Kareem Stagg, A four-star power forward out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida announced he has committed to the University of Georgia on his Instagram account.
The 6-foot-8-inch prospect chose the Bulldogs over Michigan, Houston, and Oklahoma State. He took previous visits to each of the four finalists in a span of two months.
According to 247Sports, Stagg is the No. 72 ranked prospect in the nation and the No. 18 overall ranked prospect in the state of Florida. Stagg joins Grayson (Ga.) four-star small forward Jacob Wilkins, the son of Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, as the Bulldogs only have two commits in the upcoming recruitment cycle.
“I chose the University of Georgia because of the coaching staff and the plan they have for me I feel like I can succeed with great players around me,” Stagg told 247Sports. “It’s an up-and-coming program and I feel like I can come in and make an impact by doing the things I do best,” Stagg added.
Stagg took an official visit to Athens back in August where the vibes were “really high and love how they took care of me and my family while I was there.” Stagg said.
247Sports Scouting Director Adam Finkelstein on Stagg: Stagg’s rate of improvement over the last year has been off the charts. He’s blossomed from a burly big man to an inside-out threat. He is now cut-up and defined, but still powerful, and much more explosive athletically because of it. He’s still broad and strong, but not so much that it limits his mobility. Stagg is an emphatic finisher, especially when he has a step to elevate, and also an increasingly effective rim protector who blocked 1.8 shots per game in the recent EYBL season. He runs the floor with similarly powerful strides, has soft hands, and a solid left hand as well.
While Stagg has made great physical strides, his face-up skill set has also started to evolve in a significant way. He’s now starting to show potential both as a rhythm shooter and when he puts the ball on the floor. The key here though is being able to expand his game without becoming less efficient. He clearly wants to play facing the basket now and has moments where he can try to do too much. Similarly, Stagg can settle for fade-aways and find himself off balance more than a player with his body type should.
