If you recently missed, rankings have been starting to be released by several national outlets including ESPN's rankings for the Class of 2024. One of the top players that received recognition was 2024 6'5 Isaiah Elohim from Heritage Elohim, who is coming off an impressive freshman season, has racked in multiple Pac-12 offers already, and is looking forward to what he hopes to be a big summer.
Phenom Hoops recently spoke with Elohim to talk the latest in our latest Recruit Q&A.
Phenom: First off, how has everything been going with you, as far as basketball goes'
Elohim: Everything has been going well, just been working and preparing for EYBL and USA.
Phenom: It has been a big summer for sure. What has been your main focus for the EYBL' What are you hoping to really show with your game on the court' And who will you be playing with this summer'
Elohim: My main focus is to win it all but individually, I want to show that I can impact winning many ways on the court and my skillset. People see the highlights and dunks but in person, I really want everyone to see my full game and this summer, I'm playing with Paul George Elite.
Phenom: What is your excitement with Team USA'
Elohim: With Team USA, I'm just excited to compete and prove myself against the top guys and God willing, bring home a gold medal.
Phenom: What does it mean to you to earn that early recognition and play with such great talent' How do you think it can also help or show you more about your game'
Elohim: It's a blessing. Anytime I get to be around and compete with the best players, it is an honor and as far as helping and showing more about my game with USA, it is all about contributing to the team. It is bigger than the individual, so I think it will help show and improve my ability to adapt and will show me how to play roles that I'm not accustomed to.
Phenom: Going back to your high school season. You all racked up the wins at Heritage and you were the leader of the pack, averaging nearly 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists for your team. When did you realize that you were going to be one of the go-to players for your team early on, especially with several seniors as well'
Elohim: The high school season was great. I learned a lot from it. I realized I would be a go-to player in the practices leading up to the season. We would scrimmage and I would play against the seniors and still do what I do and then the first game, I had 27 and that was kind of like the confirmation that I can produce at a high level for the team.
Phenom: What are you looking to really focus on with your game this summer and improve on, getting ready for next season'
Elohim: I always work on all facets of my game because you can always improve but the main focus is getting my 3-point shot extremely consistent, stretching the floor for my teammates and I've been watching a lot of film, just trying to improve my all-around IQ for the game.
Phenom: Have to ask, you earned some tremendous recognition early on being ranked No. 3 by ESPN. What was that like earning that honor'
Elohim: It is a blessing, you know a kid coming up, you dream of being recognized in that light. It is an honor but at the end of the day, it is early and I have a lot more work to do. It definitely motivates me.
Phenom: For people that don't know your game yet, how would you best describe your game'
Elohim: I'm very athletic but I like to be a playmaker for others, as well as myself. I can run the offense or score at a high rate and play both ends of the ball.
Phenom: Recruitment has gone well early on. You hold offers from Oregon, USC, Arizona, and Arizona State correct'
Elohim: Yes sir, those are the ones that have offered so far.
Phenom: Have you heard what they liked about your game early on' And what is your excitement around earning those offers early on'
Elohim: I've heard from some coaches that they like how physical I am and my ability to score, defend, and create for others. Being offered this early on is a blessing but I always play with the mindset that I'm still unknown with no offers. I never want to become complacent with where I'm at as a player.
Phenom: I know it is still early but I'm sure you are familiar with some of those programs already.' Anything stand out about each of them yet for you'
Elohim: They are all great schools in the Pac-12. Their history with players and their facilities and team culture is really what stands out to me.