2020 4-Star Jamari Sibley to Announce on Wednesday

Jamari Sibley, a 2020 4-star, 6’9” forward from Milwaukee by way of Oak Hill Academy, is reportedly making his college announcement this Wednesday, November 27th, 2019.

Sibley had visited his final three schools in September (Minnesota and Iowa) and October (Georgetown).

In July 2019, Sibley transferred from Milwaukee to Oak Hill in Virginia, a mere 35-minute ride for coaches from Georgetown (you know, at midnight with no traffic).

In the spring, Sibley played with Phenom University and was shooting the ball well.

While noted as a big man and power forward, Sibley refers to himself as a 3 in this interview, saying “There’s no ‘3’ at my size that can do what I do.” PhenomHoopReport says:

He’s a 6’8 wing forward that has the necessary length and athleticism to be an impact guy on the defensive end at the next level to go with a really intriguing offensive skillset. Sibley can spot up from deep, use his athleticism in transition, and slash from the wing using his excellent size and instincts. He’s a fun player to watch when he has it going and should be a huge piece for Oak Hill as they look to get back to Geico Nationals once again.

Recently, Minnesota is no longer mentioned as a potential landing spot, per Evan Daniels, who cites his ranking as #92 via 247Sports:

Sibley, a four-star forward finishing his high school career at Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill, is expected to make his college decision during the early Signing Period. Sibley is expected to choose between Georgetown and Iowa. He visited both schools.

Iowa has apparently recruited others his size, including the Murray Twins (sons of former Iowa star Kenyon Murray):

They’ve already got four expected 2020 signees in Ahron Ulis, Tony Perkins, and Kris and Keegan Murray. With an early signing class that size, Iowa doesn’t need to add another kid in November unless he’s a top target — like [Xavier] Foster or [Josh] Ogundele ...

From what I’ve heard, from one source in particular, it sounds like Iowa is no longer in on Milwaukee four-star forward Jamari Sibley.

And, if that’s true, it would make sense. Sibley is a 4/3 blend — a nimble power forward who will also play more on the wing as his 3-point shot develops. Meanwhile, the Murray twins are wings who have the size and length to be stretch 4s in certain lineups, too.

There’s probably too much position overlap there.

Since that article was published earlier this month, 6’10” Josh Ogundele was signed to Iowa and 7’ Xavier Foster announced he is headed to their rival, Iowa State.

Accordingly, a few crystal balls have leaned to Georgetown for Jamari Sibley. Still, who knows?

In late September, the HawkeyeReport described Sibley’s visit to Iowa:

The 6-foot-8 forward [] came away impressed with what the Hawkeyes had to offer.

“There is so many things I liked about the visit,” Sibley said. One of the things was the coaching staff and what they preach to me about fan involvement. The culture and the players on the team all of stood out to me.” ...

“My role would be to help lead the team and bring a new type of player to the roster,” he said. “I can fit in pretty much anywhere play anywhere from the one to the four spot.”

The Hoyas currently have no scholarships open for 2020 with Terrance Williams and Dante Harris taking the two open roster spots, however, Omer Yurtseven is expected to graduate (with a year of eligibility still left) and has hinted this was his last year.

Here’s an older video and interview: