Despite not having a scholarship offer at the time, Wauwatosa East (WI) small forward prospect Leon Bond took an official visit to the University of Virginia last month. Following the first Live Evaluation Period of July, the 6’5”, 180-pound rising senior now has an official offer from the Hoos to consider.
I am blessed and honored to have received an offer from The University of Virginia. pic.twitter.com/EqT2tpxOH0
— Leon B (@leonbx35) July 12, 2021
Cincinnati, Marquette, Milwaukee and Virginia Tech are among the other schools that have offered Bond, who Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Editor Mark Miller calls a “very high recruiting priority” for a Marquette program entering its first season under new head coach Shaka Smart. In addition to UVA, the Wisconsin native made official visits to Cincinnati and Marquette last month. He revealed the trips in an Instagram post last week.
According to Wisconsin Sports Network, Bond averaged 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for Wauwatosa East this past season while helping his school to a 23-2 overall record and the 2021 WIAA Division 1 state title. The site describes Bond as an “exceptionally athletic wing player who plays well above the rim.”
Virginia’s Tony Bennett scouted Bond this past weekend, while the standout prospect was playing with the JH1 Elite 17U AAU squad in NY2LA’s Best Of The South event in Atlanta (GA). The 247Sports 4-star and Rivals 3-star recruit earned praised from several outlets for his performance.
‘22 Leon Bond (@JH1Elite) gets grown man rebounds. High point defensive rebound in traffic – putback dunk on the other end. Plays well above 6’5 with his length and athleticism. Marquette & Virginia in attendance. @hoopseen @ny2lasports @leonbx35 @414BClay @MHS_Boys_
— Isaac Dennis (@IsaacDennis_2) July 10, 2021
Leon Bond has tremendous versatility and upside. The long and athletic wing is a highly impactful player on both ends. Plays with great energy & commands the glass, plays well off the dribble, plus scores it posting up. @JH1Elite @ny2lasports @hoopseen pic.twitter.com/UOyKTePkpX
— Midwest Hoops Spotlight (@MHS_Boys_) July 8, 2021
Fresh Coast Hoops 2.0 posted a highlight package of Bond this past March.
Given Tony’s Wisconsin roots, I think we have a good chance here.
Leon could fit in very well.
His mix tape didn’t showcase any long range shots. Can he shoot the three consistently?
RallyEagle, it doesn’t matter much if he can hit the three consistently, at this point in time. He can shoot, and he can get himself open to shoot. His VA coaches will teach him how to better shoot the threes. He doesn’t look like a one-and-done, so there is plenty of time for development. He’s 6’5″ now, and should top out around 6’7″. With his athletic motor, and a couple years of coaching, he should become a very valuable Hoo. Trust Tony with any WI recruit.