By JACK LeGWIN
TAMPA, Fla.– The Class of 2017 in Florida added another elite wing to the mix when LJ Figueroa transferred to Oldsmar Christian from Lawrence (Mass.).
Figueroa says that it was a no-brainer to play for coach Jordan Fair.
“I had to leave home,” Figueroa told SNY.tv after a 19-point performance in a 66-40 win over Impact Academy at the Derrick Brooks Shootout. “There were no opportunities there for me. When I got here, a bunch of doors opened for me, and I got to meet some great people.”
Since transferring, Figueroa, standing at 6-foot-5, has picked up offers from USF, UCF and Virginia Tech.
“Louisville, Florida and Murray State have shown interest as well,” Figueroa said.
An incredibly smooth and deceptively explosive wing, Figueroa can fill it up with ease, and has helped Oldsmar Christian to a 22-3 record, alongside another elite guard, Eric Hester.
“Eric is great man,” Figueroa said. “He’s a great player, he always knows when to make the right pass, he’s just awesome to have on the team.”
Figueroa says that he is planning on playing with Fair during the summer on Team Breakdown. Breakdown’s roster will most likely include Hester, Juwan Durham and Dewan Huell, all players that are top ranked in the state of Florida.
“I’ll be playing with Coach Jordan on Team Breakdown,” Figueroa said. “I’ll be playing with a lot of great players, so I’ll definitely have opportunities. There will be opportunities for schools to get involved more too.”
When the decision does come, Figueroa says that he isn’t specifically looking to stay in the state of Florida.
“I’m just looking for the best fit for me,” Figueroa said. “I don’t really know what that is yet though. I mean, Florida has been great for me, but I’m just looking for the best fit.”
