Five-star NCAA Basketball prospect Jarin Stevenson has two decisions to make this weekend. Where will he play and in what year?
Right now, former Kansas commit Chris Johnson is the lone available top-100 class of 2023 NCAA Basketball prospect. That number could double after this weekend if Jarin Stevenson decides to reclass to play next season. He’s a consensus top-30 overall player in the 2024 class, ranked as a five-star recruit per 247sports.
Stevenson is a skilled 6’10 power forward with a nice face-up offensive game. He had a list of teams earlier in the Spring that were in contention but the Pittsboro, North Carolina native is now down to three options; Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina.
Thank you to everyone who has recruited me. 🙏🙏🙏
— Jarin Stevenson (@JarinStevenson) June 16, 2023
My top 3 are @UVAMensHoops ⚔️ @UNC_Basketball 🐏 and @AlabamaMBB 🐘 pic.twitter.com/nhWJ7V8136
Which of them makes the most sense depending on the recruiting class? Here’s an analysis based on the best class for Stevenson to pick with them.
Alabama – 2023 class
The Crimson Tide lost almost all of its frontcourt this offseason, including both Noah Gurley and Noah Clowney at Stevenson’s position. And the recent injury to incoming four-star forward Mouhamed Diabate limits the depth even more. They did reportedly land North Dakota State transfer Grant Nelson and he’ll be the focal point in the frontcourt. But Stevenson could start at the four and very much could play off him.
North Carolina – 2024 class
The decision by guard Elliot Cadeau very well could have a domino effect on the upcoming season’s lineup for UNC. Assuming he starts, Notre Dame transfer Cormac Ryan would play on the wings, while Stanford transfer Harrison Ingram plays more at the four-spot. So it would make sense for Stevenson to wait a year and join the current No. 1 2024 class to have more clarity on what his role would be. Plus, big man Armando Bacot will be gone, giving him more touches inside.
Virginia – 2024 class
The Cavaliers’ frontcourt consists of either true freshmen or five-year seniors. The veterans, Merrimack transfer Jordan Minor and Oklahoma transfer Jacob Groves, will be playing at the four-spot. So if Stevenson waits a year, he can slide in there and becomes the focal point of the offense as a freshman.
Compared to the other two, Virginia hasn’t had its name said as much in Jarin Stevenson’s recruitment. But maybe head coach Tony Bennett could pull off a surprise in the coming days. It’ll be interesting to see what his double decision is and whether or not it becomes the right one.