'23 Silas Demary, Jr. VCU, Providence, Texas A&M are prioritizing

Over the past two high school seasons, Charlotte (NC) Liberty Heights junior Silas Demary, Jr. is 51-3. The 6-foot-5 guard has won a state championship, a Beach Ball Classic championship, and a Big Shots Prep Nationals title

“I’m a downhill guard,” Demary, Jr. told On3 after winning this weekend’s Big Shots Prep Nationals. “I can score on all three levels and get my teammates involved. I can guard anyone on the floor, and I want to guard the best player every game. I’m shooting the ball a lot better this year, and I am over 40-percent this season. I try to take bits and pieces from Ja Morant and Lebron (James), just how they get downhill and get their teammates involved.”

College programs noticed him this summer as he led his Team Curry team to an undefeated record and the Under Armour circuit 16u championship. On3 caught up with Demary, Jr. recently to discuss which schools prioritize him.

“Right now, I am hearing the most from Texas A&M, St John’s, Providence, and VCU,” Demary, Jr. said. “I just visited VCU this week, and we are trying to set up a visit with Providence to get up there before fall. I am going to try and get to Texas A&M this fall too.”

Demary, Jr. talks recruitment

VCU: “The relationship we are making with one another; they always tell me how much they want me and that I am a priority. They’re showing me how I will fit right in and play for them. They like big guards who get downhill and play defense; I fit with what they do perfectly.”

Providence: “I have been talking with coach (Ed) Cooley and (Jeff) Battle here a lot lately. We are building that relationship; it is almost like we are family. And I see they are playing many big-time games and winning a lot right now. That is really sticking out.”

Texas A&M: “The relationship I am building growth coach (Vance) Walden. When we talk, we have hour-long calls, some of it about basketball, but a lot of it is about life. They let me know how I fit in with that program and the future of what they got. Being able to go play for a coach I can talk about on and off the court stuff stands out.”

“For schools who haven’t offered that I hear from, I talked to Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Clemson, NC State, Arizona State, Florida, and Virginia,” Demary, Jr. said.

Demary, Jr.’s take

“I am really looking at the atmosphere of the games and the campus,” Demary, Jr. said. “I’m taking a close look at how the coaches interact with their players. When I am on these visits, I look at how everyone is with one another and their relationships. Mainly, I will be looking closely at the program’s environment how they all interact.

“I’ve discussed coming out in 2022. As of right now, I think I am going to stay in 2023.”

On3’s take

Quite simply, it is hard to ignore the wins and the championships here through high school basketball and the Under Armour Circuit over the last 12 mos. Demary, Jr. has lost only three games, with two championships. It is uncanny how often he wins. Demary, Jr. has a great frame and is an unparalleled defender. He guards the ball, plays in the gaps, and can guard up a lineup, his ability to defend is elite. Offensively, Demary, Jr. is a downhill guard. He is excellent in transition, and he quickly turns defense into offense. We would like to see him tighten his handle in traffic, and the jump shot has turned into a weapon. His father played college and professional football; the toughness is innate. Demary, Jr. makes everyone on the floor better, and he is a connective guard. A top 100-type prospect, the championships should speak for themselves.