Three-star prospect Patrick Christopher is one of the better shooting guards on the west coast. Already with one offer on the table from a Pac-10 school, Christopher, 6-foot-2, 165-pounds from Mayfair High school in Lakewood, Calif., has some top programs from the east and the west recruiting him.

"I like California, North Carolina, Arizona and Syracuse,” said Christopher. “California has offered, but I don’t have a favorite right now and will probably visit all four of these schools.”

Strong academics and proximity to home are the major draws of California.

"I like California’s program, and they have good academics,” commented Christopher. “I also like that they are close to home."

North Carolina and Arizona are attractive to Christopher because of their reputation of preparing players for the NBA.

"Coach Williams is a great coach, and North Carolina does a good job at getting there players ready for the NBA.

"I also like how Arizona lets their guards play. They also send a lot of players to the NBA."

Christopher then noted Syracuse’s stingy zone defense.

“Syracuse has a good program. I like there zone defense."

Early playing time is important to Christopher, but developing into a NBA caliber player is at the forefront of his agenda.

"My ultimate goal is to one day play in the NBA,” he said. “I also want to go to a school where I can contribute as a freshmen."