Recruiting Report: Jake Younkin (2020)

<strong>Jake Younkin</strong> (2020), who stands 6’1.5” with his shoes on, is just now entering his sophomore season at Archbishop Moeller. Although he’s competing for an opportunity to just scratch the varsity rotation at a prestigious program, he’s simultaneously already experiencing the recruiting process. “I went on a visit to Miami [of Ohio], I’d say two or three weeks ago. That was my first visit, pretty much first unofficial visit. I went to Dayton to watch a practice, about a week ago. I’m going up to a visit there in two weeks. Our whole [Mid Ohio Pumas] starting lineup is going up to Purdue for a football game coming up in a couple weeks,” Younkin told Prep Hoops. Additionally, Younkin told us that he’s either visited or received interest from Wright State, Liberty, and Furman. But Younkin made special mention of his relationship the new staff at Miami (OH). “As of right now, Miami is definitely the lead,” Younkin said. He specified by saying that the line of communication between the Redhawks and his family has been stronger than any other program. The guard’s early interest is a result of his unique ability to shoot the basketball, especially from <em>deep</em> range. In Louisville during the July live period, Younkin shot the ball from spots on the floor that the defense wouldn’t consider even stepping out to. Younkin shared an interesting story about how his shooting range originated. “I’ve always just shot deeper and deeper because I was really small. Maybe like five years ago, I was one of the smallest kids in the gym. So, I couldn’t shoot on the line, because they were always guarding me there. So, I just started scooting back slowly,” Younkin said. His ability to shoot is complimented by his high-IQ and passing ability. Going forward, Younkin is training to improve his pull-up shooting. https://twitter.com/jakeyounkin3/status/846845974337212419 For Younkin’s sophomore season, the main goal is to find a way to contribute to Moeller’s potential state title run. Last season, they finished as the runner-up in Division I. They’ll return this winter with a comparable amount of firepower and a strong basketball culture. “I came into the program last year expecting a lot, because everyone knows that Moeller is a big power, I guess you could say. I pretty much got blown away. I was expecting a lot but I got a lot more. They take everything so serious and make you think about basketball as more than just a sport,” Younkin said. Younkin said he isn’t sure if he’ll be in the varsity rotation, which speaks to the amount of talent in their program, considering that Younkin can shoot the ball with anyone. Regardless of where he’s placed within the Moeller system, colleges will keep an eye at him at open gyms, or, if necessary even at the junior varsity level. Younkin currently carries a 3.98 GPA.