By ALEX KLINE
For years, Jordan Strawberry has been used to the spotlight.
The son of former Mets and Yankees slugger Darryl Strawberry and the brother of former Maryland basketball star D.J. Strawberry, the younger Strawberry has never appeared on The Simpsons or The Apprentice and has never been featured in a rap song. At the same time, he is not looking to do that.
“It’s real difficult,” he said. “I’ve gotta live up to the big name of him [Darryl] every time I step on the floor. Anytime people see ‘Strawberry’ on the back of my uniform people want to come watch and see what I can do as his son.”
A 2013 6-foot-1 point guard from Mater Dei in California, Strawberry is close to reaching his goal of picking up a basketball scholarship a reality.
“I have interest from Virginia Tech, Arizona, Gonzaga, Florida State and California,” he said. “Some of these schools are close to offering.” As those schools watched him this summer, it brought hope that he to would hit greatness, as the rest of his family had.
“I look to separate myself by just being the best player on the court,” said Jordan. “Everyone wants to put me as ‘Darryl’s kid’ every time they see me, but I want everybody to know that I’m more than that.
The younger Strawberry wants to be known as an outstanding player. As he said, “they are going to have to respect my game.”
RECRUITING RUNDOWN
Penn State took full advantage of unofficial visits as they got two priority targets on campus, recently. Brandon Taylor, a 2012 power forward from Team Philly (PA), and Quenton DeCosey, a 2012 wing from Sports U (NJ), both took trips to Happy Valley in the past two days. Under the direction of new coach Pat Chambers, the Nittany Lions offered DeCosey two weeks ago, while Taylor added a scholarship while on campus. Minnesota offered the talented forward on Monday, while Tuesday held visits to St. Joe’s and Temple for DeCosey.
Mississippi landed a huge commitment from Martavious Newby, a 2012 shooting guard from from Memphis YOMCA (TN). He chose the Rebels over Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Auburn, Tennessee and more.
UNLV hosted Katin Reinhardt, a 2012 shooting guard from Belmont Shore, for a visit. “The visit went well. I really liked it,” he said. Reinhardt is also planning upcoming visits to Texas and potentially Baylor later this month.
Kenny Gaines, a 2012 SG of the Georgia Stars, has cut his list to Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia, Iowa & Georgia Tech.
Quinnipiac had Kendrick Ray, a 2012 point guard from the BC Eagles (NY), on campus for a visit. The Bobcats were the first school to offer Ray, the younger brother of former Villanova guard Allan Ray. Wagner has offered, as well.
VCU had Greg McClinton, a 2013 forward from CP3 All-Stars (NC), on their campus on Thursday. “I had a good visit and learned a lot about the program so it went really well,” he stated. Alabama, Georgia Tech and UConn recently offered McClinton.
Louisville picked up a commitment from Quentin Snider, a 2014 in-state point guard, who was offered on the campus on Wednesday.
Rutgers officially offered two 2014 talents from Team Scan (NY) during their unofficial visit on Wednesday. Scarlet Knights coach Mike Rice officially offered Chris McCullough and Conrad Chambers as they were on campus. A day before the visit, the New Jersey school hosted Isaiah Whitehead, a 2014 guard from Juice All-Stars (NY).
Boston University hosted Maurice Watson and Chaz Patterson, a 2012 duo from Team Philly (PA), for a visit on Thursday. Watson, who visited La Salle on Monday and Hofstra on Tuesday stated, “It was great. I felt real love by the coaches and team. The campus is lovely.”
Villanova hosted Ja’Quan Newton, a 2014 guard from Team Final (PA), for an unofficial visit on Thursday. He is yet to receive an offer.
Vermont offered Kahlil Dukes, a 2013 point guard from CBC (CT).
North Carolina offered TJ Warren, a 2012 forward from Garner Road (NC), while he was on campus for an unofficial visit.
