University of Virginia men’s basketball head coach Tony Bennett has been in hot pursuit of Reece Beekman since July of 2018, when the Cavalier head coach extended a scholarship offer to the Scotlandville Magnet (Baton Rouge, LA) point guard. Coach Bennett’s dedication has paid off in the form of a commitment from the 6’3”, 170-pound rising senior, who is in Charlottesville this week competing at the 2019 NBPA Top 100 Camp.
Beekman informed ESPN’s Paul Biancardi of his decision Thursday (June 13) morning. Biancardi broke the news via Twitter, relaying comments from the star prospect and his mother.
Recruiting news:
Reece Beekman tells ESPN that he’s committed to Virginia. “Tony Bennett is a straight forward guy and they win big. I like his calmness in big moments and he definitely lets his guards play.” Beekman sits at no.44 in the 100.— Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi) June 13, 2019
Reece Beekman’s mother Julie Jackson on her sons commitment to @UVAMensHoops.
“I want Reece to continue to grow as a person and as a player by learning from coach Bennett’s Five Pillars of life. Humility, Passion, Unity, Servanthood and Thankfulness.”— Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi) June 13, 2019
Beekman has helped Scotlandville dominate Louisiana Division 1 boys varsity basketball the past three seasons. The Hornets have won three straight state titles, including a 73-53 victory over St. Augustine in 2019. Beekman, who has earned MVP honors in each of the past two state title games, poured in 28 points (8-of-12 shooting) and dished out nine assists in the 2019 championship.
Scotlandville achieved a 34-2 overall record this past season, including a 31-2 mark in regular season play. Beekman averaged 22 points, 10 assists and 10 boards per game during the regular season.
“I’ve said before and I wasn’t being biased, I think he probably is the best player in high school in Louisiana regardless of junior, senior, whatever class, because he does so much on the next level,” Scotlandville head coach Carlos Sample told WAFB9 in this report in March of 2019.
Beekman has continued to impress this spring with his performance on a talented Phenom University (WI) squad on the AAU circuit. Through 12 games on the 2019 Nike EYBL circuit, Beekman, who was born in Wisconsin but moved to Louisiana before high school, has averaged 10.8 points, 6.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game according to D1Circuit.com.
As a result of his play over the course of the past year, Beekman has seen his recruiting stock climb. He is rated a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN. ESPN ranks Beekman as the no. 44 overall prospect and the no. 8 point guard in the class of 2020. Meanwhile, Rivals and 247Sports both slot him currently as the no. 65 prospect in the 2020 Class.
Alabama, Arizona State, California, Florida, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, LSU, Marquette, South Carolina, Southern Cal, TCU, Virginia, Wake Forest and Wisconsin offered scholarships to Beekman, who took officials to Houston and UVA last fall. The top point guard prospect joins shooting guard Carson McCorkle as the two members of Virginia’s class of 2020. As of today, the Hoos only have one scholarship available to use in the class.
(Below highlights of Beekman at the 2019 Swish N Dish courtesy of Eric Gets Buckets)
GOT GAME!