Given the upcoming transition for sophomores becoming juniors, this marks the time of year when college coaches will start heavily pursuing their non-senior targets. Although the transfer portal has forced coaches to navigate differently, it’s difficult to excuse the lack of recruitment for so many high-level players. For anyone wanting to point at job security or some other variable to justify these actions, it doesn’t resonate when other prospects within the same class are getting offered. Regardless, we will take a closer look at three criminally under-recruited prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2025…
6’5 Jaylen Cross (Caldwell Academy/Team CP3)
Anyone who has been paying attention should’ve already expected this entry to appear, as Jaylen Cross is still among the most underrated players in the state. Perhaps it’s irrational to expect Division I coaches to truly recognize everything he does to propel winning, but the proof is clearly visible (both through his individual production and team success). Through his first EYBL session with Team CP3, Cross is averaging 14.2 PPG and 4.8 RPG while shooting 64.4% from the floor and 38.5% from beyond the arc. If there’s a legitimate reason why he only holds one offer, it would be great to hear. Otherwise, this remains one of the most bizarre recruiting situations in recent memory. At 6-foot-5, Cross is an incredibly intelligent, selfless player with an all-around skillset and the ability to consistently impact the game on both ends of the floor. He’s also an impressive athlete and overall teammate with a willingness to do whatever is necessary to win. Kudos to Hampton for being his lone offer.
6’9 Gevonte Ware (1 of 1 Academy/1 of 1 Elite)
Similar to the excerpt above, Gevonte Ware is a prospect who deserves way more action within his recruitment—and it’s unclear why that even needs to be said. Typically, the appeal of a 6-foot-9 big man with his blend of strength, footwork, mobility, and two-way presence would be pretty self-explanatory, yet here we are. Ware is tough, steady, and reliably protects the rim while controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. He finishes well out of the post, above the rim, and utilizes both hands well around the basket, but can also space the floor as needed. Ware is simply a walking double-double with offensive feel and excellent timing/instincts as a defensive anchor. Without belaboring the point: what are we missing' Although Mississippi State recently became the first program to extend an offer to the big man, it feels like Ware should only continue to accumulate scholarships and warrant national attention over the coming months.
6’7 Tayeshaun Smith (1 of 1 Academy/1 of 1 Elite)
Although he’s a teammate of the previous name, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Tayeshaun Smith is worthy of an uptick in his recruitment. Sure, he just earned an offer from Nebraska earlier today but more schools should be involved. There’s so much to appreciate about his reliable, productive, low-maintenance approach to the game. Smith is a long, high-motor forward/post prospect with touch, perimeter shooting, and the type of malleable identity that seems to fit with seemingly any collection of players. He possesses the necessary versatility to contain multiple positions and is more than capable of containing smaller guards on switches. Smith is also an excellent rebounder with an understanding of how to run the floor and capitalize in transition. His ability to roll or pop out of the screening game makes him a difficult matchup for opponents, but he’s also shown vision and the ability to operate effectively off the bounce. Like the others, Smith should have more offers.