5-Star Center Jayden Quaintance to Sign with ASU After Kentucky Decommitment
Apr 29, 2024
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: McDonalds All American East forward Jayden Quaintance (21) drives to the basket during the 2024 McDonald's All American Boys Game on April 2, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kentucky has lost another recruit in the wake of John Calipari's departure to Arkansas.
Jayden Quaintance, a 5-star center in the Class of 2024, is decommitting from the Wildcats and will instead sign with Arizona State, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
He's considered the No. 8 overall prospect in his class by 247Sports' Composite Rankings, the No. 2 center and the top player available out of North Carolina.
Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports described Quaintance as "one of the most naturally talented prospects in the country," noting that he has "massively long arms (7-foot-3-plus wingspan), vertical athleticism, a strong frame, good hands, soft touch, shooting potential, natural face-up skill, and signs of a passing instinct. He also runs the floor well and is a solid rebounder when he commits himself."
For the Sun Devils, his commitment is a huge milestone:
With a 247Sports Composite grade of .9970, Jayden Quaintance is the highest-rated hoops commitment in ASU history, ahead of Josh Christopher at .9967.
Quaintance, 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, reclassified from 2025 to 2024. He's not eligible for the NBA Draft until 2026.
Jayden Quaintance was the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect left on the board in the 2024 class. Huge pickup for Bobby Hurley. https://t.co/OumxJfrkGF
Quaintance decommitted from Kentucky earlier in April, and he isn't alone.
Former Kentucky commits Karter Knox, Billy Richmond, Boogie Fland and Somto Cyril are no longer joining the Wildcats, while D.J. Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw and Jordan Burks each entered the transfer portal. Add in Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Ugonna Onyenso and Reed Sheppard declaring for the NBA draft, and Kentucky's cupboard is currently bare.
As for Arizona State, the Sun Devils now ranks No. 6 in the Class of 2024, per 247Sports' Composite Rankings, with Quaintance joining 4-star small forward Amier Ali, 4-star power forward Sammie Yeanay, 3-star shooting guard Bo Aldridge and 3-star center Jaden Smith.
The school also has four incoming transfers—power forward BJ Freeman, point guard Alston Mason, center Basheer Jihad and point guard Austin Nunez.
Head coach Bobby Hurley hasn't rested on his laurels after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
Colorado's Cody Williams Enters 2024 NBA Draft; Projected Lottery Pick
Apr 22, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 14: Cody Williams (10) of the Colorado Buffaloes prepares to take the court against the Utah Utes during the second half of CU's 72-58 win at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, March 14, 2024. The Buffs advance to the PAC-12 Tournament semifinal with a matchup against Washington State Friday. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
It only took one year for Colorado guard Cody Williams to establish himself as one of the best defensive prospects in the nation, and now he's ready to turn pro.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who described the freshman star as a "projected lottery pick," reported that Williams declared for the 2024 NBA draft on Monday.
Colorado Buffaloes freshman G Cody Williams – an expected lottery pick -- is entering the 2024 NBA Draft, he tells ESPN. Williams – No. 10 in ESPN’s list of Top 100 prospects – is one of draft’s best defenders, using a 6-foot-8 frame and 7-1 wingspan to his distinct advantage. pic.twitter.com/5hnlEw0eTf
Williams is the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams. In his lone year with the Buffaloes, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 55.1 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from beyond the arc.
While his averages may seem modest, Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony noted that the youngster "was unable to display the best version of himself due to a series of minor injuries last season."
Still, Williams' effort on the defensive end was lauded. Wojnarowski and Givony noted that he "brought an elite level of intensity guarding the best scorer that Colorado faced on most nights." On offense, he "showed an ability to attack in the open floor using his size, long strides, footwork and creativity as a finisher."
In his most recent mock draft, B/R's Jonathan Wasserman projected Williams to land with the Chicago Bulls with the No. 11 pick. However, it was noted that he has a vast draft range.
"He could go in the top five to a patient team that values the two-way wing archetype and wants to bet on more creation and shooting development," Wasserman stated. "He could also slide into the Nos. 10-14 range if enough teams see too lengthy a project based on low-volume perimeter shotmaking and limited off-the-dribble game."
Despite Williams' raw talent on offense, his defensive prowess gives him the chance to be successful at the next level.
UNC's Harrison Ingram Declares For 2024 NBA Draft; Forgoes Final Year of Eligibility
Apr 20, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Harrison Ingram #55 of the North Carolina Tar Heels lays it up against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Crypto.com Arena on March 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Harrison Ingram, a three-year starter at Stanford and North Carolina, is declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft.
The former five-star recruit announced his decision Saturday on social media.
Ingram averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels as North Carolina earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last season.
North Carolina will face a steep uphill climb back to the top of the ACC after losing several starters this offseason. Ingram and Armando Bacot, who is also leaving the Tar Heels after using up his college eligibility, combined for more than half of UNC's rebounds last season.
The Tar Heels are losing another starter in Cormac Ryan, who just finished out his final year of college eligibility.
UNC is still waiting for a decision from RJ Davis, the ACC Player of the Year who has one year of college eligibility still remaining.
North Carolina will now have to rebuild its starting roster after becoming the first No. 1 seed to be eliminated from the 2024 NCAA Tournament during the Sweet 16.
"To my coaching staff, we came in here with the goal to win the national championship. Although we came up short, the confidence that you instilled in me, the lessons I learned and the memories I'll have will last in me forever," Ingram said a video shared alongside the announcement.
Ingram is projected as a first-round pick by Jonathan Wasserman, who has him going at No. 27 pick in the latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft for Bleacher Report.
"Ingram's improved shotmaking off the catch and dribble are behind his rise up boards, but he's become a well-rounded forward with secondary playmaking skill and defensive/rebounding activity," Wasserman wrote.
Other mock drafts place Ingram somewhere around a late first-round or early second-round pick.
The forward's draft stock may have been helped by UNC head coach Hubert Davis, who has praised Ingram throughout the year as a "complete player."
Ingram also improved in almost every statistical category during his third college season. He shot a career-high 43 percent from the field, including 38.5 percent from deep on 4.6 attempts per game, while adding 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals.
His best rebounding performance came on Jan. 10 during a win over NC State, when he pulled down 19 rebounds to record the most ever by a UNC player in the rivalry game.
Having established himself as a dominant rebounder in the ACC, Ingram is now likely to get the chance to see if his skills transfer to the NBA.
Caleb Love Declares for 2024 NBA Draft, Will Maintain Eligibility at Arizona
Apr 16, 2024
TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love #2 during the first half of a men's basketball game between the Washington Huskies and the University of Arizona Wildcats on February 24, 2024 at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After a stellar senior season at Arizona, combo guard Caleb Love is ready to explore the NBA draft process.
Love announced Tuesday that he will enter the 2024 NBA draft, but will maintain his eligibility at Arizona for next season.
Love spent the first three years of his college career at North Carolina and entered the transfer portal after his junior season. He initially committed to Michigan, but he de-committed a month later and eventually landed with Arizona, where he thrived.
During the regular season, Love started all 31 games and averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals to lead the Wildcats to a 24-7 record and the Pac-12 regular-season title. He was named Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, and he was a finalist for the Wooden, Naismith, Robertson and Cousy national awards.
Unfortunately, Arizona lost in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Tournament. After being named a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats were eliminated in the Sweet 16 in an upset loss to No. 6 Clemson. Love had poor showings in both games, as he posted six points on 2-of-11 shooting against the Ducks and 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting in the loss to the Tigers.
A 6'4", 205-pound guard, Love can impact the game both as a scorer and as a facilitator. He will be an attractive player in this year's NBA draft class, which is still without a clear-cut No. 1 prospect.
In the right situation, Love would be able to make an immediate impact if he decides to remain in the draft.
Isaiah Collier Declares for 2024 NBA Draft Following Freshman Year at USC
Apr 10, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: USC Trojans guard Isaiah Collier (1) looks on during the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational between Gonzaga Bulldogs vs USC Trojans on December 2, 2023 at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
USC star Isaiah Collier is moving on after one season in Los Angeles.
The 6'5" guard declared for the 2024 NBA draft via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
USC Trojans freshman point guard Isaiah Collier will enter the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN on Wednesday. Collier -- ranked as the tenth best available player in ESPN’s list of Top 100 prospects --- will be represented by agent BJ Armstrong of Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/K1GnKllcrz
Before the 2023-24 season tipped off, Collier bolting for the NBA at the earliest opportunity was basically a foregone conclusion. He was the No. 1 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class and considered a prospective top-five draft pick.
Then the year got underway. USC went from being ranked in the preseason to finishing 15-18 and missing the NCAA tournament.
Like the Trojans as a whole, Collier failed to meet his lofty expectations. His production was lagging before he suffered a wrist injury in mid-January that sidelined him for more than a month.
The freshman averaged 16.3 points, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals, and he shot 49 percent overall and 33.8 percent from beyond the arc.
In a mock draft posted on Jan. 30, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman wrote how the injury was "costing Isaiah Collier valuable time, as concerns over his shooting and decision-making made their way into scouting circles prior to him being ruled out."
"His positional strength, shiftiness, ball-handling, passing and confidence-driven shotmaking flashes are still persuasive enough for NBA teams to picture a rotational asset," Wasserman wrote. "The creation, rim pressure and playmaking remain attractive—just not quite for a starting point guard role."
Wasserman also projected Collier's ceiling to be a top-10 pick, noting that "teams that think Collier can improve his shot and decision-making" may deem him worthy of selection.
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor outlined the stark dichotomy with Collier. He called Collier a "good ball-handler with a strong frame" while also labeling him a "daredevil playmaker who needs to cut down on reckless mistakes without removing the spirit that makes him so dynamic."
O'Connor added that Collier has "shooting upside" but cautioned he's an "unproven shooter with shaky mechanics who sprays misses from all over the court."
No draft prospect is ever the finished article when they initially make the leap to the pros. Even by that standard, so much about Collier's game is theoretical.
His fall on 2024 draft boards raised the possibility of him staying in college for another season. He could continue to refine his skill set, and thanks to the new NIL rules, he wouldn't have had to leave a ton of money on the table.
But spurning the NBA is always a tough call for a player who's all but guaranteed to be a first-rounder. Staying in college isn't always guaranteed to help, either. In Collier's case, he could've tumbled further if he failed to make a big enough leap.
His development ultimately might be best served by moving on now, whether he's contributing to an NBA team or working out in the NBA G League.
ESPN: NBA Teams Expect Bronny James to Return to CBB After Draft, Transfer Decision
Apr 5, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 14: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans looks on in the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated the Trojans 70-49. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Bronny James' decision to enter both the 2024 NBA draft and the NCAA transfer portal "did not come as a surprise to NBA teams," according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
Most NBA teams that spoke with ESPN expect James to return to the NCAA for a second season, Givony reported.
James, who played his freshman season with USC, announced his decision in a Friday Instagram post.
His announcement came days after longtime USC coach Andy Enfield announced his departure to coach at SMU.
The son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, James saw his college debut delayed after he suffered cardiac arrest during an offseason practice.
After returning to the court in December, James averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds through 25 games in his freshman season with USC.
James struggled with inconsistency during his freshman season as he went through streaks of missing shots. He finished the campaign having shot 36.6 percent from the field, and 26.7 percent from deep.
Those statistics leave James outside the range of Jonathan Wasserman's latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft for Bleacher Report, leaving open the possibility he could attempt to increase his production and consistency during a second college season.
This may not be the first time James puts his name out in the NBA draft. League rules allow him to enter and withdraw from two drafts before losing his college eligibility.
Bronny James Declares for 2024 NBA Draft, Enters Transfer Portal After USC Stint
Apr 5, 2024
TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 20: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) smiles during the college basketball game between the USC Trojans and the Arizona State Sun Devils on January 20, 2024 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
USC guard Bronny James is declaring for the 2024 NBA draft, but he will also retain his college eligibility and enter the transfer portal.
Bronny James will enter the 2024 NBA draft. James, 19, will also enter the transfer portal, keeping his options open for the ‘24-25 season. pic.twitter.com/T5inAeQY3e
A coaching change, such as the one USC experienced with Andy Enfield leaving for SMU, is bound to have players examining their futures. If James does stay in college, a change of scenery might be what he needs to bounce back from a disappointing freshman season.
Once rumors surfaced in early April linking James to the portal, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said his son would have some "tough decisions" ahead.
LeBron James says his son Bronny has some “tough decisions” coming up and the family will support him no matter what he decides. pic.twitter.com/q9uOw9LHOp
Being the son of a 20-time NBA All-Star meant Bronny was a household name before he ever stepped onto a college court. He also built a strong profile for himself independent of his family name, sitting 22nd overall in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class.
James had to wait to make his Trojans debut until mid-December, though, after suffering cardiac arrest during an offseason workout. In 25 games, he averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists while shooting 26.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Attempting to work his way into the rotation in the middle of the season was made more difficult by USC falling well short of expectations.
Along with James, Enfield signed Isaiah Collier, the top-ranked high school player in the country, and Arrinten Page, another 4-star recruit. A deep run in the NCAA tournament looked more than plausible.
However, USC was already 5-3 by the time James suited up, and things didn't get better from there. The Trojans went 15-18 overall and were tied for the second-worst record (8-12) in the Pac-12.
Thanks to his disjointed freshman campaign, what looked like a nailed-on certainty in terms of James' draft status became a little less assured. He fell down 2024 big boards, raising the obvious question about whether he might return—be it with the Trojans or another program—for a sophomore season.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman examined James' draft stock in March, setting his ceiling at the latter stages of the first round and his floor as undrafted altogether.
"In the late first round, all it takes is one team to see a worthwhile gamble on James' shooting progression and the likelihood it creates a three-and-D, rotational guard outcome," Wasserman wrote. "... However, his scoring inefficiency has raised questions about his ability to create, finish in the half court and hit jumpers consistently. He hasn't demonstrated any single, convincing skill for scoring at the next level. And teams might not believe James' defense and passing IQ are enough to justify NBA minutes."
James' slide is also notable given his father's repeated comments about wanting to team up in the NBA. LeBron is eligible for free agency, and one line of thought was that he and his son could effectively be a package deal.
The idea made more sense when Bronny was floated as a potential top-10 selection. The incentive to select Bronny with an eye toward signing LeBron became lower when he was projected as a late-first or even second-round prospect.
One silver lining is that James may avoid the pressure that would inevitably come with not only being a lottery pick but also playing alongside his dad, who's one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Declaring for the draft is the most sensible call because it allows James and his representatives to get a more firm idea as to where he stands among NBA talent evaluators. If they're getting a sense that he's a late first-rounder at best and more likely to be picked later than that, putting off his pro dreams until 2025 might be more beneficial for his career.
Arkansas' Eric Musselman Hired as USC HC Amid Bronny James Transfer Rumors
Apr 4, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 13: Eric Musselman the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks gives instructions to his team against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Five-year Arkansas men's basketball coach Eric Musselman is taking the head coaching job at USC, the team announced Thursday.
The news comes amid rumors that Bronny James, son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, is considering transferring from USC.
Musselman will replace Andy Enfield, who led USC for 11 seasons before leaving for SMU on April 1.
The Razorbacks made two trips to the Elite Eight and a Sweet Sixteen bid in five seasons under Musselman.
Musselman served as the head coach at Nevada from 2015 to 2019. He previously spent two seasons (2002-03 and 2003-04) as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors and held NBA assistant coaching jobs with the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies
The 2023-24 season marked a disappointing campaign for the Razorbacks, which finished with a 16-17 record.
Despite the 2024 NCAA Tournament miss, Arkansas Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek seemed to confirm Musselman's return after the season's end with a March 28 video on X.
That plan might have changed after Enfield's surprising departure for SMU.
His absence gave Musselman the opportunity to join USC as the school makes the transition to the Big Ten in 2024.
The Trojans followed up three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament with a 15-18 record last season, and it's unclear which USC players will be staying in Los Angeles next season to help Musselman engineer a turnaround.
All-American prospect Trent Perry decommitted from USC following Enfield's departure, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
Other questions surround James and Isaiah Collier, who are both eligible to enter the 2024 NBA draft.
Collier, previously ranked the No. 1 high school prospect in the country for 247Sports, averaged 16.3 points and 4.3 assists per game in 26 starts for USC before he was sidelined by a hand injury.
Although rumors of James' entrance to the transfer portal have not yet been confirmed, LeBron James said Tuesday that his son had "some tough decisions to make" regarding his future, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.
James' college debut was delayed after he suffered cardiac arrest during July offseason training. He ended his freshman USC season having averaged 4.8 points and fewer than 20 minutes per game.
Lakers' LeBron James: Bronny Has 'Tough Decisions to Make' Amid USC, Transfer Rumors
Apr 3, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 14: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans looks on in the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated the Trojans 70-49. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Bronny James' high-profile tenure at USC could be coming to an end after one season.
Amid rumblings that Bronny is considering entering the transfer portal, LeBron James told reporters after the Los Angeles Lakers' victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday that his son has some "tough decisions to make."
LeBron James says his son Bronny had some “tough decisions” coming up and the family will support him no matter what he decides. pic.twitter.com/1IgYFyEk81
USC will have a new head coach next season after Andy Enfield, who has been with the program since 2013, was hired as SMU's head coach on April 1 after the Mustangs fired Rob Lanier. He went 220-147 with five NCAA tournament appearances during his Trojans tenure.
Expectations were absurdly high for James when he committed to USC in May 2023. He arrived on campus as a top recruit and a member of what was thought to be an elite freshman class.
Bronny was rated as a 4-star prospect and No. 28 overall player in the 2023 class, per 247Sports. USC had the nation's third-ranked class, led by James and Isaiah Collier.
As USC was preparing for the season, James suffered cardiac arrest during a practice on July 25. It was later revealed that he suffered from a congenital heart defect that could be fully treated and allow him to return to the court.
After sitting out the first eight games of the regular season, James made his college debut on Dec. 10. He played 16 minutes off the bench, finishing with four points, three rebounds and two assists in a win over Long Beach State.
James appeared in each of the Trojans' final 25 games and he made six starts. The 19-year-old struggled throughout his freshman campaign, averaging 4.8 points on 36.6 percent shooting, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.
USC finished the season with a disappointing 15-18 record, lost to Arizona in the second round of the Pac-12 tournament and missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in four years.
There will be no shortage of potential suitors for James if he decides to continue his college career elsewhere. He's just one year removed from being regarded as a top recruit. The health issues that plagued him leading up to the start of his freshman season will likely be fully behind him now that he knows how to treat it.
JuJu Watkins Says USC Making Elite 8 Is a 'Moment I Dreamed of' After Win vs. Baylor
Mar 31, 2024
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 30: JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans drives past Bella Fontleroy #22 of the Baylor Lady Bears during the first half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 30, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The USC Trojans are Elite Eight bound.
Baylor put up quite the fight, but the No. 1 seeded Trojans were able to secure a crucial 74-70 victory in order to advance.
Freshman star JuJu Watkins played a large role in securing the victory and discussed the moment after game:
"This is a moment I have dreamed of," Watkins said. "It happened so fast, honestly, but I'm just so glad to be able to be a part of this team. It's so special and it's a testament to what can happen when you follow your dreams."
Watkins contributed 30 points, six rebounds and four assists. This came after she was picking USC in the bracket a year ago, so the ability to put a personal stamp on the program is something she cherished.
It is the first time the program has reached the Elite Eight since 1994. The Trojans haven't advanced past the round since 1986 and haven't reached the National Championship since 1984.
USC will look to continue its run in the Elite Eight against the winner of UConn and Duke.
