Eric Bossi
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting
Fall decision coming
A little over a week ago, we listed Embiid at the top of our list of currently unranked players who we would have our eyes on during the high school season. With his play on Saturday, the 6-foot-11 center from Gainesville (Fla.) Rock School left no doubt about who was the best player and prospect in the gym. And he will definitely be making his way into the final rankings come spring.
A native of Cameroon, Embiid only took up the game of basketball about a year ago, and the 17-year old is making rapid strides. He has to get a little more flexible and add strength, but he is a high-level rebounder, alters shots, has good hands and does a good job of establishing and holding position. The form on his jump shot is good, and he’s already developed a strong spin move that he’s comfortable using to go right or left.
It hasn’t taken college programs long to jump on the bandwagon asFlorida, Kansas, Louisville, UCLA, Marquette, Texas, DePaul,Wake Forestand Virginia have all been in to offer, and Embiid’s looking to set up some visits.
“I think I would like to visit Virginia, Kansas, Florida and maybe some of the others,” Embiid told Rivals.com. “I want to sign early.”
For Embiid, the move to the states was more about educational opportunities, and now basketball is opening several doors. So it’s no surprise to see that academics will be important, as will finding a place where he can continue to adjust to American life.
“First for me is academics,” Embiid said when asked what he’s looking for in a school. “A good coach and good people around who can help me get better. I’d like a coach that knows my game and how to get me better.”