Isaiah Miranda remaining patient with recruitment, still hearing from Kentucky

2023 four-star center Isaiah Miranda is one of the most interesting center prospects in the rising senior class. His play can get a bit erratic at times, but at 7-foot-1, he does things no other big in the country can do. He knocks down 3-pointers, catches lobs, finishes with touch around the rim, blocks shots and runs the floor well. Those traits helped him finish as KSR’s event MVP at the 2022 Pangos All-American Camp this past week in Las Vegas.

What’s the latest on his recruitment? The top-40 prospect caught up with KSR at Pangos to discuss the schools prioritizing him the most, Kentucky’s involvement, his growth as a player and a timeline for a decision.

Check out the complete interview below.

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What does it feel like to receive the recognition you have recently with your play?

I appreciate all of it. Last year, I wasn’t even in the top 50, I had like two offers when I was here. I was really a nobody. Now that everyone can see the progress I’ve made, how far I’ve come, it’s a blessing.

Was that your mindset coming into this camp, to prove how far you’ve come?

For sure. I definitely had a chip on my shoulder to prove who I really was. I feel like last year, I didn’t really give anybody a full understanding of who I really was.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a good guy that likes to play basketball. I can do multiple things, not just like a typical big man. I feel like most people criticize me as a typical big man when they get a first glance of me, but as you can see, I can really play the more you watch me.

What else do you bring to the table?

I bring the energy for sure. Definitely have the best energy, that’s for sure.

How much do you think you’ve grown from then to now?

I’ve definitely unlocked a lot of the skills I didn’t have last year. Right now I’m just focused on sharpening all of it. Shooting, last year I didn’t think I was very good at shooting. Now, I feel like one of my main abilities is to score and shoot.

How do you think you stack up with the other bigs in the class?

To be honest, I feel like I’m the most skilled, but I’ve got to get my motor up and show I can play every play and give the most effort I can every play.

How do you get to that point? Is it a mindset thing?

It’s a mindset thing for sure. I just have to get in the right mindset, stay locked in at all times.

In terms of your recruitment, what visits do you have coming up?

I have my visit to USC (this week) and then I’m going to Georgetown.

There’s a lot of buzz right now with USC. What do you like about them?

I like how they utilize their big men and don’t force them down low. If you play hard over there, they’ll let you rock, bring the ball up, play with freedom a little bit. That’s what I like and that’s how I want to play, present my skill.

What about Georgetown?

I just want to go over there and learn everything I can about the program. Patrick Ewing, he’s a Hall of Famer, a big man. I want to get as much information as I can and see how they can help me develop. That’s going to be a really good experience.

Are you looking for a person like Patrick Ewing to help you with your journey?

For sure, like a mentor. I’m looking for a mentor to guide me through this.

What else are you looking for in a school?

Somewhere that will develop me into a pro. That’s the ultimate goal, to become a pro.

Outside of USC and Georgetown, who do you feel is prioritizing you the most?

LSU and UConn, I’d say.

Where do things stand with Kentucky right now?

For sure, I definitely have the interest from Kentucky, (John) Calipari and I have built a really good relationship. I don’t have an offer, though, so my recruitment with them is pretty warm. I talk to Coach Orlando (Antigua). That’s my guy, we talk a lot. Probably like once every week, he’ll shoot a text to me and ask if I’m doing good.

Is another visit to Kentucky possible?

For sure. I took an unofficial there, but I’ll probably take an official there this year during my senior year visits. My last visit was in December. When I went there, I was stargazed, seeing everything they’ve done for people my size, how they utilize everybody and use the staff, nutritionists and everything, it was a crazy step into the next level.

What’s your timeline for a decision? It sounds like you’re going to be patient with things.

For sure. Right now I’m only focusing on developing myself as a player and my character.

Is the pro route something that appeals to you?

I don’t know, we’ll see. I haven’t really heard from anybody for now.