ST. LOUIS – A 6-foot-7 power forward with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Isaiah Stewart has cemented his standing as a top-50 recruit on the EYBL 17-U circuit. Several brand name programs have begun to chase.
Stewart has been the model of efficiency this spring, as he has averaged over 11 points and eight rebounds. A four-star 2019 big man, Stewart has impressed with his toughness, length and motor.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Stewart noted the uptick in his recruitment since June 15, the first day of official contact with the college coaches.
“It has been Xavier, Maryland, Georgetown, FSU, Minnesota, Indiana, George Washington, California and Syracuse,” he said. “They have all been contacting me pretty often. It has been those schools that text me every day and call me.”
Stewart spoke about a few of those in pursuit.
Syracuse: “It was late on June 15 that Jim Boeheim gave me a call. He just let me know that I am a priority for them. They haven’t shown as much interest as other schools, but they did tell me that I am a priority.
“Originally, it was really Hop (Mike Hopkins) recruiting me, but Jim Boeheim is a great coach and a great person.”
Georgetown: “(Patrick Ewing) always tells me that he wants me to be the next big guy to come out of Georgetown. He calls my dad and calls me; we talk every once in a while and he just tells me how bad that he wants me at Georgetown. He always checks up on me and asks about school and my workouts.”
Maryland: “They are kind of new. (Kevin Broadus) calls me every other day. I just got off the phone with him. He just tells me that I got to get on campus and that I would love it there.”
Xavier: “Coach (Luke) Murray always calls me and texts me. They tell me that I am their No. 1 guy in the 2019 class and how much I mean to them.”
Duke: “It is great to see that Duke is showing some interest. They are a great school with a great atmosphere. Who doesn’t love Duke?”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Stewart will finish out his junior summer next month with the Albany City Rocks 17-under team.
Following the July evaluation periods, Stewart has a few trips in mind.
“I am starting to plan some unofficial visits after Peach Jam in July,” he said. “I was talking to Jon Scheyer from Duke and he wants to get me down on campus, but also Maryland.
“I will be taking a visit down to Notre Dame again in August and Xavier and Georgia Tech want to get me down.”
RIVALS' REACTION
There aren’t many more sure fire bets than Isaiah Stewart when looking for a productive college big man in 2019. There is still some time to go before a college commitment takes place, but do expect Syracuse, Notre Dame, Xavier, Maryland and Georgetown to be among the programs under consideration until the very end.
