Martin Iti Has Top Two

Martin Iti, a 6-11 center from The Winchendon School in Massachusetts, has a top two list right now in the early stages of his recruiting process. "Coach Pitino and coach Calipari have already been up here to speak to him," The Winchendon head coach Mike Byrnes told us today. "So Memphis and Louisville right now are his top two schools."

Iti is big. He is a little raw but improving his skills game by game under Byrnes at The Winchendon School. The junior center from Australia saw his playing time decrease over the final couple of months during the season because, according to the Green Waves' Byrnes, Iti hit the proverbial "wall."

Byrnes said Iti had not been consistent enough. Rivalshoops.com watched Iti play five times this season. Iti certainly has the skills to be an impact player a year or two down the line on the college level.

Even though he is just a junior, Iti's size and potential have drawn the scrutiny of big time Division I programs and NBA scouts.

It's likely that he will compete again this spring and summer with the Pump and Run team out of California. This will be a big summer for Iti. How he produces on the court this spring and summer will determine how high the level of interest will be in his skills.

Production is the key. Running up and down the court but not finishing plays will lead to college recruiters walking away. Iti has a year to prove himself. He has a chance. Iti has the skills and a nice touch. It's finding that level of intensity each time he steps on the court that will improve his chances to be a big time player.

Many of the big name schools are still interested. But they are waiting for another opportunity to evaluate his skills. There was recruiting interest this past winter by Cincinnati, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Syracuse. How Iti performs will either bring them back with offers or push them away in another direction.

Right now, according to Byrnes, Memphis and Louisville are showing the most confidence in Iti's ability to play on a high major level.