GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Matt Ryan is on the shelf following hip surgery, but he’s still focused on his recruitment.
The 6-foot-6 2015 small forward from Iona Prep told SNY.tv he’s focusing on six schools and that Notre Dame remains the “strong favorite.”
“I’m not saying an official list but I’m mainly talking to Duke, Carolina, Notre Dame, Michigan, Stanford and Marquette,” he told SNY.tv. at the Frankie Williams Charity Classic. “Those are probably the top six right now and I’m still in contact with Arizona State and Creighton.”
On the high school front, Ryan also has a decision to make for his senior season. He is deciding whether to return to Iona Prep or attend Our Savior New American on Long Island or Huntington (W.V.) Prep.
Ryan has been out of action with a torn labrum in his hip and subsequent surgery since earlier this season, but hopes to be back on the court for AAU Nationals in late July.
At that point, he is hopeful that he may land offers from Duke and North Carolina to go with the others he already has.
“They’re waiting for me to play at Nationals and then they’re all going to offer,” Ryan said.
Ryan visited Duke and North Carolina in February and enjoyed both.
“Obviously, they’re really interested and they’re still talking to me,” he said. “I haven’t played in a couple months, but Duke’s got the shooter from Ohio [Luke Kennard] but they’re still telling me I’m the best shooter in the country and that just shows their interest in me. And Coach K just wants to see me play before he offers.
“And Coach Hubie [Davis], I talk to him once a week and his message is the same. Coach Roy [Williams] wants to see me play and then we’ll see what happens from there.”
Notre Dame and coach Mike Brey have been there from the beginning in his recruitment.
“Oh, without a doubt,” Ryan said. “They’ve been recruiting me the hardest for the longest so they’re definitely a strong favorite right now.”
Michigan coach John Beilein called and told Ryan he compares to outgoing guard Nik Stauskas, a projected first-round pick.
“That’s all I hear, Stauskas, Stauskas, so that’s a big attraction,” Ryan said.
Ryan admits it’s been frustrating not being able to play.
“It’s been tough but I know I’m going to come back much better,” he said. “I can already feel improvements in my flexibility, range of motion, stuff like that.”
After July, he plans to take his visits and go from there.
“I want to take all five official visits and make a decision after that,” he said.
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