Pena ready for his visits
As the fall approaches, a number of schools are hot after Dago Pena, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound wing from Punta Gorda (Fla.) Charlotte High School. The next step in the recruiting process for the three-star prospect is taking official visits.
Four schools are looking like strong possibilities for the visits. Pena said South Florida, Virginia Commonwealth, Kansas State and Florida Atlantic are looking like the strong contenders.
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He said all four trailed him this summer, especially in Las Vegas where he played well despite coming off a wrist injury that shelved him for a good part of the summer. Pena said he's looking forward to making the next step in his recruitment.
"I've been talking to my coaches about what is the best school for me and that's helping a lot," Pena said. "I think I need to make some visits and see what's going on and what's the best offer for me."
Pena has been to three of his four top options. Virginia Commonwealth is the only school that he has yet to see.
"I think I'll take the visits and then see where am I going to play more. Can I play soon? Can I play a lot? I'm waiting for the visits (to answer those questions)," Pena said. "I know most of the coaches and they are all nice guys. I feel comfortable with those coaches.
"I'd like to stay close to home and be close to my family but I have to look for the best place for me, you know? I have to find what's really the best place."
Penn State and Iowa State are also in the picture. His AAU coach, Matt Ramker, said Pena is still open "to all comers" despite having a quartet of favorites. Pena said he's looking at all the angles.
"I want to play some minutes right away for a coaching staff that will help me go all the way and help me get better. I want to play for people that will tell me the truth and help me out with basketball. I want to play for someone that will lie to me. I want to play for someone that cares about me."