RECRUITING UPDATE: Pack Looking At Some Big ’15 Names

It’s been a while since we gave you a recruiting update and while there hasn’t been too much going on, things are just starting to heat up.

Let’s start with Brandon Ingram (F, 2015).

Now, there is a real chance that State doesn’t bring in anyone for 2015, but one guy they are laser focused on is Brandon Ingram. Check out this highlight reel and tell me he’s not Kevin Durant Lite.

The kid is amazing. He’s 6’8, has a dead-eye jumper, a nice handle and the ability to finish in the lane. He’s one of those rare bigs how really thrives when catching the ball on the perimeter. The only problem is that everyone in America wants this kid. The good news for Pack fans is that State is on his final list. Ingram has trimmed his choices down to Duke, Kansas, NC State, Kentucky, UNC, and UCLA. He’s a local kid from Kinston, NC and he’s said to have grown up a NC State fan (which is unconfirmed). He’s likely going to wait until spring to make a selection, but Gottfried was on him early so State also has that going for them.

Caleb Swanigan (F, 2015)
With Anya, Abu, Washington and Freeman all coming back it doesn’t seem like State is in dire need for a big, but Swanigan wouldn’t be a bad get to say the least. This 6’8 5-star beast is a rebounding machine who can also score it. He can improve his footwork and hands around the rim, but overall he’s college ready. Swanigan is currently looking at the Pack but has offers from all over the country and has no real NC ties. Landing Swanigan does not seem all that likely at this point.

Malik Newman (G, 2015)
With Ralston Turner graduating State needs could be looking at filling the 3 spot. Of course Caleb Martin has quickly shown that he’s a star in the making, but you can never have enough talent. That is why Gottfried is tracking 6’3 shooting guard Malik Newman. Newman is projecting to be a future NBA star, so no doubt if they can land him they’ll use him. This past fall he decomitted from Louisville and is now looking at Kentucky, Kansas and NC State. This kid is the real deal. A physical guard who is a straight up scorer. He’s got a sweet stroke from beyond the arc, can take and make the pull-up and can absolutely finish above the rim. Pair him with Lacey and Cat and you’ll have one of the top backcourts in the nation.