Virginia Tech’s Pursuit of Malek Harris

Feb 11, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Buzz Williams (right) and Seton Hall Pirates head coach Kevin Willard (left) speak prior to game at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Buzz Williams put together a strong recruiting class at Marquette but he has already poached two former Marquette commits in four-star Ahmed Hill and three-star center Satchel Pierce to add to the Virginia Tech Class of 2014 4-star guard duo of Justin Bibbs and Jalen Hudson. The losses of Trevor Thompson and Maurice Kirby to transfers has opened up some more scholarships for Buzz Williams to bring in some players that fit his system. Now, Buzz Williams is trying to continue the poaching of former Marquette commits who reopened their recruitment.

Malek Harris reopened his recruitment a couple weeks ago after the departure of Buzz Williams but has not seemed to have the same commitment to Buzz Williams as Ahmed Hill and Satchel Pierce. Of course, it is also just about certain now that Malek Harris will not end up recommiting to Marquette with the battle for Harris coming from three schools all over the country with the Hokies, Kansas State, and Gonzaga as the frontrunners. Proximity to home does not seem like a factor for the forward from Illinois but can the Hokies get the job done?

Malek Harris is a versatile player that is seen as a four-star small forward by 247 Sports and as a 3-star power forward by ESPN. As you can tell, there is a difference in what position recruiting analysts think Harris will end up playing at in college. That type of versatility is something that Buzz Williams said he wanted in his players and Harris would definitely have to consider that. Of course, Malek Harris also has a solid relationship with Buzz Williams most likely already which is a clear advantage for the Hokies.

The Hokies have been gaining a lot of momentum but Virginia Tech is still chasing the Kansas State Wildcats for Malek Harris. Of course, the Wildcats have already hosted Harris on a visit on April 18th but the Hokies will get their chance to have Harris on campus where he makes an official visit on April 28th. Meanwhile, Gonzaga does not have a visit scheduled which means this is likely to be a two-horse race between Virginia Tech and Kansas State for Malek Harris. Virginia Tech has a great opportunity to continue building a very strong class as Buzz Williams continues to prove how talented of a recruiter he is.

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