Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Nashville, TN (Future150) -- With the end of the college season rapidly approaching, players are beginning to declare for the NBA draft, as well as transfer. While schools have been evaluating, targeting, and recruiting the class of 2015 over the past few months already, now is when things really begin to take off in their recruiting cycle. Here at Future150, we are going to take a quick look on what each team is losing, who they are bringing in, and who they’ve targeted in the class of 2015. Last week we started with American Athletic Conference, which was broken into two parts, this being part two. Keep an eye out for the ACC breakdown next week.
Rutgers
Who they lose: The Scarlet Knights lose a couple of important pieces in PF Wally Judge and one year transfer, SF J.J. Moore. In addition, PG Jerome Seagears, CG Craig Brown, and G D'Von Campbell have all decided to transfer as well, leaving them a bit thin at guard.
Who they bring in: Former Miami (FL) SG Bishop Daniels comes in via JuCo, while CG Mike Williams will give them a shooter with some NYC flair to his game. CF D.J. Foreman has improved rapidly over the past year and will be capable of playing either forward position and should be a major headache to cover as a stretch-four. Finally, C Ibrahima Diallo brings a defensive presence and will be a solid rebounder who can run the floor.
Who they are targeting: With two commits in the fold already in CF Leroy Butts and SF Austin Burnette, Rutgers is prepared for the departure of Kadeem Jack and Malik Kone after next season. The Scarlet Knights will be looking to shore up their backcourt, as Myles Mack is set to graduate next year as well. CG Bryant Crawford and CG Isaiah Briscoe are atop the list, and keeping Briscoe close to home would be a major get for the program. Two more names to keep an eye on are sharp-shooting wing Jared Wilson-Frame and fast rising guard Trey Lowe, who has drawn a couple of high major offers, including Rutgers, in the past month. The Scarlet Knights also have a couple of offers out to impact bigs such as Cheick Diallo, Carlton Bragg, and Moustapha Diagne. Landing any one of the three would make this a massive class and signal the program’s return to prominence.
SMU
Who they lose: SG Nick Russell was one of the main reasons SMU was nationally relevant but the senior guard has exhausted his eligibility after falling in the NIT. Shawn Williams was a solid forward coming off the bench this past season but the emergence of Ben Moore makes his departure less pressing.
Who they bring in: PG Emmanuel Mudiay is one of the top players in the 2014 class and should step in alongside Nic Moore and Keith Frazier from the jump. His size and play making ability will allow him to play either position and have an impact.
Who they are targeting: They aren’t done in 2014, as the Mustangs are still in the Myles Turner sweepstakes. SG's Pat McCaw and Dom Matthews are both potential late additions as well. In 2015, the Mustangs have had players such as PF Elijah Thomas and SF Admon Gilder on campus multiple times. SF D.J. Hogg, SG Austin Grandstaff, C Tyler Davis, and SG Danjel Purifoy are among other viable options in what could potentially be a massive class for Larry Brown and company. With three wings graduating and point guard Sedrick Barefield in the fold, look for them to add plenty of perimeter fire power.
Temple
Who they lose: SG Dalton Pepper moves on after two seasons in the program, but at times was a defensive liability. PF Anthony Lee was the best big in the program but has decided to leave as a graduate student, which is a big blow to the program.
Who they bring in: PF Obi Enechionyia softens the blow of Lee leaving a little bit, but is a different type of player. He is a skilled four man who can put the ball on the floor and shoot it from the perimeter. He is also capable of blocking shots and uses his length well as a defender.
Who they are targeting: As it stands now the perimeter group in and around the Philly area is loaded in 2015 and Temple is looking to cash in. PG Traci Carter would be a great replacement for Will Cummings and adding SG/SF Chris Clover would give them a solid play-making wing .The Owls have also done a good job of recruiting CG Levan Alston and SG Malik Ellison as well. With five open scholarships in the class (barring a late addition to 2014) this will be an important one for the program. Nabbing a couple of the players above, along with C Ernest Aflakpui would have to be considered a success.
UCF
Who they lose: Wings Tristian Spurlock and Isaiah Sykes both graduate as does starting point guard Calvin Newell. Backup guard Issac Lang also moves on. Spurlock and Sykes have been the best two players in the program in recent memory and won’t be replaced easily.
Who they bring in: PG B.J. Taylor and SG Adonys Henriquez are the only commits in 2014 as of right now. Both will need time to adjust to the college game but Henriquez gives them an athletic scorer who could turn into a great defender down the road. B.J. Taylor will provide depth to Philly-native Daiquan Walker.
Who they are targeting: After losing a majority of their 2015 commits, only Chad Brown remains committed in the class. While it is rare that a player re-commits to the same school, landing PG Corey Sanders or PF Alex Owens would be absolutely massive. Sanders is also very close with UCF target Dwayne Bacon. PG Jonathan Jean and SG Chance McSpadden both remain very viable options and could ultimately end up as Knights. With three spots left and a talent rich group in Florida, they should pull in a good amount of talent.
USF
Who they lose: The Bulls lose their two leading scorers in F Victor Rudd and G Matino Brock. With head coach Stan Heath getting the big, ugly, axe; it’s safe to say that the program is officially in a transition period.
Who they bring in: SG Troy Holston is the gem of this class and could be a great scorer in their program. SG Dinero Mercurius is a diamond in the rough who can really shoot it. PG Drew Davis is a game manager who will provide depth.
Who they are targeting: It’s tough to say given the fact that they just hired Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua. His first goal should be to keep the players already in the program committed. The coaching staff in place with Heath had done a good job of targeting players in-state such as Bacon and Sanders; as well as kids in the DC area such as G Bryant Crawford. There was also interest in NJ-area prospects and New Jersey Roadrunners SF Pierre Sarr and PF Chris Silva.
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