NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 top-150 forward Elijah Saunders
South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks are currently losing the arms race of talent in the SEC. They brought in several transfers this offseason but the outlook isn’t great for head coach Frank Martin and the program overall. That in itself is a concern, as Saunders may be committing to a team that will be looking for a new coach next offseason.
But if he can hold on, there’s a real shot that not only Saunders can get early playing time, but also potentially start games as a freshman. The power forward spot is in flux, as both LSU transfer Josh Gray and returning forward Wildens Leveque are best as centers. The spacing ability for Saunders would be needed for the Gamecocks and there isn’t better talent on the roster at that spot. But again, that only matters if Coach Martin is still around.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies had a much better than anticpated past season thanks to forward transfers Keve Aluma and Justyn Mutts. Both will be around for one more year but will likely be gone, so the team will need to be agressive in targeting frontcourt players in the 2022 class. They have three-star freshman Jalen Haynes but he doesn’t space the floor as well as Saunders can.
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As a program, Virginia Tech looks to be in better shape than ACC peers, Miami and Notre Dame and certainly better than South Carolina. And the ability to play in a spotlight such as ACC Basketball will be a major selling point for a prospect that is currently flying under the radar. With playing time potentailly being here as well, the Hokies are in a good spot here for the three-star forward.