Recruiting Report: Chris Darrington (JUCO)
Vincennes sophomore shooting guard Chris Darrington is one of the top JUCO scorers in the Midwest. The 6’1” combo guard can play both on and off the ball. When playing off the ball he moves well and works hard to get open to set up his jump shot. Plus perimeter shooter off the catch from distance. Has a knack for sliding to the open spot in the defense where he is ready to let it fly when he gets the ball. Flashes the ability to break defenders off the bounce, but would much rather pull up for a 15 footer than take it all the way to the rim. We have been impressed with the progression he has made as a passer since last season. Makes sound reads in the pick and roll. Really does a nice job of dishing to shooters when he draws defenders giving his teammates open looks. Feel for the game has greatly improved playing on the ball. Plays with a quiet sense of confidence. Struggles defensively against power guards. Mid-major plus prospect with the chance to be a high-major kid in the right situation.
Darrington spoke about his sophomore campaign.
“It has been for the most part fun. It has been successful. We have been 5th in the country for the last part of the regular season. We got some big wins. It has been a good sophomore campaign for me. I have been hearing from a lot of schools. Been able to be coached by Coach Franklin for two years which has been good. Sophomore year has been fun to say the least.”
Although he was a key part of the team last season he knew that he would have to take on an even bigger role as a sophomore leader.
“This year I knew I was going to have to do more. I knew Coach Franklin was going to have me do more as a sophomore. I went home over the summer and perfected my game and perfected what I was going to have to do in the offense. Came back and improved my shooting and my ball handling. I think the hard work paid off this year.”
Darrington spoke with PrepHoops about what he feels his strengths are as a player and what he can bring to a team at the next level.
“I can shoot the ball, but I can also get my teammates involved also. Because I score so well I can attract so much attention from the defense it is easier for me to set my teammates up that way. Usually they make the plays on the back end.”
He has the skills to play on the ball and off both at Vincennes and at the school that he will eventually chose. Does it matter to him?
“I see myself as more of a point guard. I have worked hard into that role since high school. That is preferably what I would like to play, but if I have to go off ball I will do whatever I need to do to win.”
Where do things stand with recruiting?
“I have been hearing from a lot of schools. I have offers from UNLV, Seton Hall, Toledo, and Loyola. I have some other ones, but those are the bigger ones.”
Several other schools are showing interest.
“I have been hearing from Oregon, Memphis, and a lot of different schools.”
No visits have been taken and he is letting things play out.
“I haven’t done too much research on any of the schools yet. It is Coach Franklin’s rule to do that after the season. “
What will be important in a program for him?
“I will be looking for a school that cares about more than just basketball. Obviously basketball is important, but at Vincennes and in high school I had coaches that cared about life after and life lessons. I am looking for more of that in the next school I go too. I figure if they care about you off the court then there is no doubt they care about you on the court.”