BY ZACH SMART
As a late-blossoming recruit who raised his profile considerably playing for Drive Nation during Peach Jam, Class of 2027 four star Elijah Paez has set a quartet of campus visits.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Paez, who averaged 14 points, seven boards, two steals and 1.5 blocks for a depth-lacking and undersized Drive Nation during its Cinderella-esque run to a Peach Jam title game berth, will visit Xavier on Sept. 13th.
He then follows this up with visits to Cal (Sept. 18), DePaul (Sept.24), and UConn (Oct.15).
Paez, he of the 6-foot-10 wingspan, has also been offered by the likes of UTEP, New Mexico State, Northeastern, Texas-Arlington, Louisiana Tech and several others.
Authoring a breakthrough summer on the EYBL circuit, Paez established himself as a stout defensive catalyst who has become proficient at finishing in crafty and creative fashion around the rim.
The Brock, TX native recently announced his decision to attend Iowa United Prep for his senior season.
A transfer via Brock HS (TX), Paez was recently offered by UConn.
An offer from the Huskies, which have won two national championships in the last four years while playing in the title game in three of the last four years, was symbolic of just how rapidly Paez has ascended the Division-I recruiting ranks.
Paez said UConn head coach Dan Hurley‘s emotional, at your throat style of coaching has unique resonance with him.
“Coach Hurley’s coaching style is what I’m used to,” Paez told ZAGSBLOG.
“Growing up, my father was always hard on me when it came to sports. He always put me in a ‘eat what you kill’ environment. I’ve always been pushed to my limits and I’ve always found a way to succeed. Coach Hurley’s coaching style is in line with my upbringing.”
Xavier, of course, recently received back to back commitments from high scoring 6-foot-6 guard Brandon Mason Jr. and versatile Top-75 caliber wing Markus Kerr.
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