Ingram needs more visits
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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- One of the top unsigned seniors in the country, five-star small forward Brandon Ingram showed why he was so coveted at the HoopHall Classic. The race for his services remains intense and according to Ingram he needs more time.
A 6-foot-8 small forward from Kinston (N.C.) High who currently ranks No. 18 in the 2015 Rivals150, Ingram looked early on like he was a lock to stay in-state and make an early commitment to either Duke, North Carolina or N.C. State.
Those programs remain strong options, but Ingram didn't see enough to pull the trigger on an early commitment and then some of the nation's top programs came calling.
"I didn't find the comfort level and then during the summer Kentucky, UCLA and Kansas, all great programs, came on the scene and all of them offered me," said Ingram of his decision to wait. "I had visited all the in state schools and when I got out I saw more things that I wanted to look at."
That isn't to say Ingram is intent on leaving his home state. The local programs have been on him the strongest and he says that he's developed strong bonds.
"Of course the guys that have been with me my whole high school career Coach Gottfried and Coach Roy Williams," said Ingram when asked who he's developed the strongest relationships with. "I've developed a good relationship with them and developed a good relationship with Coach K. All of those guys, there's good relationships and at the end of the day its going to be hard to say no to each one of the school but when I'm 100 percent sure it will be fine."
So far this year, Ingram has seen each of those local programs unofficially and he's aware of the perception that he isn't likely to leave the state. However, before making a decision, he says that he wants to see the out of state programs at least one more time each.
"I'm very interested," said Ingram of Kentucky. "Of course you see all of those guys go to the next level after college basketball and you see the guys like me with the long arms and guys who like to run in transition and get better defensively.
"We almost talk every week, (Coach Calipari)is a great guy. He's very down to Earth."
Kansas recently landed five-star power forward Carlton Bragg and Ingram says that only helps the Jayhawks.
"Of course it is appealing," said Ingram of Kansas adding Bragg. "That's my guy and I love the way he plays and I love Kansas. My Kansas visit was great.
"When I went out there I developed a good relationship with Norm Roberts and Bill Self."
Though they are the on the other side of the country, the UCLA staff has spent as much time with Ingram as any other.
"When I first went there I liked the practice and the scenery," said Ingram. "Practice was very intense. I have a good relationship with Steve Alford and coach Grace.
"After Adidas Nations camp and Adidas Uprising they really came on board and they need a big wing."
When it comes time to make a decision, Ingram says that if he feels leaving is the best the thing for him that he will be able to resist the draw of staying him.
"Not really, I'm just looking for the best fit for me," said Ingram when asked if the draw of staying home would be too tough to overcome. "Any program that can make me better and get me to the next level after college basketball."
Hoping to finish off his senior season with a state title, Ingram says that he's trying not to focus too much on his recruitment right now but he'll be getting to it soon enough.
"After the season stop,s I want to take a few unofficials again and then narrow it down and see who is leaving after March Madness."
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