Hoophall West: JaKobe Coles breaking out early in junior year
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Junior power forward JaKobe Coles is taking advantage of the stage he's been offered while playing in multiple showcase events over the last month.
The 6-foot-7 product of Denton (Texas) Guyer has played well alongside teammates De'Vion Harmon and Jalen Wilson who both rank in the top 40 nationally in the class of 2019.
"I think I can pass really well for a big, I like my all around game and I can rebound really well," said Coles. "I've got to get my athleticism up and I'm rebounding pretty well but I could do better. I could keep working on my shot. I'm always confident with it and it's all about technique. As long as my technique is good then I'm confident."
A skilled wide body who can shoot with range, Coles has strong hands, toughness and can move all around the floor. Coaches looking for skill first and figuring out positions later has been good for him.
"It's benefited me," said Coles of coaches moving towards positionless basketball. "I can guard three, four and five. I can step out and me being a bigger body I can bang down low. I got stronger in the off season so it really helped me out."
Coles has picked up offers from programs like Colorado, Grand Canyon, SMU, TCU and Tulsa among others while Purdue is increasing their attention level. He took recent unofficial visits to Colorado and TCU and said he would like to get to Purdue if possible.
"It was good," said Coles of TCU. "I went to the football game and hung out with some of the guys. They really love me and I like their system. They emphasize shooting and passing and that's what I love to do."
Colorado's Tad Boyle has found success with Texans at all of his stops and Coles liked his first meeting with him.
"They were very open," said Coles of the Buffs. "I had never talked to the head coach before and when I got there he was a real straight up coach and I like a coach being honest like that. They have a good system, a really beautiful campus and are a really good developer of players."
As for Purdue, Coles can't speak to the inner workings of the program and hasn't set a date to visit, but he likes what he sees from the outside looking in.
"They have a good team and they play hard," said Coles. "I don't know too much about them as far as inside (the program) but they look like they are a team and play as a family and that's what I like."
As the attention from college programs ramps up, Coles is in no hurry to make a decision and just wants to show what he can do.
"I really don't know, I haven't decided yet," said Coles about a timetable for his recruitment. "I've got another summer to show coaches my talent so I'm not really focused on committing right now."