Wednesday Leftovers: Dishing on Alabama, Memphis, Temple, more
RANKINGS: 2019 Rivals150 | 2019 Team rankings | 2019 Position rankings
We have a few more questions remaining from Twitter Tuesday for Wednesday’s Leftovers. We assess the programs involved with Chris Harris Jr., Alabama’s roster construction, whether Memphis can secure another Top 50 prospect, the dark horse for Cole Anthony and Temple’s latest recruiting win.
MORE: Twitter Tuesday on Kentucky, Indiana, more | The recruiting wins for each Final Four team | Bossi's Best: Top 10 one-and-dones
*****
Oklahoma State has a 33.3 percent chance of winning the recruitment of Chris Harris Jr. I say this because he will take an official visit to Texas Tech once the college season completes. He will then come to a decision, while keeping Texas A&M in mind.
The former Texas A&M signee was given his release following the coaching change in College Station earlier this month, but Harris and his family are open to circling back around to the SEC program after a hiring. However, his visit to OK State went very well and the Cowboys have a good chance with him. The Red Raiders have some momentum, thanks to their proximity to the in-state prospect and their run this season. But selecting a favorite for him continues to be difficult and likely will continue to be until the next Aggies coach is named. Look for a commitment before May.
*****
Let’s hit the second question first: The recruitments of Kira Lewis and Trendon Watford are not necessarily related, although the two do have a great relationship dating back to their travel ball days last summer. Watford would view the program in a better light if Lewis were to return to campus, since it would improve the program's chances of success. But at the end of the day, Watford is going to do what is best for his long-term future with the NBA in mind and how he might be used in college.
As for Lewis, his return to Alabama is my bet for now. Although, that will not come easy, as Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Indiana, Louisville, Memphis, TCU and Tennessee are just a few of the many programs that have shown heavy interest in him. However, newly named Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats met with Lewis and his family immediately after his hiring last week, and a return could be in the cards.
*****
Memphis is going to land someone this spring, but just who that will be remains up for debate. The Tigers are on the final list for Trendon Watford, who is hoping to commit on April 20, but I am not sure that Memphis will get his pledge. Alabama has picked up some momentum since the hiring of Nate Oats.
Precious Achiuwa remains on Memphis’ radar. He has visited Kansas and UNC in recent weeks, but don’t be surprised if the Tigers make another push in the coming weeks. I am not willing to say that Memphis will land his services, but I do see the Tigers among the small group of favorites for him. His recruitment still has some playing out to do, as he told Rivals.com last week.
This leads us to Lester Quinones. The four-star wing has already taken an official visit to the program and just last week he hosted Penny Hardaway for an in-home visit. Maryland’s Mark Turgeon was also in to see him on Sunday, and the Terps are Memphis’ greatest competition for him. Others including Georgia, Indiana, LSU and Michigan remain involved, but Memphis is the guess as Quinones' ultimate destination.
*****
Yes, Georgetown is definitely the dark horse in the race for Cole Anthony. In the end, it would be a giant surprise if UNC does not win this recruitment. Oregon has been the other big competitor for Anthony in recent months, but the Hoyas did gain some whispers over the past several weeks. A commitment timeline has yet to be set, but it looks as though one will be set later this month. Anthony will be playing at the Geico National High School Championships this week before taking part in the Nike Hoop Summit and the Jordan Brand Classic the following two weeks.
*****
Josh Pierre-Louis brings a major scoring punch to Temple, along with a competitive mindset that should only add more to a backcourt full of firepower at the AAC program. The former UNLV commit backed off of his pledge to the Rebels earlier this month following a coaching change, and the Owls immediately made the three-star guard a priority. He rewarded them with his commitment last week.
Is it a monumental recruiting win for Temple? No, but it is a quality addition for the program and also the first that comes during the Aaron McKie era in Philadelphia. Pierre-Louis will join his brother, sophomore guard Nate Pierre-Louis, next fall, giving the Owls a solid scorer who loves to go up against the best. After adding another solid piece to their perimeter the Owls should have the chance to compete for another NCAA Tournament bid next season.