clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Morning Rumble: Kwe Parker to Rutgers, Josh Newkirk commits to Indiana

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Today in the Morning Rumble, Kwe Parker commits to a Big Ten school, Josh Newkirk transfers to Indiana, Kobi Simmons sets some visits and Cheick Diallo still hasn't been cleared by the NCAA.

The Johnnies landed a big time recruit on Sunday in Kassoum Yakwe and Rutgers also landed a four-star top 100 player over the weekend in Kwe Parker.

Parker is ranked 89th in ESPN's top 100 for the class of 2016 as the 6'2" shooting guard had offers from Boston College, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, in addition to Rutgers. The North Carolina native has unique athleticism, an ability to finish over the rim and a solid defensive game but could develop a solid backcourt alongside Corey Sanders

With Yogi Ferrell graduating in the spring, the Hoosiers needed to find a legitimate lead guard to replace the future pro and leader of the roster. Enter Josh Newkirk.

Newkirk committed to Tom Crean and the program on Sunday afternoon as he felt it was his best opportunity to have success while also having a shot to be competitive in one of the best conferences in college basketball.

The former Pittsburgh Panther, who averaged 5.9 points and 2.7 assists in 20 minutes per game in 2014-15, is recovering from knee surgery but has the skill level and high basketball IQ to take over for Ferrell and possibly James Blackmon Jr. next season.

Kobi Simmons, one of the top point guards in the class of 2016, has three visits set for the fall: Kentucky (August 28), UNLV (September 4) and Ohio State (September 11).

The five-star recruit recently trimmed his list down to six schools, Ohio State, Kentucky, UNLV, Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona, but he is taking his time with his decision.

Five-star guard Markelle Fultz, who is ranked 21st in ESPN's top 100 for 2016, committed to Washington over Kentucky, Arizona and a number of other high quality major schools, including North Carolina and North Carolina State.

I'm a huge Fultz fan because of his underrated competitiveness, strong mid-range jump shot and ability to attack the basket with ease. He should be a lottery pick in 2016.

Cheick Diallo still has not been cleared by the NCAA and if Bill Self has the correct timetable it will be at least another month until anyone has the news.

This would be a major blow to Kansas' National Title hopes as Diallo gives the Jayhawks a hard working big that can run the floor like a gazelle.

Diallo isn't the first student-athlete that attended Our Savior New American that has struggled to become eligible and he certainly won't be the last.

JaQuan Lyle was expected to drastically help the Oregon Ducks last season but instead he finds himself at Ohio State trying to fill the void left behind by D'Angelo Russell. Lyle had knee surgery this offseason and is feeling quicker, more athletic and confident after dropping 20 pounds.

If Lyle can put up solid numbers (he won't be Russell), the Buckeyes will certainly be a team to fear in the Big Ten when the new year tips off.