In surprising fashion today, Westwind Prep Academy 7-foot prep post Jeremiah April jumped off the recruiting board this afternoon after receiving a scholarship offer from the University of Indiana Hoosiers. After receiving the scholarship offer, April quickly gave a verbal commitment to the Big-10 program.
After I receivede a phone call this week from University of Indiana assistant coach Steve McClain regarding best available prospects in the state, I referred McClain to the Westwind basketball program. McClain came away impressed enough from the potential and upside of April that he was willing to extend a scho0larship offer to the talented and developing low post prospect.
April was among the best available post prospects in the West. After developing a great deal over the past year and maturing physically a great deal, April became a legitimate post prospect for the mid-major plus division-I level or higher.
After a high school career where April was considered a post project and saw his college recruitment tail off late, April ventured to Westwind Prep to improve his game and his body in an attempt to develop as a post prospect for the next level. April has come a long way for himself after helping lead his high school program to an impressive 32-2 overall record during his senior season, and a Division-IV state championship.
This season at Westwind and amidst playing against high level competition, April emerged as a serious college prospect, and also developed his overall ability to play the game of basketball. April developed his overall feel for the game and ability to score the basketball around the paint, while becoming a much better factor on the glass - blocking numerous shots with his long wingspan.
April showed excellent promise and potential for the next level and has improved a great deal as an offensive weapon in the post. This season, April posted big numbers in his team’s match-ups with Midland Junior College (TX) and Pima Junior College. April poured in 26 points against Midland, and 28 points in his team’s game against Pima Junior College – both impressive performances for the rising post talent.
April chose to commit to Indiana after receiving serious interest from numerous college programs, including Oregon, Washington State, Eastern Michigan, Cal State Northridge, Illinois-Chicago and University of Detroit.
There are not many prospects with April’s sheer size and length, as well as such a glaring upside for the future. While the 2014 class in the West does not possess many taller post players with skills, Westwind Prep has two in April and 6-foot-11 prep post Kingsley Okoroh (Cal commit). The two post players competed with each other every day - helping to develop both prospects.
Congratulations to April on such a big opportunity for himself. While he will need to work extremely hard to develop for the Big-10 Level, the opportunity will be his for the taking. Also another congratulations to the Westwind Prep basketball staff, especially head coach Jai Steadman for his continued hard work on landing his kids opportunities.
