BYU Hosted Talented JUCO Recruit During Upset Win Against Zags
Feb 23, 2020, 4:15 AM
BYU putting together the final pieces of their 2020 recruiting class during the late signing period. (Photo Courtesy of BYU Photo/Jaren Wilkey)
(Photo Courtesy of BYU Photo/Jaren Wilkey)
PROVO, Utah – Even after a program changing win, the work never stops. BYU took down the No. 2 ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs 91-78 led by seven seniors who all played in the final home game of their collegiate careers on Saturday night. BYU coach Mark Pope has the tall task of trying to replace those seniors, and they hope to fill one of those spots with a commitment from a talented junior college recruit.
Gideon George a 6’6″ forward out of New Mexico Junior College was in attendance to watch BYU defeat the Zags.
Huge night for #BYU to be hosting one of their top targets in the class of 2020. New Mexico JC’s Gideon George was here in Provo.#BYUhoops pic.twitter.com/l1uXES7QHG
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 23, 2020
George is one of the top targets in BYU’s 2020 class that they are pursuing. The Cougars have been aggressively recruiting George since they offered him last summer.
Originally from Nigeria, George is currently averaging 14.3 points and eight rebounds per game and is shooting 50 percent from the field.
Along with BYU, George holds offers from Weber State, Jacksonville State, Portland State, Ken State, and Cal State Bakersfield. George has been receiving interest from Power 5 programs but there haven’t been any reported offers.
BYU signee was also in attendance
One of BYU’s two signees in the class of 2020 was also on hand to watch the Cougars historic upset. Wasatch Academy’s Richie Saunders was at the Marriott Center with his family. Saunders, a sharp-shooting forward plans to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at BYU.
#BYU signee and @WATigersBB star Richie Saunders is here for this big game against the Zags.#BYUhoops @kslsports pic.twitter.com/Yg0UslCbZA
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 23, 2020
After taking down the Zags, Saunders was in the locker room celebrating with his future coaches and teammates.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
