Shamorie Ponds, a 6-foot 2016 point guard from Brooklyn Thomas Jefferson, is wowing coaches and piling up offers.
In recent days, Ponds has added offers from Minnesota, St. John’s, Miami, Seton Hall, Oklahoma, Iona and Fordham.
South Carolina and West Virginia are also due in to see him soon.
“It’s exciting,” Ponds told SNY.tv Monday. “I’m looking to add more offers.”
Last Tuesday against Boys High, Ponds put up 30 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals.
On Thursday against Lincoln, Ponds went for 37 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and 7 steals in a 98-86 win.
On Saturday, he went for 31 points in a 97-92 win over St. Raymond’s.
He’s averaging 29 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 7 steals.
“He’s Russ Smith or Nick Van Exel,” one coach recruiting him told SNY.tv. “He’s a lefty who scores easy.”
Jefferson coach Lawrence “Bud” Pollard says Ponds is one of the best players he’s ever coached.
“I think he’s better than Russ Smith,” Pollard said. “Russ Smith is a little wild. He’s like a Nick Van Exel/Russ Smith type of player. Shooter, defender, just all-around player, Playmaker, shooter, scorer.”
Ponds said he tries to model himself more after Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry.
“He’s good at everything,” Pollard said. “He’s gotta get a little stronger. Once he gets a little stronger, the sky’s the limit for that kid. Academically, socially, he’s solid. He has a mother, father, he’s a great kid.”
Jefferson heads out to San Diego this week to play in the Under Armour Classic presented by Torrey Pines.
“My goal is to win everything, win the city and the states,” he said. “I think we can win everything.”
