For Maverick Morgan, having college basketball coaches in the stands to watch him playing pickup games has gone from being intimidating to motivating.
?I think it?s good,? the Springboro High School center said. ?You don?t even think for a second of not playing hard. Last summer, when my recruitment started picking up, I was real nervous about everything, but now I just go out there and do my thing.?
Dayton, Illinois, Southern Cal and Minnesota sent coaches to watch the 6-foot-10 junior in an open gym Monday. He remains the UD Flyers? primary recruiting target in the 2013 class, but the competition keeps growing.
Morgan said he most recently has gotten a scholarship offer from Minnesota to go along with offers from UD, Xavier, West Virginia, Iowa State and USC.
An NCAA rule change has allowed coaches to evaluate players at AAU events the next two weekends, and Ohio State almost certainly will be taking notes on Morgan. The Buckeyes haven?t offered a scholarship yet, but they?ve hosted him on visits and have four full rides for the senior class and haven?t signed anyone yet.
They?ll probably bank a couple for next year, and the extra openings may mean Morgan could end up in their plans.
He clearly would find an OSU offer enticing.
That?s a big deal,? he said. ?I?ve been rooting for Ohio State my entire life. Growing up in Ohio, I?m a Buckeye.?
He?s been to numerous UD games, is close to the coaches and said he?ll keep the Flyers high on his list. But he?s seriously considering rival Xavier, too.
?They?ll always be up there, schools I?ve grown up watching ? such great tradition. Them and Xavier will always be there,? he said.
