Where Does Jesus Verdejo Stand

Despite a recent Miami Herald report stating that Miami Christian guard Jesus Verdejo had narrowed his college choices to Illinois and Memphis, South Florida remains Verdejo’s likely choice, if he plays college basketball.

According to coach Art Alvarez, Verdejo continues to struggle with the decision on whether to play collegiately or sign a professional contract in his native Puerto Rico.

“Honestly, he has a pro club down there that’s offering him a lot of money, and this is a kid who comes from a very humble background,” said Alvarez. “He grew up in the barrio. You walk up to his house in Puerto Rico and it’s really not much more than a shack, so you can understand why this is something that’s very tempting for him.”

Alvarez, however, said he and Verdejo’s family continue to urge the college option, and recruiting interest has reached a fever pitch. Illinois, Kentucky and Georgetown have recently entered the picture, and Memphis and Marquette have also been involved. Illinois Head Coach Bill Self is expected to make a visit to Miami in the coming weeks.

“The real story is that two weeks ago Jesus passed the SAT and so schools that knew he was talented but didn’t think he’d qualify are suddenly coming out of the woodwork,” Alvarez said. “I’m not real comfortable with that and I’ve gone on record to say that I think South Florida is the best option for Jesus. It’s where I want him to go, but I can’t make the decision for him.

“I told him that back when Seth Greenberg was here with him in Miami in the fall, those other coaches were out visiting other kids, and now, because maybe that didn’t work out, they’re after him. He still hasn’t made any visits but USF and he doesn’t have any planned.”

Despite the increased recruiting interest from around the country for the two-time all-state performer, Alvarez said that he thinks South Florida’s primary competition at this point remains the Puerto Rican professional league. Verdejo is spending this week (spring break) and next (foregoing a senior high school trip to the Bahamas) in Puerto Rico.

“If I’m Seth, I’m more concerned about that than any of the other schools,” Alvarez admitted.

Verdejo is clearly one of the top unsigned players in the country. Although he registered tremendous individual numbers, the 6-foot-5, 207-pound shooting guard’s senior season was tainted when the Florida High School Activities Association banned Miami Christian from the playoffs because of a recruiting violation involving University of Miami signee Guillermo Diaz and two other players.

The Victors finished the year 24-7 on the court, but were forced forfeit 14 games and were not allowed to compete for what could have been back-to-back state titles in Class 1A. Verdejo, however, has picked up his share of post-season accolades.

In addition to being named first team all-state, he was runner-up to Jacksonville Arlington Country Day’s T.J. Bannister for 1A Player of the Year. He was named first team all-Dade County by the Miami Herald and was MVP of the Dade Broward All-Star Game, leading all scorers with 29 points. He added 17 points at the Orlando Senior Showcase.

The signing period for basketball starts on April 16.