NCAA Basketball: Jordan Bruner down to 3 teams, making decision this week
Jordan Bruner is down to three schools, and he is slated to make a decision this week.
Grad transfer Jordan Bruner has once again trimmed his list down. Bruner is now considering just Baylor, Alabama, and Maryland. Meaning that Gonzaga, Louisville as well as Arkansas did not make the former Yale Bulldog’s last cut. He is expected to make his decision this week.
Injuries have been an issue for the versatile 6-9 forward who has suffered two meniscus tears, including one that cost him the entire 2017-18 campaign. Bruner is very athletic, and he is an excellent finisher at the rim. The Columbia (SC) native can score inside and outside as well as in transition. Additionally, he is also an excellent rebounder, a terrific passer, and a quality rim-protector.
Bruner saw his production increase every so slightly in 2019-20 from his sophomore season, producing 10.9 points along with 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks. His most significant improvement came from beyond the arc as he made 32 triples this past season at a 32.3% clip, which was up from 22 trifectas while making them at a 27.8% rate. Bruner produced nine double-doubles and scored in double-figures 18 times. However, scoring consistency and turnovers are a problem for him.
Here is a look at the three finalists along with Bruner’s thoughts, per ZAGSBLOG, about the program.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide has rebuilt their roster after losing five players following the completion of the season with Beetle Bolden (graduation) and Raymond Hawkins (transfer). While John Petty, Kira Lewis, and Herb Jones are testing NBA waters, Petty and Lewis are not expected to back. It is unknown whether Jones will be back.
Despite not having signed a single player from the 2020 class, the Tide do have four commitments from Keon Ambrose-Hylton, five-star guard Josh Primo, Top-10 JUCO prospect Keon Ellis, and three-star recruit Darius Miles. As it stands right now with the four commitments and the three players looking at leaving for the NBA, Bama could have one more scholarship left to give out for the upcoming season.
Bruner said he likes the system that coach Nate Oats is running, and he has a history of winning. Oats led Alabama to a 16-15 record in his first season with the Tide, meaning that he has yet to endure a losing campaign in five seasons. The 45-year-old he is 128-58 overall with three NCAA Tournament appearances. His first four years were with the Buffalo Bulls.
Baylor: The Bears don’t officially have a scholarship available, but that could change if MaCio Teague decides to remain in the 2020 NBA Draft. Baylor won’t have senior power forward Freddie Gillepsie either, but Scott Drew has signed a pair of four-star frontcourt recruits, Dain Dainja and Zach Loveday.
“Baylor – Best team in the country this year. Lots of great players and great culture,” Bruner said.
The Bears finished ranked fifth in the country at 26-4 and second in the Big 12 with a 15-3 record.
Maryland: “Maryland– Great platform with a team who won the Big Ten this year and is losing a lot,” Bruner said.
The Terrapins have two scholarships available in 2020 after Jalen Smith decided to forego his final two years of eligibility. The Terps also won’t have Anthony Cowan (graduated) and Ricky Lindo Jr. (transfer). They are also in the mix for Bryce Aiken.
Maryland was crowned the Big Ten champion after sharing the regular-season title with Wisconsin and Michigan State. The Terrapins were ranked 12th in the nation as they closed the season at 24-7 overall and 14-6 in the conference.
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Projection: It is thought that the battle for Bruner is basically between Alabama and Baylor. However, Maryland may be the best landing spot for him if Teague does indeed bolt for the NBA. Bama appears to be building something special. But I’m going to put the Terrapins first as they play in the ACC and his family possibly will be able to see him play though the same could be said for Alabama playing in the SEC. So, here is the order — 1. Maryland, 2. Alabama 3. Baylor.