The 2017-18 college basketball season starts in a little over five months, yet two elite recruits still haven't picked a school.
M.J. Walker, a five-star shooting guard from Georgia committed to Florida State on Tuesday, leaving just two uncommitted players in the Rivals150. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder with a smooth shooting stroke and a D1-ready body, picked the Seminoles over Georgia Tech, Ohio State, UCLA and others.
He was one of two remaining five-star prospects on the 2017 board after Trevon Duval and Mohamed Bamba pledged to Duke and Texas, respectively, last week. Now needy teams are left chasing two top-40 prospects, five-star small forward Brian Bowen and four-star point guard Tremont Waters.
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Bowen is reportedly considering at least eight schools but has given no indication on a favorite or decision date. He quietly took a visit to Oregon two weeks ago despite not including the Ducks on his list of finalists, and admitted NBA decisions have impacted his decision.
"Miles Bridges returning to MSU caught me off guard a little bit but really I'm not that surprised he decided to stay." he told Rivals in early May. "I'm looking at [Rawle Alkins at Arizona] as well," Bowen said. "It's just wherever I feel is the best fit for me."
Michigan State was believed to be the leader for the Michigan native who played high school ball in Indiana, but Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press reported there has been minimal contact between the two sides recently.
Tremont Waters, meanwhile, is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound point guard who signed with Georgetown but received his release after the dismissal of John Thompson III. Because he can't sign another letter of intent, the late signing period's end date of May 17 meant nothing and it's little surprise he's remained uncommitted. Still, it's starting to get late.
The Connecticut native has been silent since getting his release, giving no indication on offers, teams or a decision date. Duke was reportedly in play until Duval committed and Patrick Ewing is still pursuing him at Georgetown. Creighton — who's also chasing Waters — and UConn are the most mentioned destinations in recruiting circles but it's anyone's guess.
A few grad transfers are still available, including Dwight Coleby of Kansas, Cam Johnson of Pittsburgh and Marl Alstork of Wright State, but the options are dwindling for programs looking to add late pieces to their 2017-18 rosters.
