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NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Evaluating 5-star guard Jalen Lecque’s final 7 teams

By Tristan Freeman

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – JANUARY 27: Head coach Kevin Keatts of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts during their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center on January 27, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 95-91 in overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – JANUARY 27: Head coach Kevin Keatts of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts during their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center on January 27, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 95-91 in overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Louisville Cardinals

How much does the new coaching staff believe in former top-100 point guard recruit Darius Perry? Certainly not much for this upcoming season, bringing in a pair of stop-gap grad transfers Christen Cunningham and Khwan Fore. Whether they view the rising sophomore as a true starter for an ACC isn’t known yet. Chris Mack and company are looking for their prized guard prospect for the 2019 class, with both Lecque and fellow five-star playmaker Cole Anthony in the mix.

If Lecque joins Louisville, the Cardinals would have a solid backcourt for the 2019-20 season, with top-100 shooting guard Josh Nickelberry already part of next year’s recruiting class. Sharpshooter Ryan McMahon would be a great two-guard to play of the constantly driving Lecque, with possibly VJ King also potentially around as a senior himself. That roster would be NCAA Tournament-worthy for sure.

NC State Wolfpack

The 2018 recruiting class for NC State took care of the frontcourt, so it makes sense that the staff would focus on the perimeter for the following year. However, the Wolfpack already is set for the 2019-20 when it comes to the guard lines, although you can always add a five-star player if available.

Markelle Johnson led the ACC with 7.3 apg last season, while Braxton Beverly was very productive as a freshman starter. Both are capable of playing off the ball as well if Lecque does decide to come, with both shooting around 40% from three-point range last season. Lecque has a similar offensive game to former NC State guard Dennis Smith Jr. but would be a much better college defender, as head coach Kevin Keatts wouldn’t accept less.

Oregon Ducks

The Ducks desperately need a contingency plan just in case All-Pac 12 point guard Payton Pritchard decides to go pro after his upcoming junior season. Guards Victor Bailey Jr. and incoming freshman Will Richardson aren’t true point guards, creating a clear weakness for the following season. Of course, it’ll take months before that decision regarding Pritchard can be made, meaning that it may cost Oregon in the end, compared to programs that know they’re losing their respective starting point guard after next year.

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