portal season is upon us. as teams end the season players announcing their transfer intentions. seeing a lot of D2 and small college stars now with D1 guys starting to declare, but that will pick up a lot in a week or two.
I love the interesting backstories or unique players. Some guys who would be fun to see UT pursue include.
Jamal "Tall" Gibson. Who dropped out of HS and became a tattoo artist. Continued to play pickup hoops and after becoming a father made his way to NAIA Southern U of New Orleans. The 26 yr old, 6-8 freshman (who looks like a heavily tatted 19 yr old) average 21 and 15 in his first yr of organized basketball.
https://www.fox8live.com/2024/02/20/suno...g-history/
Jordan Pyke had a little buzz as a high flying HS player who did not get a D1 offer. the 6-7 forward went to D2 Union and had 14/6 as a frosh. Kind of modern Pete Maravich style w a lot of flash that may have actually hurt his recruiting (too flashy?).
https://twitter.com/PDTScouting/status/1...6335521074
JUCOs are also more accessible to mid majors these days w the portal getting the attention.
Angelo Winkler is a nice 6-9 big w good post moves and some outside touch who is a mid major post recruit with a great name.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNtNbma-iKU
and my guy, Mobi Ikegwuruka is an Irish 20 yr old of African lineage who came to the US last yr too late to play and did a Juco RS. This year he was a 20/10 guy who blocks shots. Think of a Rian Pearson-JD Weatherspoon lovechild, a strong 6-6 lefty w a pretty mid range jumper who can jump out the gym. His limited experienced should keep him from getting over-recruited but he's a guy who can play the wing on offense and be a switchy defender and rim protector on D. 3 yrs to play. Son of an accomplished academic so grades should be fine.
