Class of 2017 shooting guard in no rush

As a freshman, four-star shooting guard Mitchell Ballock lived up to local hype that preceded his arrival at Eudora (Kan.) High when he helped lead the team to a 4A state title. As a sophomore who was now nationally known, Ballock had adjusted and continued to develop.

The No. 23 player in the class of 2017, the 6-foot-4 Ballock felt the increased expectations for his team and individual attention during his second season of high school

"I felt like there were a little bit more expectations for my team and from my community to lead us back to the state title," Ballock said. "It was a little bit of pressure there but when you get on the court and play you don't think about that anymore. No matter what they throw at you on any given night, you have to do what you have to do.

"Last year it was easier for me to get open shots because the pressure wasn't really on me so I eased into it."

Because of a strong showing at last June's Stephen Curry camp and his second-place finish in the three-point shooting contest at the Elite 24, Ballock has a reputation for being a deep threat. However, he felt more comfortable in other spots on the offensive end this season.

"I didn't really shoot it as well from the three-point line," said Ballock. "I didn't shoot as well as freshman year because I was trying to create more and was off balance. My pull up felt a lot better this year from 15 to 17 feet. It felt better because I've been working on some moves. When that is falling and the three is falling you can start getting to the rim at will."

Ballock has already received plenty of attention from college coaches with offers from places such as Creighton, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Ballock made several visits during his sophomore season and took some time to discuss them.

Just under 11 miles away from his high school, Allen Fieldhouse has become a place that Ballock visits regularly, and he knows the Jayhawks well.

"When I go visit them it's always cool and crazy to walk into the gym with all of those people and the games get rowdy," said Ballock. "I have a great relationship with the coaches and I get along with them but a majority of the schools have a great coaching staff. I've heard it is a great place to go to school, and I know it's a great place to play."

In February, Ballock made a trip to Ames.

"I went up there on Valentine's Day and it was a good game, they played West Virginia and beat them pretty handily," said Ballock. "Iowa State, everybody was really cool and really welcoming. Everybody on the team was really welcoming, and Coach [Fred] Hoiberg and Coach Charlie [Henry] are really nice guys. They were really interested in getting to know me as a person and not just a player."

Oklahoma's Lon Kruger was out to see Ballock twice during the season, and the Sooners have made an impression.

"Oklahoma was pretty cool," said Ballock. "My relationship with Coach Kruger, he's a great guy, but they (head coaches recruiting) are all great people so it's hard to pick just one. He and Coach [Steve] Henson are both small-town Kansas kids like me. Getting to know them and develop a relationship with them was cool. The team also welcomed me and it wasn't like I felt like the odd man out."

Ballock also made it to the other Big 12 program in Oklahoma and took in Oklahoma State's game against West Virginia -- a team he saw the Cowboys, Cyclone and Jayhawks play this season.

"Coach [Travis] Ford was kind of the same as the other guys but that was my first visit where the home team lost," said Ballock. "He was still inviting and welcoming event though they lost. He was bummed about the game but he got past it and talked to me and my family. He's a great dude. Coach [James] Dickey is a great guy as well. When you talk about their locker rooms, that place is crazy and it has two levels and everything is all together."

Ballock also saw Kansas State during his sophomore season but that visit was a little different.

"That was a different feel because it was a football game," said Ballock. "Their students and their atmosphere is one of the best football wise. I didn't get to experience a basketball game so I will do that sometime soon. They also have a new practice facility and Jacob Pullen was there and talking about how he wished he had those while he was there. Coach [Bruce] Weber is a great guy and a good coach."

Because he lives to close to the Kansas campus and has been on campus multiple times, Ballock is aware that many see him as a lock for the Jayhawks. He even says that other coaches joke about it with him. But, Ballock says that he has an open mind to the recruiting process and that he is focused on finding the best program fit for him. As for actually sitting down and making a decision, he hasn't put any kind of timetable on that.

"I haven't realy let it sink in and I haven't really thought about it," said Ballock of his decision. "I'm still young and I have a lot of time and I haven't put much thought into where to go. I'm kind of just listening to everybody and seeing who has all the points I want with the coaching and playing style. I'm taking it slow and enjoying the process."