Landing Hoard Proves Wake Forest is on the Rise

 

The Danny Manning era at Wake Forest has been focused on rebuilding a very proud but down hoops program in recent years.

Wake hadn’t seen postseason play since a 2010 second round matchup with Kentucky in the NCAA tournament, that team featured Ant Davis and Michael Kidd Gilchrist went on to win the national championship. The Deacons ended their six year drought with a breakout performance this past year, Manning’s squad won a lot of tough games and entered the NCAA tournament with big time momentum.

Even though the Deacs suffered a first round exit they showed Wake was no longer a team “full of potential” these guys were ready to win now.

Prospects took notice and after a recent visit five star forward Jaylen Hoard decided to take his talents to Wake Nation. This is the biggest signing of Coach Manning’s tenure and it made waves throughout the Hoop State.

Hoard did what many talented blue chips from the triad area before him had not, he decided to stay local and play with the black and gold. Coach Manning is one of the most respected figures in the game and his connections run deep.

Sophomore John Collins became a first round draft pick under Manning’s staff and Hoard posses the long term upside to play professionally as well.

What the Commitment means- Hoard is joining a program that has produced 17 All Americans, 5 current NBA alumni, and one Hall of Famer. Wake offers a loyal fan base and they’re building a contender. Hoard may attract more prospects in the 2018 cycle to join him Wake is in the running for several other coveted in state recruits.

With their second commitment from Wesleyan in three years Coach Manning and staff may be establishing a potential pipeline. When Hoard hits campus he will join former Trojans star, and now promising Sophomore guard Brandon Childress at Wake.

These two will be major cogs in keeping the Deacs competitive in the ACC, majority of the core players will still be present as well.

Manning can build around Hoard with guys like Keyshawn Woods, Bryant Crawford, and Chaundee Brown.

Wake has a lot to be excited about this group will have a year to gel before Hoard hits campus, expectations for a repeat performance of last year may be disappointed but hold on Tye Dye nation because 2018 will be LIT!

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