T.J. Warren is known for being a prolific scorer and is currently being recruited by several top college programs, including NC State, Florida, North Carolina and Georgetown. In this conversation with T.J., we get his thoughts on each of the four schools on his list, as well as what he thinks he will need to do to succeed at the next level.
Troy Williams (SF, 6’7″, 2013) is a player who has flown somewhat under the radar, but that’s likely to change considering the class of 2011 will soon move on, and the fact that scouts already consider him an elite talent. There hasn’t been much reported yet on the specific schools looking at Troy, who plays for Phoebus High School in Hampton, Virginia. I caught up with Troy to get some idea of who he’s been considering for college choices, and what he’s working on to improve his game.
1. What’s your school list, and who’s offered that you are looking at?
So far, I’m trying to keep my options open. Virginia Tech, Virginia and Georgetown have been highly interested.
2. Since you are trying to keep your options open,
do you have a timetable for a decision, or just remaining patient for now?
Just being patient. I’m not going to narrow my choices [until] my junior year.
3. What parts of your game do you feel are the strongest?
Shooting and backdoor cutting.
4. What parts of your game are you currently working on right now?
On-ball defense, ball handling, and shooting off the dribble.
5. Do you feel, as some people are saying, that the recruiting process has become overhyped?
It causes some players to act big headed, but to me it’s not really a problem. Just can’t let it get to you.
6. Do you have a player (at any level) who’s game you admire?
For high school, I admire Harrison Barnes and for the NBA, it’s Kevin Durant.
7. If you could tell people one thing they don’t know about you, what would it be?
Even though my uncle is Boo Williams and my aunt is the head coach of the Georgetown girls basketball team, I worked hard to get where I am with their help, but it was mostly because of me.
Desmond Hubert exemplifies the meaning of a defensive presence. The 6-foot-9 big man frequently had double doubles during his high school games and even triple doubles at times. He blocks shots and is excellent on the boards. The improvement in his offensive game has paid off and turned him into a very notable player in the class of 2011. The rising senior is modest and is not trying to become a star. He takes the quiet path and does the dirty work at a small known school in New Jersey called New Egypt High School.
At New Egypt, Desmond has made the school known in the Garden State and has become a standout there. During the spring and summer, he runs with the New Jersey Playaz; one of the best squads in the country. Whether he rebounds and throws an outlet pass to Myles Davis ’11 who hits a three or throws down a thunderous dunk of his own, you cannot stop the athleticism of Hubert.
Colleges have taken notice, as well! He has a list compiled of “Pittsburgh, Villanova, Ohio State, UConn, Georgia Tech, Duke, North Carolina, Maryland and Wake Forest.” It is a safe bet that Hubert will most likely land in the Big East or ACC, but don’t rule out the Buckeyes. Despite no offers from Duke or North Carolina yet, Desmond is confident that a good summer will propel him to that possibility.
Recently, he took an unofficial visit to another Big East school. Hubert visited Georgetown unofficially and enjoyed it. They have been a school that is on and off the list. Think about it for a minute; Hubert is a defensive presence and would fit in a slower paced offense. Georgetown is a team that comes to mind as they run a Princeton style offense. Either way, Hubert acknowledges that he will have a top five sometime in August and Villanova, as well as Pittsburgh will be in it. He could certainly be a great replacement for Nova’s Taylor King who recently left the team. Desmond hopes to commit before the season is over.
Either way you look at it, Desmond Hubert’s a threat. He can do a lot and his potential is sky high. Give it a few years and his name will be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft. For now, he’ll just stick to rejecting opponents and their shots as he walks on with his swagger and his smile.
