Schools zero in on Xavier Tillman
Grand Rapids, MI
A program known for its winning pedigree, the Spiece Indy Heat are off to a solid start within the Nike EYBL as they have won five of their first seven contests on the circuit. One of the primary reasons for this is due to the interior presence that is Xavier Tillman. Catching up with the 6-foot-8 center last weekend after a win at the Spiece Run ‘N Slam, the Michigan native gave insight on his improving recruitment and future plans.
A space eating big man that is one of the rare prospects that a team can run its offense through down low, Tillman has had a great spring with his new travel bunch. One of the more polished big men within the 2017 class nationally, the hard playing center can score over either shoulder in the lane and has a go-to move towards the baseline on either side of the basket. Throw in his quality hands that he uses to clean the glass, a solid motor in producing whenever the game speeds up, and deceptive athleticism off of two feet, and it would seem that Tillman has things headed in the right direction in speaking on his development.
While he is surrounded by such others top-100 recruits as Jaren Jackson, Tyger Campbell, and Brandon Johns, Tillman has been the catalyst for his bunch’s success thus far. Averaging close to 12 points per game off of nearly 70-percent shooting from the field, while tossing in close to six boards and two assists out of the center position, the Spiece star is a major threat to score it or pass it from the low block.
Due to his skills and abilities from 15-feet and in, many schools have heated up the attention for the Grand Rapids Christian product. “Marquette, Notre Dame, Michigan State, NC State, Purdue, Iowa, Kentucky, and Ohio State,” Tillman said of the programs that he speaks with the most. Official visits plan to be taken in the fall but in the meantime, the interior producer did note on potential unofficial visits in June to Notre Dame and possibly Vanderbilt.
Sporting quality grades in the classroom and a solid resume within the high school and travel ranks, Tillman does have an idea of what he is looking for in a college next year. “I want a family atmosphere,” he told HoopSeen. “We all need to be on the same page, 24-7. We have to want to win and play as hard as I like to do.”
