RebelWalk Recruiting: A Sitdown With TJ Caldwell
OXFORD, Miss. — Search TJ Caldwell on Twitter and it’s hard not to get lost in all the clips.
The class of 2022 Ole Miss commit has gone viral several times for his insane in-game dunks. With a recorded 47″ vertical jump and plus size for a guard, he creates some of the most explosive plays in the prep game.
TJ CALDWELL CAUGHT A BODY 🤯 @TjCaldwell9 @FFA_Athletics @TheHDayClassic pic.twitter.com/tXTLBlB5n1
— BallerTV (@BallerTV) December 30, 2021
Many have labeled him as one of the best athletes in the class of 2022. Caldwell is a part of an Ole Miss recruiting class that also features Southern California Academy’s (CA) Robert Cowherd and Berkmar’s (GA) Malique Ewin.
Caldwell is currently listed as the 174th player in the class of 2022 per 247Sports composite rankings. This number was from November 9th. However, that number seems likely to change as even 247Sports Director of Recruiting Travis Branham had this to say last month:
“[Caldwell] has turned himself into an impressive two-way guard. The Ole Miss signee was highly impactful on both ends of the floor and his improved ball skills, passing and scoring ability all impressed. He’s developed his jumper and his overall half-court skillset and he brought a competitive approach to the defensive end of the floor. He has an explosive first step and is explosive if given any space around the rim.“
Travis Branham on Ole Miss commit, TJ Caldwell
TJ Caldwell snapped for 39Pts. He’s a problem pic.twitter.com/bKSMJX2DJu
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 20, 2021
With multiple scoring outbursts thus far this season, Caldwell has led Faith Family Academy to a 19-4 record on a schedule that has had some featured national games. The Ole Miss commit has finished with over 25 points multiple times, including a season-high 39 earlier in November.
Over the summer Caldwell played for Texas’ Drive Nation in the EYBL. There, he shot 91% from the free throw line in 12 games, averaged 13.0 points per game, and shot over 50% from the field in half of those contests.
A short hour drive up the road you can see Ja Morant creating exciting highlight level plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. Caldwell admitted that Ja is who he likes to emulate his game after, and with the similar burst and finishing ability around the rim, there are some shades in Caldwell’s game.
Earlier I had the chance to talk to Caldwell about his recruitment, Ole Miss, and more. He is ready to get to Oxford and show Ole Miss and the fans what he’s all about. With a rapidly developing game, Caldwell has all the tools to impress early in his career.
A Visit with Ole Miss Commit TJ Caldwell
What’s been your favorite thing about playing basketball?
Caldwell: “My favorite thing is traveling and playing against some of the top players and getting to know them. Seeing places I never would have seen if it wasn’t for the game”
What was special about Ole Miss to you?
Caldwell: “I really loved the campus and the pavilion is amazing.”
What did the Ole Miss coaches try to sell you on?
Caldwell: Just on the family atmosphere, the bond that they built with me during my recruiting period. Talking with all the coaches and meeting the team, we all bonded really good (well).
Have you had any conversations with Robert (Cowherd), Malique (Ewin), or any other OM player?
Caldwell: “Yes, we talk to keep up with each other on our social media can’t wait to get in the locker room with them.”
For those who may not know a whole lot about you, what can the fans expect from you?
Caldwell: “A hard-worker who wants to win and do whatever is asked of me to help the program be successful, oh and some crazy dunks to get them out of their seats.”
How would you break down your game?
Caldwell: “I think I’m a very aggressive guard that loves the mid-range game. I can get to the basket whenever I want, and I’m also a good three-point shooter. Once I get to campus and let coaches teach me D1 defense, I’ll become a great defender.”
Recruiting Notes
The Ole Miss recruiting class currently ranks 38th in the country (per 247Sports) and 8th in the SEC and is yet to be wrapped up. Whether head coach Kermit Davis finishes the rest of the class with high school kids or through the portal, Ole Miss set to bring in a talented bunch.
TJ Oxley
TJ Oxley is the Vice President of Operations and the Director of Community Relations for The Rebel Walk. He is also the Director of Basketball Content and Senior Basketball Writer. He has over five years of experience providing in-depth analysis of college basketball through multiple platforms. A former MBA graduate of Ole Miss, TJ started with The Rebel Walk in 2019.
