'14 IL C - Jahlil Okafor (Verbal Offer)

Rivals.com

Scout.com

Center
Chicago, Illinois
Whitney Young

Ht: 6'9"
Wt: 250 lbs
AAU: Mac irvin Fire

Ohio State has offered. #1 center in the 2014 class. Will be visiting tOSU the weekend of 9/30.

One of the truly elite players in his class. Okafor has the skill, strength, and desire to be great. Best of all he knows he is a true center, and doesn't mess around on the perimeter. He isn't at his best passing out of the post yet, and can't face the basket, but still he is the highest of high-major recruit.

Scout.com$

Okafor is going strong.................Visiting OSU on 10/1.

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Jahlil Okafor is a mammoth of a man, yet he is only entering his sophomore year of high school. A 6'9, 270-pound center out of Whitney Young (IL), Okafor is extremely skilled for his age and is in the discussion as the best player in the class of 2014.

Okafor said he holds early scholarship ofers from a pair of in-state programs, Illinois and DePaul, as well as Michigan State, Arkansas and Ohio State. He is also garnering interest from the likes of UConn, North Carolina, Syracuse, Georgetown, Kansas, and more.

Okafor said he does "not yet" have any favorites in his recruitment, but he certainly has time, as he is in no rush to make his decision.

"Probably junior year [or] senior year," Okafor said of when he plans to make his college commitment.

As aforementioned, Okafor was a big name in grassroots hoops before he even began high school. The dominant interior presence talked about what all the early attention has been like for him.

"At first it was new, but then you get used to it," Okafor said. "My dad humbles me a lot, tells me, 'Be a kid, don't get big-headed.'"
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BLOG.NORTHSTARBBALL.COM: Updates on 2014 Stars Beaufort & Okafor

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ESPN.com.......

Strengths:
In a loaded class for Chicago prospects, Okafor ranks as easily one of the most promising not just in his state but nationally. Blessed with the kind of body that can play in and through traffic, he's excellent around the rim. His footwork and hands, a pair of key traits, are allies. Has the makings of a dominant scorer in the lane with a good feel for the game and his position. Doesn't shy away from contact.

Weakneses:
There's time but making sure his frame is properly conditioned will be a priority. Currently, he's not an above the rim player. Guys in his position who are elite national recruits, have a go-to-move and we would like to see him develop one.

Bottom Line:
It's relatively easy to project him as likely five-star prospect. He's an aircraft carrier inside with the natural talent and ability to impact games and eventually a program. The line for his signature will be long and distinguished.

Basketball Recruiting - Jahlil Okafor - Player Profiles - ESPN

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Jahlil Okafor (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) has the feel of a Jared Sullinger-type player. Big name, big game as the parade of prospects from the Windy City continues.

Theo Pinson is No. 1 overall in the 2014 class - ESPN

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Comes from the same Chicago highschool (Whitney Young) as current OSU freshman Sam Thompson..........

Confirmed he will be visiting this weekend................from the same school as current Buckeye Sam Thompson...........

After watching his highlights, I can see the comparison to a young Sully. He has some growing to do, especially in his lower body, but he looks like a perfect prospect for Matta's style.

Rivals.com$

2014 center finds comfort in Wildcats' style...............Five-star prospect Jahlil Okafor discusses his recent visit to Arizona and why he thinks the Wildcats' history would help him reach his ultimate goal of getting to the NBA.

Scout.com$

Okafor Set To Visit Ohio State................Visiting this weekend for the Michigan State game.