By ADAM ZAGORIA
Jahmai Mashack, the 6-foot-4, 192-pound shooting guard from Etiwanda (CA), says seven schools are prioritizing him in recruiting.
Ranked the No. 14 shooting guard nationally by 247Sports.com, Mashack lists Cal, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado and Arkansas in that group.
“Here’s a breakdown of the schools prioritizing me at this time,” he said. “Because I was injured [with a fractured right foot] and in a cast all last summer, it really put my recruitment behind as far as my timeline. But I’m grateful to have things pick up for me now.”
Etiwanda on to the semis at the Classic at Damien behind Jahmai Mashack’s game-high 24 😤 @JahmaiM pic.twitter.com/n7rwGRZVDO
— Who’s Next (@WhosNextHS) December 28, 2019
Cal: “Coach [Mark] Fox and I had a really good Zoom call. He’s a big X’s and O’s guy. He went over film from my games compared to film from Cal, showing where I would be most effective. I know I’d learn a lot from him. Cal also has the family connection, since my mom graduated from there. I’ve seen up close how a degree from Cal opens up doors everywhere, even internationally.”
Texas: “Coach Shaka Smart at Texas is amazing. He’s an intellect. We can talk books, culture, history, not just basketball. We really connect on a lot of things and his players don’t transfer. I would watch him when he coached at VCU, so it’s pretty special to get an offer from him. Coach [Neill] Berry is also as real as they come. Could see him being fam long after hoop.”
Tennessee: “Tennessee has Coach [Rick] Barnes and that says a lot right there because he’s helped so many players get to the NBA. We’ve talked about my faith, family, and basketball. He’s definitely a player’s coach. All of the coaches there have been awesome in different ways. Coach [Michael] Schwartz, who reached out to me first is super thorough and honest but you can tell he just believes in the players they recruit. I definitely respect that. They don’t get caught up in stars or rankings, they know what they want and they don’t over recruit. Also, the players there are like family.”
Oklahoma: “I’m really close with Coach Carlin [Hartman] at Oklahoma. He believed in me from the first time he saw me hoop in practice. He’s like that uncle who would have your back no matter what. I love that about him. He knew I sacrificed playing out of position a lot and would stay in touch always encouraging. Coach [Lon] Kruger is definitely respected in the basketball community.”
Arizona: “Arizona is Arizona! Everything a hooper could ever want is there. Facilty, housing, gear, all of that stuff. They have a great tradition for basketball. They also play fast and defend. When Coach [Sean] Miller starts talking basketball he really gets into it. That’s where he and I connect the most. Plus the fans are great and I already have a lot of Zona gear because my big brother played football there. Lol.”
Colorado: “Colorado is great top to bottom. It’s a college town where EVERYBODY supports the basketball team. The coaches have been consistent and supportive. Every single coach has been a part of the recruiting process. I have the greatest respect for them. Coach [Tad] Boyle doesn’t do a lot of the hype stuff but made sure I knew I was a priority. They’ve watched my game and my character over the last couple of years. Coach [Bill] Grier even knew my dad in college and stays connected with the family. Plus, Colorado always puts out great shooting guards.”
Arkansas: “Arkansas was kind of late to the recruiting process but have come on strong. Their assistant coach offered me when I was in 10th grade and he was at his previous school. So, as soon as he got to Arkansas he gave me a call. I respect that. Coach [Eric] Mussleman is a big-time coach.”
Mashack said he’s also still in touch with Louisville, Oregon and Arizona State, and will have Zoom calls soon with the latter two.
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