Connecticut Recruiting, Jeff Borzello

UCONN ON VERGE OF 2010 COMMITMENT (UPDATED)

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by JEFF BORZELLO

Those following the recruitment of Michael Bradley over the past several days have been waiting eagerly since he announced that he would be choosing between Connecticut and Drake last week.

According to a source close to the situation, it seems as if the wait might be over.

“It looks like UConn,” the source said. “Probably announced tomorrow.”

Bradley is a 6-foot-10, 210 lb. center from Tyner Academy High School in Chattanooga (TN). He plays with the Tennessee Tigers for AAU.

Although he chose the Huskies over Drake, there were several other schools in the mix, including VCU, Georgia, Tennessee and Boston College.

Earlier today, the source indicated Bradley was still working through the decision, but the process was winding down.

“I believe that he is closer and should make a decision this week,” the source said in a text message. “Drake and UConn were both in Chattanooga yesterday.”

When asked if he was leaning in a particular direction, the source was vague.

“It is tough to say,” the source said. “He is still torn but seems to be getting more comfortable.”

However, in a phone interview, a source broke down the battle between the Huskies and Bulldogs. He also said that VCU is not in the running anymore, as Bradley cut them when he trimmed his list to two last week.

“He is confident he can play at the highest level,” the source said. “But he has to evaluate from a playing standpoint, where his skill set is going to flourish the most.

“Some kids are going to be captivated by the conference and the pizzazz, but Mike is conscientious of where his skill set will best be served. The success of UConn and coach Calhoun is very, very appealing, but he has to find out where he will play and how they will use him.

“As for Drake, Mike has had a tremendous relationship with the coaches developed over the past several months. They have been laying out the game plan as it relates to Mike’s basketball formula. He wants to get a pharmacy degree – that match is going to be very, very challenging. There will be demands on and off the court.”

One of the main reasons Bradley is struggling with his final decision is that he is a versatile big man who can step out and shoot from the perimeter – that might not play into Connecticut’s typical use of their big men.

“The strengths of his game could be better suited in Drake’s system than maybe UConn’s system,” the source said. “UConn wants its big men to block shots, rebound the ball and play inside. His upside differentiates in that he’s a four but can play out on the wing. His skill set could be better suited for what Drake will ask him to do.”

Bradley, who has only played basketball for three and a half years, still has ample room to develop, which might also play a factor in his decision.

“He needs as much playing time as early as possible,” the source said. “It’s very important at the beginning to be in the right system and get playing time early. “

“Ultimately, it comes down to comfort,” the source added. “He has to find out where his skill set will best be utilized, he wants to get his degree off the court. Both have done a good job, but they’re at opposite ends of the scenario.”

While the above quotations might have made it seem like Bradley was leaning towards Drake, the source also discussed the advantages that UConn has.

“He’s ready, he knows he can play at the highest level,” the source said. “It boils down to Mike’s affection to playing at the highest level. UConn is right at the forefront.”

The source also explained that Bradley is not like most other high school basketball players in that his inner circle is somewhat different.

“It is not the typical mom-dad recruiting process,” the source said. “But he’s lucky that he’s got great folks around him. He’s a grounded young man.”

The source went on to talk about Bradley’s disposition and attitude towards the entire recruiting process.

“He’s very well grounded,” the source said. “He’s a conscientious kid. He’s very appreciative of the process and the people involved. He’s a different sort of kid. He has core principles, and he treats people well. He’s a humble kid. Wherever he ends up, he wants to earn that opportunity.

“Memphis wanted him to commit early [in June], but he said he didn’t know if he had earned it yet. But his confidence level got better in July, and he was beginning to believe. He doesn’t go around beating his chest and talking about how good or big he is. He wants to get better. He’s a very humble kid.”

It looks like a decision has been made and Bradley has opted to compete at the highest level, which is in the Big East. While the source very close to the situation earlier today felt he was leaning in one direction, he was still hesitant to reveal that direction.

“I don’t want to say [which way he is leaning],” the source said. “He is leaning one way, but I don’t want to say something and then he changes his mind completely.”

Now, it seems clearer and it is expected Michael Bradley will join Jeremy Lamb as Connecticut verbal commitments for the class of 2010.
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