2021 Men's Basketball Recruiting Thread

[tigerbrotha12 2,362]

Open Scholarships currently available: 2

Expected spots: 5-7

 

 

Signees

5* PF JABARI SMITH - 6'10, 210 lbs.......#5 Overall, #1 PF, #1 GA (SIGNED) ---> HIGHLIGHTS

 No doubt about it, this is AU’s number one priority in this class. This 6'10 PF is the #5 player in the country, and many assumed he may be headed towards professional ball rather than college. Jabari was a late bloomer, however, and some have said that this would be reason for him to take the collegiate path instead of the professional right out of the gate. Auburn and Ira Bowman deserve huge credit for some significant work with Smith.  Smith's unprecedented rise in the rankings has landed him on the Plains as the highest ranked recruit the Tigers have ever signed. What a win for Bruce Pear's staff to get this generational player. 

 

Transfer CG ZEP JASPER (College of Charleston) -  6'1, 175lbs (SIGNED) ---> HIGHLIGHTS

Auburn is in need of immediate guard play next season after losing Tyrell Jones, Justin Powell, Jamal Johnson, and possibly Sharife Cooper to transfers and the NBA Draft respectively. The Tigers got a big piece to help make up for it in 6'1, 175 lbs Junior from College of Charleston who should be immediately eligible next season. Jasper was unranked out of high school, but has showed incredible improvement at his first collegiate stop, putting up 15.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 2.6 APG this year. Jasper was also named to the All-CAA second team as well as the All-CAA defensive team this past season. Originally from Augusta, GA, the Tigers fended off Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Seton Hall for his commitment.

 

Transfer PG WENDELL GREEN JR. (Eastern Kentucky) - 5'11, 170lbs (SIGNED) ---> HIGHLIGHTS

Do not let the name of his former school fool you, Wendell Green was one of the best guards in the portal, and will introduce himself emphatically in the SEC next season. Three star that ended up at EKU. This kid is special. 16 points/5 assists per game averages and top 3 player in terms of efficiency in the COUNTRY. At 5'11, he'll likely see most of his minutes at point guard, but shoots at almost a 40% clip from three, and thus could see time at the 2 as well. Small, quick guards with a good 3 point shot have thrived under Bruce Pearl at Auburn (Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, J'Von McCormick) and this fits the same bill. Green scored 20+ points in the final 5 games of the season for a 22-7 Eastern Kentucky team. His game will compliment Zep Jasper's game very well, and he's likely to receive starter minutes should no other moves be made. He will, at the very least, be a key contributor for Auburn moving forward.

 

#1 Transfer C WALKER KESSLER (North Carolina) - 7'1 245lbs (SIGNED) ---> HIGHLIGHTS

In terms of bodies, Auburn is absolutely fine at center. Three players played a significant amount of their minutes at the 5 this season in Jaylin Williams, Dylan Cardwell, and Stretch Akingbola. That being said, you can never stop upgrading your roster, and plugging in a guy like Kessler does nothing but increase production. Kessler, a former 5* Auburn target, and the highest rated transfer prospect in the country, was thought to be Auburn bound at one point in high school, but chose North Carolina in 2020. While this shocked some at Auburn, Kessler remained committed, and played for the Tar Heels last season. It is thought that Kessler was unhappy with his playing time (as he played under Bacot and North Carolina) and now is seeking to become a premium center elsewhere. This is a gargantuan get for Bruce Pearl and co., and one that has been in the works for 3-4 years with Walker. Kessler has been close to committing to Auburn multiple times, and Bruce Pearl finally got his man. 

 

Transfer CG KD Johnson (Georgia) - 6'1, 190lbs  (SIGNED) ---> HIGHLIGHTS

In what may be the greatest consolation prize of all-time, Bruce Pearl has secured the commitment of one of the best freshmen in the SEC last year in KD Johnson from Georgia. KD was originally recruited by Auburn in the 2020 class, but with Auburn full, decided on Georgia. It seems as if KD always wanted to come to Auburn, and he'll finally get the chance to. As a freshman, Johnson played in only 16 games, but was dynamite in the ones he did play in (similar to Sharife Cooper). In just over 22 minutes per game, Johnson dropped 13.5 PPG, pulled down almost 3 RPG, dished out 1.2 APG, and shot almost 40% from three point range at 38.7%. After news that Scoot Henderson will likely be headed to the G-League rather than to college, some view KD Johnson as merely a "consolation prize" to the 5* 2022 point guard who is likely to reclassify. If he is this, he is one of the best consolation prizes ever seen in college basketball recruiting. Many say KD was Georgia's best overall player last season. He will fit the mold of Bruce-Pearl Shooting guard that likes to run and likes to shoot, but will also give the Tigers some muscle against other guards, as he is well filled out for his size. This is a great pick-up for Auburn Basketball. It is neat to see Pearl and Co. staying on prospects that they initially missed out on, and end up getting them to come to the Plains in the end (Kessler and Johnson now).

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

TARGETS

PG

Commits: 1

Needs: 1-2

5* Scoota "Scoot" Henderson - G-League

 

5* PG JD Davidson - Alabama

 

5* TyTy Washington  - Kentucky

 

4* Nolan Hickman - Gonzaga

 

4* Daeshun Ruffin - Ole Miss

 

4* Frankie Collins   - Michigan

 

4* Zion Harmon - Western Kentucky

 

Wendell Green Jr. (Eastern Kentucky) - COMMITTED TO AU!!

 

 

CG

Commits: 1

Needs:  2-3

 

5* Hunter Sallis - Gonzaga

 

4* Wesley Cardet - Samford

3* AJ Neal - A good defender, and a very versatile offensive player, Neal was hot on Auburn's radar for a while, but may have cooled down a little as of late. Texas seems to be gaining confidence with Neal. If AU were to miss on some top choices like Davidson, Washington, and Sallis, you could see a circle-back here.

Transfer Xavier Pinson (Missouri)- LSU

James Akinjo (Arizona) -  Baylor

 

Zep Jasper (College of Charleston) -   COMMITTED TO AU!!

 

 

 

SG

Commits: 2

Needs: 1-2

 

4* Trey Alexander - Decommitted from Auburn on 4/22/21. It is not clear whether he is still considering Auburn or not, but it would seem that the number of guards Auburn is bringing in may have scared him off. It is unclear who will be his biggest suitor. A big blow to Auburn, but not necessarily the worst thing that could have happened. Alexander likely was not going to be the focal point of next year's offense. 

4* Chance Moore - Arkansas

4* Brandon Murray - LSU

4* Nisine Poplar - Miami (FL)

4* Shane Dezonie - Vanderbilt

 

 

SF

Commits: 0

Needs: 0

 

5* Matthew Cleveland - Florida State

3* Sean Durugordon - Missouri

 

 

PF

Commits: 1

Needs: 0-1

 

5* Jabari Smith - COMMITTED TO AU!!

 

5* Brandon Huntley-Hatfield -  Tennessee

3* Keshawn Murphy - Mississippi State

3* Kok Yat - Auburn is actually probably done this class as of 5/24/21, but Yat has received interest before from Auburn, and is actually very close with JT Thor (cousins). Much like his cousin, the former DePaul commit is a long, lanky power forward that can shoot and reach over everyone. He's probably a bit of a project, but would be a welcome addition to an already stacked 2020-2021 lineup.

Noah Gurley (Furman) - Alabama

 

 

C

Commits: 1

Needs: 0-1

5* Jalen Duren - A 2022 reclassification, Jalen Duren was the second ranked player in his original class, and may claim a spot in the top 5 as he reclassifies to 2021. He's a 6'10, 230 lbs monster and that is the best way to describe him. He's a physical force, an excellent rebounder, scorer, and passer, and runs the floor extremely well. This is a prospect that, if you can get him on your team, you take him. It likely will not matter that Auburn already has 3 centers on roster if they can pull Duren. Unfortunately, Duren is widely expected to declare for the G-League, but Bruce Pearl and Co. have at least put in some work here. Although I can't say for certain, Duren does seem like a prospect that will be taken no matter the roster outlook. Listed as a center, Duren can probably play positions 3-5 at an elite level.

5* C Chet Holmgren - Gonzaga

3* Bretner Mutombo - Unrelated to former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, but you wouldn't know it from his playing style. Bretner is a 6'10, 210lb center that is a fantastic shot blocker, and great rebounder, and a high-potential offensive game. Bretner plays for the AAU team, the Georgia Stars, the former team of Jared Harper, and this is likely the connection the coaches made to the center. He is probably more of a potential guy, but would not be a bad get at all. Difficult recruitment to predict. Offers include Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ga Tech, Mississippi State, Xavier, and Pittsburgh. Kentucky has also shown interest but has not offered. This recruitment seems to be wide open still. 

3* Nate Tshimanga - Really atheltic big man who can run the floor and has excellent ball handling skills for a 5. Could probably play positions 3-5 if needed. Auburn offered pretty recently (June 2020). He may be a back up option to guys higher on the board. Auburn certainly likes him though as he fits Bruce Pearl's run and gun play style. 

 

Walker Kessler (North Carolina) -COMMITTED TO AU!!

Edited June 14, 2021 by tigerbrotha12

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,669]

Ruffin has done great things since decommitting. I'd like to stop having height issues at the 1, but that's probably a slant we can work to shorter talented PGs better than anyone. That JD kid is dumb good too

[boomstick 1,315]

On 3/16/2020 at 5:26 PM, Dual-Threat Rigby said:

Ruffin has done great things since decommitting. I'd like to stop having height issues at the 1, but that's probably a slant we can work to shorter talented PGs better than anyone. That JD kid is dumb good too

I’ll be interested to see how Davison does on the summer circuit (if there is one this year). He really struggled at that level last summer. 

[GwillMac6 20,677]

 

[boomstick 1,315]

On 3/16/2020 at 4:50 PM, tigerbrotha12 said:

Preliminary list of prospects. Will dress it up later...

 

PG

5* Jerdarrian Davidson

4* Daeshun Ruffin

4* Frankie Collins

 

CG

4* Kowacie Reeves

4* AJ Neal

 

SG

4* Chance Moore

NR James White

 

SF

5* Jonathan Kuminga

4* Trey Patterson

 

PF

5* Jabari Smith

4* Lynn Kidd

 

C

4* Adama Sanogo

4* Frank Anselem

 

 

Sounds like Anselem is trying to reclassify to the 2020 class along with Kuminga and Sanogo. 

[AuburnArch13 185]

Obviously there is always the chance that folks could transfer or we could have some one-and-dones in this class, but it looks like the 21 class could be a small one for us. No rising seniors on the roster right now, and if we miss on Green/Brown/Kuminga we could be looking at either not signing a complete class this year or relying exclusively on transfers to open up any spots for this class.

[mustache eagle 2,402]

Top kids who move up a classification could be the holy grail ... too young for the pros to take them but ready for higher level competition.  Colleges would feel safer recruiting them vs other colleges and not worry about a last minute g-league swoop.

Edited April 15, 2020 by mustache eagle

[ellitor 33,093]

30 minutes ago, AuburnArch13 said:

Obviously there is always the chance that folks could transfer or we could have some one-and-dones in this class, but it looks like the 21 class could be a small one for us. No rising seniors on the roster right now, and if we miss on Green/Brown/Kuminga we could be looking at either not signing a complete class this year or relying exclusively on transfers to open up any spots for this class.

We are likely signing a complete class. Even if we land our major targets, barring transfers out we should have no more then two or three leave for the pros for the 21 class. So it will be likely a small class regardless.

[ellitor 33,093]

22 minutes ago, mustache eagle said:

Top kids who move up a classification could be the holy grail ... too young for the pros to take them but ready for higher level competition.  Colleges would feel safer recruiting them vs other colleges and not worry about a last minute g-league swoop.

The success rate on these kids though has been a mixed bag so far.

[Tiger 8,826]

Just offered 5 star, top 5 overall prospect stretch big man Chet Holmgren. Pretty sure this was the kid who crossed up Steph Curry at his Under Armour camp a year or 2 ago. 

[McLoofus 35,182]

13 hours ago, Tiger said:

Just offered 5 star, top 5 overall prospect stretch big man Chet Holmgren.

I like that he's got the name of a Fargo character.  Sign him up. 

[crococile22 52]

14 hours ago, Tiger said:

Just offered 5 star, top 5 overall prospect stretch big man Chet Holmgren. Pretty sure this was the kid who crossed up Steph Curry at his Under Armour camp a year or 2 ago. 

get him a yearly subscription to the Cheeburger Cheeburger diet and he can go a loooooonnggg way

[TexasTiger 12,865]

With this G League push, I think we need to be careful focusing on top 10 players. Players 11-150 should serve us well. 

[War to the Eagle 364]

 

5 minutes ago, TexasTiger said:

With this G League push, I think we need to be careful focusing on top 10 players. Players 11-150 should serve us well. 

It almost feels like a crap shoot.

[Tiger 8,826]

7 minutes ago, TexasTiger said:

With this G League push, I think we need to be careful focusing on top 10 players. Players 11-150 should serve us well. 

I agree. Bruce is a master of finding diamonds in the rough and developing them but damn it sure would be awesome to see what he'd do with a top 10 type of guy in the mix.

[TexasTiger 12,865]

19 minutes ago, War to the Eagle said:

 

It almost feels like a crap shoot.

We should have won the Natty last year with the talent we had— and the best player out. The G League will pay 💰 to the top players— there are many excellent players left. And getting at least 2-3 years from a recruiting effort means something, too. Not to mention chemistry. Guys like Green are too focused on being elsewhere.

[Dunndone414 469]

While we aren’t in on Chandler, this seems significant. 

 

[TexasTiger 12,865]

8 hours ago, Tiger said:

I agree. Bruce is a master of finding diamonds in the rough and developing them but damn it sure would be awesome to see what he'd do with a top 10 type of guy in the mix.

Maybe. But I think he thrives in the role of underdog.

[Rednilla 5,391]

On 4/16/2020 at 6:52 PM, TexasTiger said:

Maybe. But I think he thrives in the role of underdog.

I don't think there's any question he thrives in the role of an underdog, or at least in getting the most possible out of an underdog. The point is that it would be cool to see what could happen if he were working with top notch talent, as well, if he would be as good at getting the most out of a player.

[AuburnNTexas 7,147]

On ‎4‎/‎18‎/‎2020 at 5:56 PM, Rednilla said:

I don't think there's any question he thrives in the role of an underdog, or at least in getting the most possible out of an underdog. The point is that it would be cool to see what could happen if he were working with top notch talent, as well, if he would be as good at getting the most out of a player.

Okoro and Okeeke were top notch talent and both thrived and improved under Bruce.

[Maverick.AU 13,279]

 

[abw0004 10,113]

On 4/15/2020 at 7:01 PM, Tiger said:

Just offered 5 star, top 5 overall prospect stretch big man Chet Holmgren. Pretty sure this was the kid who crossed up Steph Curry at his Under Armour camp a year or 2 ago. 

Yes it was the same kid.

[Zeek 16,650]

I’ve always said anything other than a top 5 is silly for me but it’s nice to be in the running. 247 has him as the #2 SG and the composite has him as the #5 SG.

SIAP
From Alpharetta Georgia and he has the tweet from his FSU offer pinned (though it’s from March of last year so maybe it was his first major offer?)

He’s unofficially visited Stanford, Georgia Tech, and FSU. 

[ellitor 33,093]

Supposedly FSU & Louisville stand out right now. I have not heard much Auburn chatter on him.

[Beaker 2,457]

On 4/22/2020 at 12:20 AM, Zeek said:

I’ve always said anything other than a top 5 is silly for me but it’s nice to be in the running. 247 has him as the #2 SG and the composite has him as the #5 SG.

SIAP
From Alpharetta Georgia and he has the tweet from his FSU offer pinned (though it’s from March of last year so maybe it was his first major offer?)

He’s unofficially visited Stanford, Georgia Tech, and FSU. 

I bet Stanford and GT  see the Auburn logo and go, "dang, if he is looking at Auburn, he will surely get admitted here."

 

I do bet that Kansas coach still remembers getting run off the floor by Auburn last year....