Christian Bliss is one of the better all-around guards in the 2024 NCAA Basketball recruiting class. Which of his four finalists is the best fit?
The latest class of 2024 NCAA Basketball prospect to update their respective recruitment is Christian Bliss, a four-star recruit from Newton, Pennsylvania. He’s a 6’4 ball-handler that can play both on and off the ball, thanks to his elite shooting skills. Bliss shot nearly 40% on the AAU circuit and showed he can be a facilitator as well.
Bliss is now reportedly down to just four options and could make a decision before the start of next season. But which of them makes the most sense? Here’s an overall look at each roster’s backcourt situation.
Miami Hurricanes
It’s not just ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong that’s gone from the roster but backup guard Harlond Beverly transferred out. That leaves a pair of rising seniors, Nijel Pack and Bensley Joseph, as the lone returning ball-handlers. It’s a situation where the team likely has a bunch of seniors by the time Bliss arrives but if he’s willing to wait a year, would find himself in a good situation as a sophomore.
Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats are rolling with star guard Justin Moore to run the offense. He’s likely gone after next season, along with incoming transfers, Hakim Hart and Tyler Burton. They still have Mark Armstrong on the roster as a point guard option but if the program isn’t fully sold, could use a couple of newcomers in a backcourt that’s set to rebuild. Bliss could be a good four-year playmaker for them with a path for early playing time once the vets move on.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are bringing back Reece Beekman for another year after exploring the NBA Draft process. He likely has one more year left and Dante Harris, the midseason transfer pickup from this past season, isn’t proven yet as a lead guard. UVA actually has plenty of off-guards on the roster, including St. Thomas transfer, Andrew Rohde. It’s a good spot for Bliss to develop as the program ushers in a new era with its backcourt.
Xavier Musketeers
Xavier added a bunch of new guards this offseason, including Dayvion McKnight and Quincy Olivari. There’s also a good incoming recruiting class, led by top-50 point guard Trey Green, as well as four-star shooting guard, Reid Ducharme. The Musketeers also has four-star class of 2024 commit Jonathan Powell in the backcourt and while Bliss would be a nice second addition, there’s a potential logjam in the backcourt thanks to Green that would have to be addressed in order to make this a better option.
Of the four teams in the mix, Villanova and Virginia make the most sense when it comes to getting a rotation spot early on. But all of them are winning programs that are hoping to make an early splash in their respective 2024 recruiting classes, with Bliss as a good pickup.