NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Breakdown of 2020 F PJ Hall’s five finalists

P.J. Hall revealed his final five college list recently which included five schools from the southeast with three from the ACC and two SEC programs.

2020 four-star prospect P.J. Hall announced his final five schools via twitter on July 19 with Florida, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Georgia Tech making the cut. In somewhat of a surprise, the 6-9 power forward left South Carolina off the list, choosing Virginia Tech over his home-state Gamecocks. Hall spoke with John Whittle of 247Sports about his decision.

"“I’ve always just had a great relationship with the five schools. I’ve built a relationship with them over the past year. I’ve gone to each school and every time I’ve been there, I’ve felt a great family environment. Just having a strong relationship with the coaches and knowing that if I went there, I’d be effective in the system and be effective for the team.”"

Hall is a consensus top-75 recruit. The Roebuck (SC) native is ranked as the 70th best prospect by 247Sports and 72nd best prospect by ESPN. Rivals have him at No. 66 in the country while 247Sports Composite puts him at No. 65.

The Dorman High School product is a physical post player who likes to mix it up although he is capable of extending defenses with his shooting. Hall possesses good athleticism, is a good rebounder and passer, as well as a capable shot-blocker. He averaged 14.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks while shooting 56% from the field last year for the Cavaliers.

Hall took official visits to Clemson and Florida as a junior. And plans to use his allocated official visits on all five schools this fall, before basketball season starts. While he doesn’t have a specific timetable, Hall expects to name his college destination before the season begins.

Breaking down the five finalists

Clemson: The Tigers are selling on him being a “hometown hero” Hall said. He has a good relationship with coach Brad Brownell and likes his offensive system. Clemson is projected to have just two scholarships available for 2020 and they could use to a low-post presence like Hall.

Florida: Hall is very familiar with the Gators and coach Mike White. His sister, Thayer, is currently a member of the volleyball team. The Gators also have only two scholarships available next year. Hall would likely be expected to contribute right away with Kerry Blackshear Jr. going to be out of eligibility, although they have brought in a pair of four-star frontcourt players in 2019 in Omar Payne and Jason Jitobah.

Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets were the last team in. Hall said he liked how Tech talked about using him offensively. Georgia Tech is expected to have three scholarships available for next season and they really need a solid post player.

Tennessee: Hall’s father grew up around Knoxville and he said that he likes the atmosphere that coach Rick Barnes has created there. The Vols have already received a commitment in 2020 from 6-6 four-star wing Corey Walker, although they still are projected to have two more scholarships available. Tennessee, like the other finalists, could use a talented post player.

Virginia Tech: Hall has always has had a great relationship with head coach Mike Young, who his father played at Wofford. The Hokies are projected to have two scholarships available next season.

Florida and Tennessee have been seen as the slight favorites for Hall, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Virginia Tech ultimately wins out or at least finishes in the top two.

Predicted Winner: Florida. I believe Tennessee is second followed closely by Virginia Tech. Clemson and Georgia Tech are a distant fourth and fifth.

2020 Jahlil White selects Temple

6-5 shooting guard Jahlil White (North Wildwood, NJ) verbally committed to the Temple Owls on July 19. He spoke to Michael McCreary of The Press of Atlantic City about his decision.

"“Playing at the Division I level has always been my dream ever since I touched a basketball. It finally came true. It’s a great feeling.”“Each time I visited Temple, it felt like home. I love the Liacouras Center (Temple’s arena). It’s a beautiful place. I love the city feel.”"

White tore his meniscus during an AAU tournament in late April, although the Wildwood Catholic product is expected to be healthy by September. He averaged 18.5 points and 6.1 rebounds last season while helping the Crusaders to the South Jersey Non-Public B final.

White is long, possessing a 6-11 wingspan, and versatile as he is capable of playing all three perimeter spots. He has the ability to create for himself as well as others and projects to be an outstanding defender. White chose Temple over 13 other schools including  Drexel, Fairfield, and Monmouth.

Other recruiting tidbits

• Five-star center Walker Kessler named six finalists on July 19. Kessler is now considering just Duke, Michigan, Auburn, California, Gonzaga and UNC. California is a new addition to the list.
• 2021 four-star combo guard Malaki Branham (Akron, OH) received three offers from Cincinnati, Missouri, and Illinois on July 19. The 6-5, 180-pounder no holds seven offers which include overtures from Ohio State, Ohio, Xavier and Akron.
• Maine transfer Dennis Ashley III transferred to Saint Joseph’s on July 19. Ashley, a 6-1 guard, had the best season of his career last year for the Black Bears, averaging 4.0 points while shooting 40% from beyond the arc in 24 appearances. He will have one year of eligibility left.
• 2023 guard Mikey Williams (San Ysidro, CA) received an offer from Arizona State on July 19.
• Siena’s Sloan Seymour entered into the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-9 forward averaged 9.1 points and knocked down 94 triples at a 37.3% clip as a freshman. He scored in double-figures on 12 occasions. Siena now has two open roster spots for the upcoming campaign.
• 2023 guard A.J. Johnson (Fresno, CA) received his first D-I offer from Eastern Washington on July 19.
• 2020 Kobe Elvis (Brampton, Canada) was offered by UMass on July 19. He has now picked up nine offers over the past week and currently holds 14 overall.
• Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse secured the commitment of Rice transfer Quintin Millora-Brown on July 16. The 6-9 forward averaged 7.2 points along with 5.9 rebounds while shooting 59.8% from the field for the Owls last season. He won’t be able to suit up for the Commodores until 2020-21.
• Cleveland State guard Tyler Appleby transferred to Florida on July 16. Appleby averaged 17.2 points and 5.6 assists as a sophomore for the Vikings last season. He must sit out the upcoming season.
• 2020 four-star point guard R.J. Davis (White Plains, NY) picked up offers from North Carolina and Louisville recently. Davis now holds 28 scholarship offers.

• 2020 power forward Giancarlo Rosado (West PalmBeach, FL) is down to Florida Atlantic, Mercer, George Mason, Wofford, and Georgia Southern.
• 2020 four-star forward Cam’Ron Fletcher (Saint Louis, Mo.) will visit Kentucky on Aug. 1. The 6-5 wing is down to five schools which includes North Carolina, Alabama, Michigan State and Missouri.
• Top-three 2020 prospect Jalen Green (Fresno, CA) is expected to visit Kentucky soon.