Hoophall Classic: Sunday standouts and predictions
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The bulk of Sunday play at the HoopHall Classic featured prep school programs, but the nation's top unsigned player Trevon Duval of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG was among those doing work. A look at Sunday's HoopHall standout and where they stand in their recruitment.
His day: Finishing with 20 points, six assists and five rebounds in his team's win, Ayala might be one of the most polished combo guards in all of his graduating class. He has shown the ability to run a half-court offense but also score the ball in an efficient manner, hence the reasoning for his much heated college recruitment. Though currently in the class of 2018, Ayala could head to college with the 2017 class.
Who is involved: Kansas, Arizona, Maryland, UConn, Providence, Syracuse, Louisville, Texas, NC State, and Indiana.
Quote: "I am still up in the air right now and just trying to get through my high school season. It is just where I am at the moment after the high school season; how I feel with where my body is it and where I am mentally. Physically, I can play (as a 2017 graduate) but mentally I need to be ready."
Prediction: While on the fence about a potential move into the 2017 class, as more schools continue to push harder for an early enrollment, look for Syracuse and UConn to separate themselves from the pack. Both watched on Sunday.
-- Corey Evans
His day: A top-30 prospect that is angling hard for five-star status, Emmanuel Akot ended things on a strong note. Finishing with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists, the Canadian's upside and versatility -- particularly his ability to create offense inside and out -- creates for one special junior target.
Who is involved: Louisville, Arizona, Utah and Oregon.
Quote: “Right now I have the Utah and Arizona visits pretty much being set right now. Oregon and Louisville we are trying to set those up now. There is no timetable but when I feel comfortable to make a decision, I will."
Prediction: While visits dates are still being set up, look for all four official trips to be taken in the spring and a commitment to occur shortly after. It does seem that Utah and Arizona are out in front of the pack in the pursuit of the high upside junior.
-- Evans
His day: In a win over Wasatch Academy, Duval ran the show with dominance. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. His ability change of direction in tight spots is as good as it gets. Duval did say that he will visit all of his finalists.
Who is involved: Arizona, Baylor, Duke, Kansas and Seton Hall.
Quote: "I'm focused on it but I'm trying to balance it out with (recruiting) and just living my life as a normal kid."
Prediction: Duval said that he's set visits and that he's got to get the dates from his father. His recruitment remains incredibly tough to read and he could end up anywhere. It could be Seton Hall, but right now it's tough to be confident in any prediction.
-- Eric Bossi
His day: It was a productive day for Shittu, who scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out four assists and blocked a pair of shots. The native of Canada's team fell 81-79 to Putnam (Conn.) Science Academy in one of the day's best games. Connecticut head coach Kevin Ollie was on hand with a pair of assistants.
Who is involved: UConn, UCLA, Oregon, LSU, Maryland, California, Wake Forrest, Alabama and others.
Quote: "The recruitment process is going well. It’s not really like hectic yet but I’m hearing from a few coaches. I’ve been hearing from Connecticut, UCLA, Oregon, Maryland, Cal, Wake Forrest, and Alabama most recently. Kentucky is interested but hasn’t offered yet."
Prediction: He's only halfway through his junior year and is still pretty open. However, UConn and Oregon do appear to be doing some major work here. Oregon has been pretty tough when recruiting players from Canada and they may have the slight early edge.
-- Bossi
His day: One of the top risers in the recent class of 2018 rankings update, Williams completed impressive dunks, cleaned his area on the glass, and threw away shots as a rim protector. Making all seven of his shots, the four-star power finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in his team's win as he may continue to ascension upwards when the next rankings update is produced.
Who is involved: Iowa State, Florida, Miami, LSU, Florida State, Kansas, Baylor, TCU, and West Virginia.
Quote: “I won’t take my visits until next year but right now I am just focused on my high school team and my education.”
Prediction: Don't expect any movement in the recruitment of Williams for a while and he's far from narrowing down his college list. Kansas and Baylor are the most recent offers, two schools that could create a snowball effect for more to be accrued. He's an in state priority in Florida.
-- Evans