Toughness stands out for junior prospect Darren Buchanan Jr.

The District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) has yet to start its high school basketball season, but that has not slowed things down for Darren Buchanan Jr. His recruiting is still going, and he has spent a lot of time improving his game.

“It’s been kind of stressful to be honest, not being able to do something I love and compete for a championship is devastating," he said. "I have been staying true to myself and working on my craft every day. I have been hitting the weights more and just getting better as an overall basketball player.”

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2021 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position

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VCU: “They are a great school, one of the top teams in the A-10, and they play a very fast tempo.”

Seton Hall: “They contact me often, and they’re really on me hard. I like their coaching staff a lot and have created great relationships with them.”

Xavier: “They are on me pretty hard. Coach (Travis) Steele says he wants to build the class around me and he just loves my overall game and what I would bring to their program.”

Rutgers: “Very good program. I’m in contact with their coaches often. They show my family a lot of love and say I will be a difference-maker in their program.”

Rhode Island: “They praise me really high and say I will be able to make an impact right away with them as a freshman.”

As expected of a high-level junior, there are a couple of schools who are keeping a close eye on Buchanan but have yet to step forward with an offer for him.

“West Virginia, Georgetown and Virginia Tech are in contact. They are talking about their program, introducing me to it and saying they want to see me play more.”

Buchanan is in no rush to commit or to end his recruitment.

“As of right now I do not have a specific timeframe, but I am looking to commit some time after my senior year of high school,” he said.

Buchanan knows who he is as a player, and he knows that his versatility is the most intriguing aspect.

“I’m a versatile wing," he said. "I share the ball, I am a team first player. I can guard the one through five and can score and rebound. Honestly, I just think I can do it all. Whatever the coach needs me to do for the team, for the win.”

At the end of the day, all Buchanan cares about is winning.

“Most people say I play unselfish," he said. "But really, I just want to do whatever it takes to win basketball games.”

The first thing that pops off the page when you watch Buchanan is his toughness, his ability to guard up and down a lineup, his willingness to go rebound and his nonstop motor on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he is great with the ball in his hands as he touches the paint and makes a play. He is able to knock down a shot off the catch and can finish at the rim, through contact. On the bench, Buchanan is on his feet cheering for his teammates.