FanPost

Post Evaluation Period Basketball Recruiting Update

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The first series of AAU events are over and college basketball recruiting has moved into what the NCAA calls a "quiet period." This means coaches cannot officially recruit players, but it does not mean the recruits themselves have gone quiet. This past weekend the Indiana Junior All-Stars met the Kentucky Junior All-Stars on back-to-back nights (which ended in a sweep of the Indiana team) with several Purdue recruits in attendance. Unfortunately for fans, Keion Brooks and Trayce Jackson-Davis were not in attendance as they were in Colorado trying out for the USA U-18 National Team.

Interesting side note, Matt Painter is serving as the chair of the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Committee. He is not serving directly in an on court role, though he is one of many coaches to hold sessions, as Bill Self (Kansas) is serving as head coach. Painter was quoted in multiple publications saying…

"We are excited about the group of players that are competing for roster spots on the 2018 USA Men’s U18 National Team," Matt Painter, chair of the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Committee and Purdue head coach, said in the press release. "This group is a versatile and diverse collection of players that will work together on the court and will represent USA Basketball very well."

I don’t know if this will help in the recruitment of Brooks or Jackson-Davis, but it cannot hurt. But I digress.

Along with the events mentioned above there has been some movement on the Purdue recruiting front. Isaiah Stewart (C - LaLu) cut his list to 10, eliminating Purdue. This was not a big surprise as Purdue never really seemed in the hunt. He did make a visit to Purdue with Tyger Campbell, but when Campbell chose UCLA Purdue’s fate seemed written. Along with losing out on Stewart, Painter made two scholarship offers. Brandon Newman (SG – Valpo, IN) officially received an offer. This was expected as he had been having a strong spring, but more on that below. Painter also put an offer to Dontaie Allen (SF – Pendleton County, KY). Allen has also been on the rise this spring and is a member of the Kentucky Junior All-Stars, though he did not play over the weekend. With these changes to the Purdue recruiting board, below is some updated info on the 2019 class.

Point Guard: (1 on roster - 1 commit - 0 open offers)

Isaish Thompson (6’0", 165 – 247 #185, Composite #250) – COMMITTED

Thompson has been out all spring with an injury that luckily did not require surgery. According to a story from Nathan Baird, Thompson was in uniform over the weekend and is training again, but has not been cleared to play. Hopefully he will be back on the court soon allowing him to play the second half of the summer schedule. The sooner he can be involved again the better. The article quoted Thompson as putting in work recruiting his fellow Junior All-Stars (Gillis, Newman and Franklin) and AAU teammates (Brooks and Jackson-Davis).

Shooting Guard: (2 on roster – 0 commit – 2 open offers)

Armaan Franklin (6’4", 185 – 247 #134, Composite #110) – Chances: 6/10

Franklin is a combo guard that came on strong during his junior year at Cathedral HS in Indianapolis, averaging 23 pts, 7.8 rbs, 3.8 ast and 1.4 stls per game on 54% shooting and 35% from deep. Unfortunately he has not had the spring AAU season he had hoped. Playing for Meanstreets (same team as Newman) on the Nike EYBL circuit, Franklin has averaged 9.9 pts and 4.1 rbs per game, and according to some articles, has struggled with his shooting. Over the weekend Franklin had a strong showing against the Kentucky Junior All-Stars scoring 22 pts on Saturday and 21 pts (9 of 12) Sunday. This came in a game where the Indiana All-Stars played very shorthanded due to injuries and USA team trials (The Indy Star had an interesting story on a Ben Davis player recruited in to help). Purdue, Louisville, Ohio State, Xavier and Butler have all offered Franklin. Xavier is considered the favorite by 247, and he spoke well of them in a recent interview with the Indy Star. Franklin appears to be savvy in regards to recruiting, Penn State women’s basketball coach Coquese Washington is his aunt, and looks to be taking his time. Purdue needs to add a SG in 2019 and Franklin would be a great pick up. Franklin’s recruiting is still wide open, so Purdue has a good chance. Painter and his staff have been putting in the effort, hopefully it pays off. Franklin will visit Purdue later this month.

Brandon Newman (6’3", 170 – 247 #143, Composite #135) – Chances: 7/10

Newman has had a HUGE spring playing alongside Franklin with Meanstreets on the Nike EYBL circuit and has been getting a lot of love. One analysts described him this way earlier this spring, "A good athlete with good length, Newman has proven to be a lethal catch and shoot guy. Newman is almost automatic when he gets a clean look." Video on him shows the same thing. His shot is consistent and looks clean. He is averaging a solid 18.4 pts per game on the EYBL circuit on 43% from deep. This follows a strong junior year at Valparaiso HS (Robbie Hummel’s school) in which he averaged 24.9 pts and 9 rbs per on 50% shooting from the field. Purdue finally offered Newman last week and he would fill the Painter requirement for a shooter. Despite his recent uptick in recruiting, it has not resulted in offers. Purdue, Creighton, Xavier, Kansas State and Florida State are his best offers. If Painter wants him he should push hard. Newman is being recruited by a few prep school basketball factories (LaLu and Montverde) per the Chicago Trib. If he goes to one of those schools and impresses his recruiting will explode.

Wing: (1 on roster - 0 commit – 4 open offers)

Keion Brooks (6’8", 185 – 247 #9, Composite #23) – Chances: 1/10

At this point I feel Brooks needs little to no introduction. He is arguably the top recruit in the state of Indiana and has absolutely DOMINATED on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring for Speice Indy Heat. He has regularly been named as one of the top performs week in and week out on the circuit and he just made the first cut at the USA trials. Brooks is a Glenn Robinson level recruit, one that changes a program (even if just for one year). He presently holds offers from IU, Kentucky, Louisville, Mich…you get the point, everyone wants him. Not long ago Michigan State was considered the strong favorite, but IU and Kentucky have come on strong as of late (thought I think the UK rumors are more UK supporters from the way they read). He has made one comment that might give Purdue hope, saying he thinks about what it would mean to represent an in-state school, but he said this when asked about IU. Brooks would be an amazing pick up, but even an optimist like myself must admit we have a snowball’s chance in hell. Hopefully Painter does not throw in the towel, but the odds are very long.

Malik Hall (6’7", 190 – 247 #91, Composite #59) – Chances: 7/10

Another player gathering offers, Hall has had a good spring on the Nike EYBL circuit. He plays for MOKAN out of Kansas City and has averaged 14.3 pts, 5.3 rbs on 55% shooting from the floor. Hall is a good athlete who can shoot from range and get to the basket. Interestingly, he graduated from Sunrise Christian Academy (Matt Haarms’ school) in May, but did not want to reclassify and be a 17-year-old freshman, so he is attending the Sunrise Christian prep school in the fall. This will allow him to focus more on basketball and get him more college ready. In a recent interview Hall listed off his top 6 schools, but said the list could grow. Those schools were, in the order he gave, Purdue, Oregon, TCU, Oklahoma, Texas and Notre Dame. Despite this, Kansas is still considered the favorite. Villanova has recently thrown their hat in the ring as well. Hall has visited Purdue previously and plans to visit Oregon, Nova, Texas and Louisville soon. Hall is originally from Chicago and his mother still lives there, so proximity could help Purdue. Kansas and Nova will be hard to overcome, but Purdue was in on him early and has kept him as a top target. Hopefully this pays off in the end.

Mason Gillis (6’6", 215 – 247 #163, Composite #134) – Chances: 8/10

Gillis missed almost 6 weeks this spring after having knee surgery. He saw his first action of the spring recently playing for Indy Elite on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit. Though I could not find stats, he was noted for being a top player that weekend. He sat out the Junior All-Star games with Thompson as a precaution, saying he is still not 100%, but feels good. Gillis visited Purdue earlier this spring and has visits set for Xavier and IU. Purdue is considered the favorite, but Butler, Xavier and BC have all offered and will look to steal him away.

Dontaie Allen (6’6", 185 – 247 #156, Composite #213) – Chances: 6/10

Allen is a bit of an under the radar player not playing for a big name high school or on one of the major AAU circuits. Allen plays for MATTS Mustangs an independent travel program, but was named as a "breakout player" this spring by analysts on 247 stating, "Allen is a highly skilled prospect who can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-6. He isn't the most fluid or explosive athlete, but Allen creates a ton of space with his step back jumper, and then also has an excellent looking shooting stroke. Beyond that Allen can pass, is a solid rebounder, and makes others better as well. It is a matter of time before he begins to get high-major offers." Allen was also an All-State selection in Kentucky and was named to the Junior All-Star team (thought he did not play this last weekend). In HS he was the third leading scorer in the state averaging 31.8 pts per game on 59% from the field and 39% from deep (74 of 187). Allen admittedly does not know a lot about Purdue and said they compare him to "Prince Edwards" (not a good sign) but he seems to reciprocate their interest in interviews. Allen recently visited Kentucky, though they have not offered. Purdue, Western Kentucky, Nevada, Xavier and Providence appear in the lead, but his recruiting is just beginning.

Power Forward/Center: (4 on roster – 0 commit – 3 open offers)

Trayce Jackson-Davis (6’8", 210 – 247 #22, Composite #20) Chances: 3/10

TJD is another player that needs little to no introduction. He is also in that argument for the best recruit in the state of Indiana and also just made the first cut at the USA trials. TJD holds offers from a smaller list than Brooks, but continues to grow. Right now IU is considered the runaway favorite. He talks about IU a lot and has visited the campus several times. He also plays in the southern suburbs of Indianapolis, an IU stronghold. TJD has had a monster spring and was described this way after a dominant performance "Jackson-Davis has terrific hands and impressive touch around the game. Perhaps his biggest strength is his unique and versatile scoring attack. Jackson-Davis can make mid-range jump shots, finishes with both hands at the rim and is athletic enough to finish above the rim through contact." Purdue is still considered in the running, but like Brooks will be a long shot. In an interview he spoke about his visit with Painter and talked about Purdue’s record of developing and using their big men, but did not sound overly interested. I am sure Painter and his staff will stay on him, but he too is a long shot.

Zeke Nnaji (6’10", 215 – 247 #29, Composite #187) – Chances: 3/10

Nnaji has soared up the rankings this spring. He has probably made the biggest jump from one set of rankings to the next going from #200+ on 247 to the #29 position. Looking at film of him you will understand why. Nnaji has plus athleticism, good size and strength and has legitimate 3-point range, with a shot that is clean and fluid. Not to oversell him, but he looks a lot like Kyle Kuzma. Nnaji plays on the same AAU team as the #1 PF in the nation, but still is able to impress scouts. He has been adding offers all spring from teams across the country. Purdue got in before the rush, but probably not early enough. Minnesota (the state where he is from) and Wisconsin were his first two major offers and are considered to favorites. Nnaji has talked about close family friends that live in Madison, Wisconsin and how nice it would be to play there. Purdue is in with a shot, but as his profile grows and the offers role in, it will be a fight to get him out of Minnesota.

Drew Timme (6’9", 210 – 247 76, Composite #106) – Chances: ?/10

Timme has been a hard recruit to follow. It is clear he is racking up offers, but finding stats, information on how he is developing or which way he might be leaning is nearly impossible. Timme added an offer from Texas recently and spoke about his excitement at having an offer from every major school in Texas. I don’t know if this means he wants to stay in-state, but I wouldn’t take it as a good sign. Purdue was on Timme before any other big name school and he has made a trip up to West Lafayette. If you watch film on the kid he is skilled athlete with range out to the 3-point line. He is also a good passer of the ball. Beyond that it is hard to project much about him. He holds offers from every major school in Texas plus Bama, Creighton, Purdue, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Michigan State, Kansas and Virginia.

Breakdown

From what I have been able to gather here is how I see Purdue’s current position.

Committed:

Isaiah Thompson – Strong commit. I see no reason to question it.

Strong Position:

Brandon Newman – Purdue and Xavier are his best offers. IU has been sniffing around but only holds to open scholarships and is chasing much bigger fish. He also comes from an area Purdue has generally recruited well. Who might Purdue lose to? Xavier. They offered first and have built a good relationship.

Mason Gillis – Purdue is generally considered the favorite. His injury in the spring kept him out of the view of other schools. Purdue has also said they will let him play baseball as well. Who might Purdue lose to? Butler or Ohio State. Butler has a strong connection with New Castle HS and Holtman was recruiting while at Butler.

Good Position:

Armaan Franklin – Purdue, Xavier and Louisville are his top offers. Purdue has been on him for a while and appears to have built a strong relationship. Who might Purdue lose to? Xavier. Franklin has a very strong relationship with Steele and Xavier was the first major program to offer. Xavier also has a glut of open scholarships so they can wait him out.

Malik Hall – Hall has spoken well of Purdue and their program on multiple occasions. He regularly names them in the schools that he is most interested in and are recruiting him the hardest. Purdue has a good connection with his HS coach and is recruiting a teammate and friend of his in the 2020 class. Who might Purdue lose to? Villanova. I personally do not think he will end up at Kansas. They only have one open scholarship and are chasing bigger fish. Nova on the other hand just offered and he is already planning to visit.

Dontaie Allen – Allen may not know who VINCE Edwards is, but he appears excited at the premise of playing for Purdue. Purdue is also the only Power 6 school to offer so far. If he remains under the radar, Purdue could get a steal. Who might Purdue lose to? Xavier or Louisville. Xavier and Louisville have been sniffing around but have not offered. That said, both are close to home (less than 50 miles) and he has mentioned both in interviews.

In with a Shot:

Zeke Nnaji – He has not said much about Purdue, but they would be a good fit for his skill set and, at the moment, are a stronger program then Wisconsin and Minnesota. Who might Purdue lose to? Wisconsin or Minnesota. Minnesota is home and Wisconsin is the favorite. He also has family friends that live in Madison. He will be a tough get, but skill set to program, Purdue is a great match.

Trayce Jackson-Davis – Jackson-Davis appears to be a Big Ten lean. What I mean by that is almost all of the programs he has mentioned in interviews are Big Ten schools. IU, Michigan State and Ohio State all want him, but each has a reason for him not to go there. IU only had two open scholarships and is in the fight for the top PF in the country (who plays on the Adidas circuit, couldn’t help myself), along with Trendon Watford (name should sound familiar), Keion Brooks and a top guard from Georgia. Too many bodies for too few scholarships. Ohio State already signed a 5-star PF and only has one remaining scholarship. Michigan State is in the hunt for two of the best bigs in the nation and have more pressing matters considering thsy added two top 50 bigs in 2018. Who might Purdue lose to? IU. TJD talks about IU a lot and everyone thinks he is a lock to go there. Painter has to hope a few players get in before TJD commits.

A Snowball’s Chance in Hell:

Keion Brooks – Not going to happen. He comes from a Purdue hotbed and I would love to see this guy in Gold and Black, even for just one season, but it isn’t going to happen. Who might Purdue lose to? Take your pick. Michigan State is the favorite, but he said in an interview he thinks about representing the state of Indiana, so IU has a good shot. Kentucky has thrown their hat in the ring too and I cannot name a player we have beaten Kentucky to.

With current information I am hoping for a class comprised of Isaiah Thompson, Mason Gillis, Malik Hall and Armaan Franklin or Brandon Newman (leaning a bit toward Newman after his spring). I am not saying I would not take the other guys, but this is what I think Purdue can get and it would be a good class too. I want Painter to aim for the stars, but not pass on a good class for a slim chance at an amazing class.

UPDATE:

The USA Under-18 Men's National Team has announced their official 12-man roster and there is, in my opinion, a massive surprise. Trayce Jackson-Davis was named to the final roster (not a surprise), but Keion Brooks was not (massive surprise). The roster is listed below. A few quick notes on this roster in regards to Purdue. The team is coached by Bill Self (Kansas), who is pursuing many of these players. While he is not allowed to recruit while coaching, everyone knows he is. The only player on this list Purdue is chasing is TJD who is not, at present, considering Kansas. Other players of note to Purdue fans would be Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois commit, 2018), Matthew Hurt (IU and Minn in the hunt, 2019), Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky commit who is openly recruiting Brooks to Kentucky, 2019) and MArk "Rocket" Watts (Michigan and MSU leading in his recruiting, 2019).

U-18 Roster:

Cole Anthony (Archbishop Molloy H.S./Briarwood, N.Y.); Armando Bacot (Trinity Episcopal School/Richmond, Va.); Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park H.S./Chicago, Ill.); Quentin Grimes (College Park H.S./The Woodlands, Texas); Kamaka Hepa (Jefferson H.S./Barrow, Alaska); Matthew Hurt (John Marshall H.S./Rochester, Minn.); Trayce Jackson-Davis (Center Grove H.S./Greenwood, Ind.); Josiah James (Porter-Gaud School/Charleston, S.C.); Tyrese Maxey (South Garland H.S./Dallas, Texas); Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Bishop Miege H.S./Shawnee Mission, Kan.); Mark Watts Jr. (Old Redford Academy/Detroit, Mich.); and Coby White (Greenfield H.S./Goldsboro, N.C.).

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