2023 Austin Ball talks visits and schools prioritizing him

Austin Ball Austin Ball 6'7" | SF Miller School | 2023 State #203 Nation VA has experience a significant rise in his stock over the past calendar year. Currently ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2023 Virginia rankings, the 6'7 wing has proved himself to be an elite shooter from three, a plus athlete playing around the rim and has consistently improved with his fluidity and confidence in putting the ball on the floor.

His blend of size, shooting and athleticism are all contributors to him becoming a prioritized A-10 prospect to two programs in particular with a third who is attempted to enter the sweepstakes as well.

I caught up with Ball to discuss these programs and official visits that he has set up.

Ball will visit George Mason September 2nd-4th and will visit Richmond September 16th-18th. James Madison has been a program that is showing significant interest and has set up an official visit with Ball for September 24th.

George Mason: The thing that I really like with George Mason is that the head coach recruits me and talks to me just as much as any other coach recruiting me. Coach English facetimes me, calls me, texts me and just always checks in after anything I play it. He hit me up after the Pro Insight Combine this weekend and is just continuing to stay in close contact with me. It really means a lot to me, so I like to see that the head coach treating me that way from the recruiting standpoint.

Richmond: Coach David Boyden is the assistant there recruiting me. I've talked to head coach Mooney plenty of times especially after I took an unofficial visit there. I feel like I have a really good relationship with both of them.

Ball spoke on his approach to his visits and a possible timetable:

"When I take these officials I'll get a feel for everything and wherever I feel is the best for me, I'll know. I'm big with my relationship with the staff and also the play style. A guy like me that likes to shoot, run and be athletic. I just want to make sure I fit the offense and have a good bond and relationship with teammates as well. I want a place that makes me feel like home. I'll 1000% be making my decision after my visits. I want to be settled by that first signing period so I can focus on winning a state championship for Miller."

Ball's calling card is his ability to make shots in a variety of ways such as off the catch from kick-outs, coming off pin-downs or being the floor spacer in transition who flares out to the perimeter. With that being said, Ball has grown into much more than just a shooter. He's a threat to put defenders on posters with a clear driving lane and can also pose as a lob threat in half-court sets. He has the potential to grow into a useful defender who can guard multiple positions while also being a decent presence on the glass.