Puerto Rico native Ricky Sanchez is one of the nation’s most sought after recruits and will have plenty of options when selecting a college program. However, at 6-foot-11 and playing the small forward position, the NBA has been rumored as his likely destination.

“I don’t think I’m ready for the NBA now,” Sanchez said. “I have to get stronger and polish my offense. I’ve spent the last two months getting stronger and becoming more comfortable on the post. It’s coming along well, but I’ve still got work to do.

“It’s looking like I’m going to college for sure and I wouldn’t mind having that experience. I wouldn’t consider coming out if it could hurt me down the round. I would have to be a top 10 pick to go to the NBA.”

The schools in pursuit of Sanchez reads like a list of who’s who in college basketball. The versatile athlete has managed to narrow his list of favorites to seven.

“Memphis, Louisville, Texas, Indiana, Kansas, Florida and Miami are the schools I like the most,” Sanchez said. “I’m hearing regularly from them and they have offered. Each has something unique to offer me as a player and I like what their coaching staffs.

“I’m looking for a place where I can get exposure and also continue to improve. I want to play in the NBA and I want a staff that can help me reach that goal. I’m not real familiar with America, so I have to have a good relationship with the people I’m going to play with and for.”

Sanchez, who has yet to set up any official visits, will play a hectic schedule of basketball in July before heading to IMG Academy in Bradenton (Fla.).

“I will go back to Puerto Rico and play with the national team in the qualifying for the Pan-Am games,” Sanchez said. “After that I will be in Las Vegas for the adidas event and that will be pretty much be it for me this summer.”

Sanchez has nice range on an outside shot that needs to become more consistent, but with his size, he is hard to defend on the perimeter. His ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket is an added bonus but he needs to become stronger in order to finish in traffic or on the post. Sanchez sees the floor well and is a good passer, especially when the offense runs through him. Strength and consistency are his biggest weaknesses but he possesses NBA size and potential.