Terry Copeland taking his time with his recruitment

COLUMBIA, S.C. – It’s not lost on Terry "TJ" Copeland that as a senior, deciding to hold off on committing to a college puts him in danger of having to compete with the infamous transfer portal and its inordinate amount of experienced players.

Still, the 6-foot-7 forward said he’s waiting to know he’s making the right decision because of the magnitude, weight and ramifications it can have for the future.

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“I’m betting on myself,” Copeland said. “I know my talent and I’m confident in my abilities. I’m not worried about the portal or anything like that. I just know that it’s not the right time for me so I can’t just rush through it. People always try and get you to commit, but I just can’t do something that I don’t feel.”

As it stands, Copeland said his recruitment is “wide open” with offers from Seton Hall, Xavier, St. John’s, Texas A&M, Creighton, Quinnipiac, La Salle and Providence, among others.

He transferred from Bergen Catholic (N.J.) to Legacy Early College (S.C.) this season to have a bigger platform to showcase his skills.

The Lions play in the newly-formed Nike EYBL Scholastic league where all games are nationally televised and where he goes toe-to-toe with powerhouse schools and prospects like Montverde Academy and No. 1 senior Cooper Flagg.

“I came here for the stage, so I’m gonna see what happens and let it play out,” said Copeland, who posted 12 points, four rebounds and two assists in Legacy’s 88-72 loss to No. 20 Oak Hill Academy on Saturday night. “I know that I’m gonna bring it every game, that’s all I can control.”

Copeland said he hears from Michigan State from time to time and has only taken one official visit to Seton Hall so far.

“Right now, our season has me busy so I don’t have plans for visits or anything,” Copeland said. “I do look at myself as one of the best available options in the class at this point, so my only focus is to be the best player that I can be right now and the rest will take care of itself I believe.”