By JACK LeGWIN
Special to ZAGSBLOG
John Calipari and Orlando Antigua were in to watch one of the top players in the class of 2016 on Saturday, when Jayson Tatum and Chaminade (MO) took on Lexington Catholic (KY).
Tatum also took an unofficial visit to Kentucky earlier in the day, which was reported by Fox Sports’ Evan Daniels.
“It was a great experience to play in front of Coach Cal,” Tatum told SNY.tv on Saturday night. “I was really happy to see that he took some time to come and watch us play.”
One night earlier, Calipari and Antigua watched 2015 bigs Stephen Zimmerman and Carlton Bragg in West Virginia, with Bragg saying he felt nervous that the coach was there.
Tatum said that Kentucky and Illinois are among an extensive list of schools that have been contacting him consistently as the year has gone on. Tatum currently holds offers from Kentucky, UNC, Florida, Missouri, Memphis, Michigan State, Ohio State, St. Louis, Marquette, Kansas and Illinois.
“I have heard from Kentucky a lot ever since they offered me,” Tatum said. “I’ve heard a lot from Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Duke and North Carolina as well.”
Tatum, the No. 5 ranked player in the Class of 2016 by ESPN, put on a show, scoring 21 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and threw in 5 assists in the 71-42 win. He is averaging 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game on the season.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Tatum is one of the most versatile players in the country regardless of class. His jump shot has improved significantly out to the arc, and is a very good passer for his size.
“I’ve been playing very well lately,” Tatum said. “I’m just going out there and competing, trying to help my team win. My ability to score, play all four positions on the floor, and get my teammates the ball if I’m running the point. Right now, I’m just trying to gain weight, get stronger, be more physical out there on the floor and getting my foot speed quicker.”
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