Kansas listed as one of schools in running to sign LeBron James’ son, Bronny James
High school sophomore Bronny James, the son of future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James, might decide to play a year or two of college basketball before heading to the pros.
This, of course, begs the question: Which school will ultimately prevail in what will be one of the most-watched recruitments in college hoops history?
So far, eight schools — including the University of Kansas — have been mentioned as possible destinations for the 6-foot-2, 170-pound soph guard from Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, who is ranked No. 24 in the recruiting Class of 2023 by ESPN.com.
The eight schools haven’t been singled out by Bronny or his dad. Instead, gambling Website Bovada of Las Vegas, last week listed betting odds on James’ college decision under the heading: “Where Will Bronny James Play His First NCAA Game For?”
An HBCU school, North Carolina Central, currently has the best odds to land James at +120. Duke follows at +125, followed by Howard (+600), North Carolina A&T (+900), Kentucky (+950), Kansas (+1400), North Carolina (+1600) and UCLA (+2000).
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as NC Central, Howard and NC A&T, are expected to start landing Top 50 players in the wake of Makur Maker’s decision last week to verbally commit to Howard over runner-up UCLA.
The 7-foot, 230-pound Maker, who attended Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, will attend Howard a year if he isn’t guaranteed to be selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, which is set for Oct. 16. Maker is ranked No. 18 in the recruiting Class of 2020 by Rivals.com.
“A lot of people are comfortable with familiarity. Kids could say, ‘I would feel welcome that I’m not just an athlete — I’m part of a community (at HBCU),’” Ed Smith, Maker’s guardian, told ESPN.com.
“On the visit at Howard, that was the main difference. Just for me on the outside looking in, he’s part of the fabric. You’re not just the athlete or the Black athlete,” Smith added.
Thespun.com reported last week that Bronny James has two known scholarship offers, from Kentucky and NC Central.
“The one-and-done choice is a long way off for Bronny, and his potential to go that route will be based solely on a high school performance level that we simply can’t assess yet,” wrote Paul Biancardi of ESPN.com.
“When you look at him right now, he plays a team game, seems to enjoy being part of a team and is a good teammate, characteristics that would make him ideal for the college game. I can see Bronny thriving among peers in a campus setting — he would certainly bring excitement and impact to college basketball. If he projects as a multiple-year player at the collegiate level, college would seem a natural choice.
“The new G League path that Jalen Green and others have opted for is more for those who want to try and get into the NBA as quickly as possible, or who place a higher value on the financial component and want to train during the day versus fulfilling academic requirements,” Biancardi added. “Players going that route might miss out on the incomparable atmosphere of packed arenas on national TV, but they are compensated very well.
“By the time he is ready to make that decision, one can only imagine how big Bronny’s brand will be, but brands don’t equate to automatic success at higher levels. When his body, skills, habits and maturity all blend together, that will be Bronny’s time to assess the next level.
“Based on his current performances against his peers, with the same up-and-down moments all young players experience, Bronny is in a terrific spot. With game improvement and his physical measurables changing, he will certainly influence the game more and become more consistent and productive. Whatever happens over the next three seasons, Bronny should be in no rush,” Biancardi said.
KU makes Collins’ list of 10
Daimion Collins, a 6-9, 205-pound senior power forward from Atlanta (Texas) High who is ranked No. 20 in the recruiting Class of 2021 by Rivals.com, has narrowed his list of possible college destinations to 10. They are: KU, Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, LSU, Houston, Arkansas and Alabama.
He recently made the announcement on Twitter.
“Collins is the fifth best power forward in America that is a must-get for practically all of his finalists,” wrote Corey Evans of Rivals.com. “Collins is a graceful athlete that is tremendous at running the floor and exchanging ends of the court. One of the most versatile defenders in his class, Collins is a premier shot blocker that has great touch and hands around the basket. Strength gain is a must but the limitless possibilities of what he can become and the continued progressions that he has made correlate with that of an elite recruit out of the 2021 class.”
Collins has visited Oklahoma officially. OU, Oklahoma State, Texas and LSU are considered his favorites.
Etienne to attend Brewster Academy
Mac Etienne, a 6-10, 220-pound senior center who is ranked No. 50 in the recruiting Class of 2021 by Rivals.com, has decided to attend Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire for his senior season of high school, he reported recently via Instagram.
Etienne attended Suffield (Connecticut) Academy his junior year. Zagsblog.com reports scholarship offers from Kansas, Louisville, Marquette, Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Miami, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Rutgers, UConn, Xavier, Syracuse, St. John’s, UCLA, Wake Forest and others.
“I talk with coach (Bill) Self and two of the assistants almost every day. They are going to need a 5 and they say that I would be a great fit for their program and I would really be able to develop into a big time player there,” Etienne told Travis Branham of 247sports.com. “They are one of the best teams in the country and they were No. 1 and a favorite to win the tournament and they really see that if I went there then they could make another run like that.”
He averaged 15 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks per game during his junior season at Suffield.
Reid to IMG Academy
Efton Reid, a 6-11, 235-pound senior center ranked No. 24 in the recruiting Class of 2021 by Rivals.com, is headed to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his senior year, he announced recently via Instagram. Reid attended The Steward School in Richmond, Virginia last school ear.
Reid has received scholarship offers from KU, Louisville, Michigan, Ohio State, Virginia, Florida State, Georgetown, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, North Carolina and others. He averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last season. He hit 70% of his shots, including 41% from three-point range and 67% from the free-throw line.
Reid had considered moving up a class and playing for Michigan or Florida State during the 2020-21 season. That apparently is no longer in play.
“Efton is a special player,” Steward School coach Curt Kassab told the Richmond (Virginia) Free Press. “He has the work ethic and drive along with the size and talent. He has been fun to watch and fun to be around.”
Hornecker on KU’s list
Cade Hornecker, a 6-11, 205-pound junior center from Amarillo (Texas) High, is being recruited by KU, he told Zagsblog.com.
“They said they’ve been watching film. They called my dad the other day. So, they talked for a while. They’ve been calling a couple times and sound excited to talk to me. An offer from there would be cool,” Hornecker told Zagsblog.com. At this time he is unranked in the Class of 2022 by Rivals.com.
He’s heard from KU, Kansas State, Wichita State, Creighton, Butler, New Mexico, Belmont, Oklahoma State, Gonzaga, Baylor, TCU and others.
KU looking at Nick Smith
Nick Smith, a 6-4 junior combo guard out of Sylvan Hills High in Sherwood, Arkansas, who is ranked No. 46 in the recruiting Class of 2022 by Rivals.com, says KU is on his list of schools.
He has heard from coaches from KU, Arkansas, North Carolina, Auburn, Ohio State, Georgetown, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Texas, Florida and others.
