By JEREMY WOO
Special to ZAGSBLOG
FORT WAYNE, IN — Many big names took the court this weekend at the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N Slam — and perhaps none bigger than Trey Lyles.
The highly-touted 6-foot-10 rising senior from Indianapolis joined his Spiece Indy Heat team for the first time this spring and didn’t disappoint. Flashing his versatile offensive game, Lyles and talented teammates including Jaquan Lyle, Trevon Bluiett and Indiana commit James Blackmon went 6-1 on the weekend.
A dramatic semifinal comeback attempt against All-Ohio Red fell short, 83-80,but Lyles was optimistic nonetheless. Spiece will test their mettle at the EYBL Dallas session next weekend, and their schedule includes a rematch with All-Ohio.
“We’re playing well as a team,” Lyles told SNY.tv. “This is the first time we’ve all been here. I just came off an injury, I’ve been playing well and we’re just trying to get ready for Dallas.”
Lyles’ recruitment has been a hot topic amongst basketball fans.
He originally committed to Indiana back in September 2010, when he was just finishing his freshman year in high school.
Lyles reopened back in August and ever since, there has been no shortage of speculation, or suitors for Lyles’ services. He’s trimmed his list down to a top six: Butler, Duke, Florida, Kentucky, Louisville, and UCLA.
Perhaps because he committed so early, he’s targeting a decision in the spring of 2014.
“I talk to every school weekly,” he said. “It’s all even right now—there’s no one in front of the other or anything like that. All the schools I’ve got have great coaches, they all care about you and what what’s best for your development.”
Though Butler would seem to be the cinderella of those options, Lyles attested to the strength of Brad Stevens’ Big East-bound program. The Bulldogs are in the mix for several elite prospects in the class of 2014.
“[Coach Stevens] makes everything different,” Lyles said. “He’s a great coach. He develops and gets the most out of his players, and they just make you feel like family there.”
Lyles has discussed playing together in college with a couple of different players: AAU teammate Lyle and West Coast wunderkind Stanley Johnson. Though nothing is official, he’s discussed the prospect of teaming up with each of them.
He and Lyle share Florida, Louisville and UCLA. Duke, Florida and Kentucky are each on the current lists for Lyles and Johnson.
Lyle and Johnson could also both be off the board by the time Lyles decides in the spring.
“I’ll probably make a decision after the next high school season,” said Lyles. “I’m just trying to take my time and think it through this time. I’m just waiting to see what’s best for me.”
