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On the recruiting trail, some names are written down for later identification and some are flat out memorized. After his performance at the Great American Shootout in Denton last weekend, Nick Russell belongs in the later category. Showing his explosive playmaking and scoring ability for Team Texas Swoosh 16s, the smooth 6-foot-4, 180-pound point guard from Grace Prep Academy in Arlington made a huge impression on everyone in attendance and as some early high-major offers start flowing in it may be just the tip of the iceberg for the humble, but rising junior.
"So far it's been pretty good - I'm just trying to make it," Russell said of his summer so far. "This past weekend in Denton I did pretty good. I've mostly been driving and dishing as well as shooting, just trying to be quicker and more aggressive."
Russell may downplay his play a little, but he certainly wasn't escaping notice from college coaches. As the tournament rolled on, more and more buzz about Russell started to leak out and more and more coaches started to show up on the sidelines to watch him perform. At tournament's end, it was clear that Russell was a big-time talent and he's squarely on the recruiting radar now.
"I've gotten a couple of offers here and there," Russell said. "Baylor, Washington State, and Notre Dame have offered and I'm getting looks from Texas, Texas A&M, Purdue, and Wisconsin and some others. Some coaches have told me that I need to be more assertive, but to just keep driving and scoring."
For someone who had barely heard from anybody - much less receive an offer - Russell has been taken aback a bit but certainly appreciates the attention. "It's been really quick and it's surprised me," Russell said. "I'm liking everybody right now and there are no real favorites."
Since everything has developed so fast, Russell admits he has "no clue" right now when it comes to what he even wants in a college or program. Instead, he's simply focused on keeping his level of play high and all the momentum on a high level. "My goals are to get ranked higher, keep on getting looks, and get more offers," he said.
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