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Guys, I talked earlier with Navarro JC (TX) assistant coach Cody Hopkins to find out more about Doumbia. UC has made a real concerted effort on this kid and he was just bumped to four stars by our Eric Bossi.
First of all, I had no idea about the back story about this kid. Hopkins told me about the 60 Minutes earlier this year that talked about him and others: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/african-basketball-nba-ncaa-schemes-60-minutes-2020-03-29/
So, Doumbia was lured to the US, put in a dubious 'academy' and was later deported back to the Ivory Coast, where he's from. He was able to attend a British high school in the Philippines after he was denied entry to the US and after he finished high school, was allowed to return to the US, under the condition that he attend Navarro. Basically, Hopkins wanted me to know that Doumbia is in Juco only because of his immigration issues, not because of his grades. Hopkins said Doumbia has a 3.8 GPA.
He also likened Doumbia to Miles Turner and Clint Capela, in that he's fast, is a good shot-blocker and can also shoot the three. He has a 7-foot-3 wingspan.
Hopkins told me about Doumbia's top 8 released on Saturday of UC, Seton Hall, Alabama, Georgia, Houston, Mississippi State, TCU and East Tennessee. Others have offered, but Hopkins said those are the schools Doumbia feels comfortable with, that have done a good job reaching out over Zoom and getting to know him.
With UC, Hopkins told me coach John Brannen has done a great job. Brannen and assistant coach Jayson Gee have been in regular contact and talked about more than basketball. They've had a virtual tour and talked more about the business school, which Doumbia wants to get into.
I get the sense that UC, TCU and Seton Hall might be at the front of that top 8. It sounds like those three have been the most proactive, stayed in touch and made it about more than basketball. I'll have more details soon in a full story, but keep an eye out here. The Bearcats sound to be in excellent shape.
Guys, I talked earlier with Navarro JC (TX) assistant coach Cody Hopkins to find out more about Doumbia. UC has made a real concerted effort on this kid and he was just bumped to four stars by our Eric Bossi.
First of all, I had no idea about the back story about this kid. Hopkins told me about the 60 Minutes earlier this year that talked about him and others: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/african-basketball-nba-ncaa-schemes-60-minutes-2020-03-29/
So, Doumbia was lured to the US, put in a dubious 'academy' and was later deported back to the Ivory Coast, where he's from. He was able to attend a British high school in the Philippines after he was denied entry to the US and after he finished high school, was allowed to return to the US, under the condition that he attend Navarro. Basically, Hopkins wanted me to know that Doumbia is in Juco only because of his immigration issues, not because of his grades. Hopkins said Doumbia has a 3.8 GPA.
He also likened Doumbia to Miles Turner and Clint Capela, in that he's fast, is a good shot-blocker and can also shoot the three. He has a 7-foot-3 wingspan.
Hopkins told me about Doumbia's top 8 released on Saturday of UC, Seton Hall, Alabama, Georgia, Houston, Mississippi State, TCU and East Tennessee. Others have offered, but Hopkins said those are the schools Doumbia feels comfortable with, that have done a good job reaching out over Zoom and getting to know him.
With UC, Hopkins told me coach John Brannen has done a great job. Brannen and assistant coach Jayson Gee have been in regular contact and talked about more than basketball. They've had a virtual tour and talked more about the business school, which Doumbia wants to get into.
I get the sense that UC, TCU and Seton Hall might be at the front of that top 8. It sounds like those three have been the most proactive, stayed in touch and made it about more than basketball. I'll have more details soon in a full story, but keep an eye out here. The Bearcats sound to be in excellent shape.
