Xavier Basketball: Examining the Musketeers' 2018 and 2019 recruiting classes

Xavier Basketball: Examining the Musketeers 2018 and 2019 recruiting classes

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 18: The Xavier Musketeers mascot performs during the game between the Weber State Wildcats and the Xavier Musketeers in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 18, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 18: Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers drives to the basket against Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the second round of the 2018 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Xavier Basketball first-year head coach Travis Steele has gotten off to a great start on the recruiting trail, nabbing four commitments for the next two years already.

Zach Freemantle became the fourth high school player to decide to join the Xavier Musketeers since Steele has taken over the program. The 6-foot-9 rising senior power forward committed to the Musketeers on August 21 following an official visit to campus (Sunday and Monday) per Adam Z agoria.

Freemantle told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he knew for a while that Xavier was the place for him.

"“I knew coming in (for the visit) I just didn’t tell anybody. When we sat down and talked about the minutes that are available for me as a freshman and how much I could play – I’ve yet to earn it but it’s all there so it was a fit and I really liked all the coaches there.”"

Freemantle chose Xavier over offers from Pitt along with Minnesota, Georgia Tech, and Boston College, In total, the four-star recruit held offers from 15 schools.

The Oradell, New Jersey native, was a dominant force inside this past season for Bergan Catholic. However, he has seen significant development in his perimeter game thanks to his time with AAU Club, NJ Playaz.

“I’ve gotten better at shooting, handling the ball, making plays and passing,” Freemantle told North Jersey.com. He also has reportedly increased his speed and agility.

Freemantle averaged 18.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.3 assists along with 1.3 steals with Bergen Catholic in 2017-18. With Freemantle leading the way, Bergen Catholic (23-4 last season) could be a contender for the season-ending Tournament of Champions once again.

Freemantle is coach Travis Steele’s third 2019 commit. Elias King and Daniel Ramsey, both four-star prospects, are the Musketeers other commitments from the Class of 2019. Steele, who has been an assistant on the Musketeer bench since 2008, also has secured a commitment from 2020 recruit Dwon Odom.

While Steele has done a pretty good job in his few months on the job, it has not been all roses on the recruiting trail. 2019 prospects Ismael Massoud, Jae’lyn Withers and Jalen Lecque have recently trimmed the Musketeers from consideration.