Four-star junior Donald Hand Jr. talks his recruitment
Four-star junior Donald Hand Jr. made a name for himself this past summer with Team Loaded North Carolina. His recruitment blew up and the talented guard out of Virginia Beach, Virginia added several scholarship offers. The 6-foot-5 prospect is the son of former Virginia Star, Donald Hand Sr.
After his excellent summer, he was invited to the McDonald’s All-American Evaluation Camp and was receiving more buzz as an all-around prospect. He showed off his offensive prowess all summer long up until now during his high school season with Landstown (VA). Shoots the three-ball at an efficient rate, gets to the rim well, good size at the guard spot, versatile defender, etc.
I believe he could find himself fitting in nicely at one of the high-major programs recruiting him. He’s got tons to look forward to as his junior season has come to an end after his squad fell short in the semi-finals.
Hand Jr. rekindles with Stockrisers.com, the first time since November, and we discussed his recruitment, his game, and this past season.
Which schools are heavily involved?
“UConn, South Florida, Virginia Tech, Louisville, NC State, LSU, ODU, VCU, Clemson and Cincinnati.”
How about any newer schools?
“Georgia.”
UConn, what are your thoughts on them, and what’s their pitch?
“I really like the coaching staff. They showed me a lot of love. It’s a great school on and of the court. They like the fact that I’m a big guard which means I can play point guard or shooting guard. They love my style of play and think I can come in and be an impact guy.”
Louisville’s guard play this season, has it intrigued you? Thoughts?
“Their guard play has always been really good. I like the way they develop their guards and how they improve on every aspect of their game. I like how they play fast pace and get up and down. They also like the fact that I’m a big guard where I could play point and run the ball screens and fast breaks or run shooting guard and run off down screens or any type of screens and get a bucket.”
VCU, wanted to ask what you thought about them? They’ve been quite impressive this year? Have you watched it?
“I’ve watched a lot of their games this year. I really like their style of play and the tempo. They get after it on defense with a lot of on-ball pressure, then on the offensive end, they always make the right play. Coach Rhoades and Coach Byers think I can strive in their system because they play fast pace and play in transition. Also, they think I can play point guard where I can operate the offensive and can cause mismatches because of my size.”
When will you trim down your list?
“I would say sometime this summer or early fall.”
Commitment timeline?
“The fall.”
What are you looking for in a college program?
“I’m looking for somewhere that feels like home. Where the Coaching staff will push me on and off the court to be the best player I can be.”
And how about the season you had? Thoughts on your junior year.
“The season was great. We made it to the semifinals but fell short. I’ve improved in every category. My shot-making, creating space, ball handling, defense have all improved because I’ve been getting better every day. My expectations are just to keep improving because there is something I can always improve on and keep winning and being a leader.”