KU Basketball Recruiting Rumors: Marques Bolden Decision Coming
There haven’t been many KU basketball recruiting rumors of late, but Marques Bolden might be making a decision soon.
The 2016 recruiting class has not been the greatest for the Kansas Jayhawks this year, with only Mitch Lightfoot on board so far. Still, the Jayhawks have a couple five stars commit to the program. Marques Bolden is one of those five stars that has a high chance of playing his college ball at Kansas.
The 6’10 center from De Soto, Texas has all the skills to be another great big man under head coach Bill Self. He is currently ranked 20th overall all in the ESPN Top 100. With his massive stature, Bolden can block shots.
Duke, Kentucky, and Oklahoma are still in the mix for Bolden’s services.
ESPN offered this scouting report on Bolden.
"Bolden is a long and mobile post that runs the floor extremely well. He has excellent touch in and around the lane where he can score with either hand with excellent touch and body control for his size…"
With Duke loaded with big men for next year, it should come down to Kansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
There has been talk that Kentucky is the leader because his high school is sponsored by Nike but has no confirmation. According to 247 Sports, though, Kansas is the favorite to land the talented big man.
Future150.com mentioned these strengths and weakness in their scouting report:
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Strengths for Marques Bolden
- Rebounding
- Finishing
- Passing
- Footwork
- Upper Body Strength
- Shot Blocking
Weaknesses for Marques Bolden
- Low Post Play
- Mid-Range Shooting
- Playing Away for the Ball
- Shooting with either Hand
He has visited Kansas twice for late night unofficially and officially and has had nothing but positive comments for the program.
His play would be perfect for the Jayhawks come next season and with a possible departure of Cheick Diallo and the graduations of Perry Ellis, Jamari Traylor, and Hunter Mickelson, he would have ample opportunity to start.
Self’s skill of developing big men to great players in the NBA could have an effect on Bolden as he can learn so much from his coaching and not to mention the other coaching staff of Kurtis Townsend, Norm Roberts, and Jerrance Howard.
Self’s skill of developing big men to great players in the NBA could have an effect on Bolden as he can learn so much from his coaching and not to mention the other coaching staff of Kurtis Townsend, Norm Roberts, and Jerrance Howard.
Bolden’s parents have also been a huge factor in his recruitment with them being a big fan of Duke for academics, Kentucky because of his AAU team, and Kansas for the coaching staff. Oklahoma is the dark horse so do not be shocked if he chooses Boomer Sooner.
The best thing Bolden can add to the program is just his 6’10 height. With no real big men on the team this year, Self has to rely on Landen Lucas to use his body on big defenders but struggles offensively.
Although Bolden’s game is more offensive, his shot blocking skills could be a big help on defense. If he could bulk up a bit more, he could be an animal for the Jayhawks.
His decision could come soon whether it be in late December or early January, similar to Carlton Bragg. Wherever he goes, his quiet and upbeat personality will be respected by Kansas fans and the team. In the next month or so, he could easily become a Jayhawk.
Next: Ranking the 8 KU Head Coaches All-Time
The Jayhawks have several scholarships still available, the KU basketball recruiting rumors should start swirling again soon. Stay tuned!