The recruiting landscape for high school basketball has been nothing short of bizarre over the last two years. While their intent was in the right place, the NCAA subsequently destroyed the recruiting process for these amateur prospects by awarding the infamous additional year of eligibility to college athletes. North Carolina’s Class of 2021 saw a variety of Division I players go to the Division II ranks–with many more opting to test the waters at JUCO programs. The transfer portal is as full as ever, and kids are more willing to leave an unfavorable situation than ever before. The current senior class is (arguably) going to endure even more negative effects from the aftermath of Covid. That being said, there has to be some semblance of hope for things to return to normal sooner than later. Since North Carolina’s Class of 2023 continues to receive offers, perhaps it’s time college coaches start paying attention to Pat Tivnan, his development, production, and enticing trajectory going forward…
Rewinding twelve months, the sophomore was already a useful piece on an upperclassmen-laden roster. Charlotte Catholic shocked a lot of folks and quietly shaped up to be one of the better teams across the North Carolina scene, going 11-3 with their only losses coming to undefeated Weddington (x2) and Mount Tabor in the playoffs. Tivnan’s per-game averages of 8.9 PPG and 4.9 RPG with 48% shooting from the field definitely led to intrigue, but something bigger seemed ready to arise. After the season and visible progression over the summer, we actually predicted a boost in production prior to his junior campaign.
Through 15 games, Tivnan has certainly proven himself. His nightly numbers nearly doubled across the board, as the Cougars leader is averaging 18.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.1 BPG while shooting 55% from the floor. Tivnan has seven double-doubles on the season, and only one offensive showing below 13 points. While the production does speak for itself, his growth goes well beyond the raw figures. His foundation as a tough, fluid, mobile post prospect has steadily transformed him into a two-way problem. The 6-foot-8 Tivnan is a reliable finisher, both from the block and above the rim, and plays with an aggressive mentality at all times. He’s a quality rebounder, rim-protector, and useful piece in transition. Although the percentages don’t necessarily reflect it right now, Tivnan has also improved to become a respectable perimeter shooter and overall floor-spacing option. He understands how to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands, and just naturally seems to produce in all settings.
With so much confusion swirling about the general future of college basketball and their recruiting approach, the kids can’t really do anything other than perform. Tivnan has more than done so. He’s shown the full arsenal in travel ball and the high school season, and only looks likely to continue improving. Big men always take longer to develop, and with someone already as appealing as Tivnan—programs should get involved immediately.