Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
Chicago, IL (Future150) -- The peak visiting months of September and October have concluded, but still many MM and HM recruits remain uncommitted.
For instance, Charlie Moore of the Mac Irvin FIRE is officially visiting California. Friday night he was able to watch the excitement of Jaylen Brown (Future150 #5 from 2015)and Ivan Rabb (#6) wrecking rims at the Haas Center.
Moore has strong options in VCU, Pittsburgh, Cal, and simply waiting for spring. He is one of the best available PG's in the nation, which provides a position of leverage for a player completely capable of capitalizing.
All summer long, Mac Irvin FIRE Head Coach Mike Irvin shouted, "The best point guard in the nation" as Moore converted in traffic. Or when Moore nailed a deep triple the same phrase followed from his hyping bench.
Coach Irvin proudly promotes his players to anyone and everyone.
A player Coach Irvin touts as the best defensive guard in the state, Bryce Barnes is chasing a few new offers.
"I just received an offer from Bethune Cookman, but it seems that everyone is waiting to see how I play this season," said Barnes.
Wofford is hovering. Bradley evaluated Barnes during an open gym.
In addition to Moore and Barnes, the program has many younger college prospects scouring the college campuses.
Worthy Wings
Christian Negron (pictured above) and Justin Smith are two of the better Class of 2017 FIRE men.
"Play like a 3/4 combo. I averaged like 11 points (per game) and 13 boards (per)," said Negron. "Just try to play with a high motor."
Negron is an interesting prospect. He has great natural strength, brains, and motor. His position is murky, but his investment is high.
College coaches sometimes define what role you grow in to. Negron gets promising feedback from his HM recruiters.
What position do those experts foresee?
"Same thing that they have seen," said Negron. "Playing that 3/4 combo really. If I stop growing though, I will probably have to convert more to a wing. I am 6'6" right now, but I still have some time. So we will see."
Creighton and Illinois are the hardest in pursuit.
"Iowa offered," said Negron. "They haven't really followed up though. Xavier expressed some interest. Marquette expressed some interest. Purdue touched base. They have not offered yet."
DePaul, Illinois, Iowa, and Bradley have offered.
Smith is more bouncy than Negron. Both have to improve their handles to live on the wing. Smith projects as a pure small forward. His explosiveness in transition makes him difficult.
Earlier this month Smith ventured up to Madison, Wisconsin. He was able to garner a Wisconsin offer while in town. Smith competed with a Wisconsin-based AAU program in 2014, so his imprint on the northern Midwest is strong.
The Class of 2018 might be the best grouping of FIRE guards in years. Between Chase Adams (#46), Kezo Brown (#31), Zion Young, and Ayo Dosunmu the squad is packed.
Long before the 2018 hoopers hit the road for meaningful visits the Class of 2016 guards will sign.
The latest FIRE verbal came last week from Nick Robinson, who selected Indiana State. Stay tuned to see where Charlie winds up. Barnes will also have a few more D1 offers in the months to come.
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