College Commitment: Jaden McDaniels (Federal Way HS, 2019)
The long-awaited decision of Jaden McDaniels is finally here. Just a week ago I examined Jaden’s recruitment and explored his potential destinations in an article here. Blog sites and social media has been going crazy over the course of the last month guessing where Jaden would eventually sign. Some fan-bases got uneasy enough to say “They would be fine without him”, but let’s be clear, every school and fan in the country would take his talents and upside. Ultimately Jaden made the decision to go ahead and stay home to attend the University of Washington. Husky fans became quite uneasy when Kentucky came into the picture last summer, as they should have, but they can now celebrate a recruiting victory over the prestigious blue blood.
How it went down?
Jaden made his announcement via twitter. It had been well reported that it ultimately came down to UW and Kentucky with Texas, SDSU and UCLA crossed off the list. Coach Calipari and Kenny Payne made a handful of trips to visit Jaden, even quite recently. UW’s entire staff applied constant pressure and did their best to create a family like atmosphere to make him feel at home just 30 miles north of his real home. One source aware of the situation said it came down to “comfort and opportunity” when deciding that Washington would be the best fit for Jaden. It is not a big secret from Jaden’s inner circle that he plans to be one and done, so he chose the spot that he felt like he could thrive the most in his short time in college. Jaden signed and sent in his scholarship papers, he did NOT sign a letter of intent, which would lock him in even if something were to change with the coaching staff, etc.
What impact could Jaden’s decision have short-term and long-term?
In the near future, Jaden’s decision automatically boosts UW’s roster next season into a legitimate threat in the NCAA Tourney. Fellow McDonald’s All American and 2020 projected first round NBA draft pick, Isaiah Stewart, is a top 3 prospect in the country and will anchor the middle for the Huskies. Jaden will play on the perimeter where he is most comfortable and the “Dawg Pack” will be in full force to see two future NBA draft picks side by side. UW basketball is definitely back under Coach Mike Hopkins!
Jaden’s decision also holds a lot of weight in the future. Seattle Rotary teammate, sophomore Paolo Banchero, has drawn the interest of many major programs around the country, but if a touted in state recruit like Jaden stays home, then why can’t Paolo do the same? UW has quickly become a go to spot for 4 and 5-star recruits to attend once again. Mike Hopkins can go into recruiting battles with all out confidence moving forward. It is also worth mentioning that former Kentucky Wildcat Quade Green has also found a home at the University of Washington. Now the Husky staff can take full advantage of their momentum with in-state and top notch out of state prospects.
What’s next for Jaden?
He will be in the gym. His trainer Cartiea French-Toney does an outstanding job of surrounding him with people who are in positions that Jaden aspires to be in, including Kyle Kuzma last summer. Isaiah Thomas, Zach LaVine and more will be in the gym sharing knowledge with the Husky this summer as well.