Recruiting Update: 9/15
Mouhamed Sow, The Nation Christian Academy
The 6-foot-8 wing recently pulled in an offer from Ole Miss. With a 7-foot wingspan and a consistent shot which he’s extended beyond the confines of the arc, Sow has displayed an ability to score off the dribble. He’s got some sneaky explosiveness to him and can score it in the one-on-one matchup.
He will be a considerable piece on the boards this season, as he’s capable of snagging rebounds over bigger players and kick-starting the break fresh off the defensive glass. Potential, attention to detail, and his all around game are the vital components which sold Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis on the Class of 2021 target.
Sow is the second player in as many years to surface on Ole Miss’ radar, as they were previously finalists in the recruitment of Abdou N’Diaye.
Lauded for a heavily evolved offensive game and a wide ranging skill set for his size, N’Diaye was the centerpiece for head coach Mike Woodbury’s program in their inaugural prep season. He averaged a sublime 27 points, 14 boards, and five blocks per game, blossoming into a high upside prospect late in the game. He ultimately chose Illinois State over the likes of UNLV, Ole Miss, and Wichita State.
It was a rare example of a kid valuing his impact and his role in the system over the brand name and prestige associated with the program. In today’s cutthroat recruiting climate, highly-regarded recruits tend to choose the school for the jersey name over all of the important factors surrounding the situation.
With his raw talent and multi-positional attributes as a skilled big, he possesses a similar ceiling as N’Diaye. He may not be as developed as N’Diaye was, alebit the quality of his product is evident in his ability to attack the rim and pull up for the shot.
“He’s a high level 2-3 and if all things develop right, he’s a pro,” explained The Nation head coach Mike Woodbury. “He’s long, he’s athletic. Realistically, most kids from Africa develop late because they start playing basketball late. He’s got a pedigree. His grandfather played, his father played. He understands conceptual play, he knows how to play hard and with some swagger. Last night, for example. Marvens went up to dunk on him and he just didn’t let it happen, he met him at the rim. He dives on the floor for 50-50 balls. He wants it.”
The confidence in his shot has also enabled the sophomore’s stock to heighten.
“He thinks he’s going to make every shot he takes,” Woodbury explained. It comes out of his palm a little bit, that’s something we’ll have to work on him with. He’s good enough now that Ole Miss offered him.”
Goodknews Kpegeol, TaylorMade Academy
The strong, bullish 6-foot-5 guard is an underrated passer who thrives at scoring the ball off the dribble. With his trademark stepback jumper and ability to elude defenders while creating his shot, Kpegeol has earned mid-major attention. UMass was the latest to offer the Class of 2019 off guard, who could also play the wing spot. Kpegeol has length, a motor, and the type of vertically explosive game which tends to get prioritized in the high major circles. Anticipate a rise in stock from his this season, as he begins to register his presence more.
With his unique blend of strength and bouncy style, coupled with his ability to spot up and hit the 3-pointer, he’s a real chore to guard.
Idrissa Bivens, The Nation Christian Academy
After holding then-IMG guard Anfernee Simons to six points in an irregular performance for the 2018 draft pick last season, the word is out on the Class of 2019 guard Bivens. Bivens, who can play either guard position and has prospered as a creative scorer who can set up his own shot, is now being recruited by Ole Miss. He is slated to visit the campus unofficially soon.
“He’s going to visit there at the end of September,” Woodbury explained. “I think ultimately he is going to end up somewhere like FAU or FIU, an in-state program where he can have a major impact. It’s hard to turn down high major offers, but I think he’s going to end up at a place where he’s going to see major run. I teach all my guys that and the value in decision making.”
Jacob Crews, Superior Collegiate
SCA head coach John Bianchi sees surefire high major aptitude in the Class of 2019 sharpshooter and freakishly athletic Class of 2020 prospect. His ability to space the floor out with his deadeye shooting and create for his shot are noteworthy facets of his scoring engine.
Crews, who at 6-foot-7 possesses a high release point and gets his shot off quick, holds offers from Northern Arizona, North Florida, and Bryant. Being flanked by top-shelf talent and having more eyes on him will help him ascend the ladder in both the rankings and the recruiting market in Tampa, Fla. this season.
Toumani Camara, Chaminade Madonna
Developing explosive, floatation-esque leaping ability has been the biggest addition of Camara’s game this off-season, as he’s evolved into one of the country’s most highly sought prospects. Camara is a crafty left handed scorer who can deposit elbow jumpers and also knock down the 3-point shot. He’s proficient in his ability to shred through defenders and get to the rim at will. Using his size advantage more and working relentlessly at establishing a pair of hellacious hops, Camara authored a massive sumer that catapulted him into the country’s top targeted still-available forwards.
He recently chopped a long list down to Minnesota, Murray State, Dayton, George Washington, Georgia, UMass, and Kansas State. He will visit Kansas State this month, a program that has zoned in on the regal South Florida recruiting waters.