Weekend Update (5/4): Commitments, Offers, and Recruiting Tidbits
Last weekend was the lone April live evaluation period and since then there has seen quite a bit of recruiting activity for current and former Oregon prep basketball players. Here’s a recap of the news from the past week. College…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend was the lone April live evaluation period and since then there has seen quite a bit of recruiting activity for current and former Oregon prep basketball players. Here’s a recap of the news from the past week.
College Commitments
Wilfried Likayi (2017 Parkrose HS/Casper College-WY) to New Mexico State – On Friday, the former Bronco made a commitment to play in the Western Athletic Conference next season. The lanky 6-foot-10 forward had also considered Washington State but the relationship he had built with the Aggies coaching staff from the beginning of the season made the difference. Likayi averaged 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds this past year at Casper and the comparisons to former NMSU forward Pascal Siakam have already begun.
Isaac Bonton (2017 Parkrose HS/Casper College-WY) to Washington State – Bonton is back to the Division I level after committing to Washington State this week coming off an official visit to Pullman. The explosive high-scoring 6-foot-3 guard started his college career at Montana State, but left in mid-season and played this past season at Casper averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He’ll be expected to be a contributor from day one for new Cougars head coach Kyle Smith.
Jonathon Nchekwube (2019 Jefferson HS) to Colorado Mesa – The 6-foot-7 forward played mainly as a reserve at Jefferson this past year but his size and athleticism was enough to warrant a scholarship offer from Division II Colorado Mesa. Nchekwube took an official visit before the state tournament and decided not long after to sign with the program. It may take some time, but the senior has a lot of natural ability to work with.
Joey Rodrick (2019 Cleveland HS) to Humboldt State – There were a number of different schools at different levels looking at Rodrick, but Humboldt State was able to secure the commitment of the still physically developing 6-foot-4 wing. Rodrick may need to redshirt a year to further develop his body to be ready for the Division II level but the consensus from college coaches was that he had the potential to be really good in a few years.
Jacob Bolger (2019 Cleveland HS) to Pacific (Ore.) – Bolger had been playing in the spring with Deep III but decided last weekend to commit to Pacific. The 6-foot-5 forward has a nice combination of size, athleticism, and skills and it’s all a matter of putting things all together. Bolger should fit into the Boxers system fairly well.
Jazz Ross (2019 Tigard HS) to Pacific (Ore.) – Once thought of as a D-III football prospect then a possible dual-sport player, Ross decided to focus on basketball with the Boxers. The 6-foot-1 guard is a hard-working player who can really use his strength and athleticism on defense.
Aidan Williams (2019 Jesuit HS) to Redlands – After considering prep school and walk-on opportunities, Williams decided to commit to Division III Redlands in Southern California. A 5-foot-11 shooter who can really get hot – just ask opponents at the 6A state tournament – Williams is working on improving his point guard skills to be more of a dual threat in college.
Alex Jaczko (2019 Newberg HS) to Linfield – Jaczko was highly considering heading south to play for Cal Lutheran but instead will save some money on expenses by living at home and playing his D-III basketball just down 99W at Linfield. The 6-foot-5 forward can score in multiple ways and has really improved his perimeter shooting over the course of his career.
Chase McClain (2019 Mountain View HS) to Linfield – McClain had D-II and NAIA scholarship offers in Central Washington and Carroll College in Montana, but neither spot gave him the opportunity that awaits him at Linfield. The 6-foot-2 combo guard should be able to make an immediate impact for the Wildcats at either guard spot.
Braden Thorn (2019 Sherwood HS) to Linfield – Thorn is a double-win for the Wildcats as will also pitch for the Linfield baseball team. On the basketball floor, the 6-foot-4 wing has good size and athleticism on the wing and can score the ball from beyond the arc or posting up smaller players.
Taylor Anderson (2019 Grants Pass HS) to Corban – The 5-foot-10 point guard decided to stay in-state and sign with the NAIA Warriors. He’s a solid shooter and playmaker who should be able to earn some early playing time.
Erich Nova (2019 Oregon City HS) to Clackamas CC. The 6-foot-3 forward emerged as a senior and he won’t be going far away to start his college career, having signed with Clackamas CC.
Scholarship Offers
Nate Rawlins-Kibonge (2021 Jefferson HS) – Rawlins-Kibonge had a spectacular weekend at the City of Roses Live playing with Team P.U.S.H., dominating the glass and blocking shots as usual but also showing some ability to pull down rebounds and immediately go coast to coast and make plays. Portland State may not have been in attendance but has been tracking Rawlins-Kibonge for some time and the Vikings gave the 6-foot-7 big man his first scholarship offer.
Drew Carter (2021 Tigard HS) – Carter may be seen by some as more of a football prospect since he’s a star quarterback for the Tigers, but he is fully pursuing both sports as possibilities for college at this time. Head coach Barret Peery has had his eyes on Carter for quite some time and offered the 6-foot-2 athlete a scholarship this week – his first offer in either basketball or football. Carter has been shooting well for Jordan Team Fly Williams.
More Recruiting Tidbits
Ben Gregg (2021 Clackamas HS) – Gregg continues to hear from most of the schools that have offered him but has recently picked up interest from Northern Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Both are due to coaching changes as new NKU head coach Darrin Horn was the connection at Texas and new Vandy assistant coach David Grace was the connection at Cal. With these changes, it is unknown at this time what the new status is with Texas and Cal. Oregon State and Washington State dropped by to watch Gregg at open gym at Clackamas on Wednesday.
Kamron Robinson (2021 Jefferson HS) – Robinson received good reviews for his play at the EYBL tournament in Atlanta and a number of coaches came out to watch him workout this week at Jefferson High School. Pepperdine dropped by to watch both him and Rawlins-Kibonge, and then Oregon State came by on Wednesday.
Wayne McKinney (2021 Lake Oswego HS) – McKinney is playing with the San Diego Slayers this spring and summer and the team was in the Dallas area for a tournament last weekend. While in town, McKinney took advantage of the extra time and made an unofficial visit to Texas Christian, who had offered him a scholarship during the season.