NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 2021 wing Matthew Cleveland’s final 5 schools
By Ian Mumm
2021 wing and fringe 5-star Matthew Cleveland announced his final five NCAA Basketball schools on Monday.
The consensus #24 overall recruit and highest rated consensus 4-star NCAA Basketball class of 2021 prospect will decide between Michigan, Florida State, North Carolina State, Stanford, and Kansas. Matthew Cleveland averaged 22.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.9 steals per game for Pace Academy (GA) in his junior season. He was extremely efficient from the field, at 60% from the floor, and was a deadly perimeter shooter hitting at 43%. After switching from Team Hype to the Atlanta Celtics as part of the Adidas 3SSB AAU Circuit, he was set for another breakout summer and rankings bump.
Cleveland is a tremendous all-around scoring option for the team that signs him next season. Depending on where he lands, he is likely to become a top-2 offensive option for his coach. His 6’7” frame enables him to play a very physical game on the court and he is very dangerous moving downhill. His ability to fight through contact and finish at the rim is among the best in the 2021 class. He’s constantly in-and-around the basket collecting rebounds for second-chance opportunities.
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For all the attention defenses have to focus on clogging the paint against him, they cannot leave him alone to shoot the ball anywhere on the floor. Cleveland’s size allows him to post-up smaller guards and operates as an effective high-post shooter. His range easily extends past the 3-point line and has a consistent and smooth stroke to knock down shots.
On the other end of the court, Cleveland is capable of adequately guarding almost every position on the floor. His length is extremely advantageous clogging passing lanes and forcing offenses into mistakes. He closes well on shooters and disrupts a lot of shots.
Cleveland is bound to be a fan favorite when he steps foot on campus, but which of his final five best fits his game and opportunity to play?