The summer of 2016 didn't end up quite how five-star Jarred Vanderbilt hoped it would. However, he's recovered from a broken foot that prevented him from playing in front of coaches during July and is starting to make moves with his recruitment.
A 6-foot-8 combo forward at Houston (Texas) Victory Prep, Vanderbilt played in the first session at USA Basketball's mini camp in Colorado Springs last weekend before doctor's decided to have him sit instead of pushing things.
“It felt good to get out and run around a bit and get my rhythm back," Vanderbilt told Rivals.com. "I actually did a lot better than I thought I would. I figured I would sluggish and not as mobile but I still felt agile and my foot felt good.”
Vanderbilt is a hybrid forward who can attack off the dribble, make plays for others, defend multiple positions and score around the rim. Those qualities have made him highly sought after and now he's in the process of taking official visits.
He begins this weekend at North Carolina and has later trips set for Arizona and Texas while he's working on finalizing a date with Kentucky. Vanderbilt has also been to Houston and TCU unofficially and plans to set up his fifth visit with either Kansas or Oregon.
Currently in Chapel Hill for his visit to North Carolina, Vanderbilt broke down what he likes about the Heels.
“I like Roy Williams a lot and they’ve really stepped it up the last few months. His message with me is all about positionless basketball," said Vanderbilt. "It’s not about boxing me into the three the four or the five it’s about just letting me play wherever on the court I can help. That’s what stands out to me. They are a transition team as well and really get up and down which fits me as well.”
Vanderbilt also discussed some of the other main players in his recruitment.
Arizona- “Having the chance at having a prototypical big three with a great big man, a solid wing and a solid point guard is intriguing. That all plays a factor. Having those pieces could help make them a National Championship contender. Coach Miller has been great. Arizona was probably been the hardest on me over the past couple of years outside the Texas schools. They come by often and we talk a lot and I feel like we have a great relationship."
Kentucky- “They talk about their pros and how they are put under the magnifier a lot more than other schools and that you have a great opportunity there to play in front of scouts. The main message is teaching me how to be a pro on and off the court. That’s a great fit because everybody's goal is to get to the league as quick as possible or be a one and done so that’s a road you may want to take because it’s a great option.”
TCU- “My cousin Corey Barker works there and you have to wipe out the old TCU. They’ve brought in a new culture with Jamie Dixon and the type of players they are getting. You have to forget about what the old TCU was like. I feel like they are doing a great job. The commits they’ve picked up, they’ve got a good coaching staff and they’ve got good facilities. I feel like they are on the come-up and Jamie Dixon is a great coach with a good track record.”
Texas- “They are making the statement. Back when I was a little kid everybody wanted to go to Texas. Then maybe the last 10 years or so people would leave Texas because they were kind of down but now Coach Smart is bringing it back where people want to stay in Texas and put on for their state. They have three guys already and two of them are in state guys and they are all top 100 guys and I know Royce Hamm and Jase Febres well. They are putting together a great class.”
For now, Vanderbilt says the plan is to finalize and take the rest of his visits and then see where things stand. He's not planning to decide early but isn't looking to drag things out too long either.
“I’m just going to factor in everything after I go on all these visits," said Vanderbilt. "I want to put the pieces together and see who is going where as well. Also maybe by December or early January you can have an idea of the players that are already at a school that are having a good season that might leave so you can factor all of that in.
"But mainly it’s going to be the relationships that I build from here on until that time. Who can I connect with the best and feel has my best interests at heart.”
