Starting Five: Four-star Jemarl Baker a hot commodity

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With his recruitment re-opened, four-star senior Jemarl Baker has become a hot commodity. More on Baker, how Devonte Graham's return relieves some pressure at Kansas and much more in this week's Starting Five.

When Cuonzo Martin left California for Missouri, four-star combo guard Jemarl Baker decided to open things up. With few high-level shooters left in the class of 2017, it's no surprise that the marksmen from Corona (Calif.) Roosevelt has seen his recruitment take off.

In just the past few days the 6-foot-3 guard, who can play either the point or off the ball as a scorer, has hosted Arizona, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland, Oregon and Utah for in-home visits. He would be welcomed with open arms at any of those programs.

Look for Baker to set official visits within the next couple days.

With the departure of senior point guard and National Player of the Year Frank Mason, Kansas was facing a potential dilemma as junior guard Devonte Graham was expected to test the NBA Draft waters.

On Sunday, Bill Self and the Jayhawks received good news as Graham announced that he would return for his senior season without even testing the draft.

Though Graham has played shooting guard the past few seasons, he's a natural point guard and a potential All-Big 12 level player. His return alleviates some of the pressure to find a point guard in the class of 2017.

Five-star Trevon Duval will remain a major target, but with Graham back, incoming freshman Marcus Garrett and former five-star Malik Newman becoming eligible the Jayhawks will have some ball handlers. Keep an eye out for the Jayhawks with Rivals150 guard Thomas Allen as well. A native of North Carolina and product of Brewster Academy like Graham, Allen recently got a release from NC State and picked up an offer from Kansas.

Though some of the pressure is off for a 2017 point guard, the Jayhawks must make finding a 2018 floor general a priority. Among those on their early wish list are five-stars Darius Garland and Immanuel Quickley, along with four-star Devon Dotson.

As a verbal commitment to Boise State, small forward Roberto Gittens from Tacoma (Wash.) Foss had been one of the potential steals of the 2017 class.

Now, the 6-foot-5 wing has decided that he will open his recruitment and attend prep school next year making him a member of the class of 2018.

A potential Rivals150 prospect, Gittens is sure to attract plenty of high-major attention as the news gets out. While he works on selecting a prep school sorting through new interest, Gittens is expected to hit the Nike EYBL with the Portland Basketball Club this spring and summer.

Sticking in the class of 2017 isn't totally out of the picture but for now it looks like Gittens will be another 2018 option.

It's been a tough few days for Illinois and its 2017 recruiting class. First coveted big man Jeremiah Tilmon asked for his release from the Illini. Now, three-star wing Javon Pickett has asked for his release as well.

A physical wing who can score in transition or off the dribble, Pickett had been a good bet to add depth and develop into a valuable upperclassmen for the Illini.

Pickett figures to attract interest on the mid to high major level and could be an immediate impact player if he decides to go a level lower than the Big Ten.

Now on the lookout for an available wing, new coach Brad Underwood was in Kansas on Saturday to check on three-star small forward Francesco Badocchi – who has also seen Virginia jump into the mix – of Roeland Park (Kan.) Bishop Miege.

Elite prospects from the sophomore class are starting to get the priority treatment. Put five-star forward Matthew Hurt into that category.

Late last week the high scoring and skilled forward from Rochester (Minn.) John Marshall was the recipient of a visit from Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. This week, Roy Williams of national champion North Carolina is expected in, along with Kansas coach Bill Self.

Home state Minnesota also had an assistant in to see Hurt last week and his older brother plays for the Gophers. However, Hurt's recruitment continues to look like one that will be a battle of the bluebloods.