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RECRUITING ON THE SOUTH PLAINS
Measurables
WANNAH BAILPosition: PF Ht: 6'8" | Wt: 205 lbs High School: Lamar Consolidated (Rosenberg, TX) DTN Profile Video: Clip 1 | Clip 2 Rivals  | Scout ESPN 89 | 24/7 Sports 89 Cumulative Ranking: INC Offers
Houston, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Florida St., Kansas, LSU, Marquette, Texas |
Thus far, I think it's safe to say that PF Wannah Bail is the most high profile recruit that Texas Tech has had in a long time, maybe in the history of the program.
A legitimate top 100 player by at least one service, #66 by Rivals, and if you watch his video, it's easy to see why he received such a high ranking.
The interesting thing is that Bail and fellow high school teammate and also Texas Tech commit, Michael Carey, are supposedly a package deal in that they wanted to play together.
If that's the case, then I'll take it. Beyond the Arc (an NBC basketball blog that I really didn't know existed until I looked around for info on Bail) had this to say about Bail and Carey:
"The numerous reports of high school basketball players being a 'package deal' (meaning they intend to attend college together) greatly exceeds the amount of times it actually happens. With that said, there was little doubt that 6-8 forward Wannah Bail and 6-5 guard Michael Carey, both of Lamar Consolidated (Texas), would attend college together.
Bail and Carey came to play high school hoops in Texas from the Bahamas, and were on the same team on the AAU circuit, the Houston-based Franchize All-Stars. So when it came time to pick a college, there was little doubt that the duo wouldn’t be broken up. Originally set for a decision in October, Houston was presumed to lead to land both players, but apparently didn’t have the ability to offer both prospects scholarships. Oregon, Florida State and other programs were considered by the tandem, but on Monday both players committed to Texas Tech."
The Player Speaks
I haven't found anything yet, but I'll update this as needed.
Scouting Report
There are a litany of scouting reports and I don't know that I could add any more than what's already been written about Bail. The only thing that I'd add is that I don't think that Bail is a true power forward, as he is listed on most of his profiles, but most likely is a really nice small forward with the length to play power forward. He's got a nice jump shot, left handed, and he's got leaping ability that you don't see on Texas Tech's current roster. From Bail's Scout profile:
In terms of natural ability, Bail is one of the best in the class. He can score inside and to the mid-range, and is an incredible athlete. He rebounds well and has the ability to defend multiple positions. Right now he is still raw, and needs to expand his skill set to capitalize on his vast potential.
From the above referenced Beyond the Arc post:
Bail is easily the more talented of the pair and a top-100 prospect who could have an immediate impact at power forward for the rebuilding Red Raiders. He’s a long interior player who can defend and use his athleticism to score near the hoop. There’s still some polishing to be done on the hardwood, but when it’s all said and done, Bail could potentially end up as a multi-year starter in Lubbock.
From Inside the Hall, an Indiana basketball blog:
+ Wanaah Bail, Trent (TX), Franchize All-Starz: In two short viewings of Bail at the adidas Invitational, it was difficult to not fall in love with his explosiveness. His athleticism seemed to be near the same level of Hanner Perea, which is quite the compliment. It was tough to get a sense for his offensive skillset in the fast paced environment that is AAU basketball, but Bail was impressive on the offensive glass where he managed to get his fair share of put backs. Defensively, his length makes him a threat to block a shot at anytime. His agility at 6-9 and ability to guard the wing or the post will likely allow him to play multiple positions at the next level.
And to see for yourself, here's the video: