There weren’t many players in the 2011 class that raised more eyebrows than the #16 ranked player the ESPNU Super 60, Brad Beal. Throughout the summer Beal impressed coaches, scouts and basketball junkies around the country with his ability to score in bunches. Beal is a unique talent when he walks onto the basketball court. With his 6’3″, 180 pound frame, Beal displayed the ability to get to the rim and finish, combined with his silky smooth stroke from behind the arc and mid-range, makes Beal one of the best scorers in the class.
Beal didn’t only impress on-lookers stateside. He took his game global this summer, he was one of the most impressive players in leading the Under 16 USA Developmental National Team to a gold medal in Argentina in June. Beal averaged 19.0 points per game, which led Team USA, and he was the third leading scorer throughout the tournament. Beal also ranked 8th in three-point percentage and 1st in three-point baskets made.
Beal was already a coveted recruit before the trip to Argentina, but with his performance there and his terrific play throughout July for his AAU team, the St. Louis Eagles, Beal quickly became a must-get recruit for many programs. Beal currently has an impressive list of schools and because Beal hopes to make a decision sooner than later, cutting the list before he makes his decision might not be an option.
“Kansas, Florida, Duke, Ohio State, Missouri, Purdue, Wake Forest, Minnesota and Illinois,” said Beal via text of his list of schools recruiting him. “I would like to (cut list down), but if I don’t, then I will just decide which school I like best,” added Beal about trying to shorten his list.
One school on Beal’s list that he’s visited is Ohio State; he was impressed by the fan support that Ohio State has.
“I just came back from the Ohio State versus USC game. It was loud and crazy,” said Beal. “I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the game, and the fans, they are really supportive of the Buckeyes,” added Beal.
Although no other unofficial visits are scheduled at this time, Beal is hoping that changes in the coming weeks. One trip Beal would like to make is to an event he attended last year, the annual Kansas basketball kick-off celebration, “Late Night in the Phog.”
“I don’t have any visits planned as of right now,” Beal said. “Yeah, I want to try to get up there with my parents, but if not, I’ll decide whether or not to go with my coach,” added Beal on the possibility of attended the “Late Night” celebration.
As for a when Beal wants to make his decision on where he will attend college, Beal isn’t looking to drag his recruitment past his junior year of high school.
“Yeah, I want to do it before the start of my basketball season,” said Beal of when he’s looking to decide.
Check out the July, 2009 ESPN Scout’s, Inc. evaluation of Beal.
July, 2009: Beal is an efficient basketball player. The game seems effortless to him. His game is very smooth with little wasted movement. He scores in a variety of ways, he makes long range shots, puts the ball on the floor to attack the rim and shoots the pull-up jump shot. He uses a hesitation move to keep the defense off balance and explodes with a first step that covers a lot of ground to get to the spot where he wants to shoot. He does not force the issue, thus letting the game come to him. He is a very good ball handler and capable of getting his own shot or knocking down open looks from his teammates. He passes the ball well and plays within himself. On defense, he plays passing lanes well to get steals that lead to transition baskets for his team. Beal’s great basketball intelligence and skills make him one of the country’s best in 2011.
