Top prospect Harry Giles transfers to Oak Hill Academy
Five-star power forward Harry Giles announced he will attend Oak Hill Academy for his senior year of high school.
Giles revealed the news with a note embedded in a tweet on Wednesday. Giles first thanked Keith Gatlin, his high school coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point N.C., and his coaching staff. After reflecting on his time at the school, he announced his decision to transfer.
“At this point I just really want to lock in on school and basketball at the highest level,” Giles told USA Today. “I feel like going to Oak Hill it’ll give me the chance to do both. I won’t have anything to do but be a better student and a better player.”
Rivals.com ranks Giles as the No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2016. He led Wesleyan Christian to a 30–5 record last season, finishing as the state independent schools Class 3A runner-up. Giles averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game.
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Scouts told SI's Luke Winn that Giles could be the early front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. With a versatile, two-way skillset and high-level athleticism, he's been one of the nation's most sought-after recruits dating back to his freshman year.
Giles will select a school out of Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and Wake Forest. Giles is close with Class of 2016 standout and Duke commit Jayson Tatum, and the two are actively discussing playing together in college.
Oak Hill, located in Mouth of Wilson, Va., has now brought in four highly-ranked transfer players for the upcoming season. Joining Giles are 2016 forwards Mario Kegler and Braxton Blackwell and 2017 point guard Matt Coleman. The school is known as a factory for NBA players, with alumni including Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Josh Smith, Jerry Stackhouse and Brandon Jennings. Kevin Durant attended the school for his junior year of high school.
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Read Giles' full note below.
- Jeremy Woo
