Recruiting Report: JT Shumate (2018)

After a spectacular weekend at the Circle City Shootout with OH-NOVA Rice, JT Shumate (2018) is keeping the momentum rolling this week. We had the chance to talk to the 6’6” Columbus Newark wing shortly after his first campus visit, which was to Ashland. “[It went] great. It’s a beautiful campus. Really like the coaches. Food was really good too, award winning,” Shumate said. Our read on it is that Shumate truly enjoyed his visit to Ashland, as he was pretty excited to relay the details. "I hung out with the coaches most of the day, they were showing me around. Then I met with a lady in Admissions and ate lunch, then they got me out of there. It was fun,” Shumate said. Shumate also said that he’d “definitely” consider furthering his career at Ashland if they were to offer a scholarship. However, Shumate is well on his way to having an outstanding summer that could result in a slew of offers, most likely from the Division II level. Currently, Mount Vernon, Ohio Dominican, American, Air Force, Walsh, Belmont, and Hillsdale are interested, alongside Ashland. “Mount Vernon called me [Tuesday] and told me I’m their top guy,” Shumate said. He continued to touch on other potential suitors by saying, “Air Force is really far away and it’s a really big commitment to actually be in the Air Force, so I don’t know about that.” Shumate also clarified that Hillsdale is a newfound interest, as they made contact with him after his strong performance this weekend. The 4.0 GPA student-athlete is going to have a better understanding of what he likes about programs/colleges as he continues to take campus visits. However, there are a few college attributes he finds important already. “I would just say, a quality basketball program with a culture of winning and working hard. I’d say the coaches are a big part of it, liking the coaches and thinking highly of them. Besides that, I mean, Ashland was really pretty today, the campus was,” Shumate said. Shumate also carries a 24 ACT score, which he received on his first try. He does not know what he’ll major in as a college student.  

JT Shumate, the player

Shumate is a knock-down shooter, actually the most consistent catch-and-shoot guy from Ohio we saw last weekend in Indianapolis. So, that will always be there. Where things become more interesting is the upside of this lengthy wing. Shumate played alongside Kent State commit, BJ Duling, at Newark these past few years. Naturally, Shumate didn’t have to create much offense, as Duling was that guy. Now, with the graduation of Duling, it’s Shumate’s opportunity to take the reigns, something he’s preparing to do by adding elements to his offensive attack. “Definitely getting to the basket. Drawing contact, getting fouled. I didn’t do that much last year during the season, partly because we had BJ who did that a lot. And a couple other guys who could really get to the rim. I’m definitely capable of that with my size, just need to do it more,” Shumate said, when asked what he’s hoping to improve this summer. Scouts, especially at the Division II and low-major level, should keep a close eye on Shumate. He’s poised to breakout this summer with OH-NOVA Rice. Also, as mentioned, his role as a senior for Newark will allow him to showcase previously unseen skills. Also doesn’t hurt that Shumate has a 4.0 GPA and earned a 24 score on his first ACT attempt.