Prospect Commitment Prediction: Jason Wade
Editors Note: These predictions are not based on any inside information provided by coaches, players of the family of the prospects. It is simply what is stated, a prediction by myself as to where I believe they may end up. Enjoy!
Predicted Commitment: VCU, FGCU, Wichita State
Dark Horse Candidates: ODU, Quinnipiac, College of Charleston
Until last year, where he helped lead Trinity Episcopal to the VISAA Division One State Championship, Wade was extremely under recruited despite checking all of the physical attributes you look for in a guard. However, that all changed as he split time at both guard positions, showed he can lead on both ends and a reclass year didn’t hurt, and now he has some of the top midmajor programs in the country making him a priority. He’s been very open minded throughout the process, so making a prediction isn’t easy, but there’s a few indicators that unless some other schools come in the mix these five stand a good chance to get the athletic and defensive minded combo guard.
First up is VCU, the local school that seems to fit Wade’s style of play perfectly. Growing up outside of Richmond his whole life, it seems that the Rams can play the local card, they fit his defensive mindset and have the rabid fan base pushing him to stay home and help VCU prosper. However, they do have Rice transfer Marcus Evans sitting in the wait for next season, meaning playing time could be a factor. He took an official visit to FGCU last weekend, and the program that shocked the world with their run to the Sweet 16 a few years ago as “Dunk City” has a lot to offer ranging from a fun style of play that fits him well, great weather and the opportunity to play early and make an immediate impact. Wichita State, while still considered a “midmajor” because of the conference they play in, has been one of the most successful programs in the country the past three years going 87-14 during that span. They have a history of taking guys that are ready to play immediately, but are overlooked by high major programs for one reason or another.
Wade’s style of play in an uptempo system led TES to the VISAA Division 1 State Championship.When it comes to the dark horse candidates, his open minded approach to the recruitment process means they could be in the running just as much as the other three. ODU is a program that he’s very familiar with, as his father played four years of college basketball there. Their move to Conference USA has had them in a transitioning period, and they would love to land an in state guy to help get the ball rolling with big time recruits in the commonwealth. Quinnipiac may be a surprise to some, but they recently hired long time Villanova assistant Baker Dunleavy who has coached some of the best guards in the Big East the past few years. He also went on an unofficial in June and from all accounts really enjoyed it. College of Charleston is another school that he took an unofficial to and came back with good reviews, and their mix of location, facilities and a conference that he could make an immediate impact in means you can’t count them out.
By all accounts, Wade is in no rush and is considering all schools that are recruiting him. There’s no telling where he’ll end up, but he is starting to get his ducks in a row as he’s already visited FGCU and has scheduled official visits to ODU on September 16 and VCU on October 6. He’s one of the few guys in the state who has the physical makeup and defensive ability to make an immediate impact wherever he goes, and if he can improve the way most players do on the offensive end he’ll be a guy many high major programs will regret not recruiting.