CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Considering he didn’t even start for his high school team this past season, some might question having D’Angelo Russell as one of the top 15 prospects in the class of 2014.
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| D'Angelo Russell is ranked as the No. 14 overall prospect in the class of 2014. (Davide DePas) |
Look again, though. Florida-signee Michael Frazier and top-10 junior Kasey Hill – also headed to the Gators – were the backcourt tandem for Kevin Boyle and Montverde Academy (Fla.). With Frazier moving on, Russell is ready for a bigger role.
“I hope so, I talked to the coach,” Russell said.
Since the AAU and camp season started in April, Russell has answered nearly every question about his ability. He was one of the more impressive players at the NBPA Top 100 camp, creating his own shot time and time again, and also knocking down open jumpers from the perimeter. He teamed with Anthony “Cat” Barber in the backcourt to form an unstoppable tandem.
Russell ended up averaging 9.7 points and 2.0 assists per game at the camp.
"I’m playing hard every play,” he said. “Just evaluating the defense."
The 6-foot-4 lefty has offers from Ohio State, Xavier, Indiana and Louisville, with Missouri and Cincinnati showing interest. Russell, who runs with the Louisville Magic on the AAU circuit, said Louisville, Ohio State and Missouri are coming at him the hardest.
He had previously taken trips to Ohio State, Indiana and Louisville, and went on a visit to Missouri a couple of weeks ago.
“It was phenomenal,” Russell said. “It was probably one of the best campuses I’ve seen. I loved it.”
Russell is not ready to decide, and he plans on going through the process before making a commitment. He said comfort level with the school and style of play would be the main factors in his decision.
“I’m just taking it slow and taking my time,” Russell said.
