NCAA Basketball recruiting is heating up in the offseason. What are the updates with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Wilson?
The Daily Recruiting Notebook (DRN) is a new Busting Brackets’ feature that will examine happenings around the college basketball recruiting world. This first edition will look at the news surrounding former Michigan signee Jalen Wilson, 2020 prospect Cade Cunningham, Kentucky Wildcats junior guard Brad Calipari, and Kerry Blackshear Jr.’s potential transfer, among other items.
Top-75 2019 recruit Jalen Wilson is currently finishing up a visit to the University of Kansas (May 30- June 1), per Gary Bedore of the Kansas City Star. Wilson re-opened his recruitment after he garnered a release from Michigan, on May 16, following the departure of coach John Beilein to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is still considering the Wolverines as well as Florida, North Carolina, and Oklahoma State.
Wilson signed his national letter of intent with Michigan last November, choosing the Wolverines over the Jayhawks along with Baylor, Marquette, and UCLA amongst others. So, it is not a surprise that both KU and OSU are among the schools that the 6’8″ small forward is currently considering.
Kansas is really in need to add another small forward/wing with Dedric Lawson (NBA), LeGerald Vick (graduated), Quentin Grimes (transfer portal), and KJ Lawson (transfer to Tulane) departures. The Jayhawks also missed out on five-star prospect Precious Achiuwa ( Memphis). Incoming four-star Tristan Enaruna and three-star Christian Braun are the top players currently at those positions. KU has three scholarships remaining to use for this upcoming season.
Wilson is all over the map in terms of recruiting rankings. ESPN has him ranked No. 71 in the class. Meanwhile, 274 Sports has him at No. 44 and 247Sports Composite has him locked in at No. 50. He is the 47th best prospect on Rivals’ list.
The Denton (Texas) native is very skilled and has excellent size for a three. Shooting is a strength of his as he has a soft touch as well as good range. Wilson also has the ability to finish through contact and possesses a nice mid-range game. He is a good passer and rebounder, although ball-handling along with defense are a few areas that need to improve.
The four-star prospect averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists while shooting 54% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc last season at Guyer High School.
Wilson will visit UNC from June 3-5. Carolina currently does not have any scholarships available for this year, however, the Tar Heels could use to add depth at the position. He has yet to schedule an official visit to Florida or Oklahoma State. Both the Gators and Cowboys have one scholarship remaining for the 2019-20 season. Neither program is in dire need for help at the small forward position.
It really appears that Wilson, who was a KU fan growing up, that the battle for his service will come down to the Jayhawks and Wolverines with Kansas being the favorite. He is expected to make an official decision by mid-June.