Schools pursue former UVA commit Killeya-Jones
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Since opening up his recruitment in early June after making an early commitment to Virginia, Lynchburg (Va.) Virginia Episcopal power forward Sacha Killeya-Jones has attracted attention from all the top basketball programs around the country.
Most recently, UConn extended an offer. They join a list that already included Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, California, Florida, N.C. State, Maryland, Georgetown and Virginia.
The Tar Heels moved quickly in making the four-star prospect a priority. The interest is mutual, but Killeya-Jones has one big concern with UNC.
"I like UNC a lot. Right now, obviously they have the NCAA stuff hanging over them," Killeya-Jones said. "Coach Williams has been pretty clear though that he doesn't think there will be any punishment for men's basketball, but I'm still waiting to see what happens. I like the program in general and I like Coach Williams."
While the looming NCAA issues are a problem for the Tar Heels, they have Jalek Felton, a UNC commit in the 2017 class, in his ear; the two spent the summer playing together on Team Felton.
"I have a good relationship with Jalek," Killeya-Jones said. "We played together for three summers now and been roommates at a couple camps, so we have a good relationship. Obviously he talks pretty highly of North Carolina and he's definitely in my ear about it a little bit. We have pretty good chemistry on the court."
Duke is one of the few blue-bloods that has yet to offer Killeya-Jones, but they have been doing their homework on him lately.
"I like Duke too," he said. "I'm hearing from Nate James the most right now and Coach K came to watch a few of my games in Vegas. I like their program a lot. I followed them growing up."
Kentucky had Killeya-Jones, the No. 51 ranked prospect in the 2016 Rivals150, on campus last month.
"I had a great visit up there," he said. "It was great to get on campus there and visit with all of them. Obviously they have a great program as well. They are more known for the early entry players and making it to the NBA and there are other places where guys stay longer. There are pluses and minuses to both."
He may have backed out on a commitment to Virginia, but Killeya-Jones hasn't crossed them off the list.
"They are still in the mix," Killeya-Jones said. "I felt like it was the right decision at the time, but then I started to feel like I rushed it a little bit. I want to make a decision after I go through the entire process. I liked Virginia a lot, and I still like Virginia. I like Coach Bennett and their situation up there. I just felt like I rushed it."
With the busy travel season now behind him, Killeya-Jones plans to take some time away from the game before making any decisions about his future.
"I don't really have a solid plan," he said. "Right now, I just plan on sitting down with my family and trying to decide the best fit. I don't want to drag out the process any longer than I need to, but I don't want to rush it again. I'm not really sure when I'll decide then. I definitely want to sign early."
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