Mike Young's expands offensive game -- and recruitment

For most of his high school career, Mike Young has been known mostly as a post player who did his damage around the rim. Now that he has expanded his game, Young has seen his stock rise this spring.

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Over the past couple of years, Mike Young has been a big name in the Northeast. The 6-foot-7 forward has hopped from Shadyside (Pa.) to St. Benedict’s (N.J.) to Hudson Catholic (N.J.) – and now is heading back to Benedict’s for his senior campaign.

No matter his stop, though, Young was mostly a back-to-the-basket player who utilized post moves to get the job done inside.

The past few months, Young has made a concerted effort to become more well-rounded and versatile offensively – and it’s paying off.

“I expanded my perimeter game,” he said. “I’m the first one to the ball, and I play so hard, I can get inside too.”

At the Pangos All-American Camp, Young showed that he has become a difficult matchup for opposing forwards. He consistently knocked down 3-pointers and perimeter shots, and was also very aggressive going off the dribble. Moreover, he was one of the better rebounders throughout the weekend.

Through 19 EYBL games with the NJ Playaz, Young averaged 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds.

“I’ll do anything that helps my team have a chance to win,” he said. “If I have to do something, I’ll do it.”

Young has a long list of schools in pursuit. St. John’s, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Marquette, Florida, Miami (Fl.), Georgia Tech, Baylor, Providence, Xavier were some of the ones on his list.

He plans to trim his list after the July live period – where he will undoubtedly impress more coaches.