Archie becoming priority for LSU, SMU after strong spring
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – One of the top breakout performers of the spring travel season, Kaden Archie has gone from a relatively light recruitment to one now facing priority attention from the top local schools.
“It has definitely been crazy. I went from an unknown to one of the biggest breakout guys of the summer,” he said. “Having all of these coaches hit me up and recruiting me so hard, it is just a blessing and really exciting for me. They just like my energy and the way that I can defend. They think that I can play both ways and I think I am a good two-way player, as well.”
Kaden is a 6-foot-5 small forward that can be leaned upon for his toughness, athleticism, and, most of all, his defensive versatility.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Archie discussed a few of the schools making a push.
LSU: “They were really the first high-major school to offer me. They have been hitting me up from the very start. They love my game and talk to me almost every day.”
SMU: “It is a beautiful campus. It is about 35 minutes from my house, so basically they are just telling me that I could be the local kid to come in and be the face of the program and play right away. I like that.”
Florida: “They made it to the Elite Eight. They are winners. Coach (Mike) White, he calls me almost every day and Coach (Dusty) May texts me about every day. They think that I can come in and make an impact right away with my size and at my position.”
WHAT'S NEXT
Archie will finish out his summer on the adidas circuit with the Urban DFW 17-under unit.
A few visits are in the future for Archie, though a commitment is not expected until after July.
“I recently just took an unofficial visit to SMU last week,” he said. “I am trying to get to TCU next week and trying to hit up Texas, LSU and Florida, as well.”
RIVALS REACTION
It is difficult to find high school prospects that base their identity around their defense but that is the case with Archie. TCU, Florida, SMU, Texas and LSU each sit in a good spot, though the latter two programs have gained the most traction of late.