NCAA Basketball: Predicting landing spot for remaining 2021 5-star recruits
By Ian Mumm
#23 Charles Bediako, C
Recruits from North of the US border have been increasingly positioning themselves atop the class rankings in recent seasons. Center Charles Bediako is one of several Canadians to achieve 5-star status this year and is experiencing national recruitments.
After releasing his top-5, Bediako is very focused on programs that have featured top frontcourt talent in recent years. Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas could each use a dominant big to anchor the middle of their defense, but each trail the top two of Duke and Alabama.
The Blue Devils were viewed to have an edge over the Crimson Tide in the earlier stages of his recruitment, however, there are several factors giving Alabama the most recent momentum. The Tide has been one of the hottest teams on the recruiting trail under Nate Oats and has begun to establish a pipeline for Canadian prospects.
To add on to the familiarity with international prospects, Oats has established a pipeline through the UPLay Canada Nike EYBL program signing 2 of Bediako’s teammates in the 2020 class: Josh Primo and Keon Ambrose-Hylton. The Tide’s success with these prospects should continue with the Canadian big man.
Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide