Back in the state of Virginia, we recently caught up with a fast-rising guard in 2023 Solomon Ball from Saint James School to discuss the latest in his recruitment. The junior guard has already taken multiple visits and recently added two new offers to his list in DePaul and Iona. But there are several others that are intrigued with his skillset and length, as he discusses with Phenom Hoops about all the latest.
Phenom: How has everything been going this season overall for you'
Ball: This season, as a whole for me, tested my mental toughness. After playing the first three games this season, I fractured my thumb and tore a couple of ligaments, and was out for 10 games.' I ended up playing 14 total for the season and I felt like I was never out.' This season really taught me to never lose my head, no matter what obstacles are in front of me.' And with the seven games that I had played in conference play, I still managed to make the All-Conference team. '
Phenom: Though you had to miss some time, were you able to show more about your game'
Ball: Absolutely. I was able to showcase my ability to go downhill and attack the rim. I believe that no one can stop me when I'm going downhill.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game'
Ball: I would say I am ultimately a three-level scorer that can create for others as well. I am also very athletic with a 6'10 wingspan, which helps me be able to guard multiple positions and finish at the rim over taller defenders.
Phenom: Recruitment has gone well so far. You just received an offer from DePaul. What did they have to say when they offered'
Ball: Coach Stubblefield offered me after I play SoCal Academy and he liked my competitive edge versus the top competition. Coach Bino messages me often and their interest in me has definitely felt strong. Outside of DePaul, I also just received an offer from Coach Rick Pitino at Iona.
Phenom: Nice! What was that like to get that offer' And your thoughts of playing under him and have they been on you for some time'
Ball: It felt great! I had a great conversation with them today on a zoom call and he and the staff are great people.' Coach Tommy from Iona reached out to me a couple of weeks ago and is super consistent with reaching out.' They came out to see one of the last games of my high school season after only a week of talking to him, so I knew they were heavily interested.
Phenom: You hold a few other offers. Who has been staying strong with you that has offered'
Ball: George Washington, VCU, Richmond, and St. Joseph's have stayed really consistent along with DePaul. 'I have been on nine visits to Columbia, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Richmond, George Washington, West Virginia, Xavier, and Mount St. Mary's.
Phenom: Any visits coming up for you'
Ball: No dates set in stone but I am planning on visiting St. Joseph's and VCU in due time.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing strong interest your way in your opinion'
Ball: Providence, Xavier, Virginia Tech, and Clemson have been showing the strongest interest in me. And UCF.
Phenom: In general, what have they been saying to you' Any close to potentially offering'
Ball: I think it is just a matter of time, they all like my ability to score and create for others with the athleticism and length I have at my position and I think I'll get to prove myself right when I'm back on the EYBL Circuit.
Phenom: What is your excitement playing with Team MELO this summer again'
Ball: I am most excited about the fact that I have multiple weapons around me.' We have talent across the board and with what we have, I definitely think we can shock people and other teams on the circuit.