February 29, 2008
Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting
A new name has emerged over the past month for high majors looking for a senior point guard. Former Bradley commitment Daniel West is having a superb year for national power Saginaw (Mich.) High School, and a SEC school and Big East school have offered.
"Tennessee has offered after coming up here a couple times over the past three weeks," said Saginaw head coach Lou Dawkins. "South Florida is in the picture. St. John's has offered. Memphis has shown interest but hasn't been up here yet. Minnesota has been in a couple times, and SMU has offered."
West, who is averaging 15 points, nine assists, seven steals and only two turnovers per game, has a top five school list of Memphis, Tennessee, Kentucky, St. John's and SMU. Here is the breakdown of his list.
"I like Tennessee and St. John's the most right now," said West. "Even though Memphis hasn't offered, I like them a lot as well. They said they were interested in me and like the way I play. But with Tennessee and Memphis, I like their style of play and they are well coached. With St. John's, they have a good coach and are trying to play fast. Kentucky has been contacting me off and on."
According to Coach Dawkins, West, 6-foot-1, 165-pounds, is custom built for a wide open style of play.
"He is an open floor type of player. His ball handling skills are off the charts. He has speed to go along with it, can hit the three and is good shooting the ball off the high ball screen.
"Daniel has a lot of passion for the game. He is one of the best if not the best point guard in the Midwest. He's a true leader and one of the main reasons we are 21-1 and have been ranked No. 1 in the state for three-fourths of the year."
Coach Dawkins would love to see West come to a college decision quickly, but West has a later date specifically in mind.
"I want to announce my decision after the state championship game, when it is all said and done," he said.