Iowa State Cyclones
Had Sallis stayed around the three-star range, Iowa State would’ve had a much better shot at landing him. But they’ve been another program that has recruited the guard for a long time and the relationships built will keep them in the running. The obvious concern is that even if the team lands Sallis, would they even be a projected top-half Big 12 team? Half of this list is 2021 national title contenders even without Sallis but with him, could be the odds on favorite.
What the Cyclones do have going for them is a good recent history with lead guards. Lindell Wigginton was an all-conference star just a couple of years ago and Tyrese Haliburton is a projected top-10 overall pick in this week’s NBA Draft. If reaching the ultimate level is the goal, this program has something to offer.
Kansas Jayhawks
With local four-star recruit Tamar Bates spurning Kansas for the Texas Longhorns, the team is still in huge need of a top-tier guard in the 2021 class. That’s because leading passer Marcus Garrett is a senior, while five-star freshman guard Bryce Thompson could very well leave after one year. Sallis could come in and have the lead role in 2021-22. He and Thompson could play together as well in what would be the best-case scenario for the team.
The Jayhawks are the best program regionally where Sallis resides. They also are currently in trouble with the NCAA, with several alleged recruiting violations that may end up with postseason sanctions by the time the guard would arrive on campus. Until that gets cleared up (no current timetable), it’s hard to see Kansas having the upper hand in this recruitment.