Versatile Michael Devoe entering the spotlight
Michael DeVoe, the leader of a talented Oak Ridge High School program, has been a starter since his freshman year. After teaming with former McDonald’s All-American Antonio Blakeney in the backcourt earlier in his career, DeVoe is now running the show as a junior. Colleges have taken notice, as Devoe is currently up to 19 scholarship offers.
DeVoe, who brings great size and length to the lead guard spot at 6-foot-3, saw his junior season come to an end last week in the state quarterfinals. Oak Ridge finished the year 24-5.
“(The season) went real well)," DeVoe said. "I averaged 25 points, about five rebounds and seven assists. I scored my 1,000th point, too."
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
Holding offers from Miami, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Georgia and SMU, the No. 142 prospect from the 2018 class gave insight on the programs making a push for his services.
“Virginia actually called me today; they’re supposed to be coming in to see me on Friday,” he said. “Florida, Miami and UCF; coaches are contacting me every day.”
DeVoe went on to discuss the four schools standing out in greater detail.
Miami (visited for the Duke game this past weekend): “It was real good. Seeing types of guys like Anthony (Lawrence), who is one of my close friends, do well. It looks like a good fit for me and I like the coaching staff.”
Florida: “I really like them. With Kasey Hill leaving by the time I get there, they’re going to need a point guard. I actually went up there for the Kentucky and Arkansas-Little Rock games. It was a great experience. I love Florida.”
UCF: “I love the coaching staff. I go up there pretty much every day to work out. I could come in and play a lot of minutes and be one of their main guys.”
Virginia: “One of their coaches came in and saw me last week at practice and they sold me on the academic part, but also it’s in the ACC, one of the best conferences; playing in that is big time. The campus is supposed to be great.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
DeVoe seems more than happy remaining patient with the process, as he has a plan in place with his recruitment.
“I want to go on a couple of visits this spring, but I am going to cut down my list during the middle or later portion of the AAU season,” he stated.
The 6-foot-3 playmaker, who brings great vision and passing skills to the backcourt, will run with the Nike South Beach travel program on the EYBL circuit this spring and summer.
RIVALS REACTION
A skilled and versatile guard prospect in the 2018 class, DeVoe may already carry 19 scholarship offers but things could heat up even further this spring. He has hit the next level with his game, and given his strong academic resume to complement his basketball acumen, expect programs from outside the Southeast to explore their chances in landing him. At the time being, the UCF, Miami and Florida stand in a good spot with the Oak Ridge guard, though an offer from Virginia could change things.
