Bouldin ready for visits

After relaxing in Hawaii for the last week, Matt Bouldin is all rested up and ready for his senior year that begins on Friday. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound combo guard from ThunderRidge High School in Denver, Colo., is also ready to get things rolling in his recruitment. The four-star prospect will visit a West Coast power in the next month and he said he's excited about seeing more schools across the country.

Bouldin, the No. 45 ranked player in the class of 2006, had a bit of a rough summer. He fractured his fibula in Atlanta at the adidas Superstar camp but said doctors determined that the injury was actually to a non weight bearing bone so he continued to play in Las Vegas but the injury did slow him down a step.

Throughout the summer, Bouldin wanted to prove that there is more to just skiing in Colorado. Some high-major prospects are tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, too. Bouldin showed that he's one of the best shooters in the country but he mixes his perimeter game with a keen sense of awareness at the point guard position.

"I thought I played pretty well. I hurt my ankle in Atlanta and that pretty much stunk but other than that, I felt like I did pretty good. Our team played well and we had fun getting out there playing," Bouldin said. "Our Select team showed that we could play with anyone. I think a lot of people assumed that they could just walk in and beat us but they didn't because we know we can play, too."

A month later, Bouldin said he's feeling "great now probably because I just lied around all day in Hawaii." That always works. With a clear mind, Bouldin has cut his list to six programs.

The schools making the cut are Gonzaga, Cal, Notre Dame, Connecticut, Boston College and NC State. All but UConn have offered, he said.

"I've narrowed it down somewhat but not as narrow as I'd like," Bouldin said.

Bouldin officially visited Cal in May and has a trip planned to see Gonzaga on the first weekend of Sept. (2-4). He said that is the only trip planned for now but said more may come as well as some in-home visits. Has anyone peaked his interest yet?

"Not really," Bouldin said. "They all have so much to offer. I think the visits will really help. Seeing the schools and every day life is going to be nice because with some of the schools, I just know about them from what the coaches tell me and reading the media guides and letters. Seeing it for myself will really help."

"Really, the main thing is how I fit in with a program," he continued. "I want to find a place where I can fit in the best. You know, the coaches, players, style of play. Things like that. Obviously, people want to play right away and I'm no different."

The visits will help, he said, and with the November early signing period looming, Bouldin is ready to start making some tough decisions.

"I really want to sign as soon as I can," Bouldin said. "I'm ready to get this done quickly."

Perhaps a return trip to Hawaii would help clear his mind so he can make a decision. Aloha.