The classes we love: Northern Arizona
In recruiting, the blue bloods get all of the love. We get that. But as we watch the gap between the “power programs” and “the rest of the pack” shrink year in and year out, we want to know why.
Well, we know why actually.
The talent gap isn’t too wide as it is perceived to be. So, let’s look at some classes and programs that are “closing the gap” with sustainable and important recruiting classes.
Let’s dive deep into Northern Arizona’s ability to land in-state players and why we think it should help the Lumberjacks moving forward.
Arman Madi had a recruitment that took on a look of several different layers and levels. Ivy League schools were involved. Stanford hosted him for a visit. Pac-12 schools sniffed around. The interest was significant.
Madi, ever the competitor, picked a place where he could play and have a big role. That’s the thing with his game that I think I like the most - he wants to compete and be on the floor. Northern Arizona gives him the best chance to do so. What a great fit and great self-awareness to see an opportunity to play a lot right from the get go.
He’ll add a layer of versatility to the lineup that can be used at multiple levels. When he played against other AIA players in state completion, Madi shined. Most notably, Madi has owned his match-ups against Cody Williams, a Colorado signee.
Coming from a high-level program like St. Mary’s, Madi will be battle-tested and ready for the college game. I think he’s one of the best incoming players for the Big Sky Conference.
Also joining Madi on the roster will be Isaiah Kai. The 6-foot-2 guard from Gilbert (AZ) Campo Verde is one of the most accomplished players from our HoopSeen West platform over the last couple of years.
Kai and his Team Arizona Black squad win, win, win. In just about every report I sent to college coaches and every story I have published about him on HoopSeen.com I’ve written something like this: “He makes winning plays.”
Kai will be an important balance to the current roster. He’s an adapter and a competitor. Every year he’s gotten better and better and a couple of years of collegiate development should make for really good junior and senior seasons in college.
The NAU roster will graduate several important players from this year’s team. So, the opportunity will be there. Madi and Kai will add some important depth to the roster.
Oakland Fort, a state champ coming out of high school in Arizona, and Ryan Abelman, also a state champ in Nevada at Bishop Gorman, make up a nice backcourt to grow with. Both guys are currently freshmen in the program.
With two in-state players coming in the 2023 class, @JustinDYoung really likes what @NAUBasketball is doing on the recruiting front. More on @ArmanMadi3 and @kai_isaiah. pic.twitter.com/GHwtVr6Q0X
— HoopSeen West (@HoopSeenWest) November 14, 2022
