SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- A plethora of big timers hit the floor on Saturday at the HoopHall Classic. Rivals.com analysts Eric Bossi and Corey Evans break down the day's top uncommitted performers and offer up predictions on their recruitments.
His day: The nation’s No. 4 player in the class of 2017 battled both foul trouble and the No. 2 player in the senior class, DeAndre Ayton. He only scored nine points, but Bamba was huge on the defensive end, grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking five shots in Westtown (Pa.) School’s win over Phoenix (Ariz.) Hillcrest. Bamba also confirmed upcoming official visits to Duke and Kentucky.
Who is involved: Duke, Kentucky, Michigan and Texas.
Quote: “As far as a timetable for decidin,g I think these (Duke and Kentucky) visits are crucial ones.”
Prediction: Had been feeling Duke in this one, but Kentucky seems to be gaining steam and they have Hamidou Diallo and Quade Green working Diallo hard. Slight edge to Kentucky.
--Eric Bossi
His day: The No. 2 ranked player in the class of 2019, Bassey didn't get as many post touches as he probably deserved. Still, he played strong around the rim when he did get chances and finished with a 17-point, 10-rebound outing in a loss to Hudson (N.J.) Catholic.
Who is involved: Kansas, Tennessee, Western Kentucky, TCU, Memphis, Texas A&M, Baylor and others.
Quote: "I love WKU, Western Kentucky, I love watching them. I love the way they play. The coach (Rick Stansbury) is a good man and the team is a good team, I just love the school."
Prediction: It is still way early and we think that Kansas and Texas A&M among others will be heavily involved. However, Bassey was effusive in his praise for Western Kentucky, so we will give them the early edge.
--Eric Bossi
His day: Muhammad had the hot hand Saturday, scoring 20 in the first half. Thanks to his confident jump shooting skills and tough, blue-collar mentality, Muhammad showed the two-way abilities that make him such a valuable prospect. In his team’s wire-to-wire win, the 6-foot-4 junior finished with 24 points and three rebounds as he showed efficiency in all that he did.
Who is involved: Tulane, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, Cincinnati, and Xavier.
Quote: “I am just enjoying the process. It doesn’t matter where I go as long as it’s a good fit for me and it’s family.”
Prediction: While there is still some time to go in the recruitment of Muhammad, it does seem to be more of a New Jersey/New York type of battle for the Hudson Catholic product, and St. John’s could be the last school standing.
--Corey Evans
His day: The five-star junior was a load all day long. He was active around the rim, ran the floor and showed off a diverse game while putting together a triple double of 24 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He also blocked five shots in a win over Hartford (Conn.) Weaver.
Who is involved: Syracuse, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's, Kansas, California, Connecticut and many others.
Quote: "I haven't really done any unofficial visits lately. I've mostly just been texting and talking to coaches. I feel like Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's, California, UConn and some of the others are after me big time. I appreciate all the love."
Prediction: Reid doesn't seem too far along in the process, and there hasn't been a ton of talk about behind the scenes favorite. However, he does seem a good shot to stay close to home, giving St. John's and perhaps Rutgers a good shot here.
--Eric Bossi
His day: The 6-foot-7 small forward did not lay off the gas pedal all game long as he ran a half-court offense, knocked down mid-range jump shots and also scored through contact at the basket. He was the catalyst in a quality win over Hillcrest Prep to end the evening. He finished with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Who is involved: Kentucky, Duke, Villanova, Syracuse, Arizona, and UConn.
Quote: “Villanova is saying that I could be their first one and done, Duke is saying I could come in and be the guy. They’re all telling me something different.”
Prediction: Reddish said that he wants to take some official visits before his junior year is over. He could commit as early as the summer with Duke, Kentucky and Villanova looking like they will battle it out. Right now, it looks as though Duke could have the upper hand.
--Corey Evans
His day: Always in control of the action, the savvy point guard got others involved early before taking over as a scorer. He hit from deep, got to the rim and played a well-rounded game to finish with 25 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Who is involved: Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's, Syracuse, Kansas, Villanova, Virginia, Stanford and others.
Quote: "The recruitment process has been going great. There's been a lot of calls lately like Stanford, Syracuse, Seton Hall, Virginia, Kansas and Villanova. It's great - I'm really enjoying the process."
Prediction: There is much to play out in Quinerly's recruitment, but he sure seems like a perfect fit for Virginia.
--Eric Bossi
