Thon Maker says he’s “pushing toward” reclassing to 2015 and mentioned Kentucky and Kansas as two of the schools recruiting him the hardest.
“It’s very tough but it’s doable,” the 7-foot Maker told Olgun Uluc of Pickandroll.com at the La Lumiere Classic where he averaged 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds through three games. “I’m still pushing for [2015], then at the same time I’m getting the support from teachers and my teammates – they’re helping me stay focused so I can get the whole thing finished.
“[Graduation] might lean toward June, but I’m trying to push for [2015] and get it done as soon as I can but also knowing that I can still either stay [in 2016] or go. I’m looking forward to pushing toward 2015.”
Maker announced earlier this week that he was “on track to graduate this year,” which would move him from the Class of 2016 into 2015 and make him eligible for the 2016 NBA Draft, where he is already projected as the No. 10 pick by DraftExpress.com.
Ed Smith, Maker’s guardian, previously told SNY.tv that Maker would likely visit Kentucky, Kansas and other schools after the reclass decision had been made.
“I visited Kentucky previously, I got to see their coaching and see them as a unit from the sideline,” Maker told Uluc. “Also I spoke with Coach [John Calipari] and he told me how he showed interest in recruiting me. And as a program I’ve been watching them for a little bit so I know much about them.
“I [visited Kansas] in the summer, I got to visit them a little bit and got to watch some tape of the [Morris] twins. I also got to see their weight room facility and how they work, they have a pretty good setup also. That was a good visit. I also sat down with Coach [Bill] Self and that was a great conversation that we had, that was a comfortable visit also.”
It’s possible Maker could end up in China or Europe next season if he isn’t eligible but he prefers to play college ball in America, a route that NBA scouts would be his best option.
“Right now it’s really just trying to finish my credits and the next step is college but really, as soon as I finish my credits, I’ll make the decision,” he told Uluc.
