Under Armour: Devon Dotson makes a statement
FISHERS, Ind. – The final day of the spring evaluation period came and went on Sunday and with it, the debate on the top point guard in the 2018 class will continue to linger. Devon Dotson had a remarkable morning session, throwing another name into the elite category at the point guard position while his teammate, Aaron Wiggins, has seen his recruitment burst from the seams.
Recruitment: Florida, Arizona, Villanova, Florida State, USC, Ohio State, Maryland, Kansas and Virginia.
His day: Dotson had one of the better halves of basketball that we saw all spring long. His burst and ability to get to the basket was on total display and while he tailed off towards the end of his morning session, the top-40 guard was the catalyst for his squad leaving Indy with a 3-1 record.
Quote: “I don’t have any visits scheduled right now. I am going to talk to my parents about where I am going to go after this spring.
“I might cut it down after the spring term, but I just have to see the new interest that I get, but I do want to cut it down soon.”
Prediction: Dotson has enjoyed the recruiting process for a while now and after a visit to Florida two weeks back, the Gators look to be in a great spot for the productive floor general.
Recruitment: Maryland, Providence, Virginia, NC State, USC, Florida, Wake Forest and Kansas.
His day: This time last year, Wiggins didn't claim a single offer. Now, the talented wing has become a priority recruit for the top programs on the east coast. The reasoning was on display Sunday as he finished at the basket, defended the basketball and even created for others when the time permitted.
Quote: “I have been on unofficial visits to Maryland, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Wake Forest. I don’t have any others planned for now, though.
“I don’t have a timetable but I would like to have my school of choice before my senior season starts and I will start narrowing down my choices in May or June.”
Prediction: The staff in College Park has made great in-roads with Wiggins and while Kansas and a slew of others are now beginning to recruit the Team Charlotte product, Maryland looks to be the spring favorite for him as a commitment is likely to occur in the fall.
Recruitment: Syracuse, Indiana, Oregon, Kansas, Villanova, California, South Carolina, UConn, Maryland, Miami, and Arizona.
His day: There is nothing flashy about Ayala's game but all that the 2018 guard does is win. The junior has a college ready body, a very polished and mature skillset, and two way abilities that shined in Indianapolis.
Quote: “I am leaning more towards 2018 right now. After the summer, I will sit down with my family and see what I want to do at the end.
“I just want an opportunity where I can come in and make an immediate impact and where I can feel comfortable playing my game.”
Prediction: The debate on whether Ayala will reclassify back into the 2017 class will rage on a few more months; look for the top-100 guard to play in college next season and for Syracuse to be his landing spot.
Recruitment: Northwestern, Miami, Temple, Notre Dame, and Rhode Island.
His day: One of the top breakout names from the Under Armour circuit this spring, Bey displayed major versatility and upside on Sunday. While he is not there just yet, he did show valuable traits such as scoring from off the catch, defending different positions and even being used on the ball as a playmaking wing.
Quote: “I am planning on doing some visits this month and in June. I have to plan it out but a lot of the top schools that I have right now I would like to get to.”
Prediction: The recruitment process of Bey is just beginning so forecasting where he might end up is on the difficult side. If forced to predict where he will land, Northwestern's recent success and academic prestige could lead to the commitment of the talented 2018 wing.
Recruitment: Maryland and Georgetown.
His day: Having improved his motor, skillset and body, Makhel Mitchell creates a dynamic tandem with his brother, Makhi Mitchell, on the DC Blue Devils 16-under team. On Sunday, the duo disabled any type of easy look at the basket and sealed off the glass thanks to their size and quality hands.
Quote (on Maryland): “It is a good school, they have a great coach with Mark Turgeon, good atmosphere, and I just know a lot of players there that show us a lot of love.
“They are just now showing us a lot of love. It was Georgetown originally but now it’s Maryland.”
Prediction: Georgetown was the early leader in the clubhouse with the Mitchell brothers. Upon the hiring of former Hoyas' assistant Kevin Broadus, Maryland is now the squad to beat for the talented big men out of the DMV.