Exclusive: Lang speaks out about recruitment
Outside of Lebron James, the top remaining unsigned prospect in the class of 2003 is James Lang from Central Park Christian (AL) High School.
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Lang is rated the nation's No. 4 prospect by RivalsHoops.
As recruitniks will remember, Lang, 6-foot-10, 315-pounds, gave a verbal commitment to Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals during the summer. But after discussing the situation with his mother, Lang backed off that commitment and decided to wait until the late signing period.
“Right now my recruitment has been real quiet,” Lang said laughing. “I know it’s hard to believe after the drama this summer but right now I’m just concentrating on school and my senior season.”
Lang, who is rated the nation’s top center and the No. 4 overall prospect by RivalsHoops, saw his stock shoot through the roof this summer while touring the AAU circuit. In fact, the attention was so fast and furious that he admits that he was somewhat overwhelmed.
“Just out of the blue, bang, everybody was all over me before I knew it. I played the previous three summers and had some schools showing interest but nothing like what happened this year,” he said. “It was probably too much, too fast. I had people I didn’t even know giving me advice and telling me where I should go.”
Possibly the biggest hurdle left for Lang to clear will be of the academic variety. After admittingly giving very little effort during his first few years in school at Shaw High School in Mobile (AL), Lang transferred to Central Park and learned the importance of getting his diploma.
“I never really took school that serious. I just wanted to play basketball and I got behind in my studies,” Lang said. “But that’s changed now. I’ve made up a lot of ground, but I have to keep working to make sure all of my options are available to me.”
Along with signing a national letter of intent to play collegiately, the NBA is Lang’s obvious other choice.
“I don’t know about the NBA right now. Part of me wants to play in college but it’s always been my dream to play in the league,” he said. “I’m just going to finish this year and see how things look for me later and then make my decision.”
As far as his college choices go, Lang has a list of favorites but this time he plans to take his time before making his decision.
“Bama, Louisville, Kentucky, Liberty and UAB are the schools I’m considering. I rushed into a commitment last time and that will not happen again,” Lang said. “It’s going to be a tough decision. I’ve got some good schools recruiting me but right now I don’t really want to mention a favorite.”
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