:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59574605/usa_today_10706622.0.jpg)
Rick Barnes continued on the recruiting trail on Sunday, stopping in to watch five star guard Josiah James during AAU action. The 6-6, 195 pound prospect is a top 20 player in the 2019 class, according to 247 Sports.
Mike White, Tom Izzo, Rick Barnes, Tony Bennett, plus assistants from Duke, Clemson, South Carolina, Minnesota & Ohio State are watching Josiah James this morning at @OntheRadarHoops. pic.twitter.com/aC1JG6AAur
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) April 29, 2018
With Admiral Schofield (assuming he does return, as expected) and Kyle Alexander on the way out after this season, Barnes has at least two open scholarship slots to fill. They could have more to fill, depending on how they round out the 2018 recruiting cycle. He and his staff are aiming high, targeting a handful of top ranked big men, and now James.
Tennessee has made an offer to James, along with programs like Michigan State, Louisville, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Auburn, Wichita State, Xavier and others. Virginia, Florida, Duke and Virginia have not offered, but each had coaches in attendance on Sunday.
The South Carolina product is the 18th ranked player and the 3rd ranked combo guard in the 2019 class, according to 247 Sports. Their crystal ball projections point to Duke and Michigan State as the favorites to land James.