Andre Chatfield, smart guy
Norcross wing Andre Chatfield is a smart guy. He's book smart, self-aware smart, on the court smart and now on the road to recruiting smart.
The key to the 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard's recruitment? Relationships.
"That's really important," Chatfield said. "When I talk to coaches on the phone, I want to get comfortable with them before I really consider them...Even with some of the top Division I schools, if I'm not comfortable with the coach then I'm not going to consider them. I'm probably going to look at other schools."
Which coaches have done the best to build a contextual relationship with the long and rangy wing? Not surprising, two of the most prestigious academic schools in America have.
"The top coaches that I've talked to are from Harvard and Princeton," Chatfield said. "The Harvard head coach and I talk quite a bit. I'll call him and stay in touch. The Princeton head coach has been down to Norcross two or three times. So, with those guys, I'm pretty interested."
Texas, Georgetown and Florida State have shown various amounts of attention this spring, he added. But when it comes down to it, the schools that have offered are being considered the most. Princeton, North Florida, Boston, Auburn and Mississippi State have all offered scholarship or financial aid packages, on top of Harvard and Princeton.
Chatfield said he is planning on a visit the Northeast at the end of June to see Harvard and Princeton up closer and personal. He added a trip to Texas is also being considered.
For the school that ultimately lands Chatfield, he knows instant opportunity won't be handed over along with his room key as a freshman.
"As a freshman, I just want to do whatever I need to do to help the program," Chatfield said. "If you need me to shoot, I'll shoot. If you need me to play defense, I'll play defense."
See, we told you he was a smart guy.