Penn makes offer to elite 2013 prospect

2013 Chandler (Ariz.) Basha guard Jaron Hopkins has added an offer from Pennsylvania

Hopkins is a prized recruit out of Basha High School in Chandler, Ariz., rated as an 89 on ESPN.com, meaning he is a high-major prospect. His perceived strengths are his size (6-3, 175), athleticism, driving ability and defense, while his jump shot is still developing. As a sophomore, Hopkins averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, according to MaxPreps.com.

The main takeaways from Penn's interest are: 1) Jerome Allen and Co. are thinking big, trying to get involved with some elite prospects. The more darts they throw at the board, the more likely it is that one will stick... 2) It's interesting that the coaches made an offer to a sophomore. Maybe the early offer is an attempt to get a leg up on the competing schools. 3) Keep Hopkins on your radar, because who knows what will happen between now and 2013, when he will make his decision? Not only can his stock change dramatically (see: rising prospect Maurice Watson), but injuries can happen that affect his college options (see: Henry Brooks).