Getting used to being one of the most coveted basketball players isn’t as easy at it seems. One year you’re just playing basketball for the love of the game, and the next, you’re being analyzed by college coaches, fans, and analysts from all over the country. This is exactly what the #2 SF in the 2011 class, LeBryan Nash, has been experiencing over the last year. Nash has taken it well though, as he has impressed at every event he has played in this summer. TheShiver.com caught up to Nash’s summer coach Tony Johnson to talk about Nash’s transition into a big time recruit, his game, and what his future looks like.
“He’s overwhelmed right now,” Johnson said of Nash and his recruitment. “Everyone is trying to recruit him. He doesn’t have a cell phone right now because everyone wants to talk to him,” Johnson added.
The Kansas Jayhawks are one of the “everyone” that are trying to recruit Nash. According to Johnson, Nash certainly has interest in the Jayhawks.
“He loves Kansas,” Johnson said. “He likes Coach Self, Coach Townsend, Coach Dooley, and Coach Manning,” added Johnson about the Kansas coaching staff.
In regards to a visit being set up to Lawrence, Johnson thinks that is something that they might discuss in the near future.
“We haven’t made in plans yet because this stuff (recruitment) is coming real fast at him,” Johnson said.
Nash did have the opportunity to visit Lawrence earlier this year at KU’s Elite camp. Although he didn’t see a lot of campus, Nash did like what he saw.
“He loved it,” Johnson said about Elite camp. “He saw a little bit of campus. The plans for the practice facility, and he saw some other stuff out there,” Johnson added.
With a current list that includes Kansas, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and Texas among others, it appears Nash may take some time before deciding on where he will attend school. According to Johnson, when it comes to Nash and his personality, it wouldn’t surprise him if Nash’s recruitment ended sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t surprise him if it took awhile as well.
“With the way his mind work, he could end it early or he could wait,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t be surprised either way,” added Johnson.
Nash’s performance on the court this summer has certainly helped build his confidence and his attitude on the court. Something that Johnson thinks is great for Nash, and something that he should continue to develop.
“He has come a long way with his attitude and confidence. He is very confident now,” said Johnson. “He is really coming into his own right now,” added Johnson.
With added maturity to go along with his booming confidence, the opportunities are endless for LeBryan Nash.
Pic from Andrew Shurtleff for ESPN.com
