Bird emerging as big-time talent
The San Francisco Bay Area has always pumped out plenty of talent. However, over the past few years there's been much more attention being paid to the players coming out of the region. Jabari Bird looks as if he's going to keep the focus on the area.
A super athletic wing who transferred to Richmond (Calif.) Salesian for his sophomore year, the 6-foot-5 Bird is happy with his decision to transfer.
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"It's worked out real well," Bird told Rivals.com. "I'm winning, I'm playing well and I'm with a lot of good guys. I feel like I'm learning along the way how to be a good basketball player."
Already considered a four-star talent in the class of 2013, Bird was impressive over the summer playing for the Oakland Soldiers 16 and under group. With the lofty rating, he's noticed increased attention but doesn't let it go to his head.
"I try to stay humble about it," Bird said. "It is mind-boggling at times all this attention. I just try to take it one step at a time."
Bird is also well-known among college coaches. Arizona State, Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Stanford, Washington State and St. Mary's, among others, have already showed attention.
"I put the ball in the hoop. I score," said Bird, when asked what drew college coaches to him. "I hit mid-range jump shots, can shoot from the three-point line and I can get to the rim. I'm active all the time."
In addition to getting stronger, Bird is focusing on his ballhandling and how to give proper attention to details. His recruitment is something that he's not really worried about for now.
"It crosses my mind here and there," Bird said. "I don't look to deep into it because I'm a sophomore. But, I think about it some. I think about what types of systems schools run, is it recognized? Do they play in the big games?"
For now, the sophomore is just worried about representing Bay Area talent the best he can and making sure people take notice.
"I think we've always been able to play," said Bird of Bay Area. "We're just now starting to get the recognition we deserve, but we still have plenty of guys under the radar."