Top Newcomers: SIAA
Mamadou Gueye, The Nation Prep
Given the rate at which 7-footers are prioritized and at a premium at the Division-I level, the 7-footer might be the most significant recruiting coup in a conference which once churned them out regularly.
A product of SEEDS, a program instrumental in placing promising youth from Africa into American Prep Schools, the Class of 2019 prospect has already developed an innate feel for the game.
He’s shown flashes of what his above the rim game could potentially be, dunking with relative ease and gliding to the rim. A smooth and feathery jumper that he can knock down from 18-20 feet is equally promising.
Similar to The Nation’s last prized recruit, Illinois State freshman Abdou N’Diaye, Gueye brings versatility and athleticism which will enable him to guard a bevy of positions.
Indrek Sunelik, The Nation Prep
A transfer via Florida Prep, the 6-foot-7 combination guard possesses a nifty stroke and high level shooting ability. While he still needs to pack bulk onto a twig-like frame, he’s shown strides with his defensive game and ability to create disruption in the passing lanes.
He’s got the length and shooting ability to be a high upside recruit at the low Division-I level. If he can continue to be multi-positional as a defender and knock down timely shots as a supplemental piece this season, the Estonian has a very good chance of penning a letter of intent in timely fashion.
Jordan Smith, West Oaks Academy
Bouncy, athletic, and capable of scoring off the dribble effectively, Smith will mirror the quick-paced style enforced at West Oaks. He’s got the tightened up ball handling and ability to initiate offense, along with the ability to make eye-widening and athletic plays.
Smith’s pull up game, gear changing athleticism, and the ability to get rim to rim are promising factors of his game. He’s developed a fluid shot, as evidenced during his play on Showtime.
Isaiah Turner, West Oaks Academy
The 6-foot-5, 180-pound swingman brings another highly-coveted mid major recruit to guard-laden West Oaks. Having undergone a relatively recent growth spurt, Turner has transformed into a versatile threat with unique handle and knockdown ability for a guy of his size. Similar to Lamar Odom during his heyday, Turner causes matchup difficulties because of the guard’s skill set and multiplicity factor of his game.
Vanderbilt, UAB, Georgia Tech, Arkansas-Little Rock, Dayton, North Florida, and a bevy of others have offered the Class of 2019 prospect. The transfer via Auburndale initially took a detour back to Florida after attending a fly-by-night program without NCAA certified classes in Lincoln Academy (GA). His triumphant return has witnessed him increase in size and stock, showcasing a consistent 3-point stroke.
Alec Oglesby, The Rock School
The transfer via Collins Hill (Ga.) HS will bring high major shooting ability from beyond the arc. He’s a strong and efficient scorer who has become more effective on the bounce and creating his own shot. He’ll help Justin Hardin’s team compete for a back-to-back state championship.
The kid they call “AO” will join a talented backcourt that additionally features state title game MVP Trey McCray (11 PPG, 40 percent 3-point FG, 90 percent FT in 2017-18), hard-slashing 6-foot-4 guard Jaden Campbell (14 PPG) and heady, high major caliber point guard Bryan Greenlee (15PPG, 5APG).
The Class of 2020 prospect is beginning to tip the high major scales, with offers from Wake Forest, DePaul, and South Florida. Oglesby has the type of natural ability to develop into a prolific scorer.
Dardin Kapiti, The Rock School
The deceptively athletic and mobile 6-foot-9 forward has the opportunity to be a unique stretch four, supplementing the highly-touted Class of 2021 prospect Lynn Kidd. With his shooting and court sense and advanced know-how, expect the rather unsung and unheard of Class of 2019 prospect to provide immediate contributions as a role player. He recently wrapped up a stay with the Kosovo National Team this summer.