Clint: UNC Offers Paul
by Clint Jackson
April 18, 7:04 AM
Adam Boone and Brian Morrison are going to transfer after this season. Most of you already know this. And with both sophomore guards on their way out, obviously Matt Doherty's recruiting needs may need to be discussed and changed.
Enter Chris Paul.
Paul, a 5-11, 155-pound floor general for West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, N.C., is very good. In fact, the junior guard is probably the best in his class in the entire state of North Carolina. He's already been offered by NC State, Wake Forest, Charlotte, Boston College and Clemson. And he's also being recruited by a handful of other schools as well.
Now, you can add North Carolina to the long list of schools that have put a firm scholarship offer on the table.
Doherty and one of his assistants, the esteemed Doug Wojcik, met with Paul and his father yesterday at West Forsyth High and told him how much they like his leadership and poise on the basketball court. And they told him that they wanted to extend an invitation to him to play his college basketball at UNC. And although Paul has stated that he's a life long Heels fan, he's not quite ready to decide his collegiate destination just yet, according to sources.
When we interviewed Paul for ACCToday.com a few weeks ago he had some kind words for the ACC in general and especially the Tar Heels.
"People would kill to have the chance to play in the ACC," said Paul. "Since I was little I've always been the biggest UNC Tar Heels fan -- a crazy Tar Heel fan. I have warm-up suits, posters, the whole nine yards. I'd always told myself that there's no other school I'd want to go to except for UNC. And UNC just so happens to be in the ACC. "
Paul will likely decide where he wants to attend college by the end of the summer.
On the court Paul is a special player. He truly understands how to run an offense. He seems to see things before they evolve offensively. His changing speeds and quick cross-over allows him to move and flow anywhere he wants on the court -- in the lane, across the key, bobbing and weaving through a zone defense --- heck, anywhere. And he uses this ability that he has to create angles for his teammates to score.
He also can take it to the rack himself or simply pop the long ball with a nice amount of accuracy. While he's not the most athletic guy at his position in the country, nor the best scorer, Paul has a tremendous amount of savvy with the ball in his hands. He gives his coaches a sense of serenity when he's running the show. And he simply makes great decisions with the ball -- whether it's a fastbreak, a half court offense or a chaotic AAU contest.
Basically whoever gets Paul is getting themselves more than just one player. It's almost like they'll be getting him and also upgrading everyone else on the floor who's with him, because you've instantly made everyone else better as well. That's the kind of kid that Paul is.
He's also a superb individual as well. His strong character, morals and a personality that is nearly impossible to dislike are complimented by his supportive and well-rounded family. He's a great kid, a great student and a great role model to his teammates, friends and others.
Paul will tour the spring and summer with the Kappa Magic AAU program, alongside Reyshawn Terry, another possible UNC target from the 2003 class. The Magic are scheduled to be in action for the annual Bob Gibbons' Tournament of Champions on the campus of UNC over Memorial Day weekend. And while the battle Paul is far from over, it's probably a wise bet that he winds up at UNC, NC State or Wake Forest. Because he loves the Atlantic Coast Conference.
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