Horns hope 6-10 center from Indiana just start
Pledge from ‘raw’ Banks provides much-needed size.
In what could be a gigantic recruiting domino for Shaka Smart’s Texas program, James Banks, a four-star center from Indiana, announced Thursday that he has committed to the Longhorns.
The 6-10 Banks, rated the nation’s 45th-best overall prospect by Scout and 56th-best by ESPN, chose Texas over Vanderbilt.
“I would like to say thank you to every staff in the country that recruited me and believed in me,” Banks said in a statement posted on Twitter. “I appreciate you seeing something in me that could take your program to the next level. I enjoyed the process however I have decided to become a TEXAS LONGHORN!!! #Hook’Em”
Banks is from La Lumiere, a school in Indiana. It’s his first season there after transferring from Georgia. La Lumiere coach Shane Heirman said Banks, who has a 7-foot, 6-inch wingspan, has as much upside as anyone in the country.
“Tremendous length,” Heirman said. “He’s still raw at times. He’s only been playing basketball for three years. But he still shows you flashes of how good he can be. He’s got a tremendous willingness and eagerness to learn and get better.”
As for why Banks chose Texas, Heirman said it came down to the player’s relationship with Smart and assistant coach Mike Morrell.
“I think it was close, it was really close,” Heirman said. “In the end, it was coach Morrell and coach Smart’s ability to connect with guys and relate to guys. I think he feels really comfortable there. It’s a place he can call home for several years to come.”
The Longhorns need as many big recruits as possible. Going into the 201516 season, Cam Ridley, Prince Ibeh and Connor Lammert are all seniors.
Taylor honored by Big 12: Texas guard Isaiah Taylor was named to the preseason All-Big 12 team. Baylor’s Rico Gathers, Iowa State’s Georges Niang, Kansas’ Perry Ellis and Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield also were honored.