Crystal Ball Trending Louisville Basketball's Way for 4 Star Recruit

Chris Mack and the Louisville basketball staff have done a great job on the recruiting trail thus far for the class of 2019. Could a commitment be coming soon?

There are probably still plenty of Louisville basketball fans who are skeptical about the chances of Chris Mack and his staff bringing in a big time recruiting class for 2019 with the FBI Investigation and other scandals still floating around the program.

However, if you’re a betting man or woman, I’d say the odds are in your favor if you are leaning the other way. We know the Cards are in on several top 25 recruits, including Aidan Ighieon and Khalil Whitney, as well as multiple other top 100 guys such as David Johnson, Jahmius Ramsey, Samuell Williamson and Qudus Webb. The coaching staff have traveled all over the country to various AAU tournaments over the last two weeks scouting several players with which they interest in, while signaling who is their top priority along the way.

One name that continues to pop up at the top of the Cardinals wish list is Jae’lyn Withers, a four star from Huntersville, NC. Withers, who plays for Team Loaded NC on the Adidas AAU circuit, is listed as a power forward by Rivals, but actually is considered to be a wing. Standing at 6’9″, 180 pounds, Withers is a long, athletic prospect who could totally change the dynamic of the wings Louisville fans have been accustomed to. Think Ray Spalding’s body, with VJ King and Deng Adel’s abilities on the outside.

Chris Mack extended an offer to Withers back in late April, and since has been court side to see him play on the AAU circuit, and has even had him in town for an unofficial visit. Withers said he “wanted more love” from the coaches, and he’s damn sure gotten that since his visit.

Corey Evans, who writes for Rivals, had some interesting things to say about the Cards chances when it comes to landing Withers on this week’s “Wednesday’s Leftovers.” on Rivals.com. Here’s what he had to say,

"“Jae’lyn Withers remains a priority for the top programs nationally. I expect him to ultimately commit to Louisville – there was chatter about him potentially pulling the trigger last month following his visit.”"

A commitment you say? We like the sound of that.

Withers is one of the many players who have been hearing from current Louisville commit Josh Nickelberry, who has served as a recruiting liaison for the Cards since his commitment. Typically when national recruiting writers like Evan Daniels, Eric Bossi, or Corey Evans make a crystal ball prediction, those normally are signs of them being in the know.

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As of now Withers is considered a 100% crystal ball pick to Louisville, which would be huge for the Cardinals. Coach Mack would be getting a four star forward who is currently ranked as the 72nd best player in the country by Rivals.

Landing Withers would give the staff a player who could provide loads of versatility, having the ability to play at the three and four positions. When you run a 4-in-1-out offense and pack line defense like Chris Mack does, having guys who are long and athletic, can score at all three levels, rebound, and defend is crucial.

We’ll certainly be watching for the new bat signal from Chris Mack over the coming weeks as school gears back up and the AAU circuit winds down and players begin cutting lists and making commitments.

Next: Who is Good Time Charlie?

If Withers does commit, the Cards would have two four star prospects in the class of 2019, moving them up within the top 20 ranking nationally.

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Crystal Ball Trending Louisville Basketball’s Way for 4 Star Recruit

By Jacob Lane | Jul 25, 2018

Chris Mack and the Louisville basketball staff have done a great job on the recruiting trail thus far for the class of 2019. Could a commitment be coming soon?

More from Louisville Basketball