Twitter Tuesday: North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Bryan Penn-Johnson
This week’s Twitter Tuesday file focuses on the recruitment of Rivals150 big man Bryan Penn-Johnson, features a look at the North Carolina and Virginia Tech recruiting classes and evaluates Iowa State’s haul this fall.
North Carolina already sits with a top-five recruiting class as we approach the early signing period, though they would love nothing more than to add another five-star to its roster.
Zion Williamson, who is also considering Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina, Duke and Clemson, would be a big get for the Tar Heels. North Carolina was thought to be out of contention just a week ago, but the program has gained momentum in Williamson's recruit after his visit to Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels are also in the mix for Simi Shittu and the Canadian will take an official visit to Chapel Hill on Nov. 10.
North Carolina is a heavy dark horse contender for Romeo Langford. There is still debate as to whether he will sign early next week, but Indiana is in a great spot for the in-state recruit if he does. Vanderbilt, Kansas, and UCLA are also factoring into his recruitment.
It would be a bit of an upset if the Tar Heels add another prospect this week as they are not a favorite for any of their remaining three targets.
Bryan Penn-Johnson has kept his recruitment close to vest.
The four-star center visited Washington over the weekend, making the Huskies the third program to host him on an official, along with UCLA and DePaul.
It does not look like Penn-Johnson will take any other visits. Duke recently inquired and Arizona has remained in pursuit, too, but this looks to be a race between Washington and DePaul and it would not be a surprise if he signed with one of those two programs next week.
Virginia Tech currently boasts a fairly-strong three-man 2018 recruiting class - Landers Nolley, Jaren McAllister and Jon Kabongo - that is made up of tough and versatile players that usually thrive under Buzz Williams.
The Hokies would like to add a big man to that group this fall and Mountain Mission standout Florent Thamba appears to be the program's top choice to fill that slot. Thamba, one of the more underrated centers in the 2018 class, competes and produces in the lane, and the Hokies may have a nice in thanks to Thamba’s past playing alongside Nolley on the travel circuit.
That is not to say that Virginia Tech wouldn’t be open to another guard commitment this fall. The program recently offered scoring guard Chance Moore and made the final four for Rivals150 wing Keyontae Johnson
More than likely, the Hokies will finish the early signing period with the three commits that they have already locked up.
If Chris Clarke can return back to full health and Kerry Blackshear emerges as a breakout performer, the Hokies would have a chance at a top-five finish in the ACC and, depending on the matchups, a Sweet 16 run.
Iowa State was a big winner last week thanks to the commitment of Rivals150 four-star wing Talen Horton-Tucker, boosting an already quality 2018 class.
The Cyclones aren't done yet as they remain in the market for a point guard commitment, with the top target being Rivals150 four-star guard Tyler Harris.
Whether Iowa State lands Harris or not, fans have to be excited about what they have headed their way.
George Conditt has a chance to work his way into the final 2018 Rivals150. He still must get stronger and develop more of an inside-out skillset but, in today’s game where everyone is expected to spread the floor with the perimeter, Conditt has the chance to evolve into a major weapon in Ames.
Zion Griffin could be an excellent two-way producer for the Cyclones, while Tyrese Haliburton is a 6-foot-5 wing that has point guard skills and could be used on the ball in certain situations.
Griffin, Haliburton and Conditt could each see their rankings improve yet Horton-Tucker may have the best case to make a rise. He's just 16-years-old and boasts one of the most versatile skillsets in the 2018 class. Horton-Tucker's upside is tremendous and his athleticism has rapidly improved.
