DeMatha sophomore gains attention
For years, DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md., has produced high-level players. It doesn't look like that will be changing anytime soon either as Mike Jones' squad is loaded with multiple Division I prospects. One of the Stags getting the most attention is one of the youngest, BeeJay Anya.
A 6-foot-7 sophomore post player, the fact that he plays at a tradition-rich school isn't lost on Anya. He feels like he's getting prepared for college and one teammate in particular - Georgetown signee Mikael Hopkins -- has been extra helpful.
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"(DeMatha) is a great experience. It can help me get used to being ready to play at college and the next level," Anya told Rivals.com. "Mikael Hopkins is a great player, he's really helped me out. He helps me get better, he gives me advice on how to play in the post and he helps improve."
A wide-bodied post player, Anya is far from a lumbering big man. He's got surprisingly nimble feet, surprising bounce, good hands and excellent touch around the rim.
"I'm a big kid and I can jump a little bit and get up the floor a bit quicker than most big guys," said Anya. "I'm more of a back-to-the-basket player right now and I like using my body against smaller defenders.
"Against guys my size I try to use my quickness and athleticism. I'd like to extend out to the free throw line and get more of a mid-range game."
On the recruiting side of things, Anya has already seen several high-level schools swing by campus to evaluate him.
"There's been a lot of schools," said Anya of college interest. "Texas, Ohio State, Pitt, Maryland, Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Clemson, North Carolina State, Indiana, Miami, St. John's, Florida and some more."
This summer, Anya will hit the grassroots circuit with D.C.-based Team Takeover. Because his recruiting is in the infancy stages he's just focusing on getting better and doesn't plan to cut down to a more concentrated list until after his junior season.
"I'll be looking for schools where I can go in and learn and get better," said Anya. "I also need a place that takes strength and conditioning very seriously. I really feel that getting stronger to play against big guys in college is going to be important."