basketball recruiting

[Khani Rooths]

Michigan landed their third commitment of the 2024 cycle today when 4-star wing Khani Rooths committed to Michigan. Juwan Howard dipped back into his IMG top-50 pipeline (Moussa Diabate + Jett Howard) to secure a major talent that brings some recruiting momentum back to Ann Arbor. 

Rooths chose Michigan over fellow-finalists Georgia and Florida State after releasing a final three on November 2nd. All signs pointed toward Georgia until Khani's official visit to Ann Arbor last weekend completely turned the tide in favor of the Wolverines. 

 

GURU RANKINGS

Rivals ESPN 24/7 On3
4*, #33 Ovr 4*, #23 Ovr, #4 PF 4*, #29 Ovr, #7 PF 4*, #19 Ovr, #10 SF

All of the services agree that Rooths is a 4-star prospect that sits in a tight range between 19-33 overall. Three of the four services have Khani at 6'8, while Rivals goes 6'7. The weight is near universal at 195-200 pounds. 

 

SCOUTING

Versatility and upside are the first words that come to mind when evaluating Khani. Physically, there's good positional size at 6'8 with solid length. He's not necessarily twitchy/explosive, particularly in terms of acceleration/deceleration, but Rooths is rangy and an above-average run + jump athlete. Once he adds some additional muscle mass/strength, Rooths has the makings of a good functional athlete, particularly on the defensive end. 

In terms of skill, Michigan is getting a three level scorer at 6'8 with some ability to make plays for others. While I wouldn't label Khani as a knockdown shooter at this stage of development, he is a solid/above-average perimeter shotmaker given his shot diet. He connects on his fair share of pull-ups from both midrange and distance, while being a solid floorspacing wing that can be a popper in ballscreen action. With an above-average handle for his size, Rooths is also capable of creating his own shot off the bounce and getting two feet in the paint for finishes at the rim, while flashing some passing/playmaking chops. While he's not a high-volume post-up type by any means, Khani does show some comfort as an occasional back-to-the-basket option that can score. In a nutshell, we're looking at a prospect that does many things above-average, but not elite in any one facet. Having the ability to operate from nearly any spot on the court with reasonable effectiveness really bodes well for lineup compatibility. 

 

On3 is enamored with the upside based on the physical tools/frame and echoes my versatility take:

Khani Rooths has a great frame and great length with real positional size (measured 6-foot-8, or so). The ball skills are developing; however, he is getting more confident with the ball in his hands. His mid-post/mid-range game is getting more dangerous. He will knock down some spot threes, and he can get downhill off the bounce. Defensively, Rooths is really intriguing. He can slide his feet with guards at the point of attack, disrupt the passing lanes, and he has the length and size to switch down to guard forwards. As you project Rooths forward, the archetype and physical tools are clear. There is an upward trajectory that he has continued to take over the past 12 or so months.

Rob Cassidy at Rivals likes the athletic facets, ability to create off the bounce and switchable defense: 

The 6-foot-7 forward is an aesthetic shot-maker that continues to add muscle and refine his ball-handling ability. He’s not polished as a long-range shooter just yet, but the four-star prospect was a menace in transition and off-dribble in Baltimore. Defenders have a hard time staying in front of the explosive Rooths, who has become a reliable finisher and mid-range threat. Rooths has nice bounce and routinely plays above the rim. He also impacts games as a switchable defender when he’s engaged on that end of the floor.

After seeing him at Team USA minicamp in October, 247's Brandon Jenkins came away impressed with the motor and slashing ability while noting the need for more consistency:

Top-30 senior Khani Rooths played as hard as we have seen him play during his high school career. A combination forward with ideal positional size, an athletic frame, and an evolving skillset on the perimeter, Rooths asserted himself as a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.

He flew to the backboards with a sense of urgency to pin shot attempts, sprinted the floor with a purpose, and was an aggressive slasher to the basket.

Rooths has a history of showing flashes of how valuable he can be at either forward spot. While he may not be ready to consistently dominate right now, he proved he is capable of having a positive influence on a game with his motor. Once he figures out how to find his own offense groove on a consistent basis, his best basketball will be a sight people will pay a significant amount of money to see down the road.

[After THE JUMP: film + projection]

:

[Durral Brooks]

Michigan added a second pledge to the 2024 class when in-state guard Durral Brooks announced his commitment to the Wolverines on Sunday. 

Rivals ESPN 247 On3
4*, #NR overall

 
4*, #96 overall

#16 SG, #1 mi
3* PG, #127 overall,

#17 PG, #1 MI

3* PG, #142 overall,

#21 PG, #1 MI

While the star allocations are split between 3* and 4*, the national rankings all coming in around the 100-150 range is a better indicator in this scenario. There is very little difference in this tier when talking basketball recruiting. So while it may appear ESPN is a bit more bullish in relation to the remaining services, functionally its splitting hairs. Three of the four industry leaders list Brooks at 6'2, while Rivals says 6'1. There is consensus on the 180 pound weight. As someone that has likely seen more of Phat Phat than anyone over the last two years, 6'2/180-185 seems perfect. 

[After THE JUMP: scouting, highlights]

[247/Flory Bidunga]

With the April live evaluation periods in the rear-view, let's reset the Bigs board for the classes of 2024 - 2025.

 

2024 Flory Bidunga

The 5-star center from Indiana has likely been the most physically imposing big on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. Bidunga is an explosive finisher that gets off the ground extremely quick. He generally scores as a release valve on dumpoffs/lobs and putbacks, but is starting to display the ability to put the ball on the floor for a few dribbles as a face-up option. Defensively, the quick twitch jumping definitely manifests, as Flory is an imposing rim protector and rebounder with a good motor. 

The good news here is that Bidunga is set to take a second visit to Michigan later this month. Flory was Juwan Howard's very first stop of the April live evaluation period and there's no secret he sits near the top of the board, if not the number one overall priority. Flory has also visited Florida, Auburn, Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue and Butler. All that said, I wouldn't get my hopes up here. Bidunga's AAU program has major connections with Cincinnati and all signs still point to the Bearcats based on my latest intel. 

 

2024 Aiden Sherrell

Aiden has been really productive on the EYBL circuit, averaging 13.5ppg on 56% FG while only playing 18.5 minutes per game on a loaded Vegas Elite team that is undefeated through 8 games. Sherrell is a very skilled big with some guard-like skills. The 4-star forward is capable of knocking down pull-ups from both distance and midrange, and the handle/shot-creation is definitely a plus relative to his position. He's not necessarily quick-twitch, but is an above-average athlete in terms of agility and verticality. 

Michigan made a top 8 back in February along with Alabama, USC, UNLV Michigan State, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Arizona State. Plans to visit Michigan and gave standard fluff to ON3 in late April:

Michigan: “I have a great relationship with Coach Juwan (Howard). He sees me being a key player in their program. He could really help me grow as a player if I went there.”

Aiden is originally from Michigan, hence the Midwest vibe to this recruitment despite currently attending high school in Arizona. Has visited Michigan State, Alabama, and UNLV. You know the general rule at this point - if no visit comes to fruition, this probably isn't a serious affair. 

[Hit THE JUMP for the full rundown on 2024s + 2025s]

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