Recruitment of four-star Bazley taking off after decommitment
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Darius Bazley made fast work of his college recruitment as a rising junior, committing to Ohio State in 2016. Last week, the 6-foot-9 forward decided to back away from his commitment and, since then, the Rivals150 prospect’s phone has not stopped ringing.
Bazley fits within the fabric of today’s game, which is being able to defend various spots, creating offense within the half-court and also extending the defense with the perimeter jumper. Now back on the market, Bazley has received a bevy of high-major attention.
“I have had coaches texting and calling me. I haven’t played AAU in a good week or two but it is nice knowing the coaches are still there,” Bazley said. “Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Xavier, Purdue, Syracuse, South Carolina and Arkansas have all reached out.
“Xavier, Purdue and Maryland have all offered. I know Xavier offered me the day after I decommitted and I think Purdue did the same thing, but maybe the day after. Maryland didn’t come until a few days after that.”
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Bazley spoke further on his first two offers, plus his feelings for Ohio State and where things stand with the school he had previously committed to.
Xavier: “It speaks a lot about that first offer. They are right in my backyard in Cincinnati. If I go there, I can be the hometown kid, which is what their pitch is to me. Kind of do what Semaj Christon did.”
Purdue: “They have a lot of seniors and are looking for a lot of kids in my class to come in and play right away. I could fit in at that 3-4 spot.
“They said they I was like their 3-4 player like Vince Edwards and to come in and play that role.”
Ohio State: “They haven’t reached out ever since I decommitted. If they were to recruit me, they would have been one of the schools that I would be considering. Like I said, I am wide open and considering everybody and anybody.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
The process is just now beginning for Bazley, and he may prolong his recruitment this time around.
“The only thing that is going through my mind, recruiting-wise, is to take it slow, enjoy the process and when the time is right, make a decision,” he said. “I just want a school that I am comfortable with, a good relationship with the coaches, a place that is going to let me play my game and where I can come in and compete right away.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Bazley will become one of the top names you hear in the coming weeks thanks to a brand new recruiting process. A commitment isn’t expected, at the very least, until the fall, but it does look as if Purdue and Xavier will be in it until the very end thanks to their familiarity and close proximity to the four-star forward.