AZ Compass Prep has gone from an unknown charter school program to a major player among prep schools across the country in a short period of time. Behind the leadership of former Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations Ray Weathers, the school made excellent strides in just two seasons - landing two of the nation's elite prospects in their respective classes. One of the nation's elite 2019 prospects, 7-foot-2, 220-pound senior Chol Marial, transferred to the Arizona-based program this fall, while one of the nation's premier 2022 prospects, 6-foot-9 freshman forward Sadraque Nganga, came to the program this summer.
Last week, in a very surprising and sad move, the program decided to go in a different direction - releasing former professional player and Michigan State star guard Ray Weathers from his duties of running the program. Former assistant coach and also former Chandler HS Head Coach Ed Gibson has now taken over the Compass Prep program, and will finish out the season as the new leader of this year's talented team.
Nganga has played a vital role on this year's team, as he has immediately stepped in and proved that he is as good a prospect as there is in America's 2022 Class of prospects. Nganaga is a very lengthy, rangy and skilled prospect with a very good feel for the game and an ability to make plays for himself and others. He is a big-time future prospect that has budding young prospect written all over him.
Marial was once regarded as the nation's top prospect in the 2019 Class, has not played in more than a year due to an injury to his leg, but he looks to return to action soon this season, and could be back for the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas later this month. Marial was once regarded as a definite NBA Lottery pick, and he should be able to regain that same billing once he gets healthy and can develop his stamina and physical strength back to form. At his tremendous size, length and skillset, there are no players in America like Chol, and he is an absolute rare find - unlike anything ever seen on the basketball court.
The Arizona State Sun Devils are off to one of the best starts in their program's history this season, and, behind the immense leadership of former basketball superstar guard Bob Hurley, the program is now in the hunt for many of the nation's elite level prospects. On Wednesday, Hurley and his program hosted Marial and Nganga on their campus and, during their visits, extended offers to both nationally ranked prospects.
For Nganga, it was his second official scholarship offer, as he also has received an offer from the University of Oklahoma. While loads of offers will soon pour in for Nganga, the hometown ASU offer was big early in the recruiting process for him.
For Marial, who already possesses loads of college offers, many college programs have been in a waiting mode to see how his health develops, and also waiting to see him take the floor again. Chol currently has offers from West Virginia, Florida State, Georgetown, St. John's, Wake Forest, Iowa, Rutgers, SMU, Portland and Central Florida.
Chol, who recently took the college entrance examination last weekend, has made it clear as of late that he wants to attend college, before making a move to the NBA or professional ranks anywhere. ASU has made it very clear that they would like to land the immense post prospect, regardless of his recovery. It is still unclear as to when Chol will make his college decision, or if he has a leader currently in his recruitment.
I will continue to follow the recruitment of both of these two prospects closely, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
