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NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early takeaways from 2021 recruiting classes

By Tristan Freeman

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK , NY – MARCH 11: Jamorko Pickett #1 of the Georgetown Hoyas huddle (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
NEW YORK , NY – MARCH 11: Jamorko Pickett #1 of the Georgetown Hoyas huddle (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Coaches on “hot seat” still doing well on the recruiting trail

The team “hot seat” is relatively subjective since it’s an opinion about which NCAA Basketball head coaches could potentially get fired. But for those who follow the sport closely, there are some names with a consensus view that their jobs could be in jeopardy in the 2020-21 season doesn’t go in a positive matter.

Yet still, that hasn’t seemed to have an effect on high school recruits in their decisions. In fact, several have excelled. That includes arguably the most notable “hot seat” coach in Shaka Smart of Texas. Had the season not been canceled, the Longhorns may have missed the NCAA Tournament, which would’ve likely led to his removal.

Instead, he was able to land five-star power forward prospect Greg Brown for the upcoming season, while landing four recruits for the 2021 class. Three of them are four-star commits, including combo guard Tamar Bates, who was considered a Kansas lean. David Joplin, Emarion Ellis, and Keeyan Itejere round out the No. 10 overall class, with a potential star or two possibly joining.

Another coach who has done well this offseason is Patrick Ewing of Georgetown. After a transfer exodus, the Hoyas program looked to be in a downward spiral. But the team has also done well this offseason, landing a trio of top-200 talents that should have an impact out the gate as freshmen.

Other coaches doing well on the recruiting trail include Cuanzo Martin (Missouri), Dave Leitao (DePaul), and Jerrod Haase (Stanford). Considering that players can simply de-commit without penalty, they can pick their first option and hope for the best. It also shows the connections made between these coaches and recruits. It’s not a major deal but for those who use negative recruiting tactics, saying someone may get fired doesn’t seem to be working.

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