Three-star 2018 guard Matthue Cotton has over a dozen offers
The St. Benedict’s Prep basketball program has a reputation for regularly producing top-shelf basketball talent. This year’s crop is no different. And while five-star sophomore Precious Achiuwa and Syracuse-bound Bourama Sidibe receive most of the attention, three-star 2018 guard Matthue Cotton may have enhanced his stock the most.
A good-sized swingman standing over 6-foot-5 and with the frame that should only get stronger as he matures, Cotton hit the recruiting radar in a big way this past fall as a number of college programs began showing interest. Cotton’s ability to make shots and versatility on both ends of the court has led to offers from Seton Hall, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, Villanova and others.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Cotton entered the 2016-17 academic year with just a few scholarship offers to his name and now sits with a grand total of 16. Cotton identified five programs that are standing out early on:
VCU: “I know they play really hard defense, they get up into you and they play really aggressive. I like that.”
Rutgers: I love Coach (Steve) Pikiell. He is a really cool guy. I was just talking on the phone with him; he’s really funny.”
Seton Hall: “I like the coaching staff; I have built a great relationship with them and I like the way they run their program.”
Oklahoma State: “They’re run and gun. I love to play fast and they take a lot of three-point shots and I like that.”
St. Joseph’s: “They just sent two guys to the pros in (DeAndre) Bembry and Langston (Galloway) so that’s good and I like the way they run their program.”
While no visits have been planned just yet, Cotton is hoping to get down to Rutgers in the coming weeks for a game or practice. The St. Benedict’s wing also took in Villanova’s win over Virginia last weekend and the Big East program left a solid impression on him.
“They play really hard. I need that; I feel that would be really good for me, plus Jay Wright is a really good guy,” Cotton said. “They are always at the top ever year; it keeps you competitive.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Cotton emerged as one of the most talked about prospects on the East Coast this past fall and continues to track as such. His recruitment will only get more heated as time passes.
In the meantime, Cotton has a good understanding of what he is looking for in a college program.
“A good education, I really like engineering,” he said. “I want to be an architectural engineer; I believe that’s really important.”
RIVALS' REACTION
There have been a ton of buzz over the last several months surrounding Cotton. All of that was for good reason as the 6-foot-5 junior has all of the physical tools along with a great understanding of the game to become a hotly-pursued recruit. Seton Hall, Rutgers, Oklahoma State, VCU and St. Joe’s may stand out currently, but look for Cotton's recruitment to get more crowded in the coming months.