Recruiting as of 5/15/25

[Its DJOver]

So, this Leon Bond that folks are drooling over isn't a top-150 player?

Is he a late bloomer, or are the rankings simply "wrong"?

The composite has him at 160.  24/7 has him 41st, and Rivals has his 49th.  I think it's more likely that some of the other rankings that factor into the composite haven't been updated in a while.

[Dr. Blackheart]

The composite has him at 160.  24/7 has him 41st, and Rivals has his 49th.  I think it's more likely that some of the other rankings that factor into the composite haven't been updated in a while.

Yeah, he made a big jump when the rating services actually saw him in person. Thank you COVID (and David Joplin).

[Vander Blue Man Group]

With three scholarships currently open (four if Elliott doesn't opt for a COVID year), Shaka has 18 current offers out to rising HS seniors (numbers current 247 Composite rankings):

#32 Chance Westry
#35 A.J. Casey
#67 Terrance Arceneaux
#72 Trejuan Holloman
#140 Christian Watson
#141 Demarion Watson
#152 Sean Jones
#161 Leon Bond
#170 Jeffery Brazziel
#171 Kendall Blue
#175 Rowan Brumbaugh
#211 Ryan Dunn
#232 Jaret Teheran Valencia
#260 Malik Dia
UR 3-star Alpha Chibambe
UR 3-star Bryce Lindsay
UR 3-star Reed Bailey
UR 3-star Desmond Claude

Any offers I'm missing?

Will be interesting to see where these rankings end up to see if Shaka and staff are effective at identifying guys before they blow up.

Is it possible some of these offers are conditional?

[RubyWiscy]

I would assume there are different types of offers: immediate accept, wait and see, if no one better comes along, etc.
Not always based on the player's talent either. Need to balance positions, classes, intangibles, etc.
More of an art than science sometimes.

[JakeBarnes]

I would assume there are different types of offers: immediate accept, wait and see, if no one better comes along, etc.
Not always based on the player's talent either. Need to balance positions, classes, intangibles, etc.
More of an art than science sometimes.

It's really about fit into system and prioritizing when/if you can find those fits--as you said, art rather than science. Excited to see that Shaka is trying to find the kids that may have been missed by many in a COVID year.

[muwarrior69]

I would assume there are different types of offers: immediate accept, wait and see, if no one better comes along, etc.
Not always based on the player's talent either. Need to balance positions, classes, intangibles, etc.
More of an art than science sometimes.

We essentially have 9 freshman, no sophomores, one Junior and two Seniors. Balancing classes will be a challenge; but since we're in this new era of player transfers class size won't matter much.

[MU82]

The composite has him at 160.  24/7 has him 41st, and Rivals has his 49th.  I think it's more likely that some of the other rankings that factor into the composite haven't been updated in a while.

Thanks for the info, DJO.

I have never seen him play, but to hear others talk he sounds like he'd be a good get.

[rocky_warrior]

We essentially have 9 freshman, no sophomores, one Junior and two Seniors.

In terms of eligibility (that may not be used), but more realistically in terms of years played, 5 freshman, 4 sophs (2 returning), 3 seniors (1 returning).

Going forwards, most "successful" coaches will be the ones that can keep their players together for a number of years, using the transfers and eligibility to supplement the team.

[MU82]

In terms of eligibility (that may not be used), but more realistically in terms of years played, 5 freshman, 4 sophs (2 returning), 3 seniors (1 returning).

Going forwards, most "successful" coaches will be the ones that can keep their players together for a number of years, using the transfers and eligibility to supplement the team.

Yep. Athletes have chosen coaches, not schools, for decades. But more than ever, coaches who have the ability to connect with their athletes and to keep them connected to the program will have the most success. This seems to be Shaka's strength ... and hopefully it still will be at Marquette.

[Pakuni]

Leon Bond spoke to the Virginia 247 site about his finalists and said he expects to make a decision in late July or early August.


https://247sports.com/college/virginia/Article/Four-star-wing-Leon-Bond-breaks-down-UVA-Cincinnati-Marquette-as-decision-nears-167993488/

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

We essentially have 9 freshman, no sophomores, one Junior and two Seniors. Balancing classes will be a challenge; but since we're in this new era of player transfers class size won't matter much.

Agree with your second statement. I'd put the over/under of all 9 "freshmen" completely exhausting their eligibility at Marquette at maybe 2.5. Most will either not use their COVID year, transfer, or go pro.

[DienerTime34]

Leon Bond spoke to the Virginia 247 site about his finalists and said he expects to make a decision in late July or early August.


https://247sports.com/college/virginia/Article/Four-star-wing-Leon-Bond-breaks-down-UVA-Cincinnati-Marquette-as-decision-nears-167993488/

Can someone who speaks 18-year-old translate what "showing love" means? Bond mentions it multiple times for each visit, and it seems like the most important factor.

[4everwarriors]

Of course man, ewe wer jung once two, aina?

[lawdog77]

Can someone who speaks 18-year-old translate what "showing love" means?

[mileskishnish72]

Thanks for the summary, TAMU.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Does anybody know if Jae Crowder stopped by to visit Marquette?

[MU82]

Does anybody know if Jae Crowder stopped by to visit Marquette?

He was walking toward the campus, but when a bus came within 20 feet of them, he reeled backward off the sidewalk as if he had been struck at 60 mph.

[JustinLewisFanClubPres]

He was walking toward the campus, but when a bus came within 20 feet of them, he reeled backward off the sidewalk as if he had been struck at 60 mph.

+100

[Dr. Blackheart]

He was walking toward the campus, but when a bus came within 20 feet of them, he reeled backward off the sidewalk as if he had been struck at 60 mph.

The REAL Deonte Burton picked him off the curb and gave him life saving CPR. All is good.

[4everwarriors]

Lazar conversed with him. Thought he was dead, hey?

[Silkk the Shaka]

I hope Bond got swept up in the Milwaukee hoops love fest last night and wants to play in the house that Giannis built

[Pakuni]

Buzzards are circling.

Leon B @leonbx35
I am blessed and honored to have received an offer from Texas A&M University.

[Uncle Rico]

Buzzards are circling.

Leon B @leonbx35
I am blessed and honored to have received an offer from Texas A&M University.

Green weenie getting greener

[Scoop Snoop]

Buzzards are circling.

Leon B @leonbx35
I am blessed and honored to have received an offer from Texas A&M University.

Not worried about this. Still think its Marquette or UVA, and yes, UVA does worry me. I doubt that Bond initiated the interest and he may have more offers before this is over.

[Pakuni]

Christian Watson is visiting Marquette Aug. 6, according to a 247 story. And Miami Sept. 10.