Bayless names four schools

Coming off a strong performance at the Nike Skills Academy, Jerryd Bayless has been one of the top performers at the USA U18 National Team Trials in San Antonio, Texas over the weekend. Bayless, 6-foot-3, 193-pounds from St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, Ariz., revealed to Rivals.com his new school list since decommitting from Arizona.

"I'm still considering Arizona, and I'm also considering Texas, North Carolina and Kansas," Bayless said. "All of the new schools are actively recruiting me, and everyone except North Carolina has offered me."

The Arizona courtship of Bayless is over after the messy break up of the two, but Bayless feels that a reunion is still a possibility. From the sound of things, however, it looks like a remote possibility.

"Coach Olson told me to keep him informed, but they are not actively recruiting me anymore," said Bayless. "They have to protect themselves and recruit other players, just like I have to protect myself.

"I do think, though, that if I told them that I really wanted to come back, they would take me back."

More important to Bayless than his recruitment is his development as a point guard.

"I'm trying to be more of a point guard," he said. "What a lot of people don't realize is that I had to shoot a lot with the Arizona Magic for us to be able to win games. I know I can play the point. When I play with elite players like you have here, I'll pass the ball all day. I just want to win."

A statistical analysis of Bayless' play at the trials supports his statement. As a player who can truly get his shot whenever he wants, Bayless only attempted two three-pointers and had 14 assists to only 5 turnovers throughout the practice scrimmages. He led the trials in assists, and his assist to turnover ratio was second only to Nolan Smith.

Jerryd Bayless scouting report:

A premier athlete and talent, Bayless can score from the perimeter as well as any player on the circuit. Always able to create a shot with his high elevating pull up jumper, Bayless is particularly dangerous coming off the high ball screen where he is a threat to score off the dribble from 23-feet and in. He has the potential to be an outstanding defender, but does not always give defending and rebounding top priority. Possesses definite NBA upside.