There is no denying that the program Miami has been on the rise lately. Nearly six months after reaching the first “Final Four” in its history during “March Madness” 2023 (defeat against future champion UConn), the team coached by Jim Larranaga has this time secured the best recruitment of its history.
In fact, the high school student Jalil Bethea announced this week his commitment to the Hurricanes, who in the process beat Kansas and Villanova, among others. Just that !
“ They showed a lot of interest and investment during my visit to campus », declared the main interested party for ESPN. “ How they planned to help me take my game to the next level, including explaining the use of advanced statistics. I liked their presentation, they plan to mobilize me often on pick-and-roll. »
Originally from Pennsylvania, the young fullback is currently ranked by ESPN as the 7th best player in his age group, the one who will join the NCAA at the start of the 2024 school year.
This is the highest ranking ever recorded for a Miami rookie since these rankings were created by ESPN in 1985. The previous holder of this “record”? Tito Horford, Al’s father. In 2017, Lonnie Walker signed for the Hurricanes as the 13th best player in his promotion.
“ Jalil is a complete scorer who continues to improve, year after year », summed up his high school coach, John Mosco. “ His case is unique because he did not play during his first season in high school and he came off the bench during his second. But as soon as he was able to seize an opportunity the following season, he moved to the top of his age group. »
Considered by specialists in the United States as one of the best attackers among young people of his age, Jalil Bethea averaged 18.7 points (41.2% behind the arc) on the Nike EYBL AAU circuit last season.
Photo credit: Nike EYBL
