/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50290897/GettyImages-516374598.0.jpg)
I would like to thank all the schools that have taken time to recruit me but I will officially cut my list to 8 pic.twitter.com/MNMeuJW4kN
— TroyBrownJr (@Troy_Brown33) July 28, 2016
Las Vegas (Nv.) Centennial wing Troy Brown Jr. becomes the latest top quality prospect to include Cal as a final contender in a trimmed-down list of programs.
The first thing I did when I looked into Brown was check out his highlight reel and I expected to see the usual from a top prospect highlight. What I mean by that is a ton of dunks and layups in transition.
Brown's highlight started out along those lines as well, but as the video progressed it displayed a much more well-rounded game. The 6'6, 215 pound small forward's passing and court vision were on full display at the 2:16 mark of the first highlight video. That is a level of passing that you don't typically see in highlight reels.
That pass was not just a one-off either, there are numerous great passes throughout the video. Brown is certainly an impressive prospect.
Here is where he ranks among the major recruiting services:
- ESPN: 4-stars, 28th overall, 5th ranked small forward, 2nd ranked player in Nevada
- Scout: 5-stars, 11th overall, 3rd ranked small forward
- Rivals: 5-stars, 10th overall
- 247sports: 5-stars, 16th overall, 4th ranked small forward, top ranked player in Nevada
Zagsblog recently published an article which featured Brown commenting on each of his final eight schools and what he likes about them. Here is what he had to say about each of them:
Oregon: "I like their coaching staff. They're a great school. They play up-tempo basketball."
Arizona: "They have a great coaching staff, is really close to home and since one of my friends, Ray Smith goes there, I visited there."
Alabama: "They are a great school with Coach Avery Johnson. You can't go wrong there. I know a couple players that are considering them that I would like to play with."
Georgetown: "Their coaching staff is amazing with Coach [John] Thompson [III]. Their history is amazing. You can't go wrong with them."
Ohio State: "They like tall point guards. They produce really good point guards out of being tall and lanky."
Cal: "I like the location of the school, the style, the environment, and everything around them. They've been on me since I was a freshman or sophomore, so they were there really early."
Kansas: "I like coach [Bill] Self and his determination to coach and make players better. Also, my sister goes there."
UNLV: "That's hometown, of course. UNLV is always gonna be in there of course."
What I love about Cal basketball recruiting at the moment is the number of high quality players Cuonzo Martin and the staff are targeting. Hopefully the Bears can hit a home run and add a 5-star to an already good 2017 class.