With another eventful week in the books, here is a look at some of the most noteworthy rumblings in the world of college basketball recruiting.
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Recruiting Roundup Storyline of the Week
Villanova lands sniper Brendan Hausen
Perhaps no player used the Nike EYBL bubble to enhance his stock more than Brendan Hausen. Playing with the Team Griffin (Okla.) program, the 6-4 Hausen averaged 18.4 points and shot almost 40 percent from deep to go along with four rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game.
What really popped about Hausen is that he led without much help on the roster. Hausen initiated the offense, guarded along the perimeter and was a key shot-maker. He was unranked leading into the Nike EYBL bubble and left ranked No. 39 in the 2022 Rivals150.
The Amarillo High (Texas) senior chose Villanova over a final group that also included Oregon, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Texas Tech and Nevada.
Recruiting Roundup Storylines
Nate Oats lands his PG
Oats’ style at Alabama has taken college basketball by storm. The Tide play fast, have good fundamentals and take plenty of shots. Last year, their 989 3-point attempts and 348 3-pointers made ranked No. 1 nationally. Alabama also finished first in total rebounds, 14th in total assists, third in total steals and first in total points scored.
To play this way, you need to be fast and have a point guard you trust. Enter 6-2 Jaden Bradley, the No. 5 point guard and No. 25 overall player in the 2022 class. So far, he has led his IMG Academy (Fla.) to the GEICO National playoffs and his Team CP3 (N.C.) travel ball squad to the Nike Peach Jam playoffs. The jet-quick Bradley has played at the highest level and won a lot of games. He will look to do the same in Tuscaloosa.
Ed Cooley double dips
Landing just one of 6-2 Jayden Pierre or 7-0 Christ Essandoko would have made it a successful week for Providence. However, Ed Cooley landed both within a couple days of each another. Pierre is a tough-minded New York native who has no fear as a lead guard. Essandoko, ranked No. 150 in the Rivals150, is a skilled seven-footer who shows promise with his ability to handle, shoot and pass.
Minnesota was PC’s main competition for Pierre, while Essandoko had the likes of Maryland and Georgetown in his final group. These two, along with fellow classmate 6-4 Quant’e Berry, should provide the building blocks for Providence moving forward.
Peter Carey fits Syracuse
He did not really have much competition for his services, at least not at the level of Syracuse. What Peter Carey did have, however, was a great fit with the Orange. He has legit size with nice length and good pop. While the Northfield Mount Herman (Mass.) center is still developing as a player, you cannot deny the seven-footer’s natural tools. Looking at how Syracuse plays their bigs, both on offense and within the zone, Carey should have every chance to succeed. While currently unranked, Carey’s quiet recruitment may seem hard to believe a few years from now.
Grant lands third major commitment
Questions were raised when Boston College announced Earl Grant as its new head coach. Since his hire, though, Grant has parlayed his success at Charleston, and in developing NBA talent, to land a great recruiting class at BC. Already locked in are 6-5 Donald Hand Jr. (ranked No. 102) and 6-5 three-star Chas Kelley. On Wednesday, Grant added 6-7 Prince Aligbe (ranked No. 65) of Minnehaha Academy (Minn.), the same school where Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren played together. Aligbe is a lengthy, strong and athletic forward prospect who chose BC over Cal and Ohio State. Don’t bet on Grant being done just yet, either.
Recruiting Roundup Mid Major Commitment of the Week
Davis Molnar commits to Furman
A couple good prospects sprung for mid-majors this week, but this one most notably caught my eye. Molnar is a 6-6 forward prospect out of Terry Sanford (N.C.) High. He is very skilled and should be considered a triple-double threat each time he walks out on the floor. Molnar is a coach’s kid and a noteworthy soccer player to boot. With a college-ready frame and advanced skill set, expect him to get on the floor at Furman sooner rather than later.