Thon Maker is focusing on playing next at an American college, not in an overseas pro league.
That’s what his guardian, Ed Smith, told SNY.tv on Monday morning.
“Finishing high school first and then U.S. College,” Smith said by text.
The 7-foot Maker has said he is “pushing toward” reclassing to 2015 from 2016 and is considering Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas and Arizona State. He could enroll at the semester break at an American school, making him eligible for the second semester during the 2015-16 season, as previously reported by Scout.com.
“At this stage, I am hearing so many options for Thon but his focus is finishing high school and enjoying playing with his brother and friends,” Smith said. “It is very simple that way. That can’t be taken away from him because of all the different that are presented. Sometimes the intentions are good but it does not fit Thon’s goals and sometimes it is an agenda driven to serve that situation’s purpose.
“It continues to be a process of listen, learn and evaluate.”
A story surfaced recently that the Australian pro team the Perth Wildcats wanted Maker to come play for them (and who wouldn’t).
“Given his time in Australia was primarily in [West Australia], we hope he would feel at home with us,” Nick Marvin, the team’s managing director, told The West Australian Sport.
“It would also be a great opportunity for him to continue to improve away from the bright lights and in front of the local fans.”
But Smith says playing pro in Australia is not an option.
“No,” he said.
Still, Maker, a native of Sudan who grew up in Australia, could end up playing for the Australian National Team down the road.
“I still love Australia,” Maker said recently.
Maker is now projected as the No. 28 pick in the 2016 Draft by DraftExpress.com.
