NCAA Basketball: 2021 forward David Joplin talks recruitment

David Joplin is a 6-foot-7 blossoming forward in the 2021 recruiting class for NCAA basketball. He talks about his playing style and current recruitment.

It is still very early to analyze the 2021 NCAA basketball recruiting class but David Joplin is emerging as a name to know in the Midwest. A 6-foot-7 forward with the ability to make impacts in several different ways, his stock has grown over the past few months. He brings the size, athleticism, drive, and skillset to play multiple positions on the floor and is only continuing to expand his game.

Joplin was a crucial piece of Brookfield Central’s state championship team in Wisconsin last season as a sophomore. He was named as All-State Honorable Mention for his efforts and that propelled him into a strong summer with Meanstreets (IL) on the Nike EYBL circuit. He has since continued to play well in his junior high school season and is averaging 21.8 points (.491/.381/.712), 9.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game across 19 recorded contests.

Joplin’s stock is only rising at this point and currently holds offers from Valparaiso, Green Bay, Milwaukee, DePaul, and UNLV. He has also taken unofficial visits to at least Iowa, Loyola, Wisconsin, and Butler. Although currently unranked by 247Sports and Rivals (still too early), Prep Hoops has him slotted at the No. 186 spot in the class.

With regard to his recruitment, Joplin mentioned to me that “Butler, Valparaiso, Loyola are very interested. Butler would be the most interested at the moment.” Here is the rest of our interview:

What are the staffs of those main three pitching to you regarding their respective schools and your potential role?

Butler: “For Butler, they are really preaching on building a relationship with me and my family. My parents and I love how Coach Lowery and Val have kept me in mind and really want to know about me.”

Valparaiso: “For Valpo, they are really pitching the future and how if I keep going strong in the direction I’m going that I could be a great player in their program. They really like how I fit into their scheme and what I bring to the table and they feel that I would thrive at their school.”

Loyola: “For Loyola, they are pitching being both a good basketball team and a good academic team. Playing there would definitely make me better as a player and graduating with a degree from Loyola would have me in a great position for life after basketball.”

I know you’ve visited Butler and Loyola (at least) of those three. What stood out about those campuses? Do you have any other visits scheduled for the future?

“What stood out the most was definitely the staff. I like how they want to get to know me and ask how I’m doing. On visits, they make me feel a part of the school and they are super good to my family. There is nothing planned at the moment but over the spring and summer, I plan on taking some official and unofficials.”

I know this might be a long time from now, but when it comes to making your college decision, what qualities are you looking for in a school, program, and coaching staff?

“When making my decision, I’ll definitely look for what other recruits are coming to the team and if I’d fit well with them. Most of all, I want to play in a good system with a staff that will help me improve more every year.”

How would you describe your playing style? What are some of your strengths and then some areas that you are working to develop?

“I like to attack the basket and make the defense key on me and then I’ll facilitate. I’ve been expanding my range over the years and always have a good pull-up jumper. I have been developing my ball-handling to become more of a 3 or 2, and improving on my defense is also what I’m working on.”

What are some of your goals for the next few months with regard to your individual development and schools you want to visit?

“For myself, I’d like to keep lighting up the 3-point line and become a better defender. I think my rank and interest will increase heavily if I keep it up. I want to get more interest from the southern schools for a warmer climate and a different style of basketball. I also want to take some officials as well – definitely want to take one to Butler. But getting more interest from schools in California and Florida is what I’d want this summer.”

It is no secret that David Joplin’s stock is increasing at this point as he continues to push his high school team to new heights. He could be poised for a major breakout summer and his recruitment is definitely worth monitoring. Who else will join Butler, Loyola, and Valparaiso as the main contenders for his commitment in the near future?