College Basketball Recruiting 2021

As the college basketball recruiting 2021 cycle begins to heat up, there are a number of schools that are already securing commitments from prospects they think will add value. This is especially important given the COVID-19-related suspension of AAU events, which limits coaches’ ability to evaluate players in person.

One of the first big commitments to come in was from Colorado guard Quincy Allen, a top-75 prospect who was highly sought after by a host of high-level programs. He resembles the type of recruit Tad Boyle targets — a developmental wing who can develop into an NBA-caliber player.

Another early commitment came from Michigan State star guard Jalen Warley, a prospect who has been ranked by most services as the No. 3 overall prospect in his class. Warley oozes next-level athleticism and has the potential to become a high-end NBA draft pick if he continues to develop his perimeter skills.

The Wolverines will continue to push hard for both Akins and Warley, though it seems clear that a commitment from the latter is all but guaranteed. Michigan needs to add a ball-handling guard in this class and Akins appears to be a good fit.

Another player to watch is California point guard Aidan Mahaney, who has offers from Stanford, USF, CAL and Loyola Marymount among others. The hype is real for the top-ranked point guard, who has the skill set to be a special player at the next level. He led Campolindo to a state championship and is a terrific finisher around the basket and in transition.