The NCAA is looking into the status of Starshine Prep, the academic program associated with Hillcrest Prep, a Phoenix (AZ)-based prep basketball team that features stars Marvin Bagley III and DeAndre Ayton.
The NCAA sent two officials to visit Starshine Prep on Monday, NCAA spokesman Chris Radford told SNY.tv.
“As part of its review, members of the NCAA staff visited the school [Monday] for a site visit associated with the school’s review (I wouldn’t characterize it as an investigation),” he said via email. “The school’s account will be updated on the EC website when the review is complete and a decision has been reached. It is also worth noting that since Hillcrest is a basketball team, not a school, our process is centered on the school, Starshine Academy.”
“They were shocked to see such a beautiful place,” Starshine CEO Trish McCarty told the Arizona Republic. “They liked it and were happy.”
Meantime, amid reports that Bagley III and Ayton might consider going overseas to play, Marvin Bagley Jr. told the Republic that his son is “definitely going to play college basketball” and will play this season at Hillcrest Prep.
Marvin Bagley Jr. did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment, but a source said there’s no reason the players would have to go overseas if Starshine Prep runs into problems with the NCAA.
The 6-foot-11 Bagley III recently added an offer from Kansas to go with offers from Kentucky, UConn, Arizona and many others.
Kentucky coach John Calipari and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski were among those watching Bagley III this summer at the Peach Jam.
“Bagley has unbelievable instincts, length and fast-twitch muscles,” one D-1 assistant coach told SNY.tv. “Surefire pro prospect in a few years.”
Meantime, the 7-1 Ayton is a native of the Bahamas with offers from Kentucky and Michigan State, among others.
“[I compare] myself to Kevin Garnett, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson,” Ayton told SNY.tv at the Under Armour Association stop in New York in April. “I always study [their videos] and practice them on the court, too.”
Photo: Arizona Republic
