With many of Arizona's top prospects in the 2013 class currently looking at recruiting options for themselves this fall, Basha High School's 6-foot-9, 225-pound senior post Maurice Kirby is still mulling over his options for his future. 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.
Today, Kirby continues to work very hard as a player, simply looking for the best college fit for himself. No longer is Kirby looking to land at a high-major division-I program. He is simply looking for a college home that wants him and where he can develop as a player and as a student.
Currently, Kirby has two schools in mind for himself this fall. Kirby plans to take an official recruiting visit to Loyola University Chicago in late October, and is currently on an official recruiting visit to Brown University this weekend - a member of the IVY League. Kirby left for his visit on Thursday morning and will spend two days at the school before returning home.
Kirby received a scholarship offer from Loyola head coach Porter Moser on Wednesday evening, and has already been extended an offer from Brown University. While the IVY League program does not have scholarship money to give, Kirby has already been advised that he will receive full tuition from the program through their financial-aid process.
Kirby advised me that he does not currently have a clear leader in his college recruitment, and that he plans to take both visits before making his decision. He did advise me that he has enjoyed the attention from both programs, and likes both programs as potential fits for his future.
Kirby loves the game and has not strayed from that enjoyment and passion for the game of basketball, as he has worked hard over the past several years with a personal trainer to improve his skill-sets for the future. Kirby remains confident about his college future and has remained very consistent in the classroom, as he possesses 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.
