Phenom Hoops continues to bring readers and fans all the latest updates in the recruiting world, as we head down to Texas to check in on 2023 6’8 forward Keanu Dawes from Stratford high school.
Dawes had the attention of several schools before but since the start of the high school season this year, his recruitment took off in a big way as schools like Texas A&M, TCU, Tennessee, and Houston have all offered in December. We spoke to him about the latest, his thoughts on the latest offers, what visits he has taken and has set up, and who else has been showing interest his way.
Read the latest in his recruitment.
Phenom: First off, how has everything been going for you as far as basketball for you'
Dawes: It has been going really well. My team is doing well, we are off to a 17-4 start. I am playing well this season and my recruitment is really starting to pick up, so I can’t complain at all.
Phenom: What has it been like playing with your guys this season' What have you seen with this team in your eyes but also, what have you been able to provide on the floor as well'
Dawes: It has been so much fun doing what we are doing, especially with the group of guys we have. We are super close off the court but when we are on the court, we are locked in because we all know what we are trying to achieve and I think that has helped us play together and play for each other. I feel like this year, I have been able to provide leadership for the team, just being the guy that my teammates can look to has really helped the team this year.
Phenom: How would you describe your game and what have you been able to show more with your game this year'
Dawes: I would describe my game as a versatile 3. I feel like I can pass and shoot very well for my size. I have been able to showcase my guard skills more this year.
Phenom: How has everything been going with your recruitment these days'
Dawes: It has been going great, ever since the school season started, my recruitment has really picked up.
Phenom: December has been big for sure. What is your overall excitement to see these big schools coming your way now'
Dawes: It has been cool to see because it is something I have been working towards for a while.
Phenom: Have to ask you about your thoughts first on the latest offer from Houston. What did they have to say, what do they like about your game, and what do you know about them'
Dawes: They said they were impressed with my guard skills and how versatile I am. I know a lot about them because I have been to a lot of their games. I like how they play and that they were honest with me about what they wanted to see throughout the whole recruiting process.
Phenom: When was the last time you visited there'
Dawes: December 22nd, when they played Texas State.
Phenom: Thoughts on the offer from Tennessee and that program'
Dawes: I really like Coach Barnes and Coach Clark; they both see young KD in me and that means a lot to me because that is who I try to model my game after. Especially from Coach Barnes, it means a lot since he coached KD (Kevin Durant) at Texas.
Phenom: Also added offers from TCU and Texas A&M. Any thoughts on them'
Dawes: A&M meant a lot because they were my first high-major offer. I talk to Coach Wolf a lot, so I really like them and basically the same thing with TCU. I talk to Coach Broussard almost every day. I really like him; we talk about things other than basketball so I feel like they really see me as more than just a recruit.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing interest but haven’t yet offered'
Dawes: Recently, I have been hearing from Utah, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford, and Ohio State.
Phenom: Several big-time schools. Have any really been showing strong interest in your eyes'
Dawes: Yes sir, Utah has been showing heavy interest, and same with Stanford.
Phenom: What schools have you visited' And have any visits scheduled down the road'
Dawes: So far, I have visited Texas A&M, Rice, and Sam Houston but I have a visit set up to Texas next week on January 22nd-23rd.
Phenom: What interest has Texas shown your way'
Dawes: They were actually the first high-major to reach out to me. Both Coach Beard and Coach Maligi have been up at my school to see me before.
Phenom: Any other schools that you would like to visit but haven’t scheduled'
Dawes: We are working on getting down to Tennessee and the same with Utah.
