Five-star junior Layden Blocker focused on seven schools, still open
I’ve been extremely heavy on the Layden Blocker train, ladies and gents.
The 6-foot-2, 172-pound guard formerly of Little Rock Christian, announced his transfer to Sunrise Christian Academy this summer after being a casual at national camps and a dominant sophomore season.
Blocker was also a very popular name on the EYBL circuit this summer and it has led to an influx of programs vying to enter the mix. As of now, Blocker has seven programs he is focused on but tells Stockrisers.com ‘my recruitment is still open’ – meaning that his focus is on the seven schools he trimmed down too, but, if the right school comes calling, Blocker could be all ears.
The elite-level prospect has continued to prove myself and many others right this season as a vital piece of Sunrise’s rotation. On a team with guys pledged to Baylor, Florida State, Kansas, Blocker has become a Top-3 scoring option which has been a pleasure to watch.
He's up to season averages of 8.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 boards, and nearly two steals per game for the Buffaloes. My favorite stat is his percentage from beyond the arc: 42%. Blocker told Stockrisers.com in June that one area of improvement he will be locking in on this season was his shooting from three-point land and clearly, he's on an upward rise in that area.
We talked about that, and certain programs involved in his recruitment.
Here's Blocker’s 1-on-1 with Stockrisers.com.
So, which schools are heavily involved?
“The schools heavily involved are really just my Top-7.”
(Memphis, Baylor, Kansas, Gonzaga, Oklahoma State, Auburn, and Arkansas)
Have any schools tried to enter the mix? Or focused on the seven 100%?
“Well, not technically. My recruitment is still open. Those seven schools are really just the seven schools that contact me the most and show the most interest.”
Talk Baylor, what stands out about them and your thoughts on their guard play?
“I like how Baylor has a winning culture and how coach Drew is very energetic when he is coaching and how he expresses himself. Baylor does a good job developing their guards. Guards have control over the offense and have freedom within their system. Baylor also plays with energy on both ends of the floor."
How about Auburn? Does their guard play stand out in recruitment and your thoughts?
“Yes, it stands out in their recruitment. I like how Auburn and Coach Pearl motivate their players. Auburn plays with energy and loves to turn their defense to offense. I like their fast uptempo style of play and how they allow the guards to have freedom within their system.”
How about a school like Gonzaga? They’re still involved? What are their pursuit and pitch?
“Yes, they are still involved. They think I can be a great two-way guard like Jalen Suggs and play both ends of the floor efficiently. I like how Gonzaga plays a fast tempo high scoring offense. They use a lot of pick and rolls and motion offense. They also play good defense and cause turnovers.”
What are your current visit plans? Any schools you will definitely be visiting?
“I don't know when I'm taking any official visits but I know I'm going to take some this spring and summer.”
How has your season with Sunrise been? Which areas of your game have you felt big improvements?
“The season has been good. I feel like I'm really getting better here. I really feel improvement on my three-point shot this season with the season. That is one of the main things I've been looking to improve on.”
Break down your game.
“I'm an athletic 2-way guard who can score and create for my teammates. I love to play fast and get out on transition.”
NBA guys you watch film on?
“I like to watch Stephen [Curry] and have Ja Morant. They are my favorite guards in the NBA right now. I think I can take different things from their game and add them to mine.”