2017 Recruit Watch

[George]

This may come as a shock to all of you, but Michael Porter, Jr. announced his commitment to Missouri. They'll probably land his brother, as well, after he reclassifies.

Personally, I'm kind of happy about this. It would have sucked to see him (them) go to a Kansas or Duke, and having him in the SEC means we'll actually get to see him play. Plus I'm all for good competition in our league.

[George]

And please go back, look at the list in the OP, and take a moment to appreciate the job Cal pulled off with this class. We landed five guys on that list and are still in play for two more.

[Joneslab]

Interesting interview with Mo Bamba by Evan Daniels. Not anything earth-shattering, but he does use the word "positionless" (a Cal word) and he talks about how bad it is for high schoolers that college guys can test the waters and maybe come back.

Seems legitimately torn, and I love the answer where he talks about "big rocks." Sounds like a thoughtful young man and I hope we can land him.

http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1766253-what-s-the-latest-on-five-star-mohamed-bamba

[justford]

Uh oh! Mom really liked the Duke visit

[Joneslab]

Bamba is a monster.

http://www.courtsidefilms.com/news_article/show/774714?referrer_id=

[George]

KSR just teased a third mystery recruit who's allegedly on Cal's radar for next year's class. Going to reveal the name later today.

EDIT: And the veil has been lifted: kid by the name of Mark Smith. Cal's response to the current discussion in the main thread, I guess.

[Joneslab]

KSR just teased a third mystery recruit who's allegedly on Cal's radar for next year's class. Going to reveal the name later today.

EDIT: And the veil has been lifted: kid by the name of Mark Smith.

Elite shooter.

[George]

Elite shooter.

Exactly what we're lacking.

[dcaudle68]

Any thoughts on Illinois Mr Basketball Mark Smith from Edwardsville? Hearing UK has interest. Played right down the road from me. Very good prospect with many offers.

edit: sorry someone else mentioned him just above.

[lilproUK98]

Elite shooter.

This is very intriguing. Like many recruitments do, it comes down to whether or not he wants to be a part of a group or be the highest or 2nd highest profile guy on his team...

Battling lots of programs for this guy, but if he wants the UK spotlight, he's a big piece to next year's puzzle and a great piece for the near future IMO.

Green, Diallo, Alexander, and this kid, Smith would be a more than capable and diverse backcourt for next year's team.

[lilproUK98]

Cal's pitch to him has to be: "Look at what Booker, Murray, and now Monk have done at UK...now, you can continue that."...

6-5 and can shoot just like those guys...... BRING HIM IN CAL

[dcaudle68]

Smith is a unique guy who was baseball first (Had signed with Mizzou for baseball his junior year then blew up in the summer league then carried it through the basketball season. Late bloomer to the basketball scene so to speak but no less a top tier prospect.

[Matt Dillon]

Smith is a unique guy who was baseball first (Had signed with Mizzou for baseball his junior year then blew up in the summer league then carried it through the basketball season. Late bloomer to the basketball scene so to speak but no less a top tier prospect.

Is there any chance he will forego college to play MLB?

[lilproUK98]

Is there any chance he will forego college to play MLB?

From what I understand, he's all but given up on baseball since his elbow problem. He started to focus solely on bball and has seen that payoff big time it seems.

[dcaudle68]

From what I understand, he's all but given up on baseball since his elbow problem. He started to focus solely on bball and has seen that payoff big time it seems.

My understanding as well is that he is all basketball now.