Recruiting Notebook
What a busy last few days it has been on the recruiting trail! Tons of official visits from top players, commitments are starting to fly, and much more! Dive into all the latest here in our Recruiting Notebook! Commitments…
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Continue ReadingWhat a busy last few days it has been on the recruiting trail! Tons of official visits from top players, commitments are starting to fly, and much more! Dive into all the latest here in our Recruiting Notebook!
Commitments
Colorado State lands #4 2020 Isaiah Rivera
The commitment list for the week begins with a big one that went down on Monday afternoon. Geneseo small forward Isaiah Rivera had an array of options, but after seeing Colorado State over the weekend the #4 prospect in the PHI rankings committed to the Rams who have been relentless in their pursuit of him. “I loved how the coaching staff is so engaged with their player’s development. They play a style of basketball I will succeed in. And most important they have been with me since the beginning.” Colorado State might not be done yet as they are in serious contention for #3 overall Keshawn Williams. This is in addition to landing top 10 talent Kendle Moore out of Illinois a few years back.
Ramean Hinton Commits on Official Visit to SEMO
Friday night Curie shooting guard kicked off the weekend by ending his recruitment in favor of Southeast Missouri State. Huge win for SEMO as they get a high-motor wing that plays both ends of the floor and is an improving scorer. Hinton told us why they were his choice, “The reason why I chose SEMO was because I like how the school is and I also like the coaches and the players as well because I feel like we all family. They also recruited me harder than anyone and the number one thing with me is trust and I feel like this program is perfect for me.” SEMO has their future backcourt as they also recently landed St. Louis Vashon point guard Phillip Russell.
Connor Kochera Ends Highly Contest Recruitment for William & Mary
St. Viator small forward Connor Kochera saw his recruitment explode after his play in June and July. Skilled multi positional wing that can shoot it and put the ball on the deck. He ended an intense recruitment after his visit to William & Mary. The #12 recruit in the state said of William & Mary, “I felt an unbelievable connection with the players and the coaches when I was with them. I was extremely impressed with the vision of the program!” Reminds me a lot of the commitment they got a few years back in Justin Pierce.
Purdue Northwest Gets Steal in Caleb Zurliene
Breese Mater Dei 2020 shooting guard Caleb Zurliene 100% could have played at the D1 level. The 6’4” two guard who checks in at #26 overall in the 2020 class is a lengthy wing with plus athleticism and sniper shooting from three. One of the better players in southern Illinois will be taking his talents to D2 Purdue Northwest where he committed late Monday night. Zurliene broke down his call with PHI saying, “The coaching staff at PNW is amazing. They really believed in me and gave me a chance. The family atmosphere is second to none. The team treated me like one of their own on my visit. I really feel like I am part of something greater at Purdue Northwest. They will develop me as a player and more importantly as a person.”
Jack Kahoun to Trinity International
Oswego 2020 point guard Jack Kahoun made his college decision! The senior told PHI he had committed to Trinity International. They are getting a crisp lead guard that can really shoot the basketball! On the commitment he said, “Right from the start the coaching staff believed in me and Trinity just felt like home. Their passion in faith and togetherness really meant a lot to me.”
Jason Bergstrom Pops for D2 University of Illinois-Springfield
Niles Notre Dame is known for their star 2021 trio, but senior Jason Bergstrom could be the key! Wing with excellent size and the ability to knock down shots. Over the weekend he popped for in-state D2 University of Illinois-Springfield. On the decision he told us, “UIS as a school checked a ton of my boxes when it came to looking for a college. It’s close, not too big, has good academics, etc. On the other hand UIS regarding basketball is going to be a hell of a fit. Coach Brock is incredible and on top of it. He surrounds himself with a great staff that’s extremely hard working. The way they play really highlights key components of my game. Lastly as one of their earlier recruits I have the opportunity to be a part of something very exciting while possibly being a cornerstone of it all!”
Official Visits
Aquan Smart Talks East Tennessee State Visit
Niles North 2020 Aquan Smart is one of the top combo guards on the board checking in at #9 overall. Big guard with elite athleticism and burst getting to the rim. Over the weekend he took an official visit to East Tennessee State. “I enjoyed the family environment. They presented and they made me feel like their own. They said I would play and be used like their freshman guard from last year.” Next weekend he will head to UAB for a visit!
Dante Maddox Trips to Kent State and Will Be Back on Road Thursday
Bloom 2020 shooting guard Dante Maddox can flat out score the basketball in bunches! Plus shooter with athleticism. Over the weekend the #13 prospect in the 2020 class took an official visit to Kent State. On the visit he said, “I enjoyed staying and hanging with the guys. There is a lot of compatibility between the players and I. Also they are traditionally a winning program who made it to the tournament last in 2017. Each year I feel as if I would compete for a winning program.” Next up he will head to Cal State Fullerton on Thursday for another official visit.
Darius Burford Talks Elon Visit
Bolingbrook combo guard Darius Burford continues to see his stock rise. Burford checks in at #19 overall in the latest PHI rankings and was at Elon over the weekend. On the trip he said, “From the time I stepped onto campus it was nothing but amazement from the new arena to the great coaching staff and you can tell they are ready to win and made it clear that I can be a big part of that. His next official visit is scheduled for Wisconsin Green Bay September 21.
Destin Whitaker to Fresno State (Updated)
This past weekend Destin Whitaker from Romeoville took an official visit out west to Fresno State. It appeared that he would take several more visits, but Tuesday night he committed to Fresno State. He said, “I enjoyed everything there. The people are very friendly and welcoming so the coaches and players made me feel right at home. I loved the culture and atmosphere they are building there. I love how I’m more needed than wanted and I know I can make a huge impact early on as a player and student.”
Jeremiah Williams Takes Second Official to Akron
New Simeon star Jeremiah Williams has already visited Valpo officially and Southern Illinois unofficially in recent weeks. This past weekend he tripped to Akron for an official. On the visit he said, “I like what Coach Groce is doing with the program. I feel like he is building something special. Also they made me feel comfortable for my first time down there so I enjoyed it.” What was their pitch to him on the court? “Run me at the 1 and 2. Lots of ball screen actions and be a playmaker. Also get in transition as much as possible.” Is he near a decision? “No just getting ready for the season. Take a break for a while.” There will be quite a few coaches in to see him in open gyms at Simeon.