PHILADELPHIA – Class of 2013 big man Jermaine Lawrence elevated his stock on a national level quite a bit this spring. The 6-foot-9 power forward from New York City impressed on the circuit and generated some major buzz.
Kansas is one of the schools that has taken notice of the rising senior from Pope John XXIII (NJ) and is getting involved with him. While at the Reebok Breakout Challenge, Lawrence spoke with The Shiver about his recruitment, his thoughts on KU and more.
Lawrence said that he holds scholarship offers from Syracuse, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Florida, Kansas, St. John’s, and UNLV in addition to others.
“No, everybody is basically the same right now,” Lawrence said of whether he has any favorites, adding, “Anywhere right now is open to me.”
The rising senior is “not really sure” when he will make his college decision, but he does plan to trim his list before doing so.
“Probably [will] be later in the year,” Lawrence said of when he will narrow down his choice of schools.
Thus far he has been on unofficial visits to three schools: Rutgers, St. John’s and Virginia Tech.
“UNLV later in the month,” Lawrence said of what trips he has planned.
Despite the fact that Kansas is not in the Northeast like nearly half of Lawrence’s list, that will not be a detriment for the Jayhawks. Lawrence said that he is not concerned with a college’s location.
Although Kansas is in Lawrence’s recruiting picture, the talented frontcourt player is still in the learning stages about the Big 12 program.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know much about them,” Lawrence said. “I don’t watch too much college ball.”
Lawrence did confirm that he has been in contact with KU head coach Bill Self, saying that they spoke on the phone a few months ago.
When asked about his relationship with Self, Lawrence replied simply, “We only talked like once on the phone.”
In addition to talking about recruiting, Lawrence also provided some thoughts on his game.
“Being able to play different positions on [the court],” Lawrence said of his main strength.
As for what position he thinks he is in general, Lawrence remarked, “I see myself as a three at the next level.”
Lawrence also talked about what it is he is doing at the times that he is at his best on the hardwood.
“Making threes and getting to the basket, really,” Lawrence said.
The spring stock booster knows that there are aspects of his game that need work and he cited one in particular as his primary weakness as a player.
“Probably my left hand, that’s it,” he said.
Lawrence turned in a pretty solid showing at the Reebok Breakout Challenge despite dealing with injuries to both one of his ankles and one of his wrists.
“My ankle is still a little bit messed up,” Lawrence said, “but my wrist is better.”
Check out highlights of Jermaine Lawrence HERE
