Palacios Taking Visits

One of the top unsigned seniors in the country Juan Diego “Tello” Palacios of Our Savior New American School in Centereach, New York just returned from an official visit to Florida State. The 6-foot-8, 255-pound power forward has another visit scheduled for next weekend and might take a couple more visits according to his high school coach Ron Stelzer.

“We didn’t talk much about it, but he did say he enjoyed his visit a lot,” said Coach Stelzer. “He said the campus was big and very nice. He also said he liked the coaches.”

“I believe he is going to Baylor next weekend. After that I’m not sure, possibly Louisville and Indiana.”

There is not only a good chance that Palacios will end up at one of these four schools, but there is also the possibility that he might opt for the NBA.

“I think he eventually will go to the NBA, but I’m just not quite sure when,” said Coach Stelzer.

Palacios, the No. 23 player in the Rivals150, is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds for his 21-16 team.

“He has played terrific this season,” said Coach Stelzer. “Versatility is his biggest strength. He has an all around game. He can go inside and out.”

“I saw Josh Smith [No. 3 in the Rivals150] play this weekend and Tello can do some things that Josh can’t. I’m not saying he is better because they play a lot different.”

The main difference is that Palacios is a wide body who likes to play a more physical game than Smith.

Coach Stelzer did point out one area of Palacios’ game that needs work.

“Defensively, he is not the greatest, but he is not the worst either,” he said. “He could get better. Right now his offense is ahead of his defense.”

Coach Stelzer also said that Palacios has a GPA over 3.0 and is an outstanding person.

“He is a good kid and a good student. He is also a very coachable kid.”

Palacios has not yet passed one of the college prep tests, but as reported by Mike Pegram of Peegs.com & Inside Indiana, Palacios, originally from Columbia, has improved his English skills and is expected to get a qualifying score.