Maxwell Lorca-Lloyd enjoying junior year - and getting looks
Currently holding the Northfield (Mass.) Mount Hermon’s shot-block record for a single season, Maxwell Lorca-Lloyd continues to cement his standing as a Rivals150 prospect. The junior big man remains a priority for a number of high academic schools and power-league programs as he begins to take a deeper look into his college recruitment.
A 6-foot-9 center with super-quick leaping abilities and a major producer around the basket, Lorca-Lloyd discussed how his junior year has gone.
“Things are going well for me so far,” he said. “I have been able to develop my game a little more on the court and I have just been able to have a little more fun this year. I have gotten better with my post game, pushing the ball in transition and just making good defensive plays as a shot-blocker and rebounder.”
No leaders have emerged yet, though a slew of programs, including Baylor, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Penn, Ohio State, TCU and Florida, along with a handful of others, remain in the hunt.
CLASS OF '19 RANKINGS: Rivals150 | Power forwards | Centers Point guards | Shooting guards | Small forwards
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Baylor: “They have been talking to me a lot about how they develop their bigs and (are) able to make guys into pros, which is something that I really like.”
Ohio State: “They really want me to come in and be an athletic four for them. They think that I can fit that role for them and just watching them I feel like I could be an asset. I know a few of the guys that they have coming in for 2018, and it will be pretty interesting to see how it goes.”
Georgetown: “The visit there was good. I was able to see them practice, talk to the staff and they kind of want me to be an energy guy: to come in, rebound, block shots and do what I do well right now. I feel like as I develop more, that role could become bigger.
“He (Patrick Ewing) tells me that hard work can take you so far in life, but I definitely like how he was a big man and that they run a lot of their stuff through their big men.”
Florida: “They have been telling me that they need a big man, shot blocker and rebounder, which is something that I want.”
Ivy League: “The sell is something you can’t get anywhere else regarding a great education and developing within a basketball league where the coach can get out there to work with you but also being set up for the rest of your life with your education.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Lorca-Lloyd visited Penn, Harvard and Georgetown over the Christmas break. He has no scheduled plans for the time being, as his recruitment remains wide open.
“I am pretty much open to everyone right now,” he said.
He is close to finishing his junior year for the Northfield Mount Hermon program before he begins his senior travel season with the PSA Cardinals program on the Nike EYBL circuit.
RIVALS' REACTION
One of the best shot-blockers and offensive rebounders in the 2019 class, Lorca-Lloyd remains a national level prospect, thanks to the energy that he provides in the frontcourt and versatility as a rim protector. But he is also someone who can guard away from the basket. Off the court, he earns elite-level grades.
A top suitor has not emerged yet, as Lorca-Lloyd continues to gather new interest and offers by the week. Choosing between an Ivy League education and playing for a nationally acclaimed basketball program remains on the table. The next few months should help him decide which route is the best fit for him.