NCAA Basketball Recruiting: 10th-rated PG Milos Uzan releases top 8 list
By Ian Mumm
6. USC Trojans
The Trojans made a strong run in the NCAA Tournament last season behind frontcourt brothers Evan and Isaiah Mobley. However, their reliance and production from a point guard standpoint have been less necessary due to better options on the wings and in the frontcourt. Over the last three seasons, USC has only seen one guard average double-digits with limited production behind them.
Reese Waters signed with the program the last offseason, after reclassifying from the 2021 class, and is a candidate to emerge next season in the position. However, head coach Andy Enfield has also signed another pair of 2021 guards in Malik Thomas and Kobe Johnson in addition to Memphis transfer Boogie Ellis. Considering this mix of players there are already a significant number of pieces ahead of Uzan if Enfield continues to form and utilize the roster as he has in recent seasons.
With notable frontcourt recruits still in the fold for USC, it’s safe to say that will be a likely scenario. In doing so, the Trojans do not present themselves to be a quality option, from a minute’s perspective, for Uzan given his preferences for a college destination.
5. Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels
The Gaels took a step back last year and finished outside the top-3 of the West Coast Conference in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 02-03’ campaign. Losing high-volume scoring talent Jordan Ford in the offseason was a significant hit to Saint Mary’s offensive production falling from 8th to 259th in rating on that end of the court. In trying to replace him head coach Randy Bennett gets back Tommy Kuhse and Logan Johnson next season, in addition to signing Augustas Marciulionis from Lithuania.
The fact that Kuhse and Johnson will not be a part of the Gaels roster following this season leaves the program searching for their next go-to star. Marciulionis will be a strong option to fill that void at the top of the roster, but Saint Mary’s has tried to rely on a solid pair in the backcourt in recent seasons despite some of the scoring being more lopsided.
Bringing Uzan into the fold will form a very talented backcourt duo with similar traits on the court. Opportunities for a marriage between the Gaels and Uzan are there to be made, however, there are other options closer to home that offers a similar situation.