College Basketball Recruiting

Kentucky lost a key recruit Friday, as guard Nolan Hickman Jr. decommitted from the school. 

Jack Pilgrim of Kentucky Sports Radio reported that Hickman's father informed the outlet of the decision.

Hickman is rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, as well as the No. 29 overall player, No. 4 point guard and No. 1 player from the state of Utah in the 2021 recruiting class.

The Mount Pleasant, Utah, native starred at Wasatch Academy and was one of the Wildcats' best commits before deciding against playing under head coach John Calipari at Kentucky.

Per 247Sports, Hickman was the second-ranked recruit in the 2021 class to have signed a letter of intent with Kentucky behind power forward Daimion Collins, who is ranked 10th nationally. No. 30-ranked Bryce Hopkins has signed a letter of intent as well.

Additionally, Kentucky has landed a pair of 4-star transfers in power forward Oscar Tshiebwe from West Virginia and point guard Kellan Grady from Davidson.

As part of his analysis for Hickman last year, 247Sports national recruiting analyst Josh Gershon lauded his competitiveness, mental makeup and scoring, facilitating and defensive ability. Gershon called Hickman an "easy high major starter with NBA upside."

Hickman would have had a legitimate chance to play big minutes for the Wildcats as a freshman, but Calipari must now turn to some other backcourt options.

The aforementioned Grady could be Calipari's top point guard in 2021-22, while returning sophomore Devin Askew is in line for a heavy workload as well despite a tough freshman campaign in which he averaged just 6.5 points and 2.9 assists per game, while shooting 34.5 percent from the field.

The 2020-21 season was a nightmarish one for Kentucky as a whole, as it went just 9-16 and missed the NCAA tournament for only the second time in 11 years under Calipari.

Losing a player with Hickman's potential could make bouncing back an even more difficult endeavor for the Wildcats.

The UCLA Bruins have hit the jackpot after star recruit Dylan Andrews committed to play basketball for the school starting in 2022. 

Andrews announced his decision Friday, discussing the matter with Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports:

"Who wouldn't love the culture of winning and development. I committed to UCLA because it is the best place for me to grow as a player and a person. The coaching staff likes high character guys and work horses. That describes a portion of who I am. One thing I love about the program is how they get guys to the next level and how they encourage them to get that degree. That is important to me."

Andrews added that the Bruins' coaching staff—led by Mick Cronin—influenced his decision, per Jenkins: "The one thing I love about the coaching staff is their history of winning and pushing their guys past that invisible limit."

A standout talent at Windward High School in Los Angeles, he is one of the best point guard recruits in the country. He is rated as a 4-star prospect, sixth-best point guard and No. 31 overall player in the 2022 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Andrews would fit the bill for what every head coach in the country wants out of a point guard because of his diverse skill set, with Shotgun Spratling of 247Sports offering this scouting report: "The 6'4", 180-pound Andrews has great size for the point guard position and he uses it well, attacking the boards. He is Windward's floor general, both in position and the way he approaches the game as a lead-by-example player. He likes to push the pace when he has the ball in his hands."

Every school is looking for a dynamic playmaker to build their offense around. The Bruins were able to land one of the best in the country, with Andrews likely to be a huge difference-maker for them as soon as he steps on campus. 

Andrews was not the only addition for the Bruins on Friday. Rutgers grad transfer Myles Johnson also chose UCLA over Stanford.

TyTy Washington is one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2021 recruiting cycle, but there was a time he was headed to Creighton.

He told Kyle Tucker of The Athletic he decommitted from the Bluejays because of Greg McDermott's "I need everyone to stay on the plantation" comment that led to a suspension for the head coach.

"It was definitely the controversy," he said. "I really wanted to attend Creighton. It felt like the situation and the plan Coach McDermott had for me was really good. So it was kind of heartbreaking once I found out what he said. I just felt like the day and age we're living in—a police officer just killed another young black man for no reason—him saying something like that, it's just not right."

It was certainly a major loss for Creighton.

Washington is a 4-star prospect and the No. 30 overall player and No. 3 point guard in his class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Tucker noted he averaged 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds while helping lead AZ Compass Prep to a 30-2 record. He can shoot from the outside, attack the rim in half-court sets, get out in transition, rebound from the backcourt and facilitate for his teammates when defenders collapse on him.

That skill set has attracted the attention of Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

"Man, it's super cool," Washington said of the interest from Calipari. "I'm not going to lie, the first few times he called, I screen-shot his name because I couldn't believe it. I'd be like, 'Bro, you're never going to guess who is calling me.' My friends think I'm lying. So I had to show them."

Kentucky is accustomed to landing prospects like Washington and will look to bounce back from its 9-16 record in 2020-21 by winning on the recruiting trail.

Alabama got a major upgrade at center, as 4-star prospect Charles Bediako committed to the school Tuesday:

The 6'11" and 215-pound Bediako is considered the No. 5 player from Florida, the No. 4 center prospect and the No. 26 prospect overall in the Class of 2021, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Josh Gerson of 247Sports noted in his scouting report on Bediako that he has a "high ceiling" and is on the "path to be a high major starter with professional upside depending on [his] skill development."

Gerson listed his strengths as his mobility, size, "long arms and budding athleticism." Weaknesses included a raw offensive game and "footwork and face-up ability" that "could improve." As for areas where he's shown growth, Gerson noted he's improved as both a rebounder and rim-protector, adding that he should be able to add more weight to his frame.

Bediako said in February that he was happy with the progress he was making in certain parts of his game.

"I'm definitely more confident with the ball, and I'm confident in my shot even when it doesn't fall," he told Evan Daniels of 247Sports. "My ball-handling has gotten better, and my passing, too. Last year I was a role guy that would wait and see what happens, now I make things happen."

Alabama will be happy to see that continued growth, especially if it translates to immediate dominance at the next level. Namely, Bediako has the ability to control the paint if he continues to add strength, and given the modern NBA trending toward rim-protectors and floor-spacers over post-up scorers, living up to that potential could bode well for his chances to play at the next level.

For now, though, the Crimson Tide has bolstered its Class of 2021 with one of the top centers available. 

Bediako could see immediate playing time for the Crimson Tide, which will be an intriguing team to watch once he hits campus.

Schools like Kentucky, Tennessee and LSU won the 2020 recruiting cycle in the SEC, but Alabama is back on the map with this addition. Crimson Tide fans have a lot to be excited about with Bediako on board. 

Minnehaha Academy point guard Hercy Miller, who is the son of rapper, actor and entrepreneur Master P, has committed to Tennessee State over LSU, USC, Vanderbilt and more. 

Miller told ESPN's Eric Woodward why he chose Tennessee State, a historically Black land-grant university, over his other choices:

ESPN ranks Miller as a 3-star recruit and 51st overall among all shooting guards. He joins a Tigers team led by head coach Brian "Penny" Collins.

Miller has chosen a similar path as Howard's Makur Maker, who ranked No. 16 in the ESPN 100 list of the top class of 2020 boys high school basketball prospects. The 5-star center chose Howard over Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA and Oregon, among others.

Mikey Williams could be joining Miller and Maker. The No. 3 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class has five HBCUs in his final top-10 list.

Gonzaga men's basketball secured a future backcourt star Friday when combo-guard Hunter Sallis joined its 2021 recruiting class, according to ESPN's Paul Biancardi.

The 5-star prospect is the No. 18 overall player, No. 2 combo-guard and No. 1 player from the state of Nebraska in the class of 2021, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Sallis, who checks in at 6'5" and 175 pounds, drew interest from a number of other teams throughout the recruiting process, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Louisville, UCLA and Nebraska.

There is plenty that immediately jumps out about his game, including his versatility as someone with both impressive ball-handling skills who can break down a defense off the bounce and the ability to score from the wing as a jump-shooter or slasher when there is open space.

Sallis also possesses the athleticism to get out in transition and finish above the rim when there is traffic.

That ability also helps him stay in front of opponents on the defensive side, and his quick hands help create turnovers and chances on the other end.

Jon Nyatawa of the Omaha World-Herald wrote:

"It's hard not to marvel at the athleticism. Everything is just so effortless with him. How he glides down the court on the break, or how he rises up to volleyball-spike a shot attempt into the stands, or how he sizes a guy up and bolts baseline for a layup. If you exhale for a second, Sallis makes you pay. And there's just so much room for him to grow."

If Sallis builds on that description during his collegiate career, he will likely be lacing it up in the NBA in the not-too-distant future.

He will also help the Bulldogs remain among the ranks of national title contenders. While 5-star recruits coming to Gonzaga may be a thing of recent history, the program has established itself among the upper echelon of men's basketball and is attempting to complete an undefeated season in the 2021 NCAA tournament.

Recruits like Sallis will help it remain among the country's best.

The Georgetown Hoyas landed an impact player for the 2021 class with the commitment of Aminu Mohammed.

The shooting guard announced his decision Monday:

The Washington, D.C., native is a 5-star recruit and the No. 16 overall player in the class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Mohammed has excellent athleticism, helping him to attack the paint and consistently finish at the rim. He has a good enough handle to create opportunities for himself and others, allowing him to play on the ball at the next level.

At 6'5", his strength manifested on both ends of the court. It's helped him to dominate at the high school level for Greenwood, causing headaches for opposing coaches.

"You can't stop him, and it is unrealistic for me to expect my guys to stop him," Purdy coach Ryan Stokes said of Mohammed, per Jared Lankford of the Monett Times.

His high level of play got the attention of numerous college coaches, but he decided to play for the Hoyas.

Mohammed has the chance to make an early impact with his new team before potentially moving on to the NBA within the next couple of years.

Dior Johnson, a 5-star point guard ranked third overall on 247Sports' list of the best class of 2022 men's basketball prospects, has decommitted from Syracuse University. 

Johnson announced the decision on Tuesday afternoon:

The 6'3" point guard had committed to the Orange on Feb. 7:

247Sports lists Johnson as having 16 offers, including from Memphis and LSU.

Per Matthew Gutierrez of The Athletic, Johnson was Syracuse's highest-ranked recruit since NBA star and NCAA champion Carmelo Anthony.

Mike Waters of the Syracuse Post-Standard wrote on Tuesday that Johnson and Syracuse "mutually agreed" to part ways.

Waters ran down the reported series of events leading to that decision, beginning with Johnson's transfer to Oak Hill Academy, a move that Syracuse coaches supported:

"Johnson suffered a stress reaction in his foot in early September. He had his foot placed in a boot. Initially, Oak Hill coach Steve Smith said Johnson would be sidelined for about three weeks, but would return in time for the Warriors' season-opener on Oct. 27.

"But Johnson abruptly left Oak Hill to return to his mother’s home in California. He made the decision without the knowledge of the SU coaches.

"Johnson recently enrolled at Corona (Calif.) Centennial High School.

"It now appears that Johnson and the Syracuse coaching staff, including head coach Jim Boeheim and assistant Gerry McNamara, were both ready to move on."

Waters also noted that Johnson could decide to play in the G-League until he is eligible for the NBA draft or go overseas for a year a la 2020 first-round NBA draft prospects LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton.

On that front, a pair of scouts told Gutierrez back in February that it was "unlikely" Johnson would play college ball.

"Even if the [one-and-done rule] isn’t passed until 2023 or later, two veteran scouts said, his skill level may be so high by 2022 that it’s 'unlikely' he plays at the college level," Gutierrez wrote.

"His commitment is so early, they said, that a lot could change in the interim."

Regardless of what Johnson decides, whatever team that lands him will be getting a talented player with NBA potential. 

Josh Gershon of 247Sports gave this July 19 scouting report on Johnson:

"Good size and length to go with sturdy frame that should carry plenty of strength. Impressive skill set given athletic ability. Has handle and vision to play on the ball, while he is an efficient enough shooter/scorer to play off it. Will be able to guard the one and two at next level. Talent-wise he is a no-brainer elite prospect at this stage. Bounced around several high schools before sophomore year. Finding stability will be key, but has continued to progress regardless. Projects as high major priority recruit."

Forward Emoni Bates, who has committed to Michigan State, tops the Class of 2022 list ahead of Johnson. Big man Jalen Duren, who is uncommitted, sits second.

Skyy Clark, a 5-star combo guard, announced Thursday on Instagram that he has chosen to attend Kentucky.

The 6'3", 200-pound Clark is ranked as the 14th-best overall prospect in the class of 2022, per 247Sports. He's No. 3 on the combo guard list and No. 1 among all prospects from Tennessee.

The 247Sports' predictions all pointed toward Clark picking Kentucky, and that's where he decided on going as head coach John Calipari adds yet another superstar recruit.

Clark's affinity toward Kentucky was made clear following an interview with Kentucky Sports Radio upon receiving an official scholarship offer from the Wildcats.

"I don't even know what to say; it was just a huge blessing," Clark said, per Jack Pilgrim of KSR. "We were on a Zoom call with Coach [John] Calipari, Coach [Tony] Barbee, Coach Kenny Payne, Coach [Joel] Justus, and Coach [Brady] Kennedy. Just hearing [Calipari] say, 'You have an official scholarship to Kentucky,' it didn't even seem real. It's something I've been waiting on for a very long time."

Per 247Sports, Clark had 25 scholarship offers, including ones from UCLA, Memphis and North Carolina, who were the other finalists:

Clark transferred to Brentwood Academy after spending his first two years at Heritage Christian in North Hills, California. He did not make the move for basketball reasons, as noted on Instagram.

"This was not a basketball decision," Clark said (h/t Tarek Fattal of the Los Angeles Daily News). "We have talked about moving for a year. ... This move is about getting closer to our family, and this pandemic opened our eyes to that."

Per Fattal, Clark averaged 25.5 points per game for Heritage Christian last season. This paragraph from Lance Smith's scouting report for Scouting Live stands out:

"As the 247 5-star ranking suggests, it is not an exaggeration to say that Clark is one of the most offensively talented sophomore combo guards you will ever see. That doesn't mean his game is perfect or guarantee that he'll thrive in college or the NBA. But he's already one of the best shooters in high school basketball as a sophomore, his handles are elite, and his ability to finish at the rim is also far ahead of his years."

Kentucky is ultimately getting a potential superstar in Clark, who could develop into the next standout UK guard en route to becoming an NBA lottery pick.