Elite Small Forward Jahmai Mashack Previews September 8th Decision

Elite Small Forward Jahmai Mashack has set his commitment date for September 8th, and he will announce his decision between Arizona, Arkansas,  Cal, Colorado, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

Before taking a deep dive into what his decision is going to come down to, and what kind of player one of these schools is getting, Mashack offered insight on why each school is on his list of finalists. Below is what he had to say on each of them.

Colorado- "I have SO much respect for Coach Boyle and Coach Grier. They really run a quality program and their players, especially their shooting guards get to the next level. Not just their first contract but their second. The whole staff is amazing. "

Cal- "Coach Fox is awesome. I didn't get to know him until a little later than the other coaches, but his breakdown of film and development was what makes me know I'd grow there. Coach Fox seems strict, but he's actually a really funny guy."

Arizona- "Arizona is a lot of guys on the West Coast favorite basketball program. They have everything, and Coach Miller and I can talk basketball all day"

Arkansas- "Arkansas has Coach Mussleman. He can look at a player in a good game or bad game and see what makes that player special. His experience and eye for talent is next level."

Oklahoma- "OU is like a family. They are have everything a hooper could ever want at that school. The Griffin Center is crazy! And Coach Carlin Hartman is like an uncle to me"

Tennessee- "Tennessee has that culture like no other. And even though you have to have a special work ethic to want to go to that program, the players say they love it there. Coach Barnes and I connect with our faith, and all the assistant coaches are respected like they're a HC already."

Texas- "Coach Smart is someone I've looked up to since I was in Middle School. He's more than a coach. He's a phenomenal person. We connect on a lot of things beyond basketball. Coach Neil is my guy too. And how could you not respect the Texas brand?"

So, what is it going to take for one of these schools to separate from the other? The main thing for me is just fit. I'm just scratching the surface. I learned the game from the inside out and defense first. So I'm looking for a school that appreciates my IQ and importance I put on defense but will take my offensive game to the next level," Mashack said on what he is looking for.

When asked if these schools sold him on a player comparison, he said, "The funny thing is I heard a bunch of different things. It was one of the things that played into my decision because how they see you as a player makes all the difference. The program I chose killed that question. They painted a vision that made sense to me and my family. But I guess I'll have to let you know that one after the commitment."

Now that his recruitment is closing, there is a sense of relief for Mashack as it comes to a close. He said on this, "Although I dreamed of being recruited, and I am REALLY grateful for every single coach who called and texted and FaceTime'd and DM and left a VMs, I am so relieved that this part will be over. I can focus on putting a plan together with the school and get to work so I'll be ready day one."

He added, "I just always wanted to have the most respect for everyone because I know I'm blessed to have this opportunity."

Mashack was asked to evaluate what one of these school is getting in him as a player, and he had this to say, "They are getting a guy who can't wait to put in the work. All I'll do is focus on getting better every single day. I'm just a public school kid so to have access to the kind of resources that theses Universities have gets me hyped. Man, I can't wait! As far as skillset, they are getting a player who understands the game defensively for myself, as well as team defense. Offensively I like to get out and run in transition. Attacking the basket, 1 or 2 dribble pullups, as well as jump stops, and post-ups. There are so many things I want to work on offensively. My goal is to be a 2-way 3 level scorer."

Mashack will announce his decision on Tuesday, and we will have continued coverage of his decision.

The 6-5, 190lbs wing prospect from Etiwanda (Cali.) will certainly add versatility to whichever school he chooses on Tuesday.

Featured Image via Brian Rothmuller/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Image