As always, Kentucky will have a big recruiting target in attendance for the Vanderbilt game Tuesday night.
Shooting-guard Torian Graham (Class of 2012, Word of God Christian Academy, North Carolina) will be making his first visit to Lexington and Rupp Arena.
Graham seems to be excited about witnessing the Kentucky atmosphere.
“Really, I just want to have fun and be comfortable in a great environment,” he said. “I also expect to tour campus, as well as sit down and talk to the coaches.”
While Graham has had opportunities to visit and see Kentucky play in person three other times, he still is thankful for the opportunity Coach Calipari has given him thus far.
“Kentucky is recruiting me pretty hard right now, but I’m just thankful for the chance to take visits to a place like Kentucky.”
It is obvious the 6’4″ shooter is expressing interest in Kentucky, but he has good reasons for the interest.
“I have a lot of interest in Kentucky. I really like the style of play. They have an up-tempo offense and I like to run up and down the floor. I can also shoot the ball pretty well, so I feel like I fit in perfect,” Graham explained.
But Kentucky isn’t the only other school showing interest in Graham right now.
He even keeps a nice list on his refrigerator just to remind him of the teams that have continued to express interest in him.
Pretty unique, right?
“I have about ten teams I’m looking at really hard right now. Kentucky, North Carolina, Miami, Louisville, Georgetown, Oklahoma, Florida, Xavier, Tennessee, and West Virginia.”
He went on to say, “I pretty much like all the teams that are recruiting me right now, though. Kansas, Maryland, Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and UCLA have all contacted me, too.”
However, he can choose one distinct team that seems to want him the most right now:
“Xavier is really recruiting me hard. They try to stay in touch with me a lot. I could also throw in Miami, Clemson, and UCLA into things too. They all work hard.”
Unfortunately for Graham and his teammates, their season came to an end this past weekend.
But Torian did have the chance to showcase his skills in front of assistant Orlando Antigua this season.
“Coach Orlando (Antigua) watched me practice this season. I really like his personality. We are building a good relationship and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.”
We have already witnessed a handful of 2012 recruits announce where they will be attending college, but Graham doesn’t expect to announce anytime soon.
“I’m probably going to wait till after this summer and before the start of my senior season.”
It looks like he wants to have his decision made before he starts playing again to avoid distractions, and who could blame him?
After awhile, it has to take a toll on a teenager.
Perhaps his initial visit to the University of Kentucky could excite him a little?
I say let’s make it happen Big Blue Nation.
Be loud for Torian and show him how Lexington hosts a big game.
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky and basketball recruiting.
