2007 Bayless getting better and better

The maturation process for an already very mature Jerryd Bayless continues at a rapid pace according to his AAU coach Earl Flaggs of the Arizona Magic. The No. 7 ranked player in the class of 2007 is growing, gaining strength and getting better everyday. Six of the top programs in the country are hot after the 6-foot-3, 180-point guard from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Ariz., and those schools are high on Bayless’ list.

“Uconn, Arizona, Duke, North Carolina, Texas and Kansas are all in there strong with Jerryd,” said Coach Flaggs. “They all want him and were all out here this fall. The gym was flooded this fall. It was unbelievable. Not only were they out here to see Jerryd, but to see Christian [Polk] and [Joey] Shaw.”

Shaw, who averaged 26 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals per game as a freshman, is only getting better and better.

“He is playing really well,” said Flaggs. “He has grown to 6'3 and gained around 5 pounds since this summer. He is a lot stronger and his game is maturing. His decision making is so strong, and he is so quick getting rid of the ball.

“His potential is limitless. I know a lot of people throw that term around, but it truly applies to Jerryd.”

As one of the best point guards regardless of class, Bayless more than held his own at this past summer’s Nike All-American Camp. Always athletic and an explosive scorer, Bayless played a physical and mature floor game as a point guard that belied his years.

“Jerryd makes guys better,” said Flaggs. “He breaks his man down, finds weaknesses in the defense and gets the ball where it needs to be.”