Bayside Cardozo rising junior (Class of 2013) Jermaine Lawrence is a player full of potential. The 6-foot-8 1/2, 192-pound forward is a high-riser of an athlete but also shows a deft touch from the perimeter beyond the three-point line. His game reminds many onlookers of another past star that game through Ron Naclerio’s program, current Syracuse forward James Southerland.
Still there is almost an unknown quantity to Lawrence who does not travel the country on a high-profile AAU team, spending most of his time playing for the Positive Direction program. As one of the stand-out performers at the Hoop Group Elite Session I Camp in Reading (PA) to kick off the July evaluation period last month his recruitment has kicked up another notch in the weeks since.
“Georgetown and Xavier have most recently showed interest,” said Lawrence.
It has been a strong summer for Lawrence even though many might not have known it. He recounted some of his highlights that he will remember most, including a strong performance in the recent Franchise Classic All-Star contest.
“Five Star Camp in June being awarded the “Top Rebounder” medal,” Lawrence listed as one of his high points of the summer season. “[Also], the Franchise Classic I rebounded wel,l had 10 points, two nice dunks and defended Shaq Goodwin. Playing at that level gave me the best perspective on the talent out there and that’s the level of competition I can display my own abilities.”
Lawrence is also blessed to be under the tutelage of one of the best teachers around New York City of the game of basketball, Cardozo head coach Ron Naclerio. The long-time basketball coach of the Judges continues to work with Lawrence in improving his overall game and consistency. Lawrence is also working at improving his physical condition to get stronger for his college career.
“I’ve been working out with Explosive Hoops and [have] gotten bigger and stronger, and drills with Coach Naclerio working on my left hand [especially],” he said.
In the first few days after coaches were allowed to contact Class of 2013 prospects by phone Lawrence saw his phone number dialed often by college programs. Cincinnati, Kansas State, Syracuse, Villanova, Florida, Virginia Tech, Rutgers and others were mentioned by him to NBE shortly after the June 15th date. Other BIG EAST schools such as St. John’s and Louisville have also been involved. Lawrence is planning to visit a few of the BIG EAST schools involved in his recruitment in the near future.
“I have Rutgers, Syracuse and St. John’s to visit in the coming weeks,” he said.
Even with the interest, offers and upcoming visits, Lawrence does not have a list of schools formed that he is considering. Furthermore he explained that it was too early in the process to pinpoint any schools that are in any way leading in the recruiting process. He still plans to let the recruiting process play out for another year and take into consideration several factors when making the ultimate decision.
“I’ll make a decision on a school closer to senior year,” he said. “The factors [are] sitting down with my [and] family reviewing everything the schools had to offer. How I felt from the visits and what the coaching staff is like.”
NBE will continue to follow the progress of Jermaine Lawrence as he hopes to lead Cardozo to a PSAL championship this coming season. We will also keep a close eye on his recruitment as this intriguing prospect is certain to be watched by many high-major programs in the coming months.
http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/201...ermaine-lawrence-likely-to-take-a-few-visits/
