2022 4-star forward AJ Casey cuts list to 8
The No. 54 overall player in the On3 100, AJ Casey told On3 he is down to eight schools.
The 6-foot-8 power forward from Whitney Young (Ill.) High School has cut his list down to Ohio State, Michigan, DePaul, Gonzaga, Florida, Marquette, Illinois and Memphis.
Casey has only taken one official visit so far to Ohio State. Marquette received an unofficial visit. Casey said he plans to set up official visits to both Gonzaga and Florida in the near future, and he discusses each school with On3.
Ohio State
“It’s a great program,” AJ Casey said about the Buckeyes. “A lot of people have come out of there like D’Angelo Russell, Evan Turner, Greg Oden. They have a lot of history. This past season they had an amazing run but unfortunately got cut short by Oral Roberts. But the visit was great. Being with the coaches, being with some of the players… They just showed us the whole campus, the gym, the facilities. It was great just being there.”
Michigan
“Coach Juwan (Howard) is a great coach,” AJ Casey said about the Wolverines. “During the recruiting process, he’s not really as focused on the basketball side as much. He’s more like ‘How are you doing. How are things going with the family.’ So, it’s a great relationship. And of course Michigan keeps bringing guys in. Ever since he took over the program, they’ve made a deep run in the NCAA tournament. That just shows what kind of impact he made since he got the head coaching job.”
DePaul
“They have a lot of history that most people don’t know of,” AJ Casey said about DePaul. “They just had a new coaching change with coach Stubbs (Tony Stubblefield). He’s always calling, checking in. There’s a bond there as well. I love DePaul.”
Gonzaga
“Gonzaga always has a powerhouse program,” AJ Casey said about the Zags. “They’re always in the tournament. Me, coach Roger (Powell Jr.) and coach (Brian) Michaelson… We all have that same connection. Coach Roger started recruiting me my sophomore year, so we have a stronger relationship. He’s one of those guys who’s always sending me film, things I need to work on to get better. He’s just one of those real coaches and someone who’s going to keep it real with you.”
Florida
“Coach (Mike) White is a very cool dude,” AJ Casey said about the Gators. “That’s my recent offer. Every time I talk to him, we always have a genuine conversation. I love the relationship we have. We’re looking to probably take an official (visit) in the fall.”
Marquette
“Coach Dre (Deandre Haynes) and Coach Shaka (Smart) keep it real with you,” AJ Casey said about Marquette. “That’s one of the big points with me – that a coach that’s going to get in you and not sweet talk you.”
Illinois
“They place at a fast pace,” AJ Casey said about the Illini. “I feel like that’s one of the key things in my recruitment, because of course, everyone is starting to adapt to it. It’s the new age of the NBA, with the fast pace. You don’t see teams slow it down now and play slo-mo offense anymore. Coach (Brad) Underwood has been at me for a minute now.”
Memphis
“Coach (Cody) Toppert is always on me,” AJ Casey said about Memphis. “He’s always sending me film, things I would be doing if I went there. Memphis has that NBA staff. They know what it takes to get there. They’ve been there, and they’ve seen it all. So they kind of have an advantage. Coach Penny (Hardaway), I’ve only spoken to him a couple of times, but he told me he’s looking for me to be one of the main pieces of his offense.”