Another 2013 prospect is now off the recruiting board. It has been an exciting week for 2013 prospects within the state of Arizona, as some of the top prospects in the class have now made their college decisions.
Add another to the list, as Poston Butte High School's 6-foot-3 senior combo-guard Jalen Richard has given his verbal commitment to a program in the West Coast Conference (WCC).
After recently scheduling official recruiting visits to Weber State and Santa Clara, Richard has given a verbal commitment to Santa Clara University and head coach Kerry Keating and his basketball staff.
Weber State recently received a commitment from another guard prospect, before Richard could take his official visit, so the choice became simple for Richard.
Richard saw a rise in his college recruitment over the past year. After a big junior season last year, Richard became one of the most sought after recruiting targets in Arizona's 2013 class. 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.
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 other programs such as Drexel, New Mexico, Tulsa, Northern Arizona, Boise State and San Francisco.
Richard was also 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.
Congratulations to Richard and his family on this amazing accomplishment from our Arizona Preps staff.
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.
