Recruiting Update: Juan Elmore Jr. (2018)
Dusty Wright
Juan Elmore Jr.- 6’4 F
Pickerington High School Central- Class of 2018
AAU Team: VCC Ohio Warriors
Floor/Ceiling: D-II
It seems as if Juan Elmore Jr. made a good impression with the West Virginia State coaching staff on his visit last weekend. “I had a good workout and visit with the staff. Everything went well. I will be working out again for them next week,” Elmore stated in our interview Thursday. And if you have seen the senior forward from Pickerington Central perform and you will understand why the interest from WV State is so high. Juan is not only one of the more skilled players in the state but also one of the selfless players as well.
At 6’4, 221 pounds Juan has the size and strength of a power forward but the skill set of someone who could play on the perimeter. He has the ability to get the defensive rebound and handle the ball on the break which allows him to use his gifted passing and play-making abilities. Elmore is also a solid perimeter shooter who can also use his body to score on posts-ups and off offensive rebounds. But were Juan can really help a team is on the defensive end. He has the strength and size to guard players in the post while also have the footwork and quickness, particularly laterally, to guard perimeter players as well. In today’s game big’s being able to switch out on perimeter players is very important, and Elmore has that ability. And the fact that he has quick hands also helps as well.
At the time that this article was written Juan only official offer came from University of Northwestern Ohio (NAIA) back in August. But UNOH and West Virginia State are not the only programs showing him interest. “I have been contacted by Detroit Mercy, Ashland (OH), Ohio University and Alderson Broadus (WV),” Elmore stated with a visit to Detroit Mercy coming in the next few weeks. While there have been questions about Juan’s motor, something that I didn’t see to be a factor over the summer, there is no questioning his talent and basketball IQ. If your program needs a player who can affect the game by stuffing the stats or doing the little things, Juan Elmore Jr. is a player to pay attention to.
*Photo courtesy of VCC Ohio Warriors website
