Recruiting Report: Theo John (2017)
Theo John is playing his last weekend with the Howard Pulley Panthers at the Las Vegas Classic and he’s doing this on the heels of introducing his final six schools this past Tuesday. The 6-foot-9 John has 15 high major scholarship…
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Continue ReadingTheo John is playing his last weekend with the Howard Pulley Panthers at the Las Vegas Classic and he’s doing this on the heels of introducing his final six schools this past Tuesday.
The 6-foot-9 John has 15 high major scholarship offers but the six schools that made the cut are Minnesota, Illinois, Marquette, Purdue, Oklahoma, and Cal.
NHR has been at all three of the Howard Pulley games so far and it’s been Richard Pitino who has been at every game (along with assistant Ben Johnson). The Gopher staff members have been joined by assistants from Illinois, Purdue, and Cal. Oklahoma and Marquette have not yet seen John play after three games in Vegas.
Theo has taken official visits to Purdue and Oklahoma so far and is expected to go to Marquette the second weekend of September. John has been on Minnesota’s campus for unofficial visits numerous times including a recent visit at the end of June.
Theo has put in some great efforts to see his schools so far and will continue to do so this August and into the fall. When will Theo decide?
“I will just know when it’s the right fit,” said Theo of when he will make his choice. “I will be scheduling some official visits and I will make my decision about one week after those visits are done.
“I’m looking for a relationship with coaches who trust me and what I can do. I’m looking for coaches who can develop me and help me become the player that I have the potential to be. Location is important to me.”
Theo and the Panthers have improved their record to a ridiculous 46-5 on the season so far and have a very good chance at hitting 50 wins on the year. John has been a Pulley Panther all the way through.
“It’s been a great experience with Howard Pulley,” said John. “They have really put my on the right track to be successful. I really have to thank them. Playing in the EYBL is playing the best of the best. Nobody can tell me different. We play hard and we play physical.
“This weekend is it for AAU basketball. It’s been an amazing journey and it’s crazy that it’s already done. But it’s also exciting to close this chapter and move on.”
Looking for a comparison for Theo John? Many say former Gopher and NBA first round draft pick (1997) John Thomas. Not only are both from Minnesota but their similarities are in frame, agility, production level, and skill level when Thomas was a similar age. In fact, many will tell you that Theo is further than Thomas was at the same age.
The biggest reason for that is not just similar looks and mannerisms, but most importantly that frame.
“I put a lot of emphasis into (training),” said John. “I take pride in my body and being well conditioned. I know that the better body I can condition, the better player I can be on the floor.”