High-majors eyeing Bay

This travel season is very important for three-star prospect Kalvin Bay as a number of high-major programs are evaluating him closely to see if he has what it takes to run the point for their programs. Bay, 6-foot-2, 170-pounds from Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Ariz., named several high-major programs showing him interest and one mid-major that has offered when Rivals.com spoke with him at the Kingwood Classic.

"I'm open to everyone," said Bay, who runs with the Arizona Stars AAU club. "The schools that are recruiting me the most are Louisville, who has been in twice to see me play. Oregon State has been in to see me, and California is recruiting me. Wichita State has offered me, and I'm hearing from Gonzaga, Washington State and Arizona among others."

Bay already has one school targeted for a visit.

"There is a good chance I will visit California sometime after May," he said. "I'm not sure who I will visit after that."

Bay, who is a well built point guard, excels at leading the break and passing the ball in the open court. He also has a deadly pull up jumper when attacking with his right hand.

"I'd really like to go to a school with a good transition game," he said. "I enjoy getting people involved with the pass. I'm also looking for a family atmosphere. It would be nice to stay close to home, but location is not an issue."

In an overtime loss to the South Carolina Celtics at the Kingwood Classic, Bay had all he could handle in muscular, athletic point guard D.J. Moore. After made baskets, Bay had to work extremely hard to get open and then bring the ball up the court in the backcourt. In fact, Moore forced Bay into a couple costly turnovers. Bay also struggled at times to stay in front of the explosive Moore on the defensive end. On the flip side, Bay penetrated twice with his right hand and hit two very tough pull up jumpers near the end of regulation to force the game into overtime.

A step slow both straight ahead and laterally as a high-major prospect, Bay will have to rely on his physical strength, high skill level and basketball IQ to be successful against quicker opponents. An improved left hand will help him a good deal when advancing the ball in the backcourt against players like Moore.

Here are Bay's thoughts on developing his game.

"I'm working hard on my strength, so I can get in the lane and take contact better," he said. "I'm also working hard on my on the ball defense."