard Willie Lightfoot is a baller in his own right. On Sunday, the New York-native named five programs as his favorites in his recruitment to date.

willie lightfoot @willielightfoo6

Top 5🖤🤞🏾

February 14th 2021

44 Retweets265 Likes

Alabama, Buffalo, Marquette, Minnesota, and Oregon made the cut for Lightfoot. His squad at Sunrise Christian has been well-publicized this season in playing a national schedule, and Lightfoot is immediately noticeable when he hits the floor. He’s a dynamic ballhandler who makes things happen and pushes the issue when he’s on the floor.

While Chandler primarily has the keys to the offense at Sunrise Christian this season, Lightfoot unquestionably has next, which the five favorites in his recruitment certainly reflects.

Other notes:

• Nebraska added a commitment for 2022, in junior college center Blaise Keita of Coffeyville (KS). Keita is part of a recruiting upswing in Lincoln, as Nebraska has a strong 2021 class effort in top-25 prospect high school guard Bryce McGowens, skilled center Wilhelm Breidenbach, and junior college guard Keisei Tominaga. Big Ten foe Minnesota was reportedly a finalist for Keita as well, who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game at Coffeyville. He also has experience in international age group competition for Mali.

• Things have not been going well on the hardwood at Michigan State this season, and they suffered a loss on the recruiting trail on Monday, as top-25 caliber junior Enoch Boakye decommitted from the Spartans. The Canadian center from the 2022 class presents a looming frame at 6-11, but has already heard from a bevy of other high-major programs, according to Sports Illustrated, including Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Arizona, USC, Duke, Kentucky, Washington State and Gonzaga .

Tipton Edits @TiptonEdits

Kentucky has offered 2021 five-star Trevor Keels, he tells me.

February 13th 2021

26 Retweets279 Likes

A 6-5 smooth operator, Keels comes in at No. 20 overall in the class of 2021 in the current 247Sports composite. That may be on the low side though, as Keels is simply one of the most skilled prospects in the class and has a close to college-ready frame at 210 pounds.

Keels has an effective outside shot and has been well-schooled with high basketball IQ playing in one of the nation’s top high school programs. The 247Sports crystal ball showed Duke as Keels’ most-likely destination prior to Kentucky’s scholarship tender, so it remains to be seen what impact Kentucky’s overture will have.

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North Carolina offers two 2022s

The Tar Heels were busy over the weekend, putting out two scholarship offers to members of the junior class. Justin Taylor and Dereck Lively II were the recipients of the scholarship offers.

Lively II is the higher-rated of the two prospects, coming in at No. 39 in the 247Sports composite for the 2022 class. The 6-11 center from Westtown School (PA) makes sense as a UNC offer, given North Carolina’s need going forward at that position.

Like Lively II, Taylor is a top 100 prospect, ranked at No. 86 overall currently in the 247Sports composite. Taylor, who hails from St. Anne's-Belfield School (VA), is a 6-6 wing forward.

Top 100 caliber junior guard Noah Shelby names 10

Greenhill School (TX) 6-2 prospect Noah Shelby named ten schools over the weekend that he’s considering. As a member of the 2022 class, it’s early in Shelby’s recruitment, but certainly a good thing for all programs named in Shelby’s list.

Shelby named Kansas, Baylor, Mississippi State, Stanford, Minnesota, Vanderbilt, Memphis, Arizona, Auburn, and Virginia, and even made brief comments on his interest in each program, via his Twitter account.

Noah Shelby @NoahShelby5

Recruitment is open, but these are the 10 programs that I am currently considering to further my education and basketball career. #TGBTG @FreeKeyThree @CoachDShelby @HSCircuit @RP3natural @teamtraeyoungmb

February 13th 2021

38 Retweets208 Likes

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A notable quartet, that includes Indiana, Baylor, Virginia, and Oregon State all landed junior guard commitments over the course of the last week, bolstering their backcourts going forward.

The hits keep rolling for the Baylor Bears, who landed the most-touted prospect of this week’s pledges. Georgia-native Dillon Hunter, a 6-4 junior combo guard has been quarterbacking Ypsi Prep (MI) this year, a team led by the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2022 class, Emoni Bates.

Hunter, a consensus top 50 prospect nationally, picked Baylor over Clemson, Memphis, Florida State, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. He announced his commit to the Bears in a blog on Sports Illustrated, and wrote, “I chose Baylor because it was just the best fit for me all around; from the system to how they develop their guards, it was the place I knew that I would grow on and off the court.”

In teaming with Bates this year, Hunter has showcased his ballhandling and distribution skills. According to MLive, Hunter is posting a balanced 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on the season. Baylor has a deep and talented pipeline of prospects going forward, and Hunter should join a quite talented team when he arrives in Waco in 2022.

As mentioned in the last edition of our newsletter, Virginia was the favorite to land 6-4 junior shooting guard Isaac McKneeley of Poca (WV), and did so. McKneeley is a top 50 prospect nationally like Hunter, and picked Virginia over Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, Purdue, North Carolina, Louisville, and Indiana.

The No. 107 prospect in the junior class (according to the 247Sports composite), 6-5 shooting guard C.J. Gunn of Lawrence North (IN) made his pledge during the Super Bowl to his home state Indiana program, in a pre-recorded video.

CJ Gunn @CJ_Gunn22

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙄𝙄 🔴⚪️ #excapetheordinary

February 8th 2021

313 Retweets1,403 Likes

Gunn is the Hoosier’s first pledge in the 2022 class, and part of a trend by head coach Archie Miller to defend the state’s borders and keep talented players headed to Bloomington. Gunn is having a good junior year at Lawrence North (currently 17-2), as he’s presently averaging 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assist per game, according to the IndyStar.

Finally, Oregon State also got into the act when they popped 6-3 point guard Vincent “Cruz” Davis of iSchool of Lewisville (TX), who is averaging 11.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game this season, per MaxPreps.

Davis plays alongside of Keyonte George, a top 10 junior nationally, at iSchool of Lewisville, which has played a quality national schedule this season. According to 247Sports, Davis picked the Beavers over a trio of in-state heavyweights in Houston, SMU, and TCU.

Oregon State has two sophomore guards currently getting heavy minutes in Gianni Hunt and Jarod Lucas, which could clear the way for senior mentorship when Davis hits campus, and heavy playing time as a sophomore. Oregon State has no freshmen point guard in the program, nor any 2021 point guard pledges.

Stanford adds to quality ‘21 class

Cannon School (NC) senior guard Jarvis Moss is off the board, adding to Stanford’s strong 2021 recruiting effort. Moss is the third player in the class, joining elite wing Harrison Ingram of Texas, and local point guard Isa Silva. Quite simply, it’s a trio that will keep the Cardinal firmly in Pac-12 contention.

While many high school seniors haven’t had the opportunity to play much competitive basketball, Moss already had 25 games under his belt for a 21-4 squad through Saturday. At 6-4, Moss has length and is known as a shooter who can scorch nets, given the opportunity.

North Carolina high school hoops is typically known as a deep talent pool, filled with terrific prospects. With that in mind, one reputable source, the Phenom Hoops Report, considers Moss to be the No. 15 prospect in the Tar Heel State’s 2021 class.

Ingram is considered to be a borderline top 10 prospect nationally, and is clearly the headliner of the class for Stanford. Savvy, pass-first point guard Silva also rates as a top 50 player, and will certainly have a terrific wing shooting prospect in Moss as time moves on.

Hunter $allis @HunterSallis_

I will be announcing my college commitment on Friday, March 26. Stay tuned.😈 #AGTG

January 24th 2021

157 Retweets2,445 Likes

Through 16 games, Sallis is putting up eye popping numbers for the top high school squad in Nebraska, and a team that could be knocking on the door for top 25 consideration nationally. According to MaxPreps, Sallis is posting 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in an undefeated campaign so far.

Sallis is down to Kentucky, North Carolina, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Kansas, UCLA, Oregon, and Creighton.

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Top 50 junior Isaac McKneely set to pop

Poca (WV) shooting guard Isaac McKneely, a 6-4 prospect from the 2022 class, will be ending his recruitment early. McKneely announced he’s ready to announce his college decision this Saturday, January 30.

McKneely currently comes in at No. 51 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings for the junior class, and previously set a recruitment list to include Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, Purdue, North Carolina, Louisville, Indiana, and Virginia. The Cavaliers could be the favorite to land McKneely, as they are the only program in the 247Sports crystal ball to land a pick (four total) for him.

Growing from 6-2, 150 pounds as a sophomore to 6-4, 185 pounds as a junior, McKneely still may have room to grow and fill out as a wing option at the high-major level.

Memphis adds early enrollee Jordan Nebsitt

The crazy, mixed up 2020-21 season has seen several high-profile men’s college basketball programs add talent at mid-season, which is unsurprising given the patchwork of high school basketball rules across the country.

Memphis got into the act in recent days, adding 6-6 wing Jordan Nesbitt of Saint Louis Christian Academy (MO), who previously signed with the Tigers in the early signing period over Illinois and Saint Louis. Nesbitt is eligible to play for the Tigers, though it’s unknown how much Memphis will put him to use.

Head coach Penny Hardaway described Nesbitt as a,"…tough, athletic, physical guard, and he plays with high energy and the right mindset." As a junior, Nesbitt put up 25 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Like all early enrollees, the partial season is essentially a “free” one for Nesbitt, as it won’t count against his NCAA eligibility.

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The slate of contests is as follows (all times are EST) - all team rankings listed come from the updated Fab 50 National Team Rankings:

• Sunday, 1:30 PM, Bishop Walsh (MD) vs No. 12 Legacy Early College (SC), ESPN3 - Rutgers signee Jalen Miller of Bishop Walsh will face off against a loaded team that features Nebraska-bound Bryce McGowens and Jacobi Wright (South Carolina).

• Sunday, 3:30 PM, No. 6 Oak Hill Academy (VA) vs No. 13 La Lumiere (IN), ESPN3 - Two perennial powerhouses clash, and Oak Hill has highly-touted junior wing M.J. Rice, sophomore Caleb Foster , and senior forward Jalen Ricks ready to take on two ranked juniors in center Vincent Iwuchukwu and point guard J.J. Starling, along with Minnesota signed center Treyton Thompson of La Lumiere.

• Sunday, 5:30 PM, No. 3 Sunrise Christian (KS) vs AZ Compass Prep (AZ), ESPN3 - Four high-major signees headline Sunrise Christian in Kennedy Chandler (Tennessee), Kendall Brown (Baylor), Zach Clemence (Kansas) and Jaden Akins (Michigan State) and AZ Compass Prep counters with TyTy Washington (Creighton) and DaRon Holmes (Dayton), along with top-25 junior Sadraque Nganga.

• Sunday, 7:30 PM, No. 2 IMG Academy (FL) vs No. 1 Montverde Academy (FL), ESPN - Featured for good reason, these two programs are loaded! Montverde Academy rolls with senior signees Langston Love (Baylor) and Caleb Houstan (Michigan) along with top 10 junior talents Jalen Duren and Dariq Whitehead, among many others. IMG Academy also has two top 10 juniors in point guard Jaden Bradley and post Jarace Walker, along with senior headliners Moussa Diabate (Michigan) and Tamar Bates (Texas).

• Monday, 11:00 AM, No. 12 Legacy Early College (SC) vs No. 13 La Lumiere (IN), ESPNU

• Monday, 1:00 PM, Lewisville iSchool (TX) vs No. 6 Oak Hill Academy (VA), ESPNU - Top 10 junior guard Keyonte George and company will have their hands full with the famed Oak Hill program.

• Monday, 3:00 PM, No. 2 IMG Academy (FL) vs No. 3 Sunrise Christian (KS), ESPNU

• Monday, 5:00 PM, No. 1 Montverde Academy (VA) vs No. 7 Wasatch Academy (UT), ESPNU - Wasatch Academy comes for the crown with Kentucky-bound Nolan Hickman, and touted juniors Rickie Isaacs and Roddy Gayle Jr.

All games will be played at The St. James Sports, Wellness and Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Va.

Transfers Tshiebwe and Mills land at new locales

In last week’s newsletter, we highlighted the idea that out-going transfers Oscar Tshiebwe (departed West Virginia) and Caleb Mills (formerly of Houston) were likely the equivalent of five star recruits and bound to flex their talent wherever they were to land. As it turns out, we didn’t have to wait long to see. Tshiebwe committed to Kentucky, while Mills is set for Florida State.

Both Kentucky and Florida State already had top-5 recruiting classes in the 2021 recruiting cycle heading into the new year, so needless to say adding elite transfers ready to step in and go will only help.

Tshiebwe put up 11 points and 9 rebounds per game as a freshman, and was averaging 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds in 10 games of action prior to transferring. He provides a grown man presence in the paint from day one at Kentucky, which the Wildcats needed.

Mills was selected the pre-season player of the year in the AAC prior to this season, but only played in 4 games due to an injury this year. In his first year at Houston, Mills put up 13.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. Florida State’s recruiting class previously held a pledge from top 25 talent guard Bryce McGowens before he flipped to Nebraska, so adding Mills should finally take the sting completely out of losing McGowens.

Other notable commits

• Kansas State nabbed their second recruit for the 2021 recruiting cycle, in 6-5 small forward Maximus Edwards of Our Savior Lutheran (NY), a native of Connecticut. Edwards reportedly had an offer from Seton Hall along with several mid-majors. Previously at Bunnell (CT), Edwards put up 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists per game last season. He is joined by big man Logan Landers, a center from Wisconsin, in the class to date for the Wildcats.

• Wisconsin added a third forward to their four member 2021 class, as Marcus Ilver, a 6-8 forward from Western Reserve Academy (OH), made his pledge. Nebraska point guard Chucky Hepburn and the aforementioned post duo, Matthew Mors and Chris Hodges were the previous commits. Ilver has taken an interesting route to the Badgers, as he hails from Estonia and played at a prep school in Virginia as a junior. Wisconsin beat out Big Ten foe Nebraska, along with Utah, Xavier, along with several other offers.

• Top 150 junior Corey Floyd Jr. is off the board to UConn. The 6-4 shooting guard provides the Huskies with a scorer capable of adding to the intriguing mix of backcourt talents UConn is accumulating. They previously added two guard standouts in the 2021 recruiting cycle in point guard Rahsool Diggins and shooting guard Jordan Hawkins, so Floyd Jr.’s ability to contribute at both guard slots will come in handy as the program builds towards being a Big East beast again.

• Rice now has two early pledges in the 2022 class, and both are plying their trades in Phoenix-area basketball school programs. Mekhi Mason, a 6-5 shooting guard, joins previously committed Andrew King. With good size, Mason averaged 11.5 points per game as a sophomore at Chandler (AZ) prior to transferring to AZ Compass Prep (AZ).

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Rankings referred to within the top 100 come from the RSCIHoops.com final 2020 rankings, and rankings outside of the top 100 derive from the 247Sports composite. Players are listed in order of their final ranking. All stats listed are through Thursday, January 7, 2021.

No. 22, Cameron Thomas | 6-4 | G | LSU

It isn’t as if Thomas’ scoring proclivities weren’t well known before he signed with LSU, and his relatively high national ranking was certainly fairly attained. But as currently the No. 5 leading scorer in the nation (24.8 ppg) it’s safe to say Thomas’ scoring has even exceeded the pop it was thought he could bring to the Tigers. Thomas had a college-ready body coming in at 210 pounds on his 6-4 frame, and is shooting almost 44% from the field, 33% from 3-point range, and 91% from the charity stripe.

No. 37, Hunter Dickinson | 7-1 | C | Michigan

Whether or not it was the continued devaluing of post players that led to Dickinson being ranked lower than he should have been, his near double-double production so far this season has been nothing short of highly impressive. Through 10 games, of which Dickinson has started 5, he’s put up 18 points per game (73% from the field) and pulled 8 rebounds per game. Dickinson has also converted free throws when he’s had the chance, putting in almost 74% of attempts.

No. 40, Moses Moody | 6-6 | G | Arkansas

Stepping in as a touted prospect, Moody has greatly out-played his status as a top 50 recruit in the class. As the top scorer on a 9-2 team, Moody has been very productive off the bat. To date, Moody is averaging 15.9 points per game, to go with 5.7 rebounds. Moody has been effective from 3-point range, pouring in 3-pointers at almost a 41 percent clip. Like Thomas, Moody has a fairly mature body for an incoming freshman, and his overall game is paying off in a huge way.

No. 174, Mike Miles | 6-1 | G | TCU

The Horned Frogs kept Miles close to home in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and it’s been very beneficial to their roster. Miles has earned a start in 8 of 12 games, and while he struggled mightily earlier this week against Kansas, he’s been a steady overall factor, and played particularly well against other high-major foes. Miles has played heavy minutes for the majority of the season, and has been a reliable factor distributing assists and even grabbing rebounds as a guard. Miles is currently averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game to date.

No. 179, Justin Powell | 6-6 | G | Auburn

Auburn expected blue chip (No. 19) Sharife Cooper to be their immediate star in the backcourt. Cooper has yet to play a game due to NCAA requirements, and Powell has been the greatest beneficiary of Cooper’s absence. A bright spot on a team that’s struggled so far, Powell can now be found on NBA draft boards, which he wasn’t prior to the start of the season. Powell is currently averaging 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Powell has been solid from the perimeter, making long range shots at a 44.2% clip.

Unranked, Marcus Williams | 6-2 | G | Wyoming

Perhaps overshadowed by teammate Tramon Mark (a freshman at Houston) on a terrific Dickinson (TX) high school squad, Williams originally signed with head coach Jeff Linder to attend Northern Colorado. Needless to say, Williams may have dominated the Big Sky. Williams followed Linder to Wyoming and the Mountain West, and has been the leading scorer and second-leading assist man on a 7-2 squad. Williams is averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds presently at Wyoming.

Unranked, Efe Abogidi | 6-10 | C | Washington State

A product of the NBA Global Academy developmental pipeline, Abogidi has been a near-double double performer (10.6 points and 9 rebounds per game) on a surprisingly feisty Cougars’ squad (currently 9-1). Hailing from Nigeria, the 225 pound center is holding down the interior for Washington State, and sending back 2 shots per game. In limited attempts, his 81% free throw clip is also promising for sure.

Blue chip talents hit transfer market

Two proven college players hit the transfer market this week, and both are notable as they are arguably equivalent to five-star talents in this recruiting cycle. Guard Caleb Mills departed Houston, while big man Oscar Tshiebwe turned leaving West Virginia for personal reasons into entering the transfer portal in recent days.

After a terrific freshman season, Mills was appointed the pre-season player of the year in the American prior to this season. Mills has only played in 4 games due to an injury this year, and decided to transfer as well. Mills announced he rather play closer to his North Carolina home, and presumably will have no shortage of ACC and SEC suitors for his services. As a freshman, Mills put up 13.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Cougars, but Houston’s depth in the backcourt has allowed for strong guard play while he was injured.

Tshiebwe was a borderline top 25 recruit in the class of 2019, and averaged greater than 11 points and 9 rebounds per game as a freshman. During the 2020-21 season, however, Tshiebwe seemed to regress (while fellow West Virginia post Derek Culver has been quite good), as he put up 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds in 10 games of action. At his best he can be a physically dominant insider, who can defend and finish. It seems likely many blue bloods will jump into the recruitment of Tshiebwe, especially those who will lose their interior talent to the NBA Draft after this season.

Washington, Rutgers land mid-season signees

While Washington and Rutgers each seem to be on opposite trajectories during the 2020-2021 season, they did share a commonality this week, as each program added a mid-season recruit as an early enrollee.

For Washington, who is currently undergoing a disastrous season (1-9), the addition of unranked three-star prospect 6-2 point guard Dominiq Penn is a bit of positive news. Penn is the son of former college basketball All-American Scoonie Penn, and averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 assists per game at Hamilton Heights Christian (TN) as a senior, prior to transferring to Sunrise Christian (KS) for a post-grad year. With three other point guards on the roster for the Huskies, it’s not clear there’s any minutes to be had for Penn, but some time on campus can’t hurt in giving him a jump on his college basketball career.

Rutgers is looking quite strong currently, and will only get better with early enrollee Jaden Jones, a 6-8 wing who signed with the program as a member of the 2021 class in November’s early signing period. Jones played six high school games this year at Dasche (TX), averaging 26.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. At the time Jones signed with Rutgers in November, head coach Steve Pikiell described Jones as,"…a multi-position, versatile player that is a talented scorer who can really shoot the basketball and score at all three levels.”

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Senior forward Saint Thomas excels in showdown

Omaha isn’t always known as a high school hoops hotbed, but on Saturday night perhaps the best high school game in the country was found at Creighton Prep (NE) high school.

Millard North (NE) took on Bellevue West (NE) in a game live-streamed on YouTube with no less than a half-dozen future D-1 players on the hardwood. The championship game of a local Omaha tournament was an instant classic, as Millard North took out Bellevue West 94-91 in a second overtime session.

Despite fine performances from top 10 senior Hunter Sallis (a combo guard considering scholarship offers from Kentucky, Gonzaga, North Carolina, Kansas, UCLA, Iowa State, Oregon and hometown Creighton) of Millard North and Wisconsin signee Chucky Hepburn of Bellevue West, 6-7 senior forward Saint Thomas of Millard North stole the show.

Thomas shows 13 scholarship offers on his VerbalCommits profile, but it’s easy to see that list getting longer before it gets shorter given his performance on a huge stage after the early signing period. Thomas filled up the cup with 48 points (including an icing free throw with 2.5 seconds remaining) in a yeoman shooting performance from both 3-point land and near the hoop. Thomas clocked in a 19-26 shooting mark (5-9 from beyond the arc). Thomas is an able rebounder, and seems like a quality regional option for squads needing to add depth at the forward slots in the 2021 recruiting cycle.

Thomas most certainly was on another level this game, but his teammate Sallis showed why his recruitment is exclusive to bluebloods. Sallis posted 20 points, on an impressive array of long twos (including step-backs), floaters, and drives to the hoop, despite being hounded at times.

In the close loss, future Omaha wing shooter Frankie Fidler performed as advertised, leading the way with 22 points and mostly torching the net at distance. Badgers-bound lead guard Hepburn also did his thing, demonstrating a high basketball-IQ, the ability to distribute deftly, and a team leader’s mentality. While his size doesn’t overwhelm at around 6-0, he’s got definite potential as a defensive stopper, opposing guard harasser in the Big Ten.

Texas A&M lands JUCO wing forward

The Aggies added depth to a good 2021 recruiting class, which is headlined by elite high school shooting guard Manny Obaseki (a top 25 prospect). Texas A&M picked up their fourth commitment and first JUCO pledge in 6-7 forward Jevonnie Scott of South Plains JC (TX).

Scott previously played at Orangeville Prep (CAN) and averaged 9 points and 4 rebounds per game as a freshman at South Plains JC. He had limited 3-point opportunities, but cashed in at 40%, and shot 50% from the field on a good team. He has a solid frame at 240 pounds and provides a burly frontcourt option.

Given that the junior college season has yet to start, there are no early returns on Scott’s 2020-2021 results, but the fact that he’s one of just a handful of high-major bound players currently in the junior college ranks is intriguing at this stage.

As mentioned, Obaseki is the headliner in the quartet to date, and Scott joins two other in-state high school prospects in point guard Wade Taylor and post Ashton Smith. Obaseki, Taylor, and Smith all signed with the Aggies during the early signing period.

Memphis adds second pledge to 2022 backcourt

Memphis is no stranger to landing the top prospects in their own backyard, and did so again as 6-3 junior combo guard Amarr Knox of Bartlett (TN) took to Twitter to announce his pledge to the Tigers. Knox committed less than a month after Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway tendered a scholarship offer.

Knox joins dynamite guard Arterio Morris of Kimball (TX) in the class to date. Knox is currently an unranked prospect by any major scouting service, but could easily become Robin to Morris’ Batman, as Morris is ranked No. 28 nationally by 247Sports. Morris has truly elite upside, but Knox seems like a guy who could end up highly touted with a national circuit grassroots season under his belt for exposure.

As a sophomore at Memphis Central (TN), Knox averaged 16.2 points per game, to go with 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 2.0 assists according to Digital Scout. Knox reportedly transferred from Memphis Central to Bartlett to play this season, as Memphis Central was not playing due to COVID.

Knox started the season with a bang, putting up 37 points against 2021 top 10 prospect J.D. Davison and Calhoun (AL), which may have precluded the scholarship offer from Memphis.

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Michigan Wolverines

The group amassed by coach Juwan Howard and his staff is a rare, no doubt sterling class. It’s a group marked by tremendous depth, positional versatility, and potential star power. With two top 25 talents in Diabate and Houstan, along with additional signees capable of playing all five positions, it’s hard to look at this class other than being a rare talent assembly that’s being capable of both providing immediate star power and building block-style depth.

• Isaiah Barnes | 6-6 | SF | Simeon (IL)

• Kobe Bufkin | 6-4 | SG | Grand Rapids Christian (MI)

• Frankie Collins | 6-1 | PG | Coronado (NV)

• Moussa Diabate | 6-10 | C | IMG Academy (FL)

• Caleb Houstan | 6-8 | PF | Montverde Academy (FL)

• Will Tschetter | 6-8 | PF | Stewartville (MN)

Florida State Seminoles

To lose a top 25 talent in Bryce McGowens (who swapped from FSU to Nebraska) and still remain in the top 5 classes nationally just demonstrates how elite the Florida State group is and where the ‘Noles have been nationally for awhile now on the recruiting trail. This blue chip quartet has the standard allotment of 7-footers that Florida State seems to land regularly, along with two top 25 caliber backcourt/wing gems in Cleveland and Warley.

• John Butler | 7-1 | C | Christ Church (NC)

• Matthew Cleveland | 6-6 | SF | Pace Academy (GA)

• Naheem McLeod | 7-3 | C | Chipola College (FL)

• Jalen Warley | 6-4 | SG | Westtown School (PA)

Duke Blue Devils

As the only class that has two top 10 talents nationally at this point (notwithstanding the decent likelihood they may add another), Duke has quality over quantity and their standard, ho-hum at this point, infusion of elite talent set up for a year stopover in Durham prior to professional aspirations. Banchero has a legitimate possibility of finishing No. 1 in the class and has a resume to compare with anyone at this point. Similarly, Griffin is an elite talent on the wing that would rate as the crown jewel of just about any other class.

• Paolo Banchero | 6-9 | PF | O’Dea (WA)

• A.J. Griffin | 6-7 | SF | Archbishop Stepanic (NY)

Kentucky Wildcats

In all honesty, the Kentucky roster is likely to see an overhaul during the off-season, especially given their unprecedented start to the 2020 season. With that in mind, the Wildcats do have three building blocks that can help them re-configure their personnel in this trio. This could also be an effort that allows Kentucky to add some multi-year players who can help them get old. This group also adds some positional versatility that should provide additional roster flexibility.

• Daimion Collins | 6-9 | PF | Atlanta (TX)

• Nolan Hickman | 6-2 | PG | Wasatch Academy (UT)

• Bryce Hopkins | 6-7 | SF | Fenwick (IL)

UCLA Bruins

UCLA has assembled a quality trio to date, with the added benefit of Etienne enrolling for the Winter term and getting a redshirt season under his belt in preparation for the 2021-2022 season. Watson is the highest-ranked player in California in the senior class, which is unquestionably the water the Bruins want to be swimming in on an annual basis to regain their elite status. McClendon could be a sleeper nationally and has plenty of upside as well.

• Mac Etienne | 6-10 | C | Brewster Academy (NH)

• Peyton Watson | 6-7 | SF | Long Beach Poly (CA)

• Will McClendon | 6-3 | SG | Bishop Gorman (NV)

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Beach Ball Classic offers a big stage

Virtually all of the historic holiday high school basketball tournaments were cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but the long-standing Beach Ball Classic (since 1981) in South Carolina not only held their event, but also boasted a free live stream with terrific video quality to allow viewing of high-level games, which certainly have been in short supply for understandable reasons.

This year’s event was broken into two notable brackets, the Beach Ball Championship (with more traditional high school programs) and Winter Jam National (with more national/travelling oriented squads).

On Christmas Eve, Milton (GA) knocked off Calvary Christian (FL), 70-57 to take the Beach Ball Classic trophy home. Junior point guard Bruce Thornton, a 6-2 early commit to Ohio State, showed out when it counted, playing the entire game and putting up 22 points to go with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. His 12-12 performance from the charity stripe was also outstanding.

The title tilt also was part of an announcement of entry to the national spotlight for 6-4 sophomore combo guard Marvel Allen of Calvary Christian, who transferred from Wellington (FL) during the off-season. Allen countered Thornton’s efforts with 17 points and 4 rebounds of his own. The linked December article indicates Allen already holds scholarship offers from three high-majors in LSU, South Florida, and Virginia Tech.

Elite underclass talent was the story in the Winter Jam National championship game, as West Oaks Academy (FL) took down Combine Academy (FL) by a four point margin 69-65.

Universal top 10 sophomore prospect, 6-9 big Matt Bewley of West Oaks Academy, came up big (pun intended) to spur his team to the victory, nabbing 8 rebounds to go with 20 points. Likewise, top 100 senior swingman/swiss army knife Wesley Cardet came through in his typical stat stuffing manner, with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

On the Combine Academy side, recent North Carolina offer 6-2 sophomore point guard Robert Dillingham, a candidate for top 10 ranking in the 2023 class nationally, led the way with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. His recruitment is likely to reach the very highest levels before it’s all said and done.

2022 Standouts Dick, Traore, and Floyd Jr. narrow lists

Three top 150 ranked juniors (Class of 2022) presented narrowed college lists this week, with one set to pop before the first month of 2021 is over.

Gradey Dick, a 6-7 wing forward from Sunrise Christian (KS), is at No. 31 in the current 247Sports composite for the junior class. The contenders for Dick’s college services include Alabama, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Illinois, Florida, Texas Tech, Purdue, and his in-state program, Kansas. Dick was a standout at Collegiate (KS) prior to transferring to one of the nation’s most talented programs at Sunrise Christian, as he posted 20 points and 5 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

Roselle Catholic (NJ) combination guard Corey Floyd Jr. is also set to pop, sooner rather than later, at this point. The No. 125 prospect in the 247Sports composite has put out that January 14 is his commitment date, with eight high major programs under consideration. His final list favors some heavy hitters from the Northeast, as UConn, Providence, Rutgers, and Villanova are joined by Auburn, Florida, Miami, and Wake Forest as finalists.

There’s also some clarity to big man Mady Traore’s considerations. At No. 148 in the 247Sports composite, Traore has room to rise given his 6-11 frame and burgeoning skills. With origins from France, Traore has an eclectic group on his list of eight programs, including: Auburn, Oregon, Kansas, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Florida, USC, and Illinois.

Other notable commits

Southern Utah may have nabbed a sneaky good commit this week in 6-6 wing Anthony Swift. The Thunderbirds nabbed the Las Vegas-native, who reportedly held numerous mid-major offers, along with a reported tender from DePaul. Swift previously played his high school ball at Desert Pines (NV) and is at Southern California Academy (CA) this year. As a junior, Swift averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game on a strong team.

Another high-major program landed some versatility on Christmas Eve, as Iowa State picked up combo guard Jayden Nunn. With good size at 6-4, Nunn hails from Flint, Michigan, but is ended high school at Dream City Christian (AZ). Flint has been a long-time pipeline to Iowa State, and Nunn posted 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists as a junior at Carmen-Ainsworth (MI), according to Michigan Live.

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In formulating the list of the 10 freshmen prospects to examine, we’ve used long-time player ranking consensus service, RSCIHoops, to ascertain the list of players for this progress report. All stats mentioned are through Christmas (December 25, 2020), and taken from ESPN.

Also notably, the No. 2 ranked player in the consensus rankings, wing Jalen Green of Prolific Prep (CA) is participating in the NBA G League program, which hasn’t produced much publicly available information to date. With Green absent, every player was moved up a slot. Similarly, forward Jonathan Kuminga spent most of the recruiting cycle in the 2021 class, and re-classified late prior to joining the NBA G League. Kuminga unquestionably would have made the top 10 consensus list, had he joined the class prior to its formation.

1. Cade Cunningham | 6-8 | 220 |PG | Oklahoma State (Montverde Academy, FL)

   Grade: A

   Stats: 19.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.8 apg (Team 6-2)

   Comments: Cunningham has proven draftniks correct in their assessment that it would have been wise to select him as the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, had he been available. Cunningham has been a bonafide stat sheet stuffer in the early season, with the type of no-doubt preternatural basketball IQ that pundits expected. His 3.8/3.6 assist to turnover ratio is an area for improvement, but not entirely unexpected as a player that has had the ball in his hands extensively from the minute he hit the college floor. Cunningham came in as a unique talent who went his own route to Oklahoma State, despite blueblood and professional opportunities, and has been nothing short of as tremendous as advertised in the early going.

2. Evan Mobley | 7-0 | 210 | C | USC (Ranch Christian, CA)

   Grade: A

   Stats: 17.6 ppg, 9 rpg, 2.2 apg (Team: 4-1)

   Comments: From game one, Mobley has been a highly-productive interior player, and certainly the type of big man that is capable of being a dominant big man in the college ranks. Mobley has sent back 3 shots per game, and has converted his shot opportunities with just over 61% effectiveness. With two double-doubles in the first five contests, Mobley really hasn’t indicated he needs an extended adjustment period before being one of the very best players in the Pac-12 as the conference season opens.

3. Brandon “BJ” Boston Jr. | 6-7 | 185 | SG | Kentucky (Sierra Canyon, CA)

   Grade: C+

   Stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.3 apg (Team 1-5)

   Comments: While there’s been a few bright spots, the slow start of Kentucky has been among the biggest stories in the early college basketball season. A star-studded roster hasn’t gelled whatsoever, and the Wildcats have not converted from being a contingent of young future NBA players to a successful college team. As the highest-rated incoming prospect, Boston certainly joins in the overall disappointment. Boston’s immediate counting stats don’t look horrible, but his 17% percent clip from 3-point range and 37% conversion rate from the field have certainly underwhelmed. Boston is certainly no stranger to media and publicity, given his play at Sierra Canyon (who were on TV more than some college programs due to Bronny James and others), and he remains a player with tremendous upside, despite the slow start.

4. Scottie Barnes | 6-9 | 227 | SF | Florida State (Montverde Academy, FL)

   Grade: B

   Stats: 10.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.2 apg (Team 5-1)

   Comments: On a deep and talented Florida State squad, Barnes has played a unique role. He’s spent time as the lead ballhandler, and shown a versatile and overall game that just screams to be plugged in to an NBA lineup. Recently departed Seminoles had no problems meriting high NBA draft picks despite non-eye popping statistics, and Barnes is expected to continue that trend. At times, Barnes has looked freshman-like as he tries to find the consistency necessary to be a star, but a Florida State team with plenty of options doesn’t need Barnes to do anything other than continue his development at this point.

5. Ziaire Williams | 6-8 | 185 | SF | Stanford (Sierra Canyon, CA)

   Grade: B-

   Stats: 12 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.1 rpg (Team 5-2)

   Comments: A high school teammate of the aforementioned Boston, Williams’ arrival at Stanford was highly-touted for a reason. Williams scored 19 points and grabbed 8 boards in the season opener against Alabama, but has had off games as well. Williams is seeing heavy usage for the Cardinal, and as a result put up back to back games where he shot 1-10 and 2-12 from the field. Williams is capable of playing minutes in college at both the “3” and the “4,” and as the Cardinal face a meatier schedule, should have the opportunity to fully demonstrated his overall potential as a multi-positional player and inside-outside offensive threat.

6. Jalen Suggs | 6-4 | 205 | PG | Gonzaga (Minnehaha Academy, MN)

   Grade: A+

   Stats: 16.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.8 apg (Team 6-0)

   Comments: Perhaps no player has garnered the deserved media attention that Suggs has gained, in the 2020 class. Suggs’ rates as the only A+ grade on our list and emerged as a star following his performances against three elite foes in Kansas, Iowa, and West Virginia. While playing on perhaps the best college team in the country has its advantages, and provided him with quality teammates to mix and match with, there’s no doubt Suggs has used his frame, ball skills, and alpha dog mentality to demonstrate why there’s plenty of validity for him being strongly in the conversation as a potential No. 1 draft pick next Spring.

7. Terrence Clarke | 6-7 | 194 | SG | Kentucky (Brewster Academy, NH)

   Grade: C+

   Stats: 12.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg (Team 1-5)

   Comments: As above with Boston, Clarke came into Kentucky with a full head of steam, but hasn’t found the shooting touch necessary to reach his expected potential. Through 6 games, Clarke is 26% from 3-point range and 47% from the free throw line, albeit in limited opportunities. Clarke has played against strong competition, particularly in comparison with some of the other players on the list, and that will certainly help. While the Wildcats are in a position that nobody expected going into the season, as he finds his role, gains experience on and off the ball, and refines his overall game to promote consistency, Clarke’s potential remains very high. To say the opening of the season has been less than a disappointment, however, would be untrue at this point.

8. Greg Brown | 6-9 | 205 | PF | Texas (Vandegrift, TX)

   Grade: B

   Stats: 12.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 0.1 apg (Team 7-1)

   Comments: Brown stayed in Austin for college, despite many other attractive offers, and has been just fine. The Longhorns came into the season heavy on experience, at every position, and didn’t need Brown to jump in as the star right away. He’s found a bit of a groove as the season progressed, and shown himself as an overall productive player in both scoring and rebounding, and there’s also reason for hope with his shooting touch. Brown seems likely to stay in lottery range in most mock drafts, as he continues to develop versatility within the confines of a team with strong depth and optionality. Going forward, the Big 12 looks like a juggernaut, and Brown will have the opportunity to show his wares against high-level competition.

9. Josh Christopher | 6-5 | 215 | SG | Arizona State (Mayfair, CA)

   Grade: B+

   Stats: 16.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 apg (Team 4-3)

   Comments: Arizona State and Christopher jumped on the scene early and with both feet into the deep end, participating in the televised 2K Empire Classic, and starting the season with a Top 25 national ranking. Christopher has showcased his high-volume scoring game, as he’s put up 10 shots or more in all but 2 games. Christopher has shot nearly 50% from the field, but his 23% production from 3-point range will have to improve. There isn’t much mystery what Christopher intends to do when he takes the hardwood, but he’s shown early on that he’s translated his high school scoring to college, and will be hard to stop going forward.

10. Jalen Johnson | 6-9 | 220 | PF | Duke (Nicolet, WI)

    Grade: B

    Stats: 11.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.8 apg (Team 3-2)

    Comments: With four games played, Johnson has participated in less games than anyone else on this list. Johnson is currently out indefinitely with a foot injury, after playing in 9 games as a high school senior (due to transferring back to Nicolet (WI) from IMG Academy (FL), where he didn’t actually play. Johnson reasonably could have been graded an incomplete, due to playing in half of the games of some of his peers, but did flash some of the talents that made him an elite prospect in his class. It remains to be seen how and when he will return, given Duke’s bypass of future non-conference games, and Johnson’ cloudy injury outlook at this point.

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Enter the Hoopniks Basketball Recruiting Newsletter. After being involved in the basketball recruiting world for over a decade, contributing to Slam, NBC Sports, Dime, Rivals, and other outlets over the years, in addition to producing a popular website and valued scouting service, Hoopniks has been quiet for a few years now.

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