Alameda,

Unfortunately, I don't have quite the feel of the local prep scene here in Seattle as you have in the Bay area.  That said, Bell and Holt are both significant for both programs as already stated.

On an institutional level:

For Holt, he appears to be the highest publicized recruit since the landing of Eric Schraeder out of Colorado.  Both bring state player of the year hardware to Moraga.  And we all know how well the Schraeder story ends....http://www.smcgaels.com/V...p;ATCLID=204937908  As we have seen in his video clips, he is very proud and ready to become a Gael.  I believe that another "Omar-esque" type of ambassador is at our feet.  

For Bell, the significance to GU is the mining of Seattle, metro talent.  They have never really had any impact in the area as blue chip players have either committed to national programs across the country or feed into Romar at the UW.  I do not consider Bainbridge Island and Steven Gray part of the consistent metro Seattle recruiting scene.  What will be more interesting in the years ahead will be the impact of Dollar at Seattle U and Seattle prep talent.  The "UW/Dollar/Heytvelt/GU" incident aside, I believe that SU will have a leg up on GU if they maintain their current trajectory as they transition to DI and eventually a conference.

At a player level:

Holt appears to be ready physically and mentally for the transition to D1.  His experience at Jesuit with its rigorous academics and challenging basketball schedule year in year out will serve Holt well.  On top of that, his father's knowledge and experience as a D1 player on the Bluff can only add to Holt's impressive resume.  One of his strengths will be his modesty.  He has openly stated that filling the stat sheet is not a priority and that getting his team mates involved is the higher calling.  This fits perfectly into RB's system as seen this past season.  I believe that Holt's upside is higher than Bell as his size and frame will allow him to develop legitimately into a player that can slot 1 - 3 by the time he graduates.

Bell is a proven scorer.  For the past 2 years at Kentridge, Bell has accounted for more than a third of shots and points scored.  Their is no shyness to his game as he is ready to pull the trigger from the lane to the 3 point line.  It will be interesting to see how he develops in Few's program as he would seem to be heir apparent at the off guard to the graduation of Steven Gray.  He is not the classic GU, under the radar recruit.  His profile is as high as Austin Daye in my opinion.  GU has filled their coffers with shooters/scorers the past few weeks; Bell's appearance in the fall of 2011 looks to be the best of the bunch.  Let's remember as well, it is only a verbal commitment at this time....

Jake C, '94