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NCAA Basketball: Duke, Alabama, UVA and Michigan finalists for Caleb Houstan

By Tristan Freeman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 09: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers greets head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils before the start of a game at John Paul Jones Arena on February 9, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 09: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers greets head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils before the start of a game at John Paul Jones Arena on February 9, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 29: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 29: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Virginia Cavaliers

First off, it’s amazing that one of the fastest-paced programs (Alabama) and slowest-paced programs (Virginia) is one the same list. That suggests that personal fit and other factors outside of style of play will be the key factors for Houston in this recruitment.

If the style of play truly doesn’t matter, then the Cavaliers have a real shot in this. The power forward spot is wide open with Sam Hauser graduating after this season and Houstan can come in and be the go-to offensive option, in a similar way that former national champion and top-5 NBA Draft pick DeAndre Hunter was.

Similar to other programs, Virginia is hoping their recent high level of success will pay off on the recruiting trail. They landed four-star guard Taine Murray and is a finalist for five-star shooting guard Trevor Keels, who also has Duke on its list as well.

The big question right now is whether or not the program can land five-star prospects. This may be a scenario where Houstan and Keels would have to join the Cavaliers together, or neither ultimately would pick them.

Early class of 2021 recruiting takeaways. dark. Next

It’s somewhat an upset that Virginia is on this list compared to UNC and Gonzaga but playing time seems to be a big thing for Caleb Houstan’s consideration. That should keep the Cavaliers in this but the momentum looks to be on Alabama’s side. They’ve landed top-50 prospects lately but landing a top-10 overall player would be national news and a sign that the Crimson Tide is here to stay.

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