Florida Gators basketball offers versatile 2018 Bazley

Darius Bazley, 6’9 forward from Ohio, has big man size with the ball skills of a guard. Bazley is opening his recruiting process back up after recently decommitting from Ohio State. The versatility that he has is going to make him one of the most intriguing names in the class of 2018. GatorCountry.com caught up with Bazley about his Florida offer and his recruiting process.

A big man who has the ability to occasionally play at the point is a dangerous asset. Bazley believes his guard like skillset makes him a special player.

“I’m very versatile,” Bazley said. “I feel very comfortable handling the ball. My length really helps be to be an effective defender. I feel that I make my teammates better. Not only do I want to get better, I want the same for my teammates. I think I need to become more consistent with my shot and focus on getting stronger before I get to college.”

The AAU season has been very busy for Bazley as he has been just trying to find the right fit with a team. He believes that he has now found that fit with the MeanStreets.

“I’ve been looking for the right team that is for me and I think I’ve found that with the MeanStreets,” he said. “I played with C2K Elite in the first session of the UAA in New York and that went pretty well. We went 2-2 and I think I played well. This past weekend I played with Ohio Nova in the Spiece Run-N-Slam event with Jerome Hunter and I liked playing with him and the other guys on that team. I think playing with MeanStreets is a great fit. They play in the EYBL and I think that the EYBL circuit has the best competition.”

Florida was in the mix with Bazley before he committed to Ohio State. The Florida coaching staff reoffered Bazley on Monday.

“Florida offered me before I committed to Ohio State, and re-offered me after I decommitted from Ohio State,” Bazley said. “I talked to Coach White and Coach Mincy and they let me know they are still interested. I’m excited and grateful I got the offer but now that I have reopened my recruitment I’m going to take my time and look into the schools that are interested just as much as they look into me.”

It’s no secret that Florida has been successful in sending guys to the NBA and that has caught the attention of Bazley.

“I think they have a good program and a good coaching staff,” he said. “Whenever I talk to the coaches it is always good conversation. I think we have a good relationship going on. The program speaks for itself, they produce guys to go to the league and on top of that they are successful on the court.”

Many programs have shown interest in the talented forward. Bazley plans to take his time with his recruitment and wants to check out several schools on visits.

“Florida, Xavier, Purdue, Maryland have all offered recently,” Bazley said. “Some teams showing me interest are Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Stanford, Florida State, and Virginia Tech among a list of others. I plan to visit many schools and take my time.”

Bazley sees himself being an instant impact freshman. He wants to be a guy that contributes from day one on campus.

“I want to be comfortable with the coaches and the environment,” he said. “I want to have the opportunity to play right away. When I get to the campus I want to be an impact freshman who can come in and help the team right away. Also, I want to be on a team who is going to develop me and put me on the highest stage so I can make that next step and make it to the NBA.”

Bazley will debut for the MeanStreets this weekend at EYBL session 3 in Atlanta.