Kassoum Yakwe is closing in on a college decision and expects to decide in the next few days, a source close to Yakwe told SNY.tv.
“No decision yet on whether Kassoum will pick St. John’s or Oregon,” the source said.
SNY.tv reported this week that the 6-foot-7 Yakwe is down to those two schools.
Because he has graduated from Our Savior New American, Yakwe could opt to attend prep school or college in 2015-16.
One option would be for him to enroll at St. John’s next week and then see whether or not he becomes a partial qualifier.
St. John’s hosted Yakwe last weekend, taking him to Madison Square Garden and campus. He is a priority recruit for coach Chris Mullin in 2016, along with Brooklyn shooting guard Shamorie Ponds, who visits Aug. 28 but also said Friday at the Elite 24 practice that it’s “possible” he could announce this weekend, and junior college wing Bashir Ahmed, who visits Sept. 26.
“Kassoum’s getting better and better each day,” PSA Cardinals coach Terrance “Munch” Williams said at the Peach Jam. “At times he’s been overshadowed because he’s been playing behind All-Americans last year, but when he’s on the floor he’s obviously one of the best defensive players in the country. His offense is coming along. He got a good 15-foot jumper, he’s obviously athletic, and he affects the game in multiple facets. You can move him around, he’s just an all-around great player.
“Regardless of where he goes because of his effort and energy, he’s going to be a great basketball player.”