Basha High School's 6-foot-9, 225-pound senior post Maurice Kirby is still in the process of planning what he is going to do with his college recruitment, and last week it got much more interesting for Kirby and his family.
With offers firmly on the table from two programs currently, from Loyola University Chicago and Brown University, Kirby received another big offer - the biggest of the three. Late last week, Kirby received an offer from Virgina Tech University - a member of the prestigious ACC Conference.
The offer was unexpected by Kirby, who had seen his college recruitment tail off a great deal in recent months.
The offer from Virginia Tech could be too much to pass up for the Chandler big, as he could be headed to the highest level of division-I college basketball - a major surprise to basketball enthusiasts around the state, but also a very nice opportunity for a nice kid.
Kirby is set to take an official visit to Virginia Tech on Tuesday, and a commitment could be coming just as soon by the "Big Fella."
Once committed to a PAC-12 program in Arizona State, Kirby has seen his college recruitment take an interesting twist over the past couple of years.
Kirby committed to the Sun Devils and head coach Herb Sendek and his basketball staff as a mere freshman prospect, while under the leadership and development of former club coach Jeff De Laveaga. But soon after a verbal commitment to the Sun Devils, the lure to play for out-of-state club programs caused Kirby to play for numerous club teams out of the state - receiving very little in return and decreased college recruitment.
And while I had previously stated that Kirby was no longer looking to land at a high-major division-I program; the high-major program came looking for him.
Kirby is an excellent student with a 3.8 CUM GPA.
Kirby will return this high school season to lead his Basha HS program after the departures of several players from last year’s team, including top-rated 2013 prospects Torren Jones and Jaron Hopkins (University of Colorado commit). Jones moved to the state of Indiana, while Hopkins transferred to Mesa Dobson HS.
Kirby will anchor the middle for a new head coach this season as well, John Burns. A former college coach, Burns coached Mesquite HS last season and formerly coached Highland HS as well.
Arizona Preps will continue to keep you informed and updated as Kirby’s college recruitment continues to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Kirby stands close to 6-foot-10 in height and has a nice wingspan for his size. Kirby has good mobility as a post player and also exudes a nice work ethic. He has a soft touch from the perimeter out to 15 feet, but needs more touches to continue to develop his perimeter skills. He also has good low post footwork and a nice jump hook around the basket area, although he rushes his moves at times. He is a solid shotblocker with good timing. Kirby runs the floor well and competes hard to gain good inside position around the painted area. He is an active rebounder and attempts to rebound the basketball outside of his area. He is a solid passer with a willingness to find the open man on the floor. Kirby possesses a great attitude on and off the floor and has a nice smile. This young man should only continue to improve over time with better coaching, since he definitely has the right attitude.
