Recruiting Update: Top Unsigned Prospects
With the 2018 coaching carousal unfolding before our very eyes, many head coaches are switching places.
At the same frantic pace, several former assistants and associate head coaches are acclimatizing to the demands of running their own program as head coaches.
While all the pieces are shifting, several unsung and diamond in the rough caliber recruits find themselves increasing their profile at this time of year.
As a chock full of coaches adjust to a new style of play, a new level, and perhaps a new appetizing salary increase, recruiting is ramped up a few notches.
Newly acquired staffs move quickly to cast a wide net and put eyes on undiscovered guys with program-changing potential.
Here is a look at some lesser known recruits who could undergo an increase in stock this spring.
Donte Innocent, North Miami
The explosive 6-foot-1 combination guard possesses high level athleticism and a knack for carving his way to the rim.
He brings explosive finishing ability and a bouncy style. He’s also an active defensive presence with boundless energy.
The Class of 2018 prospect’s shot surely isn’t the prettiest of sights, albeit he’s more efficient than most at this level.
Idressa Bivens, The Nations Prep
The 6-foot-3 guard has improved as an aggressive scorer who can create space and score via stepbacks, hard slashes, pull-up jumpers, and finesse finished with either hand inside.
Shouldering a create-first mentality, Bivens put together multiple performances of 10 assists or more this season.
Madiaw Niang, DME Academy
Few if any SIAA conference players authored as significant a one year improvement as Niang.
The 6-foot-9 wing/four went from a role player who had a previous career best of 17 points (while at Conrad Academy) to a featured piece who scored 30+ points several times.
IPFW, McNeese State, and Florida Atlantic have all offered Jiang recently. Niang must get stronger and develop a motor in order to offer an instant impact at the ensuing level.
Abdou N’Diaye, The Nations Prep
The 6-foot-10 Class of 2019 forward is severely overlooked on the recruiting market. Despite an advanced all around skill set for his size and an ability to handle the ball and stick outside shots the way few others at 6-10 are capable of, he’s been largely unnoticed.
Middle Tennesee State and BYU appear to be in pursuit of N’Diaye, who oozes of high major potential and qualities.
Matt Meyer, Scanlan
At 6-foot-9 and natural finishing ability, the Class of 2019 prospect has plenty of appealing attributes. He’s got a reliable 15-18 foot feathery jumper and is quick to exploit mismatches in the post.
If he can continue to pack on muscle and develop a consistent motor, he will have a wealth of opportunity knocking on his door.
R.J. Davis, Stepinac
The smooth and crafty 5-foot-11 guard has an elite skill set and motor. Creating and scoring at all three levels, the Class of 2020 guard was one of the top sophomores in the country this year.
One year after looking vulnerable because of his lack of size as a freshman, Davis came back with a build and an undeniable killer instinct. Maryland and Cal are in pursuit, among myriad others. If David were 6-foot-4, the blue bloods would come calling.
Malcolm Farrington, Believe Prep Academy
The West Palm Beach native is a deadeye shooter who has reeled off points in a hurry and at a high percentage in big games these past two seasons.
His shooting percentage has hovered around a scalding 55 percent this year. South Alabama, Marshall, Cornell and several other Ivy League programs are intrigued.
Chris McThomas, Land O’Lakes
The 6-foot-10 Class of 2018 prospect will look to enhance his NCAA profile with a post graduate season at TLAP Academy in Port St. Lucie.
A big powerful lefty, McThomas has the attributes to be a high proficiency threat at the ensuing level. He will need to incorporate refined back to the bucket moves and ambidextrous finishing.
Bikim Biyombo, Montverde Academy
The 6-foot-5 forward has strength and bouncy athleticism, each of which are translatable to superior finishing ability.
If he can improve with his ball handling and shot, aspects of his game which are rough around the edges, the Class of 2018 prospect will ultimately have a high ceiling.
Victor Ogbo, BK Law & Tech
The undersize 6-foot-5 forward is a classic case of reaping the rewards of making fitness a livelihood.
The Class of 2018 prospect shed 30 pounds since his freshman year, becoming more mobile and putting up multiple 20 point, 20 rebound performances during a memorable senior campaign.