Hoops Targets to Watch in the Recruiting Period

The hoops recruiting period is in full swing for Brad Underwood and company, and commitments to schools from all over the country tend to happen around this time of year for 2017 prospects looking to reserve their spots. Underwood’s staff has just one commitment in Zach Dawson, so what’s the deal with OSU hoops and their recruitment?

Here are several of OSU’s top targets and where they stand with the recruiting period nearing an end on Nov. 6.

Collin Sexton – Point Guard (6-2, 175)

Five-star talent Collin Sexton made an official visit several weeks ago to OSU, and he has the Pokes in his top five in a recently cut list. He’s also considering NC State, Alabama, and Kansas. He will be in Lawrence this weekend for an official visit, and will likely be making his decision in December.

Trae Young – Point Guard (6-2, 170)

In-state standout Trae Young is another five-star talent with the Pokes in his top five schools. He has officials set for Texas Tech, OU, Kansas and Kentucky, with OSU with a “TBD” at the moment. If Oklahoma State can’t land a visit, their chances will be slimmed down to virtually non-existent.

Kentucky is the “leader” according to the 247sports crystal ball, but OU and Kansas still remain firmly in the mix and OSU could be a dark horse.

Devontae Shuler – Shooting Guard (6-3, 180)

Shuler made an official visit to Oklahoma State this weekend, even drawing enough attention for the coaches to bring out the rare turquoise uni’s for the top 100 talent:

Y'all feeling it?? (Not Committed) pic.twitter.com/FAyfAm4nfq

— Devontae Shuler (@Devontae_Shuler) September 25, 2016

Shuler is still planning officials to Ole Miss, Miami, and USC to go with his previous visits to South Carolina, the presumed favorite, and Oklahoma State. Having him on campus from Oak Hill Academy is huge, and I would guess he will likely make his decision fairly quickly after his official visits. South Carolina is the presumed favorite.

Keith Williams – Shooting Guard (6-5, 190)

One of the more under rated prospects in the 2017 class, Keith Williams of Brooklyn, NY, is a guy who is flying below the radar but appears to be seriously considering OSU as a landing spot. The long, athletic flyer with excellent range has offers from Cincy, Hofstra, Dayton, OSU, and several others. He has four visits set up: SMU, Cincy, and Dayton, with his final scheduled visit, at least for now, scheduled for OSU on October 8. Schools who get the last official visit tend to be in the best shape, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Underwood lands a commitment during the visit.

Jordan Nwora – Small Forward (6-8, 220)

Underwood is trying his hand up North trying to lure elite small forward Jordan Nwora from Vermont Academy, and competing with Georgia Tech, Louisville, and several others. Nwora is an elite scorer with good ball-handling skills for a big his size, and can play both around the rim and extend out with his pure jump shot that makes him so lethal. He’s a top 50 prospect and, at the moment, this one is leaning towards Georgia Tech. But he has yet to announce any officials. The chatter between OSU and Nwora has cooled off as of recent, and he’s gone radio silent on his recruitment. Oklahoma State figures to be in the mix, but at this point we don’t know if he’s planning official visits or if he already has his mind made up and is keeping quiet.

Bourama Sidibe – Power Forward (6-9, 220)

Underwood recently made the haul to see Sidibe and his teammate Sean Mobley in early September, who Underwood offered during his visit. Mobley has since committed to VCU, but Sidibe remains on the market and is a hot commodity from Montverde Academy. Being from Newark, NJ, Sidibe’s favorite on the 247sports crystal ball heavily favors Syracuse. But Underwood is trying to make up ground on the other Orange, having made a return visit just last week to see him again. Perhaps Underwood can pry him from the hands of Jim Boeheim.

After the recruiting period ends on Nov. 6, there will be a several day ‘dead period’, before the recruiting period picks up once again on Nov. 11 and runs all the way through the hoops season on March 29, 2017.