Nation's best programs after Ingram
As college coaches hit the road this weekend to see prospects in action with their respective travel teams, there could be a who's who group of coaches from NCAA powerhouse schools to see Brandon Ingram of Stackhouse Elite/Kinston (N.C.) High School.
The 6-foot-8 junior was the easy choice for Most Valuable Player at the Norman Parker Showcase last week at Suwanee Sports Academy. The five-star wing was the catalyst for the championship team and shined on both ends of the floor. He was brilliant in nearly every facet of the game.
The buzz began and ended with Ingram.
Don't be surprised to see that same storyline carry over into the weekend for the live evaluation period. Ingram is rolling right now. He's coming off a junior year where he averaged 24 points and 13 rebounds and ended the year with another state championship.
His confidence is brimming. So is his game.
"I think I'm getting stronger and I'm gaining more confidence in myself," Ingram said at the NPS. "I'm going to the basket and making more plays. Guys worry about me a lot and I know I have guys around me that can score so when they shade up on me, I want to be versatile enough to get them involved."
Ingram is showing he's more than just a long spot up shooter. He put the ball on the hardwood and attacked the rim. He defended the wing. He rebounded in traffic. His passing is still top notch. And, of course, his perimeter offense is one of the toughest to defend because of his Durant like length.
"I think I have confidence in my feet. I want to be a better player on defense so that's why I'm trying to guard the other team's best player," Ingram said.
The in-state schools have made him a priority. North Carolina has already concluded an in-home visit. Ingram said. Duke is coming to his house on April 21. He said the previous staff at Wake Forest made him a priority, too.
Then come the other powerhouses. Louisville, Florida, Kentucky and Kansas are also involved, Ingram said as he listed each coach by name that is recruiting him from the blue blood schools.
"Sometimes I just think 'How in the world am I going to make my decision?' Looking at all of the tradition and history of the teams that are recruiting me is humbling," Ingram said.
"When guys in my class start committing, that's when I'm going to start to get real serious about it because there is only a certain amount of scholarships. When schools start settling down with the guys they're offering, I'll probably narrow it down to a top five or so...Being comfortable with the players is important obviously and playing for good coach that works well with his players."
Ingram will likely see all of the listed schools this weekend at the adidas Uprising event in Dallas during the live evaluation period. Florida Elite, Southern Elite, NY Rens and CPT Magic are on the schedule. Ingram and his Stackhouse Elite team will be back at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions on May 2-4 at Suwanee Sports Academy.