In signing with Wichita State, late blooming Class of 2018 guard Dexter Dennis ends a recruitment process which saw him ascend from little known low major prospect to a hotly pursued high major talent.
Buoyed by vertically explosive athleticism and a now reliable outside shot, Dennis was the scorer on whom Believe Prep Academy (TN) leaned heavily this season.
The Louisiana native used the post graduate season to polish aspects of his game such as his handle.
Dennis opened up more eyes and opportunities from the start, scoring 18 points on a series of drives and 3-pointers and above the rim finishes against Athletes Institute during the All American Jamboree in Apopka, Fla. back in October.
There were several games in which his scoring spurt-ability and personal runs broke it open.
Playing against consistent competition and high level Division-1 JUCOs helped propel Dennis' steadfast evolution.
The well-built guard became more active on the glass, transitioned to operating offense and applied sturdy shoulder to shoulder defense.
All of this enabled Dennis to shed the tag of "athlete" and avoid being pigeonholed as strictly an upside-heavy athlete.
Dennis' progression in the skill components turned offers from Nicholls State, IUPUI, Southern (La.), Eastern Michigan, Charleston Southern and Austin Peay into a decision between the core four of Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Kansas State, and Wichita State.
Speak to Dennis' coaches, you'll find the intangibles which cannot can be computed are the components which make him an entirely low risk prospect.
The fact that Dennis' heart weighs more than he does, along with the innate leadership qualities that are so rare in this era were equally appealing. Dennis, who averaged 23PPG as an all-state performer in Louisiana, carries a 3.8 GPA.
Dennis cited the leadership acumen of head coach Gregg Marshall and the consistency Wichita State showed were pivotal factors in his decision.
He explained that with Marshall and assistant coach Donnie Jones, you essentially have two head coaches with vast experience on the floor.
Wichita State also appears to be prioritizing Miami Christian (FL) point guard Neftali Alvarez.
The Puerto Rico product averaged double digits in assists this past season and turned in a quadruple double in a game.
Wichita State became another casualty of the annual transfer carousel when 3-point shooting guard Austin Reaves asked for his release.
Another fast rising prospect Wichita State has caught on to is Abdou N'Diaye of The Nation Prep in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
A smooth and mobile 6-foot-9 forward, N'Diaye is a stretch four who averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds under head coach Mike Woodbury this past season.
Adept in all facets of his multi-positional game, N'Diaye has become a consistent shooter from 20-feet out and beyond the arc.
He's got the length and athletic aptitude to guard multiple positions.
Like Dennis before him, N'Diaye is a classic case of a late blooming prospect who brings a wealth of upside.
Gregg Marshall recently flew in on a private jet to assess N'Diaye, who they immediately plunked down down a scholarship for.