The recruiting landscape has clearly become more and more unpredictable over the recent years. Sure, most college coaches have always walked to the beat of their own drum, and rightfully so, as they’ve earned the position to run their program how they desire. However, there are various prospects each year whose ability and recruitment simply don’t align. So many outsiders say errant comments like “how can someone say a kid should have ‘x’ offers'” When in reality, there’s so much evidence and available comparison methods that it’s pretty straightforward. Think of someone like Carlos Vazquez, for example. Between his production, general success, and overall identity, there’s really no excuse for him to be so widely overlooked by scholarship-level programs.
Since his freshman season, Vazquez has been a difference-maker for Wayne Country Day. Even amid uncertainty and coaching changes, he stayed the course, adapted to team needs, and continued to shine as a leader. Look at his numbers over the last two seasons:
Sophomore (2021-22): 8.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 70% FG
Junior (2022-23): 13.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.2 SPG
His uptick in production across the board speaks for itself. After losing multiple key pieces, Vazquez was quick to assert himself in a leadership role. Not only did his individual numbers improve, the team also found more success.
In terms of his on-court identity, the appeal should be plainly obvious. Vazquez is a big, strong, versatile wing prospect who can cause mismatches and produce in a variety of different roles. At 6-foot-5, he’s capable of playing bigger than his listed height and can comfortably contain two or three positions defensively. He rebounds at a consistent rate on both ends and is skilled enough to immediately push the break in transition. Vazquez is a useful initiator and smart playmaker with the ability to create clean looks for himself and others. Between posting-up, attacking the basket, and hitting jumpers (both off the catch and bounce), Vazquez can score the ball in a healthy variety of ways. He also moves well to find opportunities as a cutter. Although coaches are arriving late to the party, there’s still ample time for scholarship-level programs to get involved.