Since Covid, the recruiting landscape has been stranger and more confusing than any other stretch in history. Everyone knows it’s due to the additional years of eligibility, increased emphasis on NIL, and removal of portal restrictions. However, it’s almost laughable to see players who coaches labeled as “not good enough” are suddenly prioritized only a few years later. While players do develop or make strides upon entering the collegiate ranks, many of these prospects are going to a lower level and basically need to “prove” themselves to warrant going to a higher level. Meanwhile, some (not all) of these guys were already being labeled appropriately and college coaches decided to look elsewhere. This isn’t a victory lap, just a reminder for coaches to trust their eyes. Let’s see a few examples…
6’7 Toby Harris (Durham Academy/Brandeis/Iona)
Potentially the most aggravating situation listed, pushing Toby Harris to Division I schools was legitimately maddening. Never before have so many folks turned their nose up at a 6-foot-7 flamethrower with feel, fluidity, and athleticism. It’s not even like we were going out on a limb. His appeal was obvious. Regardless, Harris does the highly improbable and goes from Brandeis (Division III) to Iona. He posted career averages of 15.2 PPG and 5.0 RPG with 48/41/83 splits (including 5.5 three-point attempts per game) for the Judges.
6’6 Josh Scovens (Page/Army/Davidson)
In a similar vein to the entry above, the fact that Josh Scovens didn’t even receive an offer until October of his senior season speaks volumes. Army extended his lone scholarship before UNCP got involved two months later. Mind you, this is the same kid who went to a Division II camp months earlier, stood out as one of the top kids, and they chose not to offer. To each their own. Meanwhile, Scovens is coming off a season where he averaged 15.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.3 BPG with 45/28/66 splits for West Point. Now, the versatile wing will take his talent to Davidson and the A-10.
6’7 Ezra Ausar (Liberty Heights/ECU/Utah/USC)
Although he has an additional stop than the previous duo, it’s only because Ezra Ausar has consistently outperformed his level. Sure, Ausar did collect high major offers during his high school journey. However, things slowed down throughout his senior season. Ausar eventually committed to East Carolina and quickly established himself as a key piece. After two seasons of succeeding with the Pirates (averaging 11.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 1.0 SPG), he transferred to Utah. After elevating his numbers across the board yet again, Ausar entered the portal before committing to play at USC.
6’2 Donovan Atwell (Lake Norman Charter/Davidson Day/Providence Day/UNCG/Texas Tech)
It’s no secret that elite shooters are valuable at every level, and Donovan Atwell is the definition of a noteworthy marksman. Unlike many of the others listed, he actually had a slew of offers (11) before opting to initially commit to UNCG. No one was surprised to see his seamless fit with the Spartans. After getting adjusted during his freshman season, Atwell would step up to become one of the most productive players on their roster. Coming off a season with averages of 13.3 PPG and 3.5 RPG while shooting 40% from beyond the arc, it’s easy to see him becoming a meaningful piece for the Red Raiders.
6’3 Takai Simpkins (Liberty Heights/Elon/Oregon) and 6’3 Tajuan Simpkins (Liberty Heights/Elon/Seton Hall)
Even though they wanted to stay together going into college, it’s genuinely shocking how few coaches pursued Takai and Tajuan Simpkins. The twin pairing originally committed to Illinois State but were forced to explore other options after a coaching change. The Simpkins brothers went to Northwest Florida State CC and posted incredible numbers before committing to Elon one year later. Takai is heading to Oregon after averaging 16.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, and 1.1 SPG with 42/37/76 splits. Meanwhile, Tajuan is going to Seton Hall after averaging 14.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 1.6 SPG with 41/26/81 splits.