More offers for 2006 Wright, but thinking NBA

A couple of new schools are moving up on Brandan Wright’s school list, and one of his top three extended a scholarship offer today. All the jockeying for position to land the No. 2 ranked player in the class of 2006, however, might be for not as a jump straight to the NBA is looking more and more likely for the 6-foot-9, 201-pound combo forward from Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy.

“My recruiting stands pretty much the same,” said Wright. “I still have a top three of Kentucky, North Carolina and Duke. Kansas is growing, though. And Uconn is growing, too.”

Before today, Wright only had an offer from one of his top three schools, but now North Carolina has extended an offer along with the previous offer from Kentucky.

“I talked with Roy Williams on the phone today at school,” he said. “It was a good conversation. He said that I could be one of the next great players at UNC and that they want me. Then he told me they have a scholarship for me.”

The only problem for all these schools is that Wright is poised to bypass college if he feels he is ready to jump straight to the NBA.

“Whether I go straight to the NBA depends on if I am good enough,” he said. “If I am, then I will go pro. If I need to go to college to improve my skills, then I will go to college.

“Right now it is about 50/50 in my mind and for where I need to be as a player. The main thing I need is strength. If I get that, everything else will fall into place.”

Despite the distinct possibility that Wright will bypass college, a number of coaches came to his campus during the fall evaluation period. Head coaches from Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, North Carolina and Indiana came to watch him workout. Assistants from Connecticut, Kansas and Memphis also traveled to Brentwood. Although Duke is in his top three, no one from the Blue Devils’ staff came in during the evaluation period according to Wright.

Both Kansas and Memphis left his school with offers on the table.

Although Wright played primarily on the 16-under circuit this summer, he did have outstanding showings at the USA Olympic Festival and the Nike All-American Camp this summer.

Wright has the length with his enormous wing span and the athletic ability to play higher than any other player on the circuit. He is tremendous shot blocker, rebounder and passer. His shooting range is in the process of extending beyond the three point line, and he often runs the point for his two-time defending state championship high school team. In short, he has the potential to be a Kevin Garnett type NBA small forward.