Jermaine Samuels speaks on three schools standing out
Jermaine Samuels has been a relatively well-known name for some time as he has played on the 17-under level for the past three summers. Now a rising senior, the Expressions Elite product has begun to focus in on some of the schools pursuing, a recruitment that had started a while back due to his size, talent, and early production on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Sporting great size and excellent competitive traits at the small forward position, Jermaine Samuel is all one would ever want in a prospect. He can defend multiple positions, he can make shots as he showcases premier elevation on each and every attempt, and is more than willing to scrap and claw for the loose ball.
Having averaged over 13 points and six rebounds per contest during the Nike EYBL this past summer, Samuels is a guy that can be relied about for his three-level scoring package, athleticism at the basket, and even the ability to protect his own basket out of the helpside position. While the New England native does need to add more consistency to his outside jumper and harness his handles a bit more, the upside and talent out of him makes him a top-50 type of recruit and someone that will leave a quick mark on whichever program that he calls home.
Here at the Nike Skills Academy in Los Angeles, the last leg of the travel season for the 6-foot-7 small forward, Samuels gave insight on a timetable for a more cut list and a commitment. “After all of this AAU stuff is done, I will sit down with my family,” the versatile senior stated. “If I feel like I need to cut things down to a top five, I will. If not, I will go with my heart and gut.”
Schools like Georgetown, Tennessee, Cal, and Marquette have been working hard on the Expressions star, yet it is three others that have stood out with Samuels. “Xavier, Villanova, and Indiana,” he said, pertaining to those that look to have the best shot with him. Samuels spoke further on each of the schools at hand.
Xavier
“Instant playing time, development, a great education, and a coaching staff that can get me where I want to be.”
Indiana
“Tom Crean is telling me he sees tons of potential in me if I go there. He stresses development, development, development.”
Villanova
“Coaching, playing time, the fit, and development again.”
Where development seems to be the consistent asset that Samuels is looking for in a college as the long-term is definitely in mind for him, the short-term should still bring great success for Jermaine Samuels as it would look as if Xavier, Indiana, and Villanova sit nicely with the four-star wing in 2017.