Penn State basketball: 2021 PF Taquan Woodley (4-star) Decommits

Penn State Basketball lost a blue chip commit, when Taquan Woodley decided to reopen his recruitment in the aftermath of Pat Chambers’ resignation

The first causality of the Athletic Department’s decision to “allow Pat Chambers to resign” (see: fired) is 2021 Power Forward Taquan Woodley.  In his Instagram post, the Camden High School star officially reopened his collegiate recruitment process.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CG26OWxl89N/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Early commits often change their mind closer to the decision deadline, but Taquan’s words and timing make clear this decision was solely due to Patrick Chambers’ departure from the program. “The recent resignation of Pat Chambers from his position as Penn State Men’s Baskebtall Head Coach is the primary reason for this decision”, stated Woodley in his post.  He didn’t mince words, giving credit to both Coach Chambers and (for now) current assistant Keith Urgo for their “tremendous support and encouragement…through the recruitment process.”

While Woodley did leave the door open to returing to Penn State, not mentioning current Head Coach Jim Ferry makes it seem unlikely Penn State will re-earn this recruit’s trust.  While recruiting rankings are always variable, an ESPN Scout grade of 81 and a four star ranking (6th highest recruit in the state), makes this loss all the more painful.  Running Watkins, Hararr and Stevens downlow the past few seasons has forced defenses to cover the paint, opening up the three point arc and driving lanes for the guards.

Two more players from Woodley’s recruiting class (both also highly ranked) Elijah Hutchins-Everett and Houston Mallette remaining committed.  For now.  But the #deathoftheclimb claimed another casulty with the loss of Woodley.

(As a reminder, don’t tweet negative things at recruits. Ever.)