By RYAN McMULLEN
Alex Karaban, the class of 2022 forward from the New Hampton School (NH) and the Expressions Elite AAU program, broke down his recruitment with ZAGSBLOG.
The 6-foot-7 Karaban has received offers and interest from nearly 20 schools thus far but four are prioritizing him.
“Indiana, Providence, Marquette, and Purdue are the ones recruiting me the hardest right now,” he said.
Karaban then broke down each school.
Indiana: “They were the first team I had a Zoom meeting and virtual tour with. I loved their campus and style that they play with. Overall I am impressed with them so far as they check in frequently.”
Providence: “Local school for me in a great conference. Coach (Ed) Cooley being an alumni from New Hampton makes us have a great relationship. Very loyal coaching staff and fan base. Also they were my first offer which means a lot to me.”
Marquette: “Starting to build a great relationship with the coaching staff. They are saying how much of a fit I can be for them as they are also in a great conference. They show great interest and care in me.”
Purdue: “I had a zoom meeting with them on Friday and learned a lot more. We are in contact a lot as my relationship with coach (Matt) Painter and coach (Micah) Shrewsberry is great. Their academics and basketball is very good.”
“I truly have great relationships with all coaches from all schools,” Karaban said.
Creighton, Xavier, Virginia Tech, Stanford, Georgetown, and Boston College are also staying in consistent contact with Karaban.
After asked about a timetable for cutting down his list and committing, he said, “I’m hoping to cut my list to 10 next year around this time or cut it after the end of the summer. I’m aiming to commit in the fall of my senior year or after the season.”
When it comes down to making a decision Karaban said he is looking for “academics, style of play, how they will use me if I’ll play, and how well of a relationship I have with the head coach.”
Karaban made the decision to transfer from Algonquin Regional High School to the New Hampton School at the end of his freshman year.
“It was totally different. The level of competition was much better, I had more access to the gym, I gained more exposure, and my game got so much better. It was worth it for sure.”
He averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in his sophomore campaign.
The Nike EYBL cancelled their season due to Covid-19 so he has found more ways to work on his craft.
“I have been going to my trainer everyday during the week for a good four hours working on everything possible, basketball and body wise. Also, recently I have been getting in the gym with my Expressions team.”
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