One player that saw a definite rise in his college recruitment over the past year is Poston Butte High School's 6-foot-3 senior combo-guard prospect Jalen Richard. After a big junior season last year, Richard became one of the most sought after recruiting targets in Arizona's 2013 class.
Richard then carried over his strong play onto the spring club circuit, and raised the eyebrows of several high-major division-I programs, including Arizona State. Heading into the summer months, Richard would receive heavy interest from such programs as Weber State, Drexel, New Mexico, Tulsa, Northern Arizona, Boise State, San Francisco and Santa Clara.
I caught up with Richard this weekend and he advised me that he has narrowed down his list of college programs, and that he plans to take official recruiting visits in the fall to two different college programs. Richard informed that he is in the process of taking an official recruiting visit to Weber State and then Santa Clara - after which he plans to make his college decision.
Richard was selected for this summer's Reebok Breakout Camp held in Philadelphia, PA., in July - a camp where Richard faired very well. He was one of the top individual scorers in the camp - proving that he can hold his own with the nation's top talent.
Last season as a junior, Richard carried his Poston Butte HS team - averaging a team-high 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals per/game and helping the team to a 23-7 overall record in the state's Division-II Class. Look for Richard to have a huge senior season for head coach Noel Nafziger.
Arizona Preps will continue to follow the recruitment of Richard closely, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Richard is a high-scoring output performer that is capable of playing both guard positions and is very athletic for his size. Richard has a very good jump shot with excellent range on his shot and is able to get it off against bigger defenders. While he coasts at times and does not look for his shot enough against better competition, within the state he is among the state's elite-level talents. Needs to become more assertive over time to maximize his potential as a player. A very good ball handler that is capable of playing the point position effectively, but needs to become more vocal. Good passer but still needs to develop his ability to make other players better. Excellent defender with very good lateral quickness and quick hands. An excellent scorer in transition - makes plays in the open floor. Plays above the rim. A nice looking prospect with some upside.
