Jeff Borzello
ESPN Staff Writer
We’re heading down the home stretch of the July recruiting period. Two of the three open weeks are in the books, with just one remaining -- as most coaches around the country head to Las Vegas for a variety of events. Only five days are left, so what happened during the second period that will impact the coming days?
1. The Michael Porter Jr. effect for Washington
Ever since Washington coach Lorenzo Romar hired Michael Porter Sr. as an assistant coach in May, the assumption was that Michael Porter Jr. would follow his father and commit to Washington. That moment finally came on Friday, when Porter -- ranked No. 4 in the ESPN 100 -- announced he was going to play for the Huskies. Porter's commitment is huge for Romar in itself, but now comes the next part. Can Porter help Romar convince other five-star prospects to play for Washington in the 2017-18 season? The most obvious connection is five-star point guard Trae Young (No. 21), arguably the most impressive performer at the Nike Peach Jam last week, who plays on the same AAU team as Porter. Then there’s Kris Wilkes (No. 11), who has said Washington will likely be on his list of official visits in the fall. Porter also mentioned Mohamed Bamba (No. 3) as another target for the Huskies. For what it’s worth, Porter, Young and Bamba are all on the USA Basketball U18 team that just went to Chile.
2. Louisville makes its move for Malik Williams
The second live period was quiet for the most part. Nike, which has nearly 75 percent of the ESPN 100 on its circuit, had its big event during the first period and so most of its top players took the second week off. Throw in USA Basketball, and many of the major targets in the 2017 class weren’t playing the past weekend. The Under Armour Association Finals was the big exception, and the biggest recruiting storyline was Louisville’s continued pursuit of Malik Williams (No. 42). Coach Rick Pitino hasn’t let up on Williams at all this month, showing up at his first game in Philadelphia two weeks ago and continuing to make his presence felt in Atlanta this past weekend. Pitino and/or at least one assistant coach was always at Williams’ games, and there is growing buzz that the Cardinals have emerged as the team to beat in Williams’ recruitment. Several Big Ten schools -- namely Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue and others -- aren’t going to give up anytime soon, but Pitino has made it clear that Williams is the top priority for Louisville.
