PHHoenix Prep has now had several of their top 2021 prospects give verbal commitments during the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona, and the latest one to fall off the recruiting board for John Ortega's growing prep program is 6-foot-10, 200-pound senior forward/center Matur Dhal. Dhal has grown up and developed as a player and prospect over the past two years, and this week he gave a nice verbal commitment to a Big-West program on a really cool commitment video that exposed his pledge to the program, and gave thanks to many people that helped him in the process.
Dhal is one of the state's top 2021 prospects, and it seems like it has been a long time since he first came to the United States from Rumbek, South Sudan. This week, Dhal's long journey to another step, as he gave a verbal commitment to Cal Poly and Head Coach John Smith and his coaching staff, which includes former University of Arizona assistant coach Rodney Tention (Associate Head Coach).
Cal Poly is getting a nice find in the very skilled and talented Dhal, who should be able to step in right away and see the floor. For Dhal, the Big-West is a very good level for him - one where he should be able to have an excellent career, on and off the court. The Cal Poly program has strong academics, and the need for Dhal to perform will match up nicely with Dhal's desire to play early minutes at the next level.
A native of South Sudan, Dhal came to the United States almost three years ago and played his sophomore season at Paradise Honors High School, where he was a very good contributor on a very talented team that finished 22-6. Last season Dhal changed locations and suited up the new PHHoenix Prep program, that features many of the state's top local high school prospects.
Dhal has a very good overall skillset and versatility for a tall, lengthy prospect with very good mobility. At 6-10 in height, Dhal plays much like a small forward - a stretch-4 prospect that is able to score inside and out, while also being able to rebound outside of his area and push the basketball on the break and make plays for himself and others in transition. Dhal is a rare find in the state at his size and length, and he is a prospect definitely on the rise in the state's 2021 Class. Dhal's skillset and fundamentally sound approach to the game should allow him to play early in college, and also help him to develop nicely at the collegiate level. He has a nice fundamental foundation, and once he adds size to his frame, he should realize his true potential as a player.
Dhal is a very nice, peaceful and well-grounded young man with a nice smile and an appreciation for living. You always want to see young men like himself do well, and our Arizona Preps' staff is very excited for him and his future at Cal Poly. Dhal is a role model for other players in the state, as he waited his time for this opportunity and worked very hard to obtain it. When you consider how far he traveled, from Africa to America, for more opportunities for himself and a better life, you can't help but to become emotional for him and his proposed future success.
Congratulations to Dhal, his family, extended family and the PHHoenix Prep basketball program on Dhal's accomplishment from our Arizona Preps' staff.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: At 6-10 in height, Dhal plays much like a small forward, and will become a nice stretch 4-man prospect at the collegiate level. He is able to score inside and out, while also being able to rebound outside of his area and push the basketball on the break - making plays for himself and others in transition. Dhal is a rare find in the state at his size and length, and he is a prospect definitely on the rise in the state's 2021 Class. He has nice size, length and versatility. He is able to defend several positions on the floor, including each front court position, which can even include guarding smaller wings on the perimeter over time, as he matures physically. He is a solid shooter from mid-range, but does not yet possess much range on his shot, and is at his best from 15 - 18 feet. He is a very good ball handler and passer for his size, and likes to handle the basketball in the open court, where he pushes the basketball up the floor to the open man. He runs the floor exceptionally well for his size, and is a very good finisher that has improve in this area, and has improved as an athlete over the last two years. Dhal is a good defender that uses his length to affect and change shots, and is a good shotblocker with good timing. He is also an active rebounder that competes hard for loose balls and putbacks - some of his best attributes. Dhal is a promising prospect that should see a rise in our 2021 Class Player Rankings.
