5-star Robert Dillingham talks recruitment, college versus pro

When you discuss the best scoring guards in the class of 2023, you have to mention the name Robert Dillingham. On the EYBL circuit, the 6-foot-2 guard is currently averaging 18.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He’s also shooting 51% from the field.

Dillingham is the No. 4 prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Last December, Dillingham committed to NC State, choosing the Wolfpack over Kentucky, LSU, Memphis, and others. However, in March, the North Carolina native decided to reopen his recruitment. After being back on the board for a couple of months, who has the talented Donda Academy point guard heard from?

“Recently, I’ve been talking to Kentucky, Arkansas, still been talking to NC State, Memphis, Coach Penny and them, and a few other schools,” Dillingham said.

Dillingham talks schools involved

Kentucky: “I’ve been talking to Coach Chin (Coleman) and Coach Cal and it’s really the same love. There’s not too much to explain about Kentucky because it’s a pro school. A lot of people go there to be pros. I feel like Coach Cal wants his players to go one-and-done if they get the chance. That’s what I like about the school. It’s a school for pros, honestly.”

Arkansas: “You see the recruiting class that they have this year. So there’s definitely going to be a new change to the school so Arkansas could definitely be an up and coming school and Coach Muss lets his guards hoop.”

Memphis: “Penny Hardaway is a legend. Honestly, me playing under him, he’s just a legend. He knows the game, he played the game, so he knows how players feel.”

Currently, Dillingham does not have any college visits scheduled. Although, before his commitment to NC State, he visited Kentucky and Memphis. Dillingham also mentioned a visit to USC is also in the works for sometime this summer.

College or pro?

The NCAA was able to prevent the G-League from plucking away talent this year, thanks to name, image, and likeness (NIL). However, the G-League still remains an option for top prospects who don’t want to go to college. Dillingham gives his thoughts on the topic.

“Most likely, right now, it’s definitely close to 100% college. But the G-League is definitely open. I’m pretty sure I’m leaning towards college. I definitely want to go to college.”

Dillingham also mentioned the G-League reached out prior to his commitment to NC State, but he has not heard from them since reopening his recruitment a couple of months ago.

While NIL is something to consider, Dillingham says his main priority is making it to the NBA.

“Honestly, I’m not really worried about the money. I know that you can make money from NIL, and if it’s there, then I will make it but really I’m just trying to get to the NBA. It’s nothing like the NBA contracts. Definitely, I feel like NIL could help.”