The Deacs have landed a talented big man.
Danny Manning and his staff have done it again. Today, Samuel Japhet-Mathias announced that he has committed to play basketball at Wake Forest University. Samuel Japhet-Mathias (SJM) stands at 6'10", 280 pounds, and recently re-classified from the 2017 class to the 2016 class. He is originally from London, and is highly regarded by scouting services. He chose Wake Forest over offers from UConn, Georgetown, Providence, Oregon, and Clemson.
Breaking News: Samuel Japhet-Mathias Commits to Wake Forest | Here is his Full Announcement: http://t.co/DWE98fUwBd pic.twitter.com/GO4rq9CSlz
— Pat Lawless (@GiveNGobball) September 29, 2015
Rivals.com, 247 Sports, and Scout rate the big man as a 4-star prospect and a top 100 player. He is currently the highest rated prospect in Wake Forest's 2016 recruiting class. The class currently consists of a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and center. I wonder which power forward Wake Forest would like to fill that final spot?!
SJM is a giant. In addition to his frame, he has good hands, passing ability, and touch around the basket. His post skills are very advanced for someone his age. If he can improve his conditioning, then he will be even more valuable to Wake Forest next season. He will join a post rotation that already includes John Collins and Doral Moore. Manning and his staff are doing an excellent job of bolstering that area.
SJM is even more intriguing given Danny Manning's proven ability to develop big men. With SJM's size and current skillset, Manning has a tremendous amount to work with. Wake Forest got better today. Manning is returning Wake Forest's basketball program back to where it belongs, and I don't think it will take Manning too much longer to get there.
