By JOHN PAVIA
Special to ZAGSBLOG
NEW YORK – Derryck Thornton is unable to compete in the Under Armour Elite 24 events this weekend due to injury, but he still seemed to be enjoying the entire experience in New York City.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Thornton told SNY.tv. “It’s my second time so I’m still excited to be here and just get to look around New York and hang out with some of the guys.”
Thornton, a 6-2 guard from Findlay Prep, suffered a broken wrist during USA U17 trials that has held him out of showcases like this Elite 24 event. Thornton is currently rated No. 8 in the Class of 2016 by Scout.
While Thornton is highly coveted by many high-major schools, he mentioned that “no school was sticking out all the way yet, but everyone’s doing a great job.”
He listed Kentucky, Duke, UNLV, Oklahoma, Michigan, Florida, Louisville, USC, UCLA, Arizona, Connecticut, California and Miami as those working hard for him. After visiting Michigan and Kentucky over the summer, Thornton does not have any more trips planned at the moment.
Thornton is also very good friends with Tyus Battle, the 2016 Gill St. Bernard’s combo guard who will be playing in the Elite 24 game on Saturday, and the two have discussed playing together in college. As previously noted here and here, Battle has received offers and interest from many of the same schools that Thornton listed after a terrific high school season last year and equally impressive AAU circuit this summer.
“It’s kind of up in the air,” Thornton said. “Nothing is set for sure. It would be cool to play with him, but it’s not like a sure package deal.”
