National Signing Day: Three underrated signees in the SEC
It’s a vital week in the recruiting world for 2024 prospects.
It’s the early signing period. Players who are committed have the option to start signing their national letters of intent which began on November 8th. The early signing period lasts a week and if guys hold off on signing, they can do so in a few months during the late signing period.
Yesterday, we saw many guys make month-long, some even year-long verbal commitments official when they put pen to paper on NLI’s.
With that being said, here’s a look at three guys I view as underrated signings for guys who will be playing in the always-loaded SEC. Guys that could have potential immediate impacts and even guys that could end up having multi-year impacts at their future programs.
Peyton Marshall, Mizzou
Overtime Elite, Height: 7’1, Weight: 300, Hometown: Marietta, GA
Marshall was a huge pickup for Mizzou. It isn’t every day you see a guy of Marshall’s stature who has the combination of skill and versatility that he has. His ability to use his motor and polished footwork to his advantage has been key in his past success during his time at Kell High School (GA.) where he saw himself as a vital part of a state title squad.
One of his best attributes is his passing ability, as Dennis Gates said on Wednesday after the signing became official, Marshall is the best passer in the 2024 class:
“Peyton is the best passer in the 2024 class, regardless of position and school. His court vision and his ability to quarterback the team for his size is unmatched."
I can second that. His ability at his size to first of all run the break and then combine that with his top-notch court vision and passing ability is hard to find.
I’m looking forward to seeing Marshall’s senior campaign at Overtime Elite and then following that, next year where he could have an immediate impact under Dennis Gates and Missouri’s exceptional staff.
Isaiah Brown, Florida
Orlando Christian Prep, Height: 6’5, Weight: 185, Hometown: Orlando, FL
I think Brown was a sneaky good pickup for Todd Golden’s bunch. Brown is a guy who is not only very effective at the high school level, but, he was also terrific during the u17 CentroBasket play this summer for Puerto Rico.
In his time playing CentroBasket, he averaged over 14.5 points while shooting 60% from the field, 46% from three, and over 90% from the line. That’s just four points less than his high school average of 18.5 points per game.
Brown is a 6-foot-5 prospect who has a lot of length at his size and has a terrific offensive game. He can shoot the three-ball at an efficient clip but is also a plus-athlete who can get to the rim with ease.
You look at Riley Kugel’s role and his development at Florida, I think Brown will be on a similar path which will take him on the trail to the NBA, one in which Kugel is on. Brown was the Gator’s lone commit until late last night when Olivier Roux signed with UF.
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
Hudson Catholic, Height: 6’1, Weight: 175, Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
I might get knocked for having a five-star on my underrated signee list, but, I had to add Pettiford just because outside of the Auburn faithful I’m not sure people understand how good Pettiford is. Even seeing him ranked as a fringe five-star prospect by most outlets is disrespectful in my opinion.
People knock Pettiford because of his size, but, for a guy at 6-foot-1 he’s super long and athletic and his quickness makes him a pest on both ends of the floor. He averaged nearly three steals on the EYBL circuit which he also does at a high rate during high school season.
In addition, his offensive game is hard to stop due to his quick twitch and his explosiveness. He’s a terrific playmaker and can get to the cup with ease, despite his shooting splits not being all that high, he has massive potential as a shooter which would add to his already elusive offensive game.
I think next year at Auburn he will be an immediate bright spot in that program. You look at the success Bruce Pearl has with his guards, I think he added another future star guard yesterday when Tahaad Pettiford signed his NLI.