Recruits Zone (Blake Smith)
@recruitszone
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Basketball Recruiting Updates | DMs are always open | Follow the Instagram: @recruitszone | Writer & Scout for @madehoops
Joined August 2020
Been waiting to publicly announce this for a minute now, but I’m BEYOND blessed to be able to join the MadeHoops team as a scout & writer!! 🙏🏼. I truly appreciate @BflinnHoops & @MaxFeldman6 for the opportunity!
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JUCO prospect Dior Johnson continues to absolutely dominate at the JUCO level. It’s safe to say that he could not miss at ALL tonight, finishing the game with:. • 40 PTS.• 4 REBS.• 3 ASTS.• 14/18 FG.• 1/2 3FG.• 9/9 FT. Multiple High-Major D1s involved in his recruitment.
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Watched Kentucky’s exhibition blowout win tonight against eight-time D2 National Champions, Kentucky Wesleyan. I can’t lie… Some of the most BEAUTIFUL ball movement I’ve seen from a squad in a long time, at any level of basketball. Very unselfish team that showed to be highly
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Dior Johnson has finished the regular season as the nation’s leading scorer in the NJCAA. 🤯. Averaged 27.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 6 APG, 40% 3FG, 53% 2FG, & 85% FT this season. 🔥
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JUCO RS-Freshman Dior Johnson once again put on a show yesterday against Midland College. Johnson finished the game with:.• 35 PTS.• 11/18 FG.• 3/4 3FG.• 4 ASTS.• 4 REBS
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Jarett R. Lewis, Acaden Lewis’ father, just gave some super high praise for Kentucky in a X space. 🔥. “I don’t get why every recruit isn’t banging on the f***ing door to go to Kentucky at this point.” . Mark Pope has COMPLETELY rejuvenated the program.
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Former 5 🌟 prospect Dior Johnson stuffed the stat sheet tonight in his college debut for Clarendon College, finishing with:. • 23 PTS.• 10 ASTS.• 6 REBS. Dior still doing Dior things. 🎯
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Dior Johnson continues to dominate at the JUCO level. Tonight in a 88-76 win over New Mexico Military Institute, he finished with:. • 32 PTS.• 10 ASTS.• 5 REBS.• 12/16 FG.• 1/2 3FG. Hearing from several D1s. 🔥
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Dior Johnson just went OFF with a 40 ball to help lead his team to a win over top-5 ranked Odessa College!. Johnson finished with:. • 40 PTS.• 3 ASTS.• 3 REBS.• 11/18 FG.• 17/18 FT. Hearing from many different High-Major D1 schools. 👀
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Otega Oweh. That’s it. That’s the whole message.
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Another day, another Dior Johnson 40 ball (for the 4th game in a row). Finished tonight in a win with: . • 42 PTS.• 10 REBS.• 6 ASTS.• 5 STLS. 🚨: Leading scorer currently in NJCAA D1. It’s same to say that Dior will be right back at a HM D1 school next year. 👀
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Former 5 🌟 prospect Dior Johnson looked like a true lead guard in a blowout win over Western Oklahoma JC today, in just his 2nd game. He finished the game with 13 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, & just 1 turnover. 6’3 Guard. Looking like vintage-Dior once again. 🔥
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Dior Johnson continues to excel on the JUCO route! Tonight against Howard CC (TX), he finished with:. • 30 PTS.• 10 REBS.• 7 ASTS.• 3 STLS
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Playoffs? No problem at all for Dior Johnson. He just finished with 43 PTS, 6 ASTS, & 5 REBS against Range College in the first round of the NJCAA Region V Tournament. High-Major talent still… ✅
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Top-10 2024 prospect Jarin Stevenson tells me that he will be taking an official visit to Missouri the weekend of March 4th.
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Former 5 🌟 prospect & 5th-year senior Keion Brooks Jr. just went OFF against Northern Kentucky, in a win:. • 32 PTS (😳).• 10 REBS.• 2 ASTS .• 11/16 FG.• 3 STLS. WOW.
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Dior Johnson continued to do his thing tonight in what could potentially be his final JUCO game. Finished with 40 PTS, 6 REBS, & 6 ASTS in the NJCAA Region V Championship, despite the loss, against the #1 ranked JUCO team, South Plains College. High-Major D1 🔜
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Washington (F) Keion Brooks Jr. has signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, a source tells me. Averaged 21.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, shot 38% from 3, & shot 48.7% from the field this season. Was named to the 1st Team All-Pac 12 as well.
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Montana State transfer RaeQuan Battle tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:. Alabama.Kansas State.UCLA.Texas.Oregon.Texas Tech.Georgia Tech.Wake Forest.Utah State.USF.Oklahoma.Cal Berkeley. Former 4 🌟 prospect.
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INFO: SUNO (NAIA) transfer Jamal Gibson (@2tall_x ) has committed to New Orleans, per his announcement. Gibson has one of the cooler hoop stories I’ve heard in a while. 27 year-old forward that has won lots of awards, averaging 23 PPG & 16 RPG. Didn’t graduate HS originally,
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Top-65 2025 prospect Trent Sisley will be taking an unofficial visit to Indiana on Sunday, a source tells me. Will be in attendance for their game against Michigan State. Priority recruit for the Hoosiers. 👀
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Kira Reynolds, a Purdue signee, put up video game numbers this weekend against New Prairie HS (IN). 🎮 🔥. Women’s hoops is on the RISE. 📈
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NBA enthusiasts. NCAA gurus. Buy stock in Christian Anderson, NOW. 📈. Just had 18 PTS (4/4 3FG), 3 REBS, 2 STLS, & 2 ASTS against #3 Iowa State. Anderson is an extremely crafty guard who’s unbothered by tight coverage, tough shot-maker, & elevates high for his shots.
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Former 5 🌟 prospect Dior Johnson is continuing his hot start to his season, as tonight he went off against Western Texas College, finishing with:. • 32 points.• 7 assists.• 5 rebounds . The get back is underway. 🙌🏼
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Pretty fascinating news from the NCAA today. They granted a waiver giving non-NCAA athletes (JUCO, NAIA, etc.) an extra year of eligibility for the 2025-26 NCAA season, if they competed at a non NCAA school for 1+ years. CBB & recruiting is about to CHANGE even more. 😳
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Top-15 2026 prospect TJ Crumble tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Cincinnati this weekend.
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Top-15 2025 prospect & mint North Carolina commit Caleb Wilson flirted with a triple-double tonight against a quality Grayson HS (GA) squad, finishing with:. • 28 PTS.• 12 REBS.• 6 BLKS. Unreal performance on both sides of the floor tonight by the future Tarheel. 🔥
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St. Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:. Duke.UConn.Kentucky.Florida.USC.Virginia.Villanova.Alabama.Creighton.Michigan.Ole Miss.California .Colorado.St. John’s.Xavier.Arkansas. Big time portal prospect. 👀
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Kentucky‘s John Calipari, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, Michigan’s Juwan Howard, Indiana’s Mike Woodson, & more are expected to be in tonight for Top-3 2024 prospect Flory Bidunga. Massive haul of coaches tonight in for what could be game of the year.
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Top-5 2024 prospect Flory Bidunga continued his dominance tonight in his game with a massive triple-double. He had 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 blocks. Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s head coach, was in attendance.
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INFO: Robert Morris transfer Amarion Dickerson tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the transfer portal:. Louisville.NC State.Kansas State. Had 25 PTS against Alabama in his Round of 32 NCAA Tournament game this past weekend.
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Former 4 🌟 prospect Josiah Harris has earned his master’s degree at just 20 years old. 👨🎓. Has graduated every year for the last 4 years‼️:.• 2021- Associates Degree.• 2022- HS Diploma.• 2023- Bachelor’s degree as a freshman .• 2024- Masters degree as a sophomore
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Former 5 🌟 prospect Keion Brooks Jr. dazzled in his professional debut yesterday against Mexico City Capitanes. 😮💨. Finished with 31 PTS, 6 REBS, 11/18 FG, 3 3PM, & 2 BLKS. 🔥. Great debut for the former Kentucky Wildcat & Washingtons Husky.
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Auburn’s HC Bruce Pearl was in tonight for Top-3 2024 prospect Flory Bidunga, per reports. Big recruiting target for the Tigers in ‘24.
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2025 prospects, June 15th is creeping upon us. Starting at midnight eastern time on the 15th, college coaches will be able to directly contact ‘25 hoopers. Huge & exciting night in the recruiting world coming soon.🔥
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Top-25 2027 prospect Jason Gardner Jr. tells me that he has scheduled a couple of unofficial visits for this month:. • DePaul - October 16th.• Indiana - October 18th. Gardner Jr. is a speedy guard, who’s extremely quick off the dribble. Has excellent court vision. Very
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2024 prospect Karion Brooks scored his first career varsity points on Thursday. At birth, doctors told his family he would not make it past 24 hours. Karion beat the odds & is an inspiration today. 🙏🏼
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Stephon Castle had one of his most productive performances of the season tonight against the Lakers, finishing with:. • 23 PTS (62.5% FG).• 4 REBS.• 2 STLS.• 1 AST. Aggressive slashing guard that was quick to the rack tonight. Scored from 3 levels tonight & had 14 PTS in 3Q.
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Hofstra transfer Aaron Estrada tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:. Alabama .Temple .Texas Tech .Arkansas .Seton Hall.Arizona .Cincinnati .Florida State.Kansas State.Washington State.Nc State.Ole Miss.Tennessee
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UPDATE: Louisville is expected to be in tomorrow for 2026 prospect Cash Whitehead, a source tells me. 6’4 PG out of Eastern HS, located in Louisville, KY.
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INFO: Tulane transfer Kam Williams tells me that he’s heard from the following schools since entering the portal:. Florida .Louisville .Kentucky.St. John’s.Texas Tech.Mississippi St.USC. MANY others. Averaged 9.3 PPG & shot 41% from 3 this year. Testing the NBA Draft waters also
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Absolute MASTERCLASS of a performance just put together by Top-3 2025 prospect Cooper Flagg in his first EYBL Session game this summer. Flagg finished with 52 points & 12 rebounds, while shooting 16/18 from the field. Wow. Just wow.
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National Initial Contact Period Day is finally here, 2026 Prospects‼️. Be sure to:.• Have your phone charged.• DND turned off.• Enjoy the night. • Respond to college coaches. Praying everything goes smoothly for all prospects.
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Josh Hubbard just had himself a career high night in points against #4 Alabama. 🔥. Finished with 38 PTS (career high), 6 3PM, & 3 ASTS. Most points in a game by a SEC player vs a AP Top-5 team in the past 25 years. 😱. Hubbard showcased his blazing speed off the dribble, high
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Top-55 2026 prospect Herly Brutus tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Florida on August 31st. 🐊
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Top-10 2025 prospect Meleek Thomas took a trip down to Arkansas for an official visit over the weekend. 🐗. Next elite talent to join the Calipari factory? 👀
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Alabama transfer Kris Parker tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:. Illinois.Kentucky.UCF.Ole Miss.Ohio St.Oregon.Memphis.Maryland.Miami.Cincinnati .Vanderbilt.Tulsa.Marshall.FAU.Fresno St.San Diego St.UTSA.Arkansas St.Kennesaw St.GSU
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Texas A&M transfer Javonte Brown tells me that he will be taking an official visit to San Diego State on April 25th. Former 4 🌟 prospect.
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Attention all 2025 hoopers: tonight is the moment that you have probably been waiting on forever. At midnight eastern time tonight, college coaches can finally directly contact ‘25 prospects. One of the coolest days in the recruiting calendar❗️.
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INFO: Illinois will be in today to see Top-20 2026 prospect Deron Rippey Jr., a source tells me. @rippey_deron
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South Carolina’s Arden Conyers came into today averaging just 0.8 PPG & just 1 3PM on the season. Today against the #2 team in the country, Auburn, he has bypassed those numbers:. • 13 PTS.• 3 3PM.• 2 REBS.• 1 STL. Excelling in spot up and catch & shoot opportunities today.
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Few weeks ago, I had tweeted out that I was extremely impressed with Mark Pope’s offensive scheme in their 1st exhibition game. Tonight, the Wildcats proved my point. Example A of how beautiful the new era Kentucky offense is shown below from their game against Bucknell. ⬇️
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INFO: Top-45 2026 prospect Jalan Wingfield tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Cincinnati this weekend on October 19th. 👀. Wingfield is a long, versatile forward that is a reliable three-level scorer. Finishes well around the rim & can shoot it well behind the
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INFO: 2027 dual-sport athlete Kavian Bryant tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit for basketball tomorrow, November 8th, at Texas Tech. 👀
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Top-130 2023 prospect & Kansas State signee Macaleab Rich had a dominant performance yesterday with 29 points and 18 rebounds.
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Top-3 2024 prospect Flory Bidunga was a presence on both sides of the floor today in two games today at the 1st 3SSB session of the summer, averaging 20 PPG, 5 RPG, & 6.5 BPG. Remains a high priority for Kentucky, Cincinnati, Auburn, and Michigan amongst others.
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Top-5 2025 prospect Meleek Thomas had yet another dominant performance yesterday, this time with Kentucky’s HC John Calipari in attendance. Thomas finished with:. • 22 PTS .• 16 REBS.• 10 ASTS. Kentucky offered him earlier this year in late April.
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Top-10 2026 prospect Ikenna Alozie has received an offer from Alabama, he tells me. 🐘
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Top-25 2025 prospect Chris Cenac Jr. has received an offer from Louisville, a source tells me. Had a huge weekend at West Mania, playing for YGC Pro16.
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Top-15 2025 prospect Bryson Tiller has cut his list down to 4, per Eric Bossi:. Auburn.Kansas.Indiana.Georgia Tech. Has taken official visits to all of the schools in his final 4. 👀
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One of the top uncommitted rising seniors in the state of Georgia & 2024 prospect Anthony Alston has committed to Appalachian State, he tells me. Big time steal for the Mountaineers.
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INFO: 2027 four-star prospect Kavian Bryant has received an offer from Texas Tech, he tells me. Dual-sport athlete; also received a football offer from Texas Tech.
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Top-150 2024 prospect Jack Robison was putting on a scoring clinic this weekend at EYBL Session 4 in Memphis, TN, averaging 22.5 PPG for Howard Pulley EYCL 17U. Wisconsin is getting themselves a legit prospect.
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2025 prospect Cornelius Ingram Jr. has heard from the following schools since the initial contact period began, a source tells me: . Ole Miss.Florida.FAMU (offer). Son of former NFL player and dual-sport athlete at Florida, Cornelius Ingram.
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Top-30 2025 prospect Malachi Moreno checking in with me from Kentucky tonight during his visit at Big Blue Madness. Big visitor for the Wildcats. 👀
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2024 track prospect Malik Allen has committed to Illinois, he tells me. Was a quality HS basketball hooper, before gaining traction from D1s for track. @Kingallenupnext
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Top-25 2026 prospect Keiner Asprilla tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Missouri on Friday.
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Top-10 2025 prospect Jalen Haralson was in attack mode this morning against defending EYBL 17U champs, Mokan Elite, finishing with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and shot 16/16 from the FT line. Holds offers from Indiana, Purdue, Auburn, Michigan, Michigan State, & more.
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INFO: Top-55 2026 prospect Neiko Mundey tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Florida this weekend on October 19th. 🐊 . High-level ball handler with a smooth game, long wing-span, explosive & finishes well at the rim.
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Top-15 2027 prospect Martay Barnes tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to South Carolina on Saturday. 🐓
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INFO: BYU freshman transfer Kanon Catchings completed an official visit to Georgia on April 1st-2nd, a source tells me. Had a season high of 23 PTS (8/8 FG, 4/4 3FG) against Baylor. High upside prospect with early first round NBA Draft potential
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Top-10 2024 prospect Jalil Bethea checking in tonight from the University of Miami (FL), during his official visit. 🔥
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Justin Edwards had himself a breakout game tonight against the Thunder. 📈. He finished with 25 PTS (career high), 6 REBS, 4 ASTS, 1 STL, 70.4 TS%, & 4 3PM. Edwards looked extremely comfortable off the dribble, getting to his spots at a high rate, & scoring at all 3 levels.
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2024 3 🌟 prospect & Oklahoma commit Dayton Forsythe will be signing his National Letter of Intent today at 2:30 PM CT, his father tells me. #BoomerSooner
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2027 prospect Josh Van Kallen will be taking an unofficial visit this weekend to South Carolina on October 26th, a source tells me. 6’3 CG. Ranked #20 in SC on Prep Hoops.
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Top-75 2025 prospect Eli Ellis tells me that he has heard from the following schools since the initial contact period began: Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Providence, Mississippi State, College of Charleston, and Old Dominion.
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Top-35 2026 prospect Steven Reynolds III will be taking an unofficial visit to Illinois tomorrow, he tells me. 👀. Will be in attendance for their game against Nebraska.
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2023 Top-3 prospect J.J. Taylor has received a Futurecast from Travis Graf to Kentucky… 👀 #Kentucky
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Top-3 2024 prospect Flory Bidunga was absolutely dominant this morning in an IHSAA 4A North semi-state semifinals matchup against FW Wayne (IN), finishing with 31 pts, 19 rebs, 8 blks, & 11/13 FG. Also reached the 1k career points milestone.
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2024 three-star prospect Clarence Payia tells me that he has heard from Xavier, UNLV, UConn, and LSU this weekend. Averaged 11.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1 SPG, & 62.5% from 3 at the 1st EYBL session of the summer in Atlanta, GA. Very underrated prospect out of Texas.
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INFO: 2026 prospect Tobias Brinkley will be in attendance tonight for Auburn’s game against Tennessee, he tells me. Brinkley is a southpaw combo-guard with plus positional size, smooth operator, and utilizes soft touch with his shot & around the rim. Out for his junior season,
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Top-3 2025 prospect Koa Peat tells me that he has received an offer from Kentucky. Also just had 29 pts, 8 rebs, & 6 asts at 3SSB with Kentucky’s John Calipari & Chin Coleman in attendance.
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Top-35 2024 prospect Asa Newell tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Indiana on Monday. Recently announced that he will be attending Montverde Academy (FL) for the 22-23 HS season.
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INFO: RMU transfer Amarion Dickerson will be taking a visit to Kansas State “soon,” a source tells me. Visit to USC over the weekend went well, I’m told. Missouri, Cincinnati, Xavier, Oklahoma, and Villanova are the latest to reach out.
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2023 five-star CG Mikey Williams tells me that he has been contacted so far by Tennessee State since the contact period began tonight (@619PRESIDENTIAL ).
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INFO: Ole Miss, USC, Syracuse, & Seton Hall are the latest schools to reach out to RMU transfer Amarion Dickerson, a source tells me. Averaged 13.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 1.3 APG, 1 SPG, & 53% FG this season. Had 25 PTS/9 REBS/3 STLS/2 BLKS in the Round of 64 game vs Alabama.👀
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The Woj Era at St. Bonaventure is in FULL effect. 👀. Three HS prospects have been offered within the past couple days, including:.• Joe Sterling - PG - 2026.• Jachai Cantave - PG - 2026.• Zach White - SG - 2026. The WojBomb offer edit is INSANE. 🔥 @wojespn
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2023 three-star Purdue football commit & dual-sport athlete Jaron Tibbs went off tonight in a win over Centerville (OH), with 33 points.
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Top-30 2025 prospect Kiyan Anthony just displayed his smooth scoring game against NY Rebs 17u at the Memphis EYBL Session, finishing with:. • 25 PTS.• 6 REBS.• 4 ASTS. Holds offers from Syracuse, Florida State, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Memphis, Michigan, & more.
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2026 four-star prospect Ashton Pierce tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to South Carolina next weekend. 🐔. Pierce is a 6’3 guard that does a majority of his damage off the dribble. Has a quick first step.
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2023 five-star PG Braelon Green tells me that he has scheduled three official visits:.- October 16th ✈️ Missouri .- October 22nd ✈️ Marquette .- October 30th ✈️ Michigan State. @BraelonGreen1
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TJ Crumble on his official visit this weekend at Texas A&M. 🤠🔥
INFO: 2026 HM prospect TJ Crumble will be taking his 1st official visit this weekend to Texas A&M, he tells me (@madehoops ). Extremely physical forward who imposes his will in the paint. Rebounds at an advanced level. Cutting his list down on Valentine’s Day as well, as he
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The 2023 contact period is officially here. College coaches can now contact 2023 prospects. Be ready for a busy night full of info loaded tweets!.
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@TheFieldOf68 @GoodmanHoops @coachbrucepearl @CoachMarkPope @CoachUnderwood @CoachShakaSmart @Coach_DeVries @patkelsey @JonScheyer @coachdgates @CoachToddGolden 1A.) Pat Kelsey.1B.) Bruce Pearl.1C.) Mark Pope. (in no real order); Can’t really go wrong with either of these 3.
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2026 prospect Isaac Ellis tells me that he will be taking an unofficial visit to South Carolina this Saturday. 🐓
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Top-25 2025 prospect Malachi Moreno continued his massive stock-rising year thus far, yesterday against Bishop O’Connell (VA). Moreno finished the 2OT Championship game with:. • 24 PTS.• 25 REB.• 2 AST.• 2 BLKS. Big time prospect in the making. 👏
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2024 3 🌟 prospect & Oklahoma signee Dayton Forsythe went OFF on Saturday with 49 PTS against Metamora (IL) in the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions. Averaged 31 PTS in the 4 games at the tourney. 🪣
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