The University of Kansas men’s basketball program will have some of the best high school basketball players in the country on campus this weekend as they kick off the 2009-2010 basketball season with the ‘Late Night in the Phog’ celebration. One vistior who will be on campus this weekend is PG, Josiah Turner. Turner is currently ranked #51 in the ESPNU Super 60.
Although he is just entering his junior season at Sacramento High School in Sacramento, California, Turner is beginning to become more familiar with the recruiting process. Turner had originally committed to Arizona State at the end of summer 2008, but in July of this year Turner re-opened his recruitment after realizing that he may have committed too early in the process.
“Yeah, I reopened it and started reviewing my options,” Turner said about his recruitment. “I just committed a little early. That (ASU) was the only school I visited and I liked it. The coaches were cool, but I didn’t get to look at other schools,” added Turner about committing early to Arizona State.
Now Turner is ready to look at those other schools and Kansas is up this weekend. He seems to be ready for his trip to Lawrence and hopes to see more than just the basketball program. Turner, who wants to major in Communications Studies, also hopes to see what Kansas has to offer him academically.
“Yeah I am,” Turner said of being excited for his visit to Kansas. “It will be a cool visit. I am looking to see how the campus feels, and who the coaches are. The education is another thing,” Turner added.
This weekend’s trip to Kansas will be Turner’s first to the sunflower state. Having never been to Kansas, Turner is only familiar with the Kansas basketball program and the NFL team across the state line in Missouri.
“I’ve never been,”said Turner of Kansas. “Just the basketball program, and the Chiefs,” added Turner.
Turner is aware of the Chiefs’ struggles on the football field lately. He’s also aware of how the Jayhawks play on the basketball court and the success of the program.
“I know they get up and down the court,” said Turner of the Jayhawks. “Yeah, I’ve watched them play a lot. He (Coach Self) is a good man, and I like him. He has talked to me about how they will recruit me and how the basketball team is,” added Turner.
According to Turner, he is currently holding offers from Kansas, Florida International, Arizona State, Oregon, SMU and USC. Schools that are recruiting him, but have not offered yet include UCLA, Arizona, UCONN, Cal, Tennessee, Georgetown, Florida and Wake Forest.
One of the schools who has extended an offer impresses Turner, Florida International. FIU is now led by their new coach and legendary NBA superstar, Isiah Thomas. It’s Thomas and his credentials on the court that make Turner interested in FIU.
“He is a point guard that has been in the league for a long time,” said Turner of Isiah Thomas. “He can teach me a lot of things,” added Turner.
Turner may look at two schools in his home state if he has the chance; however, Turner doesn’t have any other visits planned at this time.
“Just the KU one,” said Turner about any visits. “I might go to USC and UCLA next weekend,” added Turner.
Turner continues to put in a lot of time to improve his 6’2 1/2″, 180 pound frame by hitting the weights to add size and strength.
“Just a lot of weight lifting, and trying to get stronger,” said Turner. ”
Turner seems to know exactly what part of his game he needs to continue to work on and what part of his game has helped make him one of the best point guard prospects on the west coast.
“Probably my three point range,” said Turner of what he needs to improve on. “Need to improve my range on my shot,” added Turner.
As for what he does best on the court, Turner wasted little time answering.
“My passing,” said Turner of his ability to find open teammates.
Since Turner just re-opened his recruitment in July he isn’t looking to make another commitment for some time.
“I’ll probably be done by the end of the next summer circuit,” said Turner.
With the end of the next summer circuit coming in August 2010, the Jayhawks are certainly looking to leave a lasting impression on Turner this weekend.
