With the early signing period only three weeks away, it's closing time for a select few prospects, while a new name has also surfaced. The uncertainty of stay/go decisions on the horizon after the 2022-23 season in tandem with the portal means the net is a bit smaller in relation to the past for HS recruiting. Let's take a look at where we stand. 

 

GUARDS

Isaiah Collier

Height/Weight: Listed height in the 6'2 - 6'4 range, with listed weight ranging between 170 - 205. Eye test says he's probably a legit 6'2 and 190-195.

High School/AAU: Marietta Wheeler HS (GA)/Nike EYBL The Skill Factory (GA)

Mainstream Ranking: Now a consensus top-6 overall prospect

EM Ranking/Projected Impact: 5-star/#8 overall. Expected projection/production of a true 5-star prospect, even if it isn't necessarily what is expected of a consensus top-10 prospect as a freshman. Think consistent rotation player that plays 15-20 minutes per game at minimum, with the potential to be a starter by the time February/March comes around. Has positional size/frame that NBA covets, but lacks the desired twitchiness/acceleration and has some unnecessary motion on the shot mechanics that may give GMs some pause. Will likely be all-conference level player in year two if he sticks around in college.

Latest Recruiting Intel: Collier has set a November 16th decision date with USC, UCLA and Cincinnati the finalists competing with the Wolverines. This one doesn't seem to be trending Michigan's way, as Isaiah has not consistently communicated with the staff in recent weeks. High School and AAU teammate Arrinten Page committed to USC last week, adding fuel to the fire that the Trojans are in pole position here. Cincinnati added a pledge from 4-star PG Jizzle James a few weeks ago and Bearcat insiders I've spoken with this week now believe USC is the landing spot. With 5/6 FutureCast predictions and the lone Crystal Ball in favor of the Trojans in tandem with my intel above, it seems Michigan's top overall prospect is indeed headed to Los Angeles. 

 

George Washington III

Height/Weight: Listed at 6'2 and in the 165-175 range. Likely 6'1 - 6'2 and 180 based on my eye test. 

High School/AAU: Chaminade-Julienne HS (OH)/Nike EYBL All-Ohio (OH)

Mainstream Ranking: 4-star/60-135 range overall

EM Rankings/Evaluation: 3-star/#121 overall. Above-average/good volume perimeter shooter with outstanding shot mechanics. Averaged over 5 attempts per game from distance during all five EYBL sessions. Aggregate percentage is around 33%, but that isn't really indicative of the shooter he is because it doesn't account for shot difficulty. Washington can knock down jumpers off movement via pull-ups and screens from both distance and midrange. He's an average secondary ballhandler, but not a kid that is going to run ballscreens with any sort of volume. Physically, he's a tad undersized for the SG spot and is only an average athlete. Not likely to be an instant-impact player, but can provide valuable floorspacing while sticking around four years. A bit reminiscent of some Beilein-era targets.

Latest Recruiting Intel: Visited Michigan a few weekends ago and gave standard fluff in the aftermath. 247 reports that Michigan, Wake Forest and Louisville are the top tier of a final five that also includes Virginia and Dayton. Washington is originally from Louisville, so my opinion is the Cardinals are in strong position here if they turn up the heat. As of yesterday, George told me he has yet to lock-in a visit with Louisville, but that could change at any moment. I'd be remiss not to mention his father is on staff with the Dayton WBB team, so the Flyers are looming as well. Washington will take an official visit to Wake Forest commencing October 27th and plans to make a decision during the early signing period. Whether a Louisville visit materializes is the key component to monitor here. 

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