Two new 2019 players are on the radar for UofL Coach Chris Mack and staff; Jason Jitoboh a C out of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, TN and G Harlond Beverly out of Southfield Christian Academy in Southfield, MI. Beverly visited last Saturday and Jitoboh visited Thursday.
Jitoboh is a big, physical 6’10 270 lbs post player with skill. He does the typical things most centers do; block and rebound. However, he is an excellent passer out of the post and has excellent touch within 10 feet of the rim.
One thing that is wonderful about Jitoboh is he seems to be very fundamentally sound with his game. For instance, he keeps the ball high at all times while he’s in the post so smaller guards can’t strip him. This a fundamental UofL fans have come to understand well in recent years.
Jitoboh has only recently emerged on the high major recruiting scene. His skills and his size are exactly what Coach Mack covets. We saw this last season with a player that possessed a very similar body type and skill set to Jitoboh: Kerem Kanter. That type of player worked out well in Mack’s system.
Had a great time at Louisville today 😌💯 pic.twitter.com/GYaE5r8nFM
— Jason (@JasonJitoboh) June 7, 2018
Thank you to the coaching staff at University of Louisville for showing @JasonJitoboh a great time today‼️Top notch program and coaching staff. #GoCards pic.twitter.com/06QZaNLJ3U
— Coach Steve Cook (@firstnamecook) June 7, 2018
Jitoboh seemed to have enjoyed his visit on campus. He and his AAU coach both visited and had nothing, but glowing things to say about UofL and the coaching staff.
Spoke with 2019 Jason Jitoboh’s AAU coach after Jason’s unofficial to Louisville today, says it was great and Louisville has good chance to get one of his official visits. pic.twitter.com/idImlFNmgG
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) June 8, 2018
It appears UofL is now likely to get one of his 5 official visits allotted to him by the NCAA according to Jake Weingarten, who spoke to his AAU coach. If UofL does indeed land one of those visits, it speaks volumes as to where UofL stands with him.
Beverly visited UofL without an offer in hand, but left with one after his visit.
Blessed to say that I’ve received an offer from the University of Louisville. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/BvM3SU9uiV
— Harlond Beverly (@Harlond20) June 2, 2018
As many MI guards are, Beverly is a physical and tough 6’4 167 lbs player. His physical assets include his length, leaping ability, and overall athleticism. They allow him to be a very tough defender and a good passer and finisher at the rim. Also, Beverly loves to dunk. He seems to attack the rim with the intention of dunking every time even if he ultimately chooses a different shot.
Beverly is a guard in the mold of a another Chris Mack player by the name of Trevon Blueitt. Blueitt may have been a little better shooter coming in, but both are long, athletic, and tough. Beverly may have a bit more of an edge in the athleticism department.
Izzo seems to be really recruiting Beverly hard. This should tell you a lot about the type of player he is as Izzo typically recruits hard-nosed tough guards. He’s also being recruited heavily by Ohio State and Xavier. It will be hard to pull Beverly out of his home state, but UofL was able to do it once already when they pulled Josh Nickelberry out of NC.
It remains to be seen how the 2019 class will finish. UofL has a ton of spots to fill. Coach Mack and staff are offering a broad spectrum of guys hoping to land some studs and some players that will develop into studs. These two seem to be two players that fit the description of the latter, but both could become significant contributors immediately because of their skills and athleticism.
Update on Jahmius Ramsey:
Ramsey really seemed to enjoy his visit to UofL this past Saturday. He was originally going to take it slow with the recruiting process, but, according to Cardinal Authority’s Jody Demling, he may “speed up the recruiting process” after his visit here.
After weekend visit to Louisville, four-star IMG guard Jahmius Ramsey might want to 'speed up the recruiting process.' https://t.co/BZT7VOuJCS
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) June 6, 2018
If UofL truly made such a huge impression that he’s changing his strategy in regards to the recruiting process, it bodes well for their chances to land him. Make no mistake, he would be a huge get to pair with Josh Nickelberry.
