re: Tide Hoops | Recruiting

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Four-star Jesse McCulloch down to 4 schools, sets commitment date


Jesse McCulloch, a four-star center in the class of 2024, has announced his final four schools: Alabama, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, and Xavier. He will announce his college decision on April 20th.

The 6-foot-9 junior out of Cleveland (Ohio) Lutheran East previously considered Indiana, Kent State, Michigan, and Ohio State. McCulloch is the No. 100 overall prospect in the class according to On3. He’s also the No. 11 ranked center prospect and the No. 2 overall recruit in the state of Ohio.

McCulloch unofficially visited Alabama, Virginia Tech, and Xavier. Michigan State was his only official visit. He broke down his finalists in a previous interview with On3.

Jesse McCulloch talks finalists

Alabama: “I like the way they run their system and how they would use me.”

Michigan State: “I love the way coach Izzo and the rest of the staff communicate to me and my family.”

Virginia Tech: “I like the way they play and the look of the atmosphere, plus the coaching staff is great.”

Xavier: “I like the way coach Jackson and coach Miller did the Zoom call and the passion they recruit with.”

What he’s looking for in a school

“I want to go somewhere that feels like home,” McCulloch said in a recent interview with On3. “A place where I can make mistakes on the court but still be allowed to play through them. Style of play will matter, kind of. I really want to go into a system where I can play my game and learn from a coach to be great.”

Scouting Report

“Jesse McCulloch has a tough mindset. The forward is a good area rebounder and not afraid to get in the mix around the basket. McCulloch has a strong frame, with broad shoulders. His wingspan is is over 7-foot, which allows him to play even bigger. While he may lack pop, he understands positioning. McCulloch is a good shooter with deep range off the catch. He has good balance with his jump shot and a high, soft release. He is a below the rim defender, but understands rotations and angles to be an effective defender. McCulloch was the central figure for a team that won a state championship.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw

McCulloch breaks down his game

McCulloch broke down his own game and discussed who he models his game after in a previous interview with On3.

“I can be a pick-and-roll pick-and-pop threat,” McCulloch told On3. “I’m a big man who can guard and is really good at passing. I’ll watch a lot of Anthony Davis; he’s my favorite player in the league. He can put the ball on the floor; he’s got a jumper and a post-game. He’s just got great skills.”

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Verbal Commits@VerbalCommits·7m
Alabama G Jaden Bradley has entered the transfer portal.

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Hate to see that. Jaden has a good shot and with an offseason of putting up tons of shots could easily become a confident shooter who can then take more advantage of his finishing abilities at the rim.

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