Verbal commits is also showing four other recruits. VC is less than perfect on long term recruiting, I suspect we’re chasing a dozen+ other 2025 guys not shown.
6-2 point guard Elijah Perryman - Bay Area kid (Concord)
6-1 point guard JJ Mandaquit - Utah Prep (from Hawaii)
6-4 guard CJ Shaw from Las Vegas
6-6 small forward Jasir Rencher - from SF (Riordan)
I came across this rather accidentally. 6-8 forward, Michael Simcoe, Glendale, Az is ranked #134 by 247 for Class of 2025. He is described as
intense, high energy, and a kid that makes plays. He is an outstanding student. His cut list of 7 schools includes the following: He is a southpaw.
Source: KSL - 07/29/24
BYU
Cal
Northwestern
Santa Clara
UC Irvine
UCSB
Washington
Very cool! It looks like Francis was once considered a 5-star, top 20 prospect. He had offers from Kansas, Alabama, K-State, Michigan State, and others. His stock has dropped since then to a top-150ish recruit (still great for SCU historically). I think it’s a great move to see if Francis still has the promise that high high major programs once saw in him. If he’s “merely” a 4-star player, then he will be an immediate contributor at SCU.
He was offered by a bunch of top programs two years ago when he was just entering his sophomore year. My guess is that they saw the frame and athleticism and wanted to offer early in case the coordination caught up to his body. They may have even thought he would be a potential one-and-done if he developed enough.
Then he didn’t develop quite to the degree hoped for. Also, two years ago was before NIL and unlimited transfers really took off (that’s how quickly the game has changed). So whatever his development, those same programs have largely shifted away from freshman projects as a rule.
He still has an incredible frame for rim protection–7’5" wingspan will do that. And he has enough talent to be a top-150 recruit. I’m more than happy to have SCU take a shot at developing him further. Big men are always a bit of a crapshoot at the mid major level. But SCU rarely gets a talent that has ever been glanced at by Kansas or Michigan State.
Ranking plummeted to barely in the Top 150, now a 3-star depending on what ranking source you look at which doesn’t seem to line up with the list of schools that had interest. And doesn’t appear SCU was one of the early schools to offer him; would be interesting to hear all the backstory on his journey, how the Broncos entered the mix and why/if others backed off. May simply be what Patty mentions…Power conf schools may prefer to throw NIL money at an experienced transfer.
Regardless, will be exciting to see him next season with the Broncos.
Francis will be a great pick up for the Broncos! Crazy long wingspan and defensive instincts and soft touch. KJ Cochran is another great pick up as the 6”4 swingman has a great shooting touch and good passer and feel for the game. Bradley Longcor a 6”4 true PG with great passing instincts, very poised with great shooting touch, should all have a chance to compete early!