KU lands commitment from 5-star, 2018 power forward Silvio De Sousa

KU lands commitment from 5-star, 2018 power forward Silvio De Sousa

"...on his way back home to Angola, the 6-foot-9, 244-pound De Sousa told the Journal-World that he had orally committed to Kansas last Sunday, at the end of his official visit to Lawrence last weekend."

< www2.kusports.com/news/2017/aug/30/sourc...tar-2018-power-forw/ >

"the strong family vibe felt from the entire KU roster, both on the phone prior to the visit and in person last weekend, inspired De Sousa to end his recruitment.
“They were not trying to put on a show, we didn’t see fancy stuff or gold plates or anything like that. Everything was simple and they really focused on Silvio and who he was and what he needs. That’s what made the difference. Silvio saw that and said, ‘This feels like home. I want this.’”

247Sports expert breaks down Silvio De Sousa's game


"“Silvio’s a player who knows how to carve out space down low, and he’s also really good facing the basket in high-post situations,” Meyer said. “He’s a perfect fit for what Bill Self does, and I could really see him thriving with their structure and that system that values touches down low. He has a physical presence on the court and knows how to control space, and he’ll continue to get even better at that.”

De Sousa, who is currently ranked as the No. 8 power forward and No. 30 overall player in the 2018 247Sports Composite, can also get after it as a shot-blocker and rebounder, Meyer said.

“He’s good at both. He’s not really viewed as a shot-blocker — few guys really are — but he’s a guy that does block shots,” Meyer said. “I think I’d probably just refer to him as having very well-rounded game. He has an understanding of how to play. He can rebound well, can block shots and he finishes. He’s not necessarily a guy who’s going to chase down rebounds, but he’s a sure rebounder who controls his area. And he understands how to control his area in a way most big guys still have yet to learn.”

Meyer said De Sousa’s ability to fit as either a power forward or center in Self’s High-Low offense makes him an intriguing prospect."

More: < kansas.247sports.com/Bolt/247Sports-expe...ousas-game-106673380 >

Gorilla, you highlighted this part of the article. I love hearing this kind of commentary.

"the strong family vibe felt from the entire KU roster, both on the phone prior to the visit and in person last weekend, inspired De Sousa to end his recruitment.
“They were not trying to put on a show, we didn’t see fancy stuff or gold plates or anything like that. Everything was simple and they really focused on Silvio and who he was and what he needs. That’s what made the difference. Silvio saw that and said, ‘This feels like home. I want this.’

”

I don't follow the recruiting sites at all, but inadvertently clicked a link today to 247 Scouting. They had eight or nine "experts" who 100% predicted he would go to Maryland. Just chuckled a little about how the recruiting of 17 year old kids can create an industry of "experts", and reminded that the decisions of 17 year old kids often surprise all of us.

i.e. Mitchell Robinson, who I regret making negative comments about. Seems he doesn't have any real adult leadership and is lost in the world of big time D-1 basketball.

The Star reports, "At one point, after his sophomore year, he was the No. 2 rated player in the country by at least one recruiting service but dropped after returning to Luanda, Angola to represent his country in international basketball. He did not play AAU ball." Picking up a Top 25 Player is solid but based on that statement and other comments made, I'd guess De Sousa is more like a Top 10 talent. Glad to have him, love what has been said about him and hope he has an amazing career at Kansas. I only wish he could reclassify to this years class. We could use him this year.

www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12...rticle170217802.html