Four-star Brooks commits to USC for second time
USC added a third member to its 2018 class on Sunday evening coming in the form of top-75 forward J’Raan Brooks. A 6-foot-8 prospect and one of the top available seniors this winter, Brooks brings a tremendously polished skillset to the Pac 12 program, someone that can fill a variety of roles for Andy Enfield’s program from the get-go.
Unlike most cases, Brooks decided that USC would be where he was meant to be, for the second time. Prior to the FBI investigation dating back to September, the Trojans had already solidified their frontcourt with the commitment in hand from Brooks. Feeling shaky with where things might be headed, Brooks backed off of his initial pledge.
Their recruitment of Brooks did not stop and while he found another home at St. John’s just two months later, the idea of going so far away from home was a bit too much for the west coast native. Backing off of his college commitment for the second time, the Garfield High standout decided that USC was actually where he should be headed, reflected by his commitment on Sunday evening.
While the Trojans were hit by the NCAA Tournament’s Committee decision to not include the program within the final bracket of 68 during the bracket reveal, Brooks’ commitment is a solid consolation prize for its future.
Back in June, prior to Brooks’ original commitment, he discussed what stood out about the Pac 12 program. “My brother lives right next to USC,” he told Rivals. “It is nice especially it being Southern California, which doesn’t hurt. I like how they get up and down the floor and use their big guys who are pretty versatile. I think I can fit in there.”
Washington was perceived as a favorite for Brooks following his decommitment from St. John’s last month but now with four-star forward in tow, the Trojans’ frontcourt remains sturdy. Chimezie Metu will likely give a hard look to the NBA ranks after this season, as could Bennie Boatwright, both juniors on their current roster.
Brooks joins fellow Rivals150 recruits Elijah Weaver and Kevin Porter in Los Angeles next year, three capable, immediate producers that should enable for a bounce back into the NCAA Tournament after a one year hiatus.