Isaiah Turner Talks Transfer To West Oaks, Recruitment

PH: Which aspects factored into your decision to transfer from Auburndale to West Oaks? IT: I had obviously been thinking about it and considering it. I spoke with <strong>Corey (Sanders)</strong> and also <strong>Tyriek (Blakeney)</strong>, both guys from home. They talked to me about it and gave me some insight into the competition level, the style of play, and also the SIAA conference. I had spoken with them both about it during a recent open gym at Polk State. It really seemed like the right idea. Also, it's really not far from home, it's about 45 minutes from where I live. So, I can still play in front of family and friends for my senior year. PH: How would you described the growth spurt you've undergone the past few years and how does it work in your favor on the court? IT: It's been really crazy because I went from about 6-foot-2 as a freshman to 6-foot-5 as a sophomore. Now I'm 6-foot-8. It gives me an advantage on the floor because I was really a guard from the beginning. Now that I've got the height advantage and am the same size as post players, I still pride myself on having good handle and being able to shoot it from outside. In this area, there's really not a lot of guys that can do that at 6-8 so that's a real plus for me. I can take a Center one on one and make him play me outside, which definitely is rare. I try to use it to my advantage on the court. PH: How do you feel adjusting to the new personnel will benefit you as a senior? IT: I think the guard play is the best part about their style of play. I haven't played with them yet, but I know <strong>Tyrell Jones </strong>and <strong>Jordan Smith</strong> are real quick, crafty guards. It's also going to be a great opportunity to play for coach Kenny (Gillion). He's one of the best coaches around. It will definitely help with my development. From what I hear, the SIAA conference is extremely competitive so I'm looking forward to that as well. PH: Which programs are currently the most aggressive in your recruitment and who have you been hearing from the most lately? IT: Right now I'm speaking to a number of schools. Really I've been hearing recently from Xavier, Tulane, Butler, Cincinnati, South Carolina, Arkansas Little Rock, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, and Old Dominion.