One of the top prospects in the 2021 class for North Carolina has been a hot name on the recruiting trail, as each and every day a new offer comes his way.
6’7 Ja’Dun Michael was pushed by Phenom Hoops earlier this year as a potential breakout player to watch for and his summer has been all of that and more.
After playing for The Burlington School this past season and now impressing with Team Loaded 17u, Michael has put in the hard work and it seems to be paying off this summer in a big way.
“It’s really just a blessing to see all of the hard work paying off but I know I can’t settle now,” Michael told Phenom Hoops. “I honestly haven’t had a main focus (in his game), I have just tried to go out there every game and win.”
One of the last times Phenom Hoops watched Michael on the court, he was producing for Team Loaded NC at the Phenom Opening, in which we had this to say:
“Ja’Dun Michael has a chance to be one of the best players in NC’s 2021 class with his ability to create from the wing spot, high flying athleticism, and his great understanding of how the game is supposed to be played. It was clear that he’s still figuring out how to best utilize his abilities with his new team, but he showed incredible progression in just two games today, showing that he’s able and willing to adjust on the fly. He has a chance to have a really special summer with a really special team if he continues to play with the effort he showed on Saturday.”
Since then, he has added offers from Middle Tennessee, Hampton, Elon, Appalachian State, and Old Dominion since late June. Then, his recruitment hit another level with offers from DePaul, Providence, Texas A&M and most recently Penn State.
So now with high major offers starting to role in, Michael broke down his thoughts about his latest four offers.
Texas A&M: “I think the school is really good. Coach Walden was at Elon for a little bit and we built a good relationship, so just knowing that he thought about me when he decided to go to his new school means a lot.”
Penn State: “They are also a good school. They might not be talked about as much but I really do think that could change because of their great coaching staff.”
Providence: “Is a school that is one on the rise and that I feel will continue to rise, especially as they continue to recruit in the Hoop State.”
DePaul: “They are a school that I think will begin to shock a lot of people due to the fact that their coach is really defensive oriented and I really feel like that defense wins games.”
One other school that could join in on his recruitment is NC State, as Michael says that the coaching staff continues to get in touch with him daily and check up on him. In fact, a future visit is in the works with him but that won’t happen to August.
Don’t expect Michael’s recruitment to slow down at any point, as the 6’7 prospect should continue to attract coaches throughout the upcoming live event.