Another high-level prospect now available in the 2021 Class of prospects is Bella Vista Prep's 6-foot-8, 190-pound unsigned senior wing prospect Jamel King. King now becomes the best available in the 2021 Class, alongside Eduprize's Justus Jackson, after a previous verbal commitment to the University of New Mexico has now changed for King. As a result, King is back on the recruiting board and looking for a new college home for himself this summer.
King was offered a scholarship by the previous New Mexico staff, but when new head coach Richard Pitino took over the Lobos' basketball program, some things have now changed, as Pitino and his staff alerted King that they currently do not have enough college basketball scholarships available to take him this fall. As a result, King is back on the recruiting board and looking for a new college home for himself.
King is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and has been highly touted as a college basketball prospect for many years now. He was once considered as a high-major Division-I prospect, but after many stuggles this past season by the Bella Vista Prep basketball program, which had (3) different coaches this past season, King may have some struggles landing a new college program that is to his liking, especially this late. As a result, King may need to look at some other options, such as a post-graduate season or a year of juco. There should also be some Division-I programs looking for a prospect, as talented as he is this late, it will just depend on whether the program that extends an offer to him is a good fit.
King is a superb talent at 6-foot-8 in height, as he is very long and athletic and can make shots with extended range. He has excellent size and length for the wing position and is completely battle-tested - competing against the nation's best talent throughout his high school career. He has a good shooting stroke which can stretch the defense. He can also put the basketball on the deck and get to the basket and finish strong at the rim, or pull up from mid-range. He is a solid slasher and finisher in traffic, and is fairly good in the open floor. He has a long, rangy frame that allows him to finish high and well above the rim, when needed. He is a solid rebounder, although I would really like to see him focus much more in this area of his game to maximize his potential as a player. A solid defender that is capable of playing passing lanes quite well and defending on the perimeter or around the basket.
I spoke with Bella Vista Prep Head Coach Gino Crump this week regarding King's current recruitment, and he advised me that he is currently fielding a lot of phone calls for King, and that Eastern Carolina University has shown serious interest as of late. King is a very nice talent at this juncture in the recruiting process, and should have no problems landing a good situation for himself.
I will continue to follow King's recruitment closely, and bring you any recruiting updates as they continue to develop.
