One of the top overall sleeper prospects in Arizona's 2016 class is no longer a sleeper, after a giving a surprising verbal comitment this weekend.
Moon Valley High School's athletically gifted 6-foot-6 senior forward Bryce Cheney had a strong showing for himelf this summer. After soaring well below the recruiting radar through much of the spring and summer, Cheney put it all together in Las Vegas during the final NCAA evaluation period event. As a result, Cheney received some serious division-I interest for himself and several scholarship offers, as a result.
While it had been reported that Cheney had received a division-I offer from UTEP just last week, this weekend Cheney chose to accept an offer from the University of Texas Pan America.
Cheney also had received an earlier scholarship offer from Weber State as well.
Cheney has come a long way after having a subpar junior season for the Rockets, as he missed many games during the season with a groin injury. Cheney would return to average 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per/game. Cheney will have a big senior season though for the Rockets, as he has really improved as a player and gotten much bigger and stronger physically.
Cheney played this spring and summer for the Arizona Power Black and emerged as one of the top overall prospects in Arizona's 2016 class.
Cheney will plan to sign a national letter of intent this fall with UTPA, and will suit up for them in the fall of 2016.
Congratulations to Cheney and his family on this tremendous accomplishment.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Cheney is an explosive athlete with a nice overall skillset. He is capable of throwing down a monster dunk in transition, or while driving hard to the basket at any point in the game. He also has an ability to make shots from the perimeter with range, but still needs to become more consistent in his perimeter shooting to reach his maximum potential as a player. Very few prospects have his combination of size and athleticism, making him a special prospect in Arizona's 2016 class. He is a good rebounder, but should be a much better rebounder as a result of his strong body. Would like to see him focus more in this area. He is a good ball handler and passer that sees the floor. A willing passer. Good post player but likes to play on the wing primarily. OK defender. Needs to work on his lateral quickness to become quicker defensively on the perimeter, to defend wings at the collegiate level. Good sleeper prospect.
