PATH TO THE PROS: Choose a School That's Right For You
Eric Gordon, self-styled "Indiana guy" and current scoring machine for the Los Angeles Clippers, traversed the murkiest of recruiting waters and emerged relatively unscathed.
During the summer of 2006, he was immersed in a widely publicized recruiting battle between the University of Illinois, the college he had verbally committed to, and the University of Indiana, his nearby favorite.
"At first I kept everything simple, I would just focus on school and basketball," said Eric. For him, that meant finding the college and playing situation that felt most comfortable.
After initially deciding that Illinois’ team and coaching staff would be the most comfortable fit, Eric was faced with an unexpected change. The Hoosiers hired the legendary coach Kelvin Sampson. Soon thereafter, Coach Sampson hired Eric Gordon Sr.’s former collegiate basketball coach and family friend. Suddenly, Indiana was the more comfortable option.
Knowing that changing his decision would result in a major backlash, Eric signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Indiana.
The ensuing drama flared like an afternoon soap opera, led by the national media. Illini fans jeered Gordon during his first game in Champagne, Ill., but looking back, Gordon is happy with his decision. "I ended up in Indiana, where I was comfortable with the coaching staff," he said.
While your recruiting experience might not include a dogfight between two big-time college programs, Eric’s advice on finding the most comfortable situation will serve you well.
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PATH TO THE PROS: Choose a School That's Right For You
Eric Gordon, self-styled "Indiana guy" and current scoring machine for the Los Angeles Clippers, traversed the murkiest of recruiting waters and emerged relatively unscathed.
During the summer of 2006, he was immersed in a widely publicized recruiting battle between the University of Illinois, the college he had verbally committed to, and the University of Indiana, his nearby favorite.
"At first I kept everything simple, I would just focus on school and basketball," said Eric. For him, that meant finding the college and playing situation that felt most comfortable.
After initially deciding that Illinois’ team and coaching staff would be the most comfortable fit, Eric was faced with an unexpected change. The Hoosiers hired the legendary coach Kelvin Sampson. Soon thereafter, Coach Sampson hired Eric Gordon Sr.’s former collegiate basketball coach and family friend. Suddenly, Indiana was the more comfortable option.
Knowing that changing his decision would result in a major backlash, Eric signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Indiana.
The ensuing drama flared like an afternoon soap opera, led by the national media. Illini fans jeered Gordon during his first game in Champagne, Ill., but looking back, Gordon is happy with his decision. "I ended up in Indiana, where I was comfortable with the coaching staff," he said.
While your recruiting experience might not include a dogfight between two big-time college programs, Eric’s advice on finding the most comfortable situation will serve you well.
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