Phenom Hoops spoke with Nick Claxton, who has narrowed his list of colleges in his recruitment
Coming into the 2015 Phenom National Showcase, a buzz had begun about 6’10” 2017 Nick Claxton. He had the length, the skill set, the pedigree that was so intriguing, yet many had yet to see him. It was the Phenom National Showcase that many coaches and many scouts were first able to get a good look at the, now, Top 100 prospect.
Since the National Showcase, Claxton picked up close to 20 high major offers. He says, “The Phenom Hoops platform allowed coaches to follow me closely during the high school and AAU season. The tournaments (and events) I played in were great and there were a lot of college coaches there to watch.”
After accumulating over 20 offers, Claxton has narrowed his list to 6. South Carolina, Georgia, Florida State, NC State, Baylor, and Maryland.
South Carolina – “I built a great relationship with Coaches Martin and Figger. They were the first high major school to start recruiting me, they are also in my home state.”
NC State – “They’re in the ACC and they have great rivalries with Duke and UNC. It’s also a basketball school”
Maryland – “They were one of my early high major offers. Coaches Clarke and Turgeon took the time to visit the school and talk with my parents. I was able to visit and game and experienced a great atmosphere.”
Georgia – “That is the school my parents went to. I have built a great relationship with Coaches Hayes from the beginning of the recruiting process.”
Florida State – “Coach Young played high school basketball with my dad. I was aquainted with him before he started recruiting me, and he’s been in constant contact with me since. With Coach Hamilton, the program has a real family feel.”
Baylor – “Coach Drew has been very hands on with my recruiting process since Day 1. Coach Tang coached me with the Virgin Islands International Team this Summer and we have a great relationship.”
Claxton started July playing in the Summer Havoc, then went straight to playing for the Virgin Islands national team, which he had a great experience. “I had a great experience playing overseas. The FIBA basketball was very physical but I have become used to that because it is my third year playing. It’s nice to be able to travel and see other parts of the world doing what I love to do.”
In the end, Claxton know what is important for him in choosing a college, “I have a great relationship with all the coaching staffs on my list, so that aspect is about the same. I want a family atmosphere and have an open system which allows me to play to my strengths.”
Claxton has set official visits to Florida State for the weekend ofSeptember 10 and to Georgia for the weekend of October 1.