NEW YORK — Carlton Bragg is one of the biggest attractions in Saturday’s Big Strick Classic at the Gauchos Gym.
The 6-foot-8 2015 forward from Cleveland (OH) Villa Angela -St. Joseph is playing in the event for the second straight year — and David Britton of the Big Strick on Friday called him a much improved “bad boy.”
As far as his recruitment, Bragg plans to announce his final five on Sept. 1, with Kansas, Kentucky and Illinois set to make the list.
“He’s going to cut his down list on Sept. 1st,” Michael Graves, Bragg’s mentor, told SNY.tv, confirming news that had been previously reported. “On Oct. 10, he’ll go to Kansas for their Midnight thing [Late Night in the Phog] and on Oct. 17 he’ll go to Kentucky [for Big Blue Madness].”
Graves added: “As far as Kansas, they think that he’s one of the best skilled forwards in the nation. They love him. And as far as Kentucky, we’ve been in touch with [assistant] Kenny Payne and he just loves Carlton. Cal loves him and they’re just ready to get him on campus.”
Illinois is also among his final five.
“They’re just a school that’s been there from the beginning, Coach [John] Groce and stuff like that,” Graves said. “They did a home visit.”
Wherever Bragg goes, he figures to make an impact.
“He’s a stretch four, he can shoot the jumper, run the floor real well, and that’s what people love about him,” Graves said. “His upside is unlimited. He’s just gotta keep doing the hard work and stay hungry and humble.”
