HAMPTON, Va—A Rockwall, Tex. product, Austin Grandstaff promises to see his recruitment pick up as he runs with Team Texas Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring and summer. The class of 2015 standout has drawn moderate interest from the Duke coaching staff over the course of his prep career so far. The 6-foot-5 combo guard took some time Saturday morning during the second session of the EYBL at Hampton, Va. to discuss his game and the current state of his recruitment.
Question: You are a versatile guard that can shoot and distribute. What kind of role do you envision yourself in at the next level?
Answer: A combo guard that can play the one and the two. I’d like to become more of a true point guard that’s something I’m working on right now.
Q: I understand that you bounced around high schools this past year. Can you just walk me through where you were and where you intend to play the rest of your high school career?
A: I was at Rockwall to start and then I went to Huntington Prep. Then I went back and went to Plano West (Texas). I’m going to be at Rockwall next year and finish up my high school career there.
Q: You are midway through the second tournament of the Nike EYBL. How would you assess your performance on the circuit so far?
A: The first session [in Los Angeles] I did not play very well. I played well in the last game. These last two games I’ve played really well. And I hope to keep playing well for my team and keep getting wins.
Q: Do you feel any added pressure since you are about to be an upperclassmen, see the recruitment process pick up and garner more attention from head coaches at these events?
A: Yeah, definitely. Seeing those faces in the crowd like Calipari or Coach K or Coach Pitino, I’ve been watching them since I was a little kid. And it’s pretty cool to see them here watching my games.
Q: Who has offered you a scholarship so far?
A: Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, UMass, Texas A&M and Marquette.
Q: How would you characterize Duke's interest in you?
A: It’s kind of just average really. I think they are waiting to see what kind of a summer I have. Just not much right now.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Duke program?
A: I mean it’s obviously a good program. It’s probably the best in the country.
Q: How frequently are you communicating with the Duke coaching staff?
A: I talked to one of them last week. I talked to Wojo last week and that’s the last time I’ve talked to them.
Q: Has the Duke coaching staff ever discussed the possibility of a offering a scholarship yet?
A: No, not yet.
Q: What does your schedule look like for visits this summer?
A: After the EYBL, I’m going to go to local schools and take visits, but right now I don’t have anything planned.
Q: I know it's still early for you, but have you given any thought to the timetable of your recruitment process?
A: I don’t really have one at this point. It’ll all pan out.
Q: And what do you really think you need to improve on this summer?
A: Quicker ball handling. Just getting bigger, faster stronger and keep working on my shot.
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