EDISON, N.J. — Tyus Battle, one of the most sought after players in the Class of 2016, plans to cut his list sometime before his high school season starts in December at Gladstone (N.J.) Gill St. Bernard’s.
The 6-foot-6 Battle will trim his list to about 10 schools, he and his father told SNY.tv Tuesday.
“I’m going to cut my list down to 10 or 12 before the season starts this year, so that should be a lot of fun,” Battle told SNY.tv.
Among the schools that would seem to stand a good chance of making the cut are Kentucky, Duke, Syracuse, Michigan, Ohio State, UConn, Florida and Louisville.
Head coaches from all of those schools — as well as others — have been in to see Battle in recent days and weeks. Florida coach Billy Donovan has been in twice and Louisville coach Rick Pitino is due back Oct. 15 for a second visit.
Ohio State assistant Greg Paulus watched Battle Wednesday, according to Andrew Slater of 247Sports.com.
Battle will visit Syracuse this weekend, followed by Kentucky for Big Blue Madness Oct. 17 and Duke Oct. 25 for their Countdown to Craziness. He may also visit Florida.
This summer he visited UConn, Michigan, Kentucky and Louisville.
As for a timeframe on a decision, Battle said, “I don’t really have a timetable but when I’m most comfortable I’ll make a decision. I have to talk to my dad about it a lot and just when I’m most comfortable.”
Battle, who already appears in some 2017 NBA Mock Drafts, hopes to reach the NBA one day.
“Going pro, that’s the ultimate goal and if I accomplish it, that would be amazing,” Battle said. “But your life goes on even after basketball, you still have to be prepared. It’s not even half your life, you have a long life after basketball.”
He added: “Making it to the NBA is just my main goal.”
