NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Pros and cons of 5-star SG Isiah Harwell final 4 teams

Houston Cougars

Pros

It’s interesting to see Houston and Gonzaga in a similar recruiting battle because the Cougars moving, and then succeeding in the Big 12, could unlock them and Coach Kelvin Sampson into a future recruiting juggernaut. They already turned their lone former 5-star prospect (Jarace Walker) into a lottery pick a year ago, and are just as, if not even more consistent than Gonzaga as a national juggernaut.

Playing in the Big 12 would be great for Harwell and while defense isn’t a weak spot in his game, Harwell could benefit from a year in the Cougars’ system, where offense isn’t everything. This is an option that doesn’t really have a clear weakness, especially compared to the other three options.

Cons

If I had to nitpick to find a possible flaw, it’s that the Cougars are rarely ever “young” and tend to have veteran guards that lead the team. Even once leading scorer LJ Cryer leaves after next season, the team will still have Terrance Arceneaux and Emanuel Sharp as seniors by the time Harwell arrives.

It would be a tough year for Harwell if he only wanted to stay in college for one season. He probably could find a starting spot in a three-guard lineup but Coach Sampson could also just make him a 6th Man in favor of the veteran guards unless someone leaves first. It’s a small thing but Harwell wouldn’t be guaranteed a maximum role on Day 1 at Houston.