:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67188492/467094396.jpg.0.jpg)
Recruiting is the lifeblood of any major college athletics team, but following it closely as a fan can sometimes be difficult and can often be time consuming. We’ll try and condense all the recruiting news you can use into this bi-weekly (or more often since we are in Uncertain Times and there aren’t actual sports going on) post. It’ll include updates on current commits, including stats from their high school games, as well as news on players the Badgers are still pursuing. Let’s get down to business!
Badgers make cut down list and a commitment date is set
- 2021 3-star wing James Graham III (Milwaukee) out of Nicolet High School cut his final list down to four schools on Tuesday afternoon. Auburn, Maryland and Memphis are the other three schools on Graham’s list, that obviously includes the Wisconsin Badgers. In the same tweet, Graham announced that he’ll be committing on Monday, August 17th at 10 a.m. CT. Lotta info there!
I would like to thank all of the schools that have recruited me. I will be commiting on Monday, August 17 at 10 AM! I will be deciding between Auburn, Madison, Maryland, and Memphis
— James Graham III (@JamesGrahamIII2) August 11, 2020
Graham, who stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs a little over 200 pounds, is rated a 4-star by the 247Sports standalone ratings and the No. 56 player and No. 9 small forward in the whole country. Rivals has him as a 3-star and the No. 26 power forward in the nation.
A lot of the recruiting types seem to think that Maryland is the team to beat here, but the Badgers have been pushing hard for Graham to stay home and be a “hometown hero” which Graham himself said is appealing.
Wisconsin is still looking for the last piece of their 2021 class, which is rated No. 13 in the country by 247Sports. The class includes 3-stars PG Chucky Hepburn (Bellevue, Neb.), PF Matthew Mors (Yankton, S.D.) and PF Chris Hodges (Schaumburg, Ill.) who are all ranked in the top-136 nationally. No reason to pick that number, definitely not because Hodges is ranked No. 136 in the nation. No...definitely not.
Graham just had a really nice showing in the Twin Cities this past weekend displaying his full array of talents for Wisconsin Playground Club.
James Graham came into this AAU season as one of the most coveted prospects in the 2021 class. This summer, he proved that he is the real deal. The small forward can get — and make — any shot that he wants. #RumbleUpNorth @PHCircuit pic.twitter.com/BvMqR4Jt8O
— Grant Matheny (@grant_matheny) August 9, 2020
6'6 2021 James Graham III of @NicoletHoops (WI)/@WisconsinPGC is showing off complete package scoring rock at #RumbleUpNorth. He's hit countless deep threes, is improving creating off bounce, and posting up smaller wings. Versatile scoring arsenal.
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) August 9, 2020
@CourtsideFilms pic.twitter.com/8ecMH1yMpK
We will keep you updated as his decision day draws closer next week.