Basketball coaches are always on the lookout for the next big thing, the rising star that will take the sport by storm. In the 2024 class, two centers stand head and shoulders above the rest: Kateryna Koval and Clara Silva. Depending on whom you ask, Silva might be the best center prospect in her class.
Silva is a towering 6-foot-6 post player with finesse reminiscent of a young 18-year-old Hakeem Olajuwon when he arrived at the University of Houston. Her recent performance in July left spectators and critics alike in awe. As the tournament’s leading scorer after the Group Phase, Silva’s ranking as number one in the efficiency chart and second in rebounds speaks volumes about her remarkable abilities.
Silva’s impressive average of 22.0 points and 11.0 boards per game has been instrumental in propelling Portugal to the top spot in their group. With an additional average of 2 blocked shots per outing, Silva has proven herself to be a formidable defensive anchor.
As it stands, there aren’t many top-center prospects in the 2025 class. As a result, many schools are doing all they can to land this skilled phenom from Portugal. According to multiple sources, North Carolina, Tennessee, UConn, Maryland, and Virginia Tech are all hot on the trail of Silva.
This isn’t surprising, considering Silva’s potential to make an impact from the moment she steps onto the campus. Her unique blend of size and finesse make her a prized catch for any team. Sources indicate that she has official visits lined up with North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Maryland, and Tennessee.
Nation’s No. 7 recruit, Imari Berry recruiting, and more
Consider Imari Berry, one of the top-10 players in the country, in the 2024 class. Her recruitment process has been unusual, to say the least. Despite having offers from top schools like UConn, Louisville, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Tennessee, Berry has only taken one official visit, to Clemson, who finished 10th in the ACC last season.
Sources around the country, including the city of Clarksville, believe that Berry’s AAU coach, Anja Shelton, is a strong defender of Clemson. Also, multiple sources tell The Ball Out that Berry has not scheduled any more official visits. That could change, of course, but that’s the latest we are hearing.
Another player to watch out for is Sarah Strong, whose recruitment has been relatively quiet. However, sources indicate that she recently visited an ACC school. Find out more here!
In the world of basketball, nothing is certain until the final whistle blows. But one thing is clear – Silva is a name to remember. This Portuguese basketball prodigy is on a path to greatness.
