Five-star senior Josh Irving continues his breakout, talks Top-7 schools
Breakout.
That is the word that comes to mind when I think of a 6-foot-11 center and Pasadena (California) High School senior, Josh Irving.
A blend of freak athlete, size, and skill, Irving has asserted himself as one of the nation’s top-rated bigs in any class after an emergence over the last few months.
Team CPSA’s Pro16 squad won a championship this summer with the help of Irving and his coach, Cartier French-Toney, who gave the scout on Irving, saying he’s ‘a vertical lob threat, can stretch out the defense and shoot the three-ball. Rim-protector defensively.’
Irving has announced his Top-7 of USC, SMU, Louisville, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Kansas, and San Diego State. He has completed two official visits to SMU and San Diego State already and has dates to visit his remaining finalists, barring any changes.
He told Stockrisers.com he hasn’t heard from any other schools and is focused on the seven left in the mix.
He broke down his finalists with Stockrisers.com.
How would you best describe your relationship with Louisville’s staff?
”It’s amazing. I’m always talking to Coach [Ronnie] Hamilton, and he loves showing me the program and how I would fit and love it over there.”
Thoughts on Kansas?
”Kansas has been a little bit more on the quiet side, but I still occasionally talk to Coach [Jacque] Vaughn and chat it up with him.”
What is Kentucky’s pitch and your relationship with Coach Pope?
”Mark Pope has been trying to show me that they’re better than all the other schools. They think I’m the type of player that can fit in their offense.”
How about Texas A&M?
”I’m constantly talking to Coach Kyle [Keller] just about basketball and other stuff. So, I have a great relationship with them, and they saw me practice a couple of days ago and chatted with me for a bit.”
How has San Diego State remained in the mix? What stands out with them?
”SDSU has shown their all in because they sent four coaches out on the first day of coaches being able to see players. I love how they are local and not that far of a drive from me, and the area and the school are amazing.”
SMU? How was the visit, and what are they pitching?
”USC is the closest, so that’s nice, but yeah, it’s really close to me and my family, who live in Los Angeles, so that’s what I love about them the most. Their team is amazing, as I have seen their practices and the types of players they have. They got a great program.”
What are you looking for in a program?
”Honestly, the best fit is where I can keep developing at a fast rate and make an impact on the team.”
Any idea where you’re targeting a commitment date?
”Preferably after all the visits.”
How would you describe your game?
”I’m a defensive menace. I deter a lot of players from coming to the basket as I’m there to send that ball to the stands. I’m also a very good finisher around the basket, and I have a very solid three-ball.”
What separates you from other guys at your position?
”What separates me from other players at my position is how versatile I am, as I’m able to play multiple positions and also affect the game on both sides of the court.”
Final thoughts. One of those seven programs is getting an instant, high-impact player who will have a long professional career. He will reach five-star status this year and will be a massive piece to whatever program lands him this fall.
