One of the nation's top three players in the class of 2018, Bol Bol looks to be lining up visits while Kentucky is getting active with offers to the class of 2019. That and much more in this week's Starting Five.
1. BOL BOL LINING UP VISITS
For the past few months, 2018's No. 3 player Bol Bol has been pretty quiet when it comes to his recruitment. However, things appear to be taking shape as Arizona, Kentucky, Oregon, UCLA and USC all look to be in line to receive official visits from the unique big man.
Sources confirmed to Rivals.com that plans are in place for Bol to visit Oregon (Sept. 30), Kentucky (Oct. 14), Arizona (Oct. 29), USC (Nov. 4) and UCLA (to be determined).
As of yet, there is no timetable for Bol to make a commitment but if these visits are locked in it would be a sign that he's making his way towards a decision and that he could choose in time for the early signing period.
2. KENTUCKY ACTIVE IN 2019
John Calipari and Kentucky have yet to receive their first commitment from the class of 2018. While, there's little doubt that Cal and his staff will clean up as usual in the senior class, they've gotten an early start on the class of 2019.
Over the latter part of the last week and the weekend, the Wildcats went on a spree giving out offers to four high-level prospects from the class of 2019.
The No. 2 ranked player in the junior class, big man James Wiseman picked up an offer and his was followed by offers to four-star combo forward D.J. Jeffries and five-star teammates Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis.
A big man with length, the ability to protect the rim and rapidly developing offense, Wiseman also holds offers from Indiana, Kansas, Alabama, Florida, Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Arizona and Louisville among others. Lewis is a high flying slasher with elite defensive potential on the perimeter while Antoine is a physical scorer with range and the duo also holds offers from Duke, Arizona, St. John's, Florida, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Maryland, Notre Dame, Miami, Xavier, Kansas and several others. Finally Jeffries is a strong kid with inside/out ability who also holds offers from the likes of Kansas, Georgia, Maryland, Ole Miss, Iowa State, LSU, Florida, Memphis, Wake Forest and more.
3. HINTON A BIG SCORE FOR HOUSTON
During the summer, shooting guard Nate Hinton saw his stock go through the roof thanks to his stellar play for Team Loaded North Carolina on the Adidas circuit. Before all of the attention that came his way during July, though, Houston had already been heavily involved and making him a priority.
That jump start on his recruitment and consistent attention paid off on Sunday when the 6-foot-5 senior committed to the Cougars.
Hinton took an official visit to campus during August and Kelvin Sampson and his staff fought off Cincinnati and Florida State among many others.
Capable of playing all around the perimeter, Hinton can shoot from deep, has playmaking ability and should be an instant impact player. Moving forward, he and UMass transfer Dejon Jarreau (a former top 50 prospect) make for an intriguing backcourt with lots of size and versatility.
4. EDWARDS WILL RETURN TO TEXAS (TECH) FOR COLLEGE
As Texas Tech looks to improve their standing in the Big 12, a priority has been finding and keeping home undervalued talent. The Red Raiders look to have done that by landing Kyler Edwards.
Though he's spending his senior year in Las Vegas at Findlay Prep, Edwards is Dallas area native (Arlington) who will return to his home state for college and has the tools to be a solid Big 12 player.
A bubble Rivals150 prospect, Edwards is a physical wing who can handle the ball and is a streaky shooter from deep. He is tough to the rim in transition, does a good job making plays for others and should be a guy that Chris Beard and his staff can develop into a multiple year starter.
5. NOLLEY SWITCHES UP VISIT PLANS
If there is one thing that you can count on with four-star Landers Nolley, it's that he'll keep throwing curveballs with his recruitment.
Not too long ago Nolley spoke about plans to visit Georgetown and N.C. State before announcing a final five the next day that excluded both schools and included Illinois, Connecticut, Georgia, Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech.
Having already visited Illinois officially, Nolley is switching things up again. UConn and Oklahoma State are now out as Georgia State and Wichita State take their place in his final five.
Barring any changes, the remaining visit schedule for the wing scorer with size is Virginia Tech (9/29), Georgia State (10/6), Georgia (10/13) and Wichita State (10/20).
