InsideMDSports: Terps chasing Torian Graham?
Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.
The Maryland basketball staff continues to span the country in its efforts to bring in a top 2012 recruiting class, a tour that recently made a pit stop at Arlington Country Day School in Jacksonville, Fla. – the new home of senior shooting guard Torian Graham.
Graham, a highly touted former N.C. State commitment ranked the No. 52 prospect in the Class of ’12, has been on Maryland’s radar for some time, having known Terps assistant Dalonte Hill from his days playing for the D.C. Assault AAU program. Hill joined head coach Mark Turgeon on the visit to Graham, an ultra-athletic 6-foot-4 scorer who hails from Durham, N.C.
“They think he’s an outstanding player and would be an asset to their program,” said ACD head coach Rex Morgan. “Coach Turgeon makes his kids better, and as a coach, that’s important to me.”
Both Morgan and Len Lilly, Graham’s guardian, said Graham is nowhere near making a decision. He’s been settling in at Arlington Country Day following his fall transfer there, working on academics and coping with the recent passing of his mother.
“He’s doing pretty good. He’s taking everything well. I’m impressed with him. He’s matured a lot,” Lilly said. “He’s really just taking it easy right now.”
Lilly said Maryland, Baylor, Florida State and Texas are among the schools seriously pursuing Graham. Graham has been high on Kentucky for some time, but does not have an offer from the Wildcats and may not receive one following the commitment of blue-chip Arkansas shooting guard Archie Goodwin on Tuesday.
“He’s got a lot of schools recruiting him,” Lilly said. “I talked to Dalonte. They offered, I think it was a few weeks ago.”
Could the presence of Hill, who’s known Graham for years, secure Graham’s commitment? It could help, Lilly said, but won’t be the deciding factor.
“Sort of, but it’s not that big of an influence. Dalonte is a good guy,” he said.
Graham has yet to schedule any visits but will likely do so soon, including a trip to College Park.
“He hasn’t as of right now, but he will probably [take visits] in November some time,” Morgan said.
It remains undecided whether Graham will sign early or wait until the spring period. Morgan said Graham is preparing to take the ACT and/or SAT right now.
Graham has been recovering from an ankle injury, but Morgan has had no trouble seeing why high-major programs are seeking his commitment.
“He’s very explosive. He’s been injured but I’d seen him play before. He’s also got very good basketball IQ,” he said.
The other question: is Maryland pursuing Graham as a sixth recruit – the Terps will likely take a power forward and are in prime position with Houston guard Christian Sanders – or is he an alternative in case Sanders goes elsewhere? Only the staff knows for sure, but it’s become clear there is serious interest in Graham.
Stay tuned …
-- Story by Jeff Ermann
To gain access to all of InsideMDSports.com's premium Terps sports and recruiting content, click HERE.
Comments
He's the 52ND ranked player and is waiting for a call from Kentucky? He already De committed from NC State? Does Maryland really need this? What if he verbals and he gets a phone call? As we know his word isn't worth much?
I hope Tugeon keeps recruiting his spot unless he signs before we get someone as good or better? There are always more fish in the sea and we already have some good guards!
To me he sounds like he has an attitude and thinks he is a one and done? I would take a pass and wish him luck!
Posted by: Flynn | September 22, 2011 12:09 PM
Yes I agree .. just how good is he?? With Pitt and Syracuse coming in soon, we need to step up our efforts even more it would seem and guys like Graham just don't fit that profile IMHO ...
Posted by: steveinboston | September 22, 2011 12:50 PM
the aau circuit is done for the summer. only pick up games and random unlimited leagues remain... but do a little video research and look him up. he's a player. he's a 52nd not a top 5. other schools are deep into the process with recruiting other kids. --but on the rebound, he has other offers from some big schools already.
Posted by: space | September 22, 2011 4:18 PM
Do any of these B-ball kids go to "real" high schools? It's seems they transfer around alot,and to schools w/ "country day" or "academy" in the names.
Posted by: gremlin | September 22, 2011 6:01 PM
why did he backout of nc state? coaching changes? if thats the reason, i say go get him....we've had enough of our own experience with coaching changes so, it happens. if he's a mental mess, forget him
Posted by: pepper | September 22, 2011 10:41 PM
2012 we need size, size, and more size. With all the guards on roster with the exception of Mosley being underclassman.. guards can wait till 2013, specifically the Harrison twins.
Posted by: Sean | September 22, 2011 10:48 PM
No. 52 is not that good? He's number 9 on the ESPN SG's for '12, and #38 all around. His mom just died. Leave the recruiting to the men who get paid for it. Meanwhile Prince has been on a lot of lists. Jefferson? Cuse OSU, UConn, WV all offering. Will Parker show up this year?
Posted by: Norman Blankscreen | September 23, 2011 1:59 PM
Flynn talks like a UNC fan. No one is good enough for them unless they receive word directly from God.
Posted by: Achilles | September 23, 2011 7:41 PM
Achilles
At least you didn't call me a Duke fan? An insult none the less.
Maybe I'm wrong and this kid will come here and be an All American? I have never seen him play and lets face it the Video's only show highlights.
My problem is I am a Maryland alum class of 76 who remembers when Lefty got top ten caliber talent and it wasn't taking leftovers from anybody! There is no reason not to have high standards at Maryland? Guys like Cleare and Layman want to be Terps!
Grahm strikes me as someone who may condesend to come to Maryland only if his other options dont work out? No matter how talented a player may be I don't want someone who has us as a second or third option.
So call me names but I'll stick to my guns that we can get great talent without groveling? I am sure the new coaching staff will make the right decision.
GO TERPS!
Posted by: Flynn | September 24, 2011 9:51 AM
Graham committed over a month and a half AFTER Gottfried was hired, towards the end of May. He then decommitted about 2 months later. When he first committed he was around number 20. Seems he is going down the rankings. It's never come out about why he decommitted, but it appears that it was mutual. That being said, we got Purvis, so no worries.
Posted by: sundropdrinker13 | November 2, 2011 10:39 PM