Hoophall Classic: Monday standouts and predictions
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Five-star senior Brian Bowen showed why he's such an important late target. We break down his day and where he and some of the other top undecided players from Monday's action at the Hoophall Classic stand.
His day: La Lumiere fell just short in a big-time battle with Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon but the five-star wing was outstanding in a double-double performance. Bowen hit jumpers from mid-range to the three-point line and was very active on the offensive glass, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Who is involved: Arizona, Creighton, Michigan State, NC State, Texas
Quote: "Whenever I get that gut feeling on where exactly I want to go to school. Once I take this unofficial visit to Michigan State at the end of the month, right after that is when I'll be making my decision.
Prediction: Bowen initially planned to decide in December before taking more time. While he's been in a holding pattern, rumors have run that Arizona, Creighton and Texas have been legitimate threats to pull him from Michigan State. Perhaps the last visit to East Lansing will be enough to push the Spartans over the edge.
– Eric Bossi
His day: While not the headliner for his Nathan Hale squad, P.J. Fuller was vital in his team's win over Oak Hill Academy. The athletic shooting guard flourished on the break and hit timely jumpers en route to a solid 17-point, four-rebound and two-assist affair.
Who is involved: Washington, Montana, USC, Florida State, UCLA, Oregon
Quote: "I love the city of Seattle, the Washington staff and the university as a whole but I am willing to look around before making a decision."
Prediction: His high school coach is former Washington star Brandon Roy, his star teammates are headed to Washington, and he attends a high school not too far away from UW. While many others will joust for his services, we are pretty confident in Fuller following order and committing to the Huskies.
– Corey Evans
His day: A super polished lead guard, Andrew Nembhard backed up his five-star status on Monday. Finishing with 22 points off of 9-of-11 shooting from the field, the sophomore stepped up down the stretch and was a catalyst in his team's win over Bishop Montgomery. Nembhard also confirmed that he may look into moving to 2018.
Who is involved: Stanford, Virginia, Villanova, Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma
Quote: "Personally, I am leaning toward 2018 but it's still early. I need to talk to my dad and my coaches."
Prediction: Currently sitting as a member of the 2019 class, it is looking like Nembhard could make the move to the 2018 class official this summer, thus making him a priority recruit at the point guard position. Until his class situation is cleared up, it's tough to make any kind of prediction on his college choice.
– Corey Evans
His day: The four-star guard from California was locked in from deep, making 5-of-8 three-point attempts on Monday. His Bishop Montgomery squad fell to Montverde (Fla.) Academy, but Singleton did all he could registering 20 points, two rebounds and a pair of assists.
Who is involved: Arizona State, USC, Gonzaga, Oregon, UConn, Pennsylvania, UNLV
Quote: "It will probably be until the spring or summer before I narrow anything down and next season before I make a decision. I want to get my degree wherever I go and with the basketball players I want to see how the environment is and how they treat them outside of the school."
Prediction: Singleton says that he's looking to play as a point or combo guard in college so that will weigh heavily in his decision. His list is heavy with West Coast programs but we wouldn't sleep on UConn.
– Eric Bossi
His day: In a game that featured five-star big men with more notoriety, it was Jordan Walker that won the day. Finishing with 15 points and 11 assists, The Patrick School product was not just a game changer as an offensive playmaker but also as a defender thanks to his energy and gritty on-ball abilities. Walker is actually scheduled to graduate in the spring and will have to make a decision on whether to head to college or stick with his current plan of going to prep school.
Who is involved: Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, Indiana, LSU, Providence
Quote: "I don't know about that right now but I'll make a decision later on. After the season I plan on taking a lot of visits.
Prediction: Although Walker has been leaning toward taking a prep year after he graduates this spring for a while, Seton Hall has been present from day one and it looks like its persistence could be enough to land Walker in 2017.
– Corey Evans