Verhoeven could be big 2012 recruit
Grant Verhoeven is soaking up all the information, learning something new every time he and his father, Pete, play a game of one-of-one. Verhoeven's dad played at Fresno State and for five years in the NBA so there is lots to learn but he's listening.
"Right now we're just playing one-on-one a lot and it's pretty competitive still," Verhoeven said. "He still has a lot of game left in him. He's really teaching me a lot of post moves and getting better footwork."
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Verhoeven, a power forward from Visalia (Calif.) Central Valley Christian, is a 2012 prospect who was one of the best players at last weekend's Pangos Sweet 16 in Long Beach, Calif. He plays with Organized Chaos.
Skilled around the basket and smart on both ends of the floor, Verhoeven has potential just like his father did to play Division I basketball and possibly professionally. So far, Stanford, Southern Cal and Washington State have shown the most interest but expect much of the Pac-10 to get involved soon.
There's a good chance Verhoeven could be a national recruit.
"I'm loving it right now," Verhoeven said. "I'm having a good time playing basketball. Right now I'm just kind of playing and I'm going to keep it open until I see a school I really like come along."
Verhoeven's name has been known in recruiting circles for some time and he backed up his reputation in his sophomore season by averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks per outing.
Still, he'd like to improve his game offensively and he has that workhorse mentality which means he'll probably get much better by the time his junior year starts. Plus, he has his dad to give him pointers.
"Hopefully I can improve on that a little bit," Verhoeven said of his offensive repertoire. "I'm still working on my offensive game right now so hopefully that will keep getting better."
Stanford could be considered an early favorite since Verhoeven has already visited Palo Alto for a game and seemed to love it. But the 2012 power forward is still open to all schools including Southern Cal, where his parents could easily travel to for games.
"I love that school," Verhoeven said of Stanford. "I went down there and watched a game. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it. … That would be awesome (to play at USC.) My parents are really supportive and they could come out and watch me."
Verhoeven is already one of the most talented prospects in California and his recruitment is slowly starting to come together. By this time next year, he could be one of the hottest names on the West Coast.