Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Sam Perez
Class: 2022
Committed to: High Point
What the Player Said:
Phenom: What made High Point the place for you in the end' What all went into your decision'
Perez: For me, it really checked all the boxes for me and my family. It was a great place for me to get a great education and also an outstanding campus for me to live on for the next four years. As far as the basketball fit, it was really a no-brainer to play for Coach Smith and the rest of the staff. I feel like they have a legitimate need for me on the team and I can come in and make an immediate impact.
Phenom: What plans do the staff have for you in how they would like to use you and what you may be able to provide on the court'
Perez: They love my size and ability to shoot the ball. Coach Smith loves my ability to also space the floor and use my perimeter skills to create for others, so I think my versatility on the offensive and defensive end fits a need for the team and I’ll make a difference playing the 3-5.
Phenom: How long have they been on you' And how has that relationship developed with the staff'
Perez: To be honest, it all happened pretty fast. Coach Gatlin saw me for the first time in Atlanta at the HoopSeen event and then after that, the relationship hit the ground running. I was quickly in contact with all the assistants and then shortly after AAU ended, Coach Smith called me and offered me. The relationship had grown tremendously over the past month or so and the visit I took this past weekend cemented my decision.
Phenom: What is going to be your focus now with your decision behind you'
Perez: The focus is extremely simple; to win a ring.
Phenom: How has this journey been for you overall, when you look back at it all and now having a chance to play at the next level.
Perez: It is honestly surreal. At one point, I was playing three sports in high school and was not sure which one I wanted to pursue. So to be able to play the game that I love is truly a blessing and I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity. You truly never know where life will take you.
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“He’s proven to be a reliable perimeter shooter and overall threat out of the two-man game (both when popping or rolling), and handles the ball very well for his size/position. Perez displays nice energy and toughness inside the paint and regularly makes his presence felt as a rebounder. He knows how to play within himself and consistently get to his spots in transition.” – Jeff Bendel
“What is there not to like about Perez' Sometimes, there are players that you look at and watch and you wonder why more schools haven’t got involved with how they may be able to utilize him. Perez is one of them, as the 6’8 is an extremely tough matchup with his length to go with his ball skills, while also stretching the floor consistently from three. You add that on top of his leadership role he plays and making winning plays on both ends, Perez is one that should see his stock rise after this summer.” – Patrick O’Brien
“Given his ability and production, it’s very difficult to try and understand why Sam Perez doesn’t have more scholarship offers. After averaging 16.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 3.5 APG with 51% FG during his junior season at Middle Creek, the offer-less Perez sought out to receive appropriate attention from college coaches. He earned an offer from Campbell following an impressive summer season. However, it felt like more programs should’ve been involved even then. Fast-forward to now, and it’s even more perplexing to attempt to make sense of his recruitment. Perez is tough, skilled, and well-rounded with the necessary size and athleticism to overwhelm opponents in a variety of different ways.”