The UCLA Basketball team suffered a bit of a loss on the recruiting trail when 2018 target Marvin Bagley committed to Duke over UCLA Monday night. Here’s GJB’s reaction below.
Bagley, the number one recruit in 2018 according to multiple sites, committed to The Duke Blue Devils over UCLA Basketball last night. The decision comes on the heels of him being reclassified to the 2017 class according to Scout.com.
The decision while not a deathblow to the Bruins was a bit of letdown since there were plenty of reports and a general sense that UCLA stood at least a fighting chance of landing his commitment.
UCLA Basketball lost a star player in Lonzo Ball who was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers this year. Although it looks like reinforcements are on the way with Kris Wilkes, Jaylen Hands, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, adding Bagley would have made this class legendary.
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The southpaw, power forward listed at 6’11”, 220 pounds, would have brought next level athleticism and impressive handles to a team that would have an embarrassment of riches.
He needs to add some weight to his frame but there is no reason he wont. He can shoot from the perimeter and has an accurate hook shot that he can nail with either hand.
One of the more valued skills he would have brought to the Bruins is his ability to drive to the basket. Thomas Welsh is a valued returning starter and impressive mid-range shooter but the ability to go big on the floor with a penetrator like Bagley gave UCLA the kind of offense that no one can prepare for.
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Bagley still has to be cleared by the NCAA so there is no guarantee that he will be eligible. If declared ineligible some have speculated that he may look oversees to begin his pro-career immediately.