Recruiting Update: Class of 2016

2016 Recruiting Update

Georgetown recently landed Class of 2017 shooting guard Tyler Foster, marking an important recruiting victory for Head Coach John Thompson III and his staff. Still, the Hoyas are still without a commitment in the Class of 2016, which is somewhat concerning. In the past two recruiting classes, Isaac Copeland, Tre Campbell, Jessie Govan, and Marcus Derrickson had all committed by this time of their respective recruiting cycles. Still, this does not mean that it's too late for Georgetown to reel in some 2016 recruits, and here are some of the names that are in the picture.

Guards:

Curtis Jones, 6'3" PG/SG, Huntington Prep (VA) #65 ESPN, #55 Rivals, #41 247Sports, #94 Scout

Jones is a talented scorer who can fill it up from all three levels of the floor. He has an above-average shot out to the three point line, and is crafty as a ball-handler and finisher on the interior. However, he does have flaws. I was able to watch him play live against Oak Hill Academy in the Dick's Nationals tournament in New York City, and he had a lot of trouble dealing with Oak Hill's physical guards Terrance Phillips and Josh Reaves, turning the ball over four times and only scoring five points. He will need to improve his upper-body strength and ball-handling ability at the next level, but he will undoubtedly be an asset as a scorer for a high-level college program. Jones visited Georgetown recently and received an offer, and is intrigued by Thompson and his program. Jones would be an excellent addition to the roster when D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera graduates.

DaQuan Bracey, 5'11" PG, St. Frances Academy (MD) Not in the ESPN Top 100 or the Rivals150, #165 247Sports, Not in the Scout Top 100

Bracey is a quick, crafty guard who is a tough cover for most defenders. He has a good handle and knows how to knife through a defense. Unfortunately, he lacks two of the most important attributes for a high-major basketball recruit: height and shooting ability. Still, Bracey is a tough kid who often finds a way to overcome his physical shortcomings and has the potential to be a solid player. Many believe he is a Georgetown lean, and he has set a commitment date of September 9. I personally am skeptical of Bracey as a prospect, but if Thompson and his staff believe in him then that's good enough for me.

Tony Carr, 6'4" PG, Roman Catholic (PA) #52 ESPN, #76 Rivals, #142 247Sports, #41 Scout

Carr is a big lead guard who utilizes his size and athleticism effectively. He is excellent attacking the rim, and has a wide variety of shots that he can use to score on the interior, although he does need to improve the consistency of his outside shot. His size and length should make him an effective defender as he matures, and he could be an excellent Big East guard. Georgetown only offered Carr recently, so it may be difficult to truly get involved in his recruitment. Still, there have been rumblings that he plans to visit campus, and as we all know, recruiting can be very unpredictable.

Forwards:

Sacha Killeya-Jones, 6'10" PF, Virginia Episcopal (VA) #57 ESPN, #73 Rivals, #30 247Sports, #64 Scout

Continuing a recent Georgetown trend, Killeya-Jones is a long, athletic forward prospect. He uses his athleticism well on the boards as well as on defense, and is active on both ends of the court. In addition, he is a skilled offensive player and is able to shoot with confidence out to the midrange area. Killeya-Jones visited Georgetown for Midnight Madness in 2014, when he received an offer. He committed to Virginia in January, but recently reopened his recruitment. He has shown interest in Georgetown in the past, but schools like North Carolina and Kentucky have gotten involved, and Killeya-Jones will be a difficult recruit to secure.

Javin DeLaurier, 6'9" PF, St. Anne's-Belfield (VA) #49 ESPN, #46 Rivals, #59 247Sports, #38 Scout

DeLaurier is another lengthy, high-energy forward. He was not a hyped recruit until this year, but recently he has shot up recruiting rankings and developed into a consensus top-60 prospect. In Rivals' most recent update, he rose from #117 nationally to #46. His athleticism, skill, and effort level combine to make him an effective rebounder and shot-blocker, and his offensive game is developing rapidly. DeLaurier recently received a scholarship offer from Georgetown, and as a high-academic kid in the mold of Isaac Copeland and Paul White, he could be an excellent fit with the program.

Mamadi Diakite, 6'9" PF, Blue Ridge (VA) #70 ESPN, #38 Rivals, #48 247Sports, #47 Scout

The third of this trio of long Virginia forwards, Diakite is probably the best athlete of the three. Originally hailing from Guinea, he is also a good soccer player, and he is such an overpowering athlete that he was able to break his school's high-jump record within days of learning the event. Diakite uses his athleticism to wreak havoc on the interior, particularly on defense. He is an explosive shot-blocker and shows no mercy on rims. He has a lot of development to do on offense, but Diakite, who has planned an official visit to Georgetown, would be an exceptional addition to the program.

Barret Benson, 6'10" C, Hinsdale South (IL) Not in ESPN's Top 100, #89 Rivals, #141 247Sports, Not in Scout's Top 100

Benson is a big-bodied center who has improved his mobility and athleticism recently. Now listed at 235 pounds, he is a true center who can score in the low post by using soft hands and good footwork. He believes that his increased agility has helped him particularly on defense, and if he continues to improve, he could be an excellent complement to Jessie Govan. Another high academic kid, Benson has been on an unofficial visit to Georgetown, and although he has not received an offer yet, he has said that he hopes to receive an offer soon.

James Banks, 6'11" C, Mount Vernon Presbyterian (GA), #48 ESPN, #100 Rivals, #54 247Sports, #71 Scout

Banks is another true center with excellent size and length for the position. He runs the floor well and is a good rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass. In addition, Banks can shoot out to 15 feet and has hook shots with both his left and right hands. He recently received a scholarship offer from Georgetown, and has mentioned it as one of the schools that he communicates most frequently with. Banks is yet another high academic kid who boasts a 3.5 GPA, and would be an excellent 2016 pickup.

Many of these prospects are still early in their recruitment processes, but it's worthwhile to keep an eye on them as they prepare to select a school. Hopefully, Thompson will be able to continue his recent recruiting momentum.