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This week on the recruiting trail there were some moves made that indirectly affect Northwestern.
What happened and where?
Let’s take a look.
Clifton Moore recommits to Indiana
Clifton Moore was a Northwestern target in the class of 2017 who originally committed to Indiana. When Tom Crean’s departure was announced, he reopened his recruitment again but said that Indiana may still be an option for him. He recently announced he has recommitted to Indiana and will now play for Archie Miller and his staff.
Moore originally listed Northwestern as one of his top choices last spring before committing to Indiana. Moore is a tough loss for Northwestern. With Bryant McIntosh and Scottie Lindsey embarking on their final seasons in Evanston, Northwestern needs to add depth and begin grooming it now in anticipation.
Elijah Brown Visited Northwestern this Week
Brown was in Evanston earlier this past week from Tuesday to Thursday visiting Northwestern.
Brown would be a great addition to Northwestern as a graduate transfer because of the way he can score. He averaged just under 19 points per game last season and could really help Northwestern out while McIntosh and Lindsey are on the bench. He also would add depth and scoring that Northwestern needs.
Brown is also taking visits to Iowa State, Oregon and Gonzaga. Because Brown is looking at Gonzaga, and they just lost another player to the NBA draft, they will also be making a final push for him as well. Brown would be a great addition to Northwestern and his news should be coming in the next few weeks.
Northwestern May Miss Out on Charlie Moore
Jon Rothstein announced earlier this week that Cal transfer Charlie Moore will likely head to Kansas or Illinois. Moore has decided to transfer from Cal to be closer to home, which is in the metro Chicago area.
Although he would have to sit a year, he proved at Cal this year that he is a solid guard that can score and defend. Moore is the exact type of player Northwestern would need after next season. He would have a chance at a starting role and a lot of minutes.
Before he committed to Cal last year, Northwestern and Illinois were in the running for him. Now it seems Illinois will have the edge over Northwestern.
Kansas and Illinois have emerged as the two likeliest landing spots for Cal transfer Charlie Moore, per multiple sources.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2017
Mark Smith Remains Uncommitted
A local prospect Northwestern can still make a push for is Mark Smith. He has a long list of offers and options for his college basketball career. Northwestern’s decision to recruit another guard in the 2017 class is important for many reasons. Smith would have the opportunity to learn the system for a season and then compete for a starting role in 2017.
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The clock is starting to tick for Northwestern in filling this final scholarship in the 2017 class. The last day to sign a Division I National Letter of Intent is May 17, 2017, which is about three and a half weeks away. Collins has to find his guy and make a push to secure the player as soon as possible. There are options, but it is important that the player is the right fit and fills not only a scholarship, but an area of need as well.