INTEL: Ranking the contenders for four-star Scotty Middleton

Scotty Middleton is the 2023 On3 Consensus No. 44 ranked player. The four-star wing averaged 10.9-points, 4.0-rebounds, and 2.0-assists on 37.5-percent shooting from the field and 26.9-percent from three during Brad Beal Elite’s seven games at Nike’s Peach Jam last week.

A couple of weeks ago, the 6-foot-6 Middleton announced he would be committing on August 6. The Bel Aire (KS) Sunrise Christian wing’s final five schools were Kansas, UConn, Ohio State, Seton Hall, and Texas A&M.

Middleton has taken four official visits, Kansas State (old staff), Ohio State, Seton Hall, and UConn.  

1. Ohio State

Chris Holtmann got the first official visit from Middleton, and they have been in the mix with Middleton for the longest. Throughout the process, Middle has consistently spoken fondly of Ohio State. 

Those around the situation say assistant coach Jake Deibler did a good job connecting with Middleton early and building a comfort level. This official visit was also the only one he took during the season. The four-star was able to see game day and get a feel for the atmosphere, especially during the Michigan game.

Ohio State’s chances: 90-percent

2. Seton Hall

Middleton played some of his high school year in New Jersey and became very familiar with new Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway. The Pirates were able to get a visit out of Middleton, and the style of play and vision the program has for the wing is in line. 

Seton Hall’s chances: 5-percent

3. UConn

Middleton seemed to connect with Danny Hurley and his coaching style. He liked the fact that the Huskies get the most out of their players, and the fire the coach brings bleeds through the program.

UConn’s chances: 5-percent

Middleton final thoughts

Jake Diebler did a great job establishing an early relationship here. Also, the atmosphere of his visit during the Michigan game has stuck with Middleton. 

Intel suggests the wing feels comfortable with the system and Ohio State’s vision for him as a player. Ohio State likes Middleton’s length and his versatility, especially on the defensive end of the floor. There is a comfort level with the Buckeyes as they have sources say they answered every question the wing has had. 

On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine

I have placed my expert pick in On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) for Scotty Middleton to choose Ohio State. I set my pick with 90-percent confidence.

The On3 engineering group teamed up with Spiny.ai to create the industry’s first algorithm and machine learning-based product to predict where athletes will attend college. Starting from the ground up, On3 built an entirely new product that utilizes data, human expertise, and machine learning.