Jessie Govan, a Class of 2015 center at Wings Academy in the Bronx NY, is a young man in demand. Big men are a scarce commodity in the recruiting world, and when a player of Govan's talent and size is available, he will always have a long list of offers from high-major programs. Jim Larrañaga, the Hurricanes head honcho and 2013 National Coach of the Year, has repeatedly invoked the need for a talented big as the top priority in the 2015 class. The Hurricanes were one of the first high-majors to offer Govan, having done so before the July 2013 AAU season got underway, and the Canes have built a strong relationship with him.
We had a chance to ask Jessie to update @CanesHoops fans on this talented big man and his recruitment.
SOTU: We've seen that you're listed at 6'10" and about 250 pounds. What is your true height and weight currently?
JG: I'm 6'10 and about 260, I've put on more muscle and bulked up.
SOTU: For those who haven't seen you play, how do you describe your game? What are your strengths? What do you need to work on?
JG: I'm a low post player, I like to get my dirty work done down low, but I can also step out to the perimeter and hit the jumper consistently out to about 18 feet. My strengths are my low post moves and my low post defense, I can work on just being aggressive 100% of the time.
SOTU: Why are you considering Miami? What about it appeals to you?
JG: I'm considering Miami because they have been recruiting me since my freshman year, I have a good relationship with Coach L and Coach Huger. I like that they are in probably the best conference in the country, and they have a winning tradition. And it's hot down in Miami haha.
SOTU: Why do you think the coaches are interested in you? What about your game or personality fits the style of play and coaching?
JG: I think they are interested in me because they see a player that they can go to in the post and be a presence down there, get them easy buckets. They see that I'm a team player and I could help the guards out when I draw double teams.
SOTU: What else are you looking for in a school?
JG: Just to be 100% comfortable with my choice, and to have minutes coming in as a freshman.
SOTU: Does potentially playing in the ACC tournament in the Barclays Center have appeal to you?
JG: It does, that's close to home so my family could come out and watch me play a few games, that would be pretty cool.
SOTU: What other schools have offered you? What schools are you considering besides Miami?
JG: Arizona, UConn, Seton Hall, Louisville, Georgetown, Cincinnati, and Virginia have also offered me. I'm open to all schools right now, just trying to enjoy the recruitment process.
SOTU: Do you plan to visit Miami, and if so, when? Have you taken any other visits, or do you plan to? Where to?
JG: I do plan to try and get down to Miami, I don't know when as of yet. I have taken visits to UConn and Seton Hall, and I might take a visit to Georgetown soon.
SOTU: Tell us a bit about your thought process. When do you plan to cut your list down? When do you plan to take visits, and to where?
JG: I will probably cut my list down at the end of this AAU season, and from there I will plan my visits.
SOTU: When do you intend to announce your college choice?
JG: I plan to announce my senior year, maybe before the season or maybe after, just at a point where I feel definite about my choice.
Govan was a member of the 2013-14 USA Basketball Men's Developmental National Team and we understand that Jessie is planning to participate in this summer's training camp in hopes of making the 2014 USA U17 World Championship Team. We'd like to wish Jessie well and thank him for his time as Canes fans will be watching his recruitment closely!
Hat tip to SOTU Hoops Consigliere Josh Frank (@joshdacane) for his input on this piece.
Jessie Govan SHOWS OUT at Big Apple Basketball Invitational (via Ray Anczelowicz)
Jessie Govan 6'9 2015 Dominates at Boo Williams! (via Ray Anczelowicz)