Intel Report 6/24/22
The next few weeks could be a pivotal time for UVA in this 2023 recruiting cycle. There are several key recruits who seem to be nearing decisions. The Hoos were included as finalists for two this week. Meanwhile, the coaches will be back out on the road this weekend.
2023 Notes
The key date coming up is July 6th, the start of AAU live periods. Think of that as an approaching storm. Everybody is trying to get done what they can before it hits. That’s where we are right now. Coaches are pushing for their top targets to come to decisions, so they can spend July concentrating on others. Several of UVA’s key recruits are heading in that direction.
Key Targets
Coach Bennett was courtside for all three of Worcester (MA) forward TJ Power’s games last weekend. As I’ve been saying for a while, he’s the top overall target on the board. UVA has established itself as the team to beat. Notre Dame, Iowa, and Indiana are the other main teams involved. But it’s really just a matter of whether he’ll commit to UVA or hold off until later. That’s a very favorable place to be. I actually don’t expect things with Power to change a lot in July either. We just don’t want to go much further than that.
Pewaukee (WI) forward Milan Momcilovic posted his final six this week, with a decision likely coming over the next few weeks. Iowa State, Virginia, and UCLA are the contenders. Probably in that order. There’s only room for one between Power and Momcilovic.
The recruitment of Bishop Ireton (VA) wing Jamie Kaiser took another twist last week when he backed away from his previous statements about committing before July. Essentially opening his recruitment to all comers. UCLA and Stanford have since offered. It’s basically a reset. Frankly, I’ve heard UVA doesn’t believe they’ll get him. But I don’t think any of the schools involved really know where things stand anymore.
I was writing this last night when news broke that Lake City (ID) big man Blake Buchanan announced a top two of Virginia and Gonzaga. The Zags did officially offer him a scholarship this week. I don’t think there’s any decision made, but pressure from the UVA side is what’s led to him and Gonzaga speeding the process up. He knows the window could close next month. Rumblings from our side are very positive about the news. UVA seems to have the edge.
Others With Offers
Virginia extended a new scholarship offer last night to South Kent (CT) point guard Elmarko Jackson. He was the top performer at last week’s New England Prep Showcase, where Bennett was stationed for TJ Power. Syracuse, Maryland, and Notre Dame are some of the schools that have been involved with him. But new offers have poured in daily this week. Tennessee the other most notable. It’s just starting off. We’ll see where it goes, but Bennett seems to like him a lot.
Word of God (NC) guard Freddie Dilione is a prime target for UVA. His team isn’t playing during these June live periods, which takes him off the radar a bit. He’s taken recent visits to VCU and Tennessee. The Hoos are still in pursuit, expect them to pick back up in July’s live periods.
UVA’s Kyle Getter was in Minnesota last weekend to see Totino-Grace guard Taison Chatman. He’s scheduled a big visit coming up to Kansas. They’re definitely the favorite in the race.
Rolling Meadows (IL) guard Cam Christie hasn’t been very active in his recruitment so far. Don’t write him off though. UVA is expected to see him this weekend.
UCLA has picked up predictions lately for Jesuit (CA) wing Andrej Stojakovic. Whatever slim hope the Hoos have with Peja’s son appear to be slipping away.
Serious Interest
Hudson Catholic (NJ) guard Elijah Gertrude is scheduled to visit on Monday. Coach Vandross was in Jersey to see him last weekend. He was pretty phenomenal there too. They’ll see him again this weekend in Philly. It seems inevitable he’ll be offered a scholarship.
UVA is planning to see Greensboro Day (NC) guard Jaydon Young this week. He visited in early June, but hasn’t been as good in AAU competition after that. I'm doubtful they'll end up recruiting him.
2024 Visitors
Virginia hosted Sidwell Friends (DC) combo forward Caleb Williams for an unofficial visit this week. Coach Williford likes him a lot, and has already been active with him for a while. Bennett hasn’t had the opportunity to see him yet. All signs point to him being someone UVA will seriously recruit in the 2024 class.
Seaforth (NC) forward Jarin Stevenson visited again last week, his third time on grounds. He’s still the only member of the 2024 class with a UVA offer. There’s only two schools that matter in his recruitment, UVA and UNC. It won’t be surprising if he decides very early. Carolina has to be considered a heavy favorite.
Going Live Again
Coaches will be back out on Friday afternoon for the second and final scholastic live period. There aren’t as many players in action this week that Virginia is already recruiting. Bennett will certainly pop up in places to see key recruits or to make final reviews on players that are under serious consideration for scholarship offers. But there should be a lot more scouting this week, particularly by assistants.
Hot Spots
TJ Power and Elmarko Jackson will be back in action this weekend at the New England Prep Showcase in Massachusetts. I know Coach Vandross will be there, and I suspect Bennett joins him.
Jamie Kaiser is in the same place again this weekend, DMV Live at DeMatha. Coach Williford is sure to be there at some point. His son Austin’s STAB team is playing there.
Philly Live is sure to be a stop for UVA coaches this week. Elijah Gertrude plays there twice, both games on Sunday. They can also check out recent visitor 2024 Caleb Williams there.
UVA is listed among the schools registered for the Georgia Live event. Fast-rising Etowah (GA) point guard Brandon Rechsteiner is the main draw there. It’ll be interesting if Bennett makes that trip.
Someone will be in Charlotte later in the weekend for the NC Private School event. Jaydon Young and Burlington (NC) big man Michael Nwoko are among the players of interest there.
Coach Getter is planning to be in Chicago to see Rolling Meadows (IL) guard Cam Christie.
There are also major events in Texas, Ohio and Indiana. All of which are great opportunities to scout out talent.