Thursday, October 6, 2011

Northland’s Scott Still Evaluating Interest


Devon Scott-6'8 Senior

As most people know by now, Northland’s Devon Scott originally issued a verbal commitment to the University of Cincinnati back in May of this year shortly after an unofficial visit to the school. What some people may not know is that Scott withdrew his commitment from the Big East school about mid-September, after the lines of communication became frayed. Since that time, the 6’8 center, widely considered as one of the top bigs in the class of 2012 in Ohio, has been sifting through several offers from mid to high major programs.

Right now, Scott claims offers from Alabama, Tennessee, Clemson, Dayton, Ohio, Kent State, Cleveland State, UNC Greensboro, Detroit, Toledo, St. Bonaventure and Oakland. According to sources close to Scott’s recruitment, Ohio and Dayton may be the favorites for Scott’s services. Apparently, Ohio’s John Groce has visited Northland on a regular basis in an attempt to close the deal on Scott. Not to be out done, Coach Archie Miller has also been to the school on several occasions to meet with Scott and his family.

Both Ohio and Dayton seem to fit some of Scott’s requirement, in that both schools are close to home. According to Scott’s father, distance will be a factor in his son’s decision. Ohio may have an edge at this point, because guard play may be another factor. When asked what his son will be looking for in a program he responded; “A guard like Stevie Taylor,” referring to freshman guard from Gahanna Lincoln who will suit up for the Bobcats this season. “Devon is looking to play with an unselfish guard. He is unselfish himself and he wants teammates who are unselfish. He wants to play with a guard who is confident in himself, has nothing to prove and will get him (Devon) the ball,” said the elder Scott. In terms of a time frame for his decision, Scott’s father thinks it will come soon.

According to Victor Dandridge, who is handling most of Scott’s recruitment, Scott may pull the trigger on a school within the next month. In addition, he has counseled Scott to “pick a program that will allow him to reach his full potential; a program that will allow him to play through mistakes and to develop.”

I did get a chance to interview Scott as part of the story, and he shared his thoughts about schools, goals, and a time frame for his decision. "I'm evaluating a lot of schools. Right now,  I don't want to put any schools ahead of the other."  In terms of what he wants in a school, "The best basketball situation that can help me achieve my dreams," (NBA) said Scott. I want a school that has a history of putting guys in the league. I'm looking for a forwards coach that can help me get to the NBA," added Scott.  I asked him about OU and Dayton, and Scott replied, " I like OU and Dayton, but I'm keeping everybody on a level playing field." In addition, although he like both programs, after a visit from Alabama the night before last, that school has risen on his list. "Alabama just left (Associate Head Coach Dan Hipsher) and they like me more than I thought," said Scott. "They have moved up (on his list) to me mentally," offered Scott.

It does not appear that Scott is in a hurry to make the call, and it appears doubtful he will select a program before the high school season tips off. "I will make my decision (on a college) when it feels right," said Scott. The only visit Scott has planed is to Ohio on October 15th. "I want to focus more on academics than visits right now," continued Scott.  Look for Scott and his Northland squad to do big things this season.

Devon Scott Video

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