Rivals150 power forward slowing things down
If you are looking for players in the class of 2017 that look physically ready for the jump to high-end Division One basketball, Rivals150 power forward Theo John is high up the list.
A physically imposing 6-foot-8, 230-pounder at Champlin Park (Minn.) High who currently checks in at No. 119 overall in the junior class, John is a rugged post player with a high major future.
While John is physically tough, crashes the glass and plays excellent positional defense, he's set out to prove this spring with his Howard Pulley grassroots team that he can be relied upon for some offense.
He visited Oklahoma officially in April and says that Illinois and Marquette are likely to receive official visits. Nearby Minnesota is a program that he's gotten to know quite well and Nebraska has been active. Florida, UCLA, Purdue and Arizona State have reached out this spring.
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
John discussed his official visit to Oklahoma, the local pressure to stay home and changing the timetable for his decision.
"Oklahoma was a really good visit. It was really good. Me and my family had a great time down there. They showed us the facilities and they are great people, great coaches and it's a great environment.
"There are a lot of Gopher fans telling me to go to the U. But I've got to do what's best for me and if I have to leave home for that I will and I won't hesitate. If the best fit is at Minnesota, then I know that there will be a lot of happy people.
"I want to be at the four position. I want to work on my ball-handling and shooting so that I can be a stretch four if needed. But I take it personally if you score on me and I want to be that guy that will play physically and be counted on to be tough at the hoop.
"With time, a decision will come to me. I don't have a specific date set and I don't know if I'm going to decide early or not. For a while, I wanted to go by the end of April, but that kind of got pushed back. When I see that I'm sure I have the school I want to go to, that's when I'll be committed."
WHAT'S NEXT?
John is intrigued by some of the new interest he received after the April live period events. After looking like he might pull the trigger early for Oklahoma, he's now pumping the brakes a bit on his recruitment and wants to take some time. John mentioned that he wants to visit Marquette and Illinois officially before doing anything and that he'll use the summer months to decide which programs he'll use his other two visits on or if he needs to take them.
RIVALS' REACTION...
John is a prospect that we had on commitment watch for most of April after his visit to Norman. So, we are somewhat surprised to hear that he's leaning towards taking more time with making a decision.
John isn't a huge scorer, but he's got relatively good hands and instincts. More importantly, this is a kid who is going to be ready to handle the step up in physicality that he will see when he goes to college and he's a rugged, lunch pail-type who plays hard whether he's getting fed the ball or not.