Big time sophomore working to get healthy

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THE RIVALS150: Class of 2014 - Class of 2015

 

One of the best players in the country regardless of class, five-star forward Harry Giles isn't finding it easy to sit out his sophomore season with injury. But, the big time prospect is able to see things long term.

A near 6-foot-10 sophomore power forward at High Point (N.C.) Wesleyan Christian, Giles has great perspective on what it takes to come back from a knee injury he suffered during the summer. But, that doesn't lessen the pain of watching his team go through some struggles when he knows that he could be out there making a big difference.

"It hurts a lot," Giles told Rivals.com. "The fact that I could do a lot if I was out there playing. I hate to see them lose, that's the worse thing that can happen.

"I hate losing. That's the worst thing that can happen. If we are doing anything, racing, playing a game, seeing who can eat the food the fastest and I lose I'm upset. I just hate losing in general."

While he can't be on the floor helping his team win games, Giles is learning other things.

"I've learned about leadership and where I fit in," said Giles. "I've learned how to always be thankful when I'm on the court and I can get off and be healthy and just playing hard all the time."

Currently ranked No. 2 nationally in the class of 2016, Giles feels like he is making good progress from the major injury he suffered while playing with USA Basketball's 16U national team. But, he's not rushing his return either and has yet to target a specific time frame for his return to the floor.

"Rehab is good," said Giles. "I'm pushing myself hard and trying to get back to where I was. My dad tells me that my future is in my hands and everybody tells me that rehab is key.

"I'll know when it happens and I feel like I'm comfortable and ready to play. It's not something that somebody else can make for me, it's how I feel."

Even though he has been out, Giles is still one of the most sought after players in the country. He has offers from Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, N.C. State, Florida State, South Carolina and Clemson to name a few. He's the rare talent that could call up any program in the country and commit because of his athleticism and skill.

Not surprisingly, though, things have been a little less hectic while he sits out. That's fine with Giles because it gives him a better opportunity to watch those that are recruiting him.

"It has slowed down some," said Giles about his recruiting. "They aren't contacting you constantly which is good because you can relax and focus on rehab.I love college basketball, it's exciting. I watch everybody who is recruiting me."

While his priority is returning to the floor 100% healthy, Giles also knows that he'll have to start thinking about recruiting more down the road. He says that perhaps he'll start to cut things down after this summer.

"I'll probably take my time with it," said Giles. "I don't have a particular date right now and I'm hurt so I'm not even thinking about it.

"I want to make sure that I'm comfortable where I'm at and the coaches are going to push me for what's best for me and not just tell me what I want to hear."

Eric Bossi is the national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.

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