Hikeem Stewart to the DUB

by Craig Yamada, Editor-In-Chief

So, no Brett Hundley on Labor Day. Boo hoo. But Hikeem Stewart went ahead and changed the conversation on Monday night with the announcement that he had committed to the UW for the 2011 class over Twitter:

“Its official I comitted to the university of Washington yeEeeeeaaaaah let’s go huskies!”

Hikeem became the first piece of a potential epic  2011 UW recruiting class on Monday and is eager to represent the 206 at Hec Ed next year. Unlike his older twin brothers, Lod and Rod, Hikeem chose to stay home to don purple and gold in front of his friends and family. He becomes the first Rainier Beach player to sign with UW dating back to Nate Robinson.

WIth Hikeem, UW is getting a SG who has the ball handling ability to play the PG spot. UW gets yet another knockdown shooter in Stewart who adds to UW’s already deep backcourt. Hikeem is also known for his court vision. Many of his highlights are of him dropping dimes in transition with swag. After watching his PRO-AM highlights from two weeks ago, he definitely looks to have the build and the size to become an immediate contributor next year. His performance this summer at his AAU tournaments definitely helped his case in his rise in the recruiting charts. WIth the entire 2010 season ahead of him, I fully expect him to break the top 100 with ease by season’s end. Congratulations Hikeem, Montlake is eager to see what you can do.

So Who’s Next?

Jabari Brown will be in town for his official visit on September 18th for the Nebraska game at Husky Stadium. Some feel that he could very well commit on that visit. He is fielding in home visits this week with several schools including UW. Romar gets his in-home chance on the Thursday, the 9th. From everything I have heard, we are in good standing with Jabari and should have a great shot at landing him in the early recruiting period.

Tony Wroten officially announced on Twitter that he will be looking to announce in late September or October. He is taking his official visit to Louisville on 9/22. He said over “Talkin’ Hoops” with Jim Basnight that he will be looking to schedule his official visit to UW with none other than Hikeem Stewart. Given the buzz, I think it will come down to Louisville and UW. In my opinion, he will be ours to lose.

If we sign those three guards, we will have the best and deepest backcourt in the country. No if’s and’s or but’s. We all know Romar is supposed to be putting a heavy emphasis on recruiting for big men this off season, but with the talent pool of guards in 2011, Romar needs to recruit the best players out there and build the team around them.

Kevin Davis will likely be the 4th signee this year if he can get his grades together at TCC and would be a huge signing for Lorenzo.

If a 5th scholarship is awarded (Romar Math), Pelle and Angelo Chol will be competing for that spot. We will likely have to battle Steve Lavin  for Pelle’s services, as St. John’s is hot on his tail. Chol on the other hand is down to four schools as he eliminated UCONN weeks ago. We will be waiting until spring to hear Chol’s decision.

With the depth of big men coming out in 2012, Romar is probably going to load up with as many guards as possible this year. Brandon Ashley and Jordan Tebbutt figure to be our top targets next year.

But, back to the main story. Hikeem is continuing the 2011 “hometown hero” legacy with his announcement today. Kasen and ASJ are definitely #saluting you now.

Hikeem? Check. Tony? We are waiting…