2018 F Shittu receiving major recruiting attention
Canada has not lacked top-shelf talent in recent years, and in the 2018 class Simi Shittu has taken the headlines. The 6-foot-8 power forward has shown a vast skillset this winter playing out his first year at Vermont Academy, displaying great ball skills, upside and a college-ready body that has enabled his recruitment to gain steam.
A five-star forward who boasts major potential and excellent versatility in the frontcourt, Shittu and his team have enjoyed a productive year. Along the way Shittu has drawn major attention, as programs like Arizona, Oregon, Kansas and UCLA have begun to heavily pursue the top-10 junior.
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
During his time at the National Prep School Invitational over the weekend, Shittu showcased his immense talent and major improvements..
“Coach has really talked to me about playing as a point-forward, being more versatile, playing the 1 through 5 and playing out of the ball screen,” Shittu said. “I have just been getting better, developing my jumper more along with my handles.”
Shittu has patterned his game after the likes of Ben Simmons, Paul George and Draymond Green. His versatility and potential have made him a blueblood type of prospect.
“Syracuse, UCLA, Arizona, Kansas, UConn, Notre Dame and Oregon; those are the ones I can think of (who are in touch with me),” the five-star junior said.
Syracuse and Oregon were the latest programs to check in on Shittu. The Ducks' program has done great work in recent years with natives of the country from the north.
“They let their players play and they develop a lot of their guys into pros,” he said. “They have a great relationship with a lot of Canadians like Dillon Brooks, Dylan Ennis and Chris Boucher.”
The plan remains for Shittu to play another year of prep basketball as a member of the 2018 class, though, like most Canadians, the idea of reclassing a year up could be on the table.
“I haven’t really thought about it much right now. I am just focused on the season,” Shittu said. “I am more about remaining with my class and staying there for right now. Another year of development could really help me a lot and having more freedom to do what I want to do in college.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Shittu continues to track as one of the best that there is in the graduating class of 2018. He plans on suiting up for the CIA Bounce program on the Nike EYBL circuit during the spring and summer months and is looking for an ideal fit with the college program he chooses.
“Just the best fit, really,” Shittu said. “I want more of a player’s coach that develops their players a lot and has a good relationship with them and a family type of atmosphere.”
RIVALS REACTION
In a down recruiting class that is 2018, Shittu is one of the brighter spots. The 6-foot-8 forward has shown the ability to lead the break off the rebound, create for others against a set defense and also defend various spots on the court. There is already current day production felt from Shittu, but the potential is even more staggering, which makes his recruiting profile that much more intense.