Five-Star Forward Michael Foster ‘Not Thinking About Pros’ Despite Rumors
Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix) forward is a consensus top 10 player in the 2021 class who has obliterated the competition to the tune of 27.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and three blocks a game this season despite playing arguably the toughest schedule in the country.
His wide-array of offensive skills and motor, coupled with his 6-foot-9-inch frame, has most experts in agreement that NBA commissioner Adam Silver will call his name relatively early when the time comes.
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That’s why Foster is a bit mystified by his recruitment.
Michael Foster is one of the top players in the country, regardless of class.
Hillcrest Prep
“I don’t have all of the schools calling for me like that,” Foster said. “I don’t know why, but I’ve heard that coaches think they can’t get me because I’m going pro. I’ve never even had a conversation about that, so I don’t know where that could’ve come from.”
As it stands, Foster wouldn’t be eligible for the NBA after high school; players must do a year of college or be a year removed from high school under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement.
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Most believe that rule, which was implemented in 2006, will be gone in time for the 2022 class.
Still, Foster could opt to play professionally overseas for a year like R.J. Hampton, a consensus top five player in the 2019 class who is currently playing for the New Zealand Breakers.
“I don’t know why that’s the perception for me,” Foster said. “It’s weird to me. I’m looking forward to playing in college, but I guess this rumor scared schools off.”
Not all of them.
Florida State and Georgia are applying the full-court recruiting press, according to Foster, and USC, Arizona, Michigan and UW-Milwaukee are all involved.
“I want to be where I’m wanted,” Foster said. “So it’s not a big deal. It’s crazy because I’m from Milwaukee and I live about four blocks from Marquette. It’s my hometown team so I’d definitely be interested in them, but they haven’t really reached out.”
Foster didn’t rule out weighing his options overseas “if that was an option,” but, to be fair that’s a common response for five-star players.
Still, he maintained that his focus is on experiencing March Madness.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the NCAA Tournament and compete in the Final Four and try to win a national title,” Foster said. “I’ve never talked about overseas. But I can’t control what college coaches think. I’m happy with the schools that are showing interest. At the end of the day, you want to be wanted.”