By JACOB POLACHECK
Isael Silva is headed to Stanford, giving the Cardinal their second five-star recruit in the last two weeks.
Silva, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound point guard from Carmichael (CA), chose Stanford over schools such as Arizona, Arkansas, Texas and Gonzaga, among others.
“Stanford was the best fit for me and I think it was the best fit for them as well,” Silva told ZAGSBLOG via text Wednesday. “They believe in me and my work. They have seen me score really well and also pass really well.
“I really want to help enhance the culture at the college I choose and that’s what they wanted from me, to be a game changer,” he said. “Everyone on the staff supports me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Silva. is the first commit in Stanford’s 2021 class.
“I feel that their playing style fits me perfectly,” Silva said. “It’s up-tempo and they are very wavy with their defense as well. Being creative in this system and making plays is going to be very fun.”
Earlier this month, Stanford landed a commitment from 2020 five-star guard Ziaire Williams, who is projected to be the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, per ESPN.com.
Silva took his first and only official visit to Stanford in the fall (Oct. 18-20).
“It’s really cool to be inside a program when you’re on an official visit,” Silva said. “Also, I got to be with the coaches and talk to the players to see how they like it, seeing how college practices are and the environment. Being close to home made the trip easy and I had a lot of fun with my parents and family.”
Silva said he’s looking for a school that lets him be himself in a family environment.
“Just a place where I’m going to feel at home and they’re going to value who I am as a player and what I can do,” Silva said. “I’m looking for a school that’s confident in me and gives me confidence, letting me play with passion and flair.”
Silva broke down what Stanford fans can expect from him as a player:
“They can expect a basketball player who sees the game as an art form and will try his best to be the best at that art form every night,” Silva said. “I’d say exciting and some swagger, but most importantly someone who is going to bring people together.”
Photo: JW Media
This story has been updated.
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