Hoops Recruiting: Boynton Visits Class of 2020 Recruits, Targets a New Transfer

Last weeks’ commitment of South Garland guard Chris Harris Jr. gave Oklahoma State five commits in what has become one of the deepest recruiting classes it has ever put together. The crazy thing about that is there are still two spots open for Mike Boynton to add to what he already has.

One of those spots could go to Howard University guard RJ Cole.

Cole was the MEAC player of the year and has entered his name into the NBA draft, though he is expected to return to college. The 6-foot-1 guard has visits set with Alabama and UConn and plans to take all five of his official visits. At least 13 schools including Oklahoma State have shown interest in Cole according Rivals.

Cole is an ideal guard for today’s game, with the ability to score and be a distributor. He averaged 21.4 points, 6.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds last season. He can do a little bit of everything and will likely be on an NBA or NBA G-League roster by the end of his college career.

Here are some highlights that showcase a smooth jumper and ability to finish at the rim.

Cole is the only new news on the transfer market for OSU, but the Pokes are still in the running for a handful of other players. Many have entered their names into the NBA draft and most will return to school, so look for transfers to start making decisions by the end of May or early June. The deadline to officially opt-out of the draft is June 10.

OSU Visits 2020 Center Jonathon Aku

Aku is a four-star recruit according to the 247sports composite even though 247 has him as a three-star. Houston, LSU and Texas A&M have already offered but Aku does not yet hold an offer from Oklahoma State.

There isn’t much highlight tape on the 6-10 center. Judging from this small sample of AAU highlights, Aku looks as if he could develop into a strong option in the low post. He is a solid shot blocker, but is a prospect who would likely need developing during his first year or two.

OSU Offers Florida Shooting Guard

Victor Rosa received an OSU offer earlier in the week to bring his offer list to four. The Pokes join Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Arizona State on a list that is sure to grow this summer as Rosa plays with E1T1 United on the Nike EYBL circuit. The staff will have a chance to see Rosa in Dallas on May 25 and 26 as E1T1 United will be playing in the Dallas session of the EYBL.

Rosa is the highest rated recruit on an E1T1 United team that includes Zaire Wade, Dwayne Wade’s son, and Kobe Knox, the little brother of Knicks forward Kevin Knox. The presence of Wade alone will bring much attention to the team, which means Rosa will get even more exposure.

Here are some of his highlights while playing for Puerto Rico’s U17 team at the 2018 FIBA World Cup.

Mike Boynton Makes In-Home Visit With Bryce Thompson

In terms of ranking, Thompson is similar to Marcus Watson, hovering between the 60’s and 80’s nationally. The difference is, Oklahoma State didn’t have to beat out a blue blood school in Watson’s recruitment. If Mike Boynton wants a commitment from the Tulsa shooting guard, he’ll have to out-recruit Bill Self.

Adding Thompson to a class that already includes Arkansas guard Davonte Davis would likely lead to another top-20 recruiting class. Thompson would be a massive get and it will likely come down to Kansas, OSU and Oklahoma.

One thing that stands out about Thompson is his ability to finish through contact and his willingness to drive to the basket instead of settling for jumpers. Check that out below in his highlights from playing on the Under Armour circuit with OK Run PWP.