Isaacs stock on the rise

Four-star small forward Jonathan Isaac looked to be a prospect on the cusp of breaking out and that's exactly what happened over the weekend in Hampton, Va., when college coaches got to see him with Each 1 Teach 1 in Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League.

A smooth and lengthy 6-foot-8 wing from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy who already ranked No. 46 in the Rivals150, Isaac shook off a rough Friday night outing to create a buzz among college coaches all weekend.

"I was nervous the first time I went out there and I let it get to my head," said Isaac of his first game in the competitive EYBL. "But then I calmed down and went out there and did well."

By the time the weekend was over, Isaac had averaged a team-high 14.5 points and added four rebounds per game while leading his team to a 3-1 record.

Isaac isn't a total stranger, though. He emerged on the scene late last summer and then turned heads during his junior season. However, he has taken his game to a new level.

"It's just confidence," Isaac said. "I think my shot is a lot better and I feel like I handle the ball a lot better than I did last summer."

To go along with his outstanding 6-foot-8 size, Isaac is a good ball-handler, a smooth athlete and has shooting range that extends to the three-point line. He plays hard on the defensive end and could play as a larger small forward or a stretch four-man.

Heading into last weekend, Isaac had offers from Florida State, Virginia Tech, Boston College, UCF, USF, UAB, VCU, Arkansas State and Wake Forest to go along with interest from Texas, Maryland and Kansas State. By Tuesday, he'd added offers from Texas Tech, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State among others.

"Most of the coaches say I'm a wing," Isaac said. "That's what I feel I play best as is a three. Once I get stronger, I would understand if they wanted me to play a stretch four. I don't have a problem with that.

"I'm working on everything. Ball-handling is key. I feel like if I can handle the ball like a point guard I would be unstoppable. Also getting stronger, that's why I went to IMG."

For now, Isaac is enjoying the attention and is in no hurry to cut his list or make a decision. He's planning to wait until well into his final year of high school for all of that.

"I'm probably going to narrow things down after my prep year or in the middle of the prep year," said Isaac. "I'm going to be looking for a family atmosphere and if my mom likes it or not."

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