2009 Eric Bledsoe - Hard time deciding  

Another local guy uprooted by the closing of Hayes High School is 2009 prospect Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe, rated by Rivals.com as the number 67 rated prospect in his class, has slowly but surely climbed his way up the rankings by displaying his abilities as a pure point guard.

A year ago, Eric was not even in the Rivals Top 150, flying under the radar. After a strong junior season and a coming out party this summer, he has climbed the charts and has popped up on many teams' lists of priorities.

Bledsoe has the ability to control the game, involve his teammates, push the ball in transition and get to the rim when he wants. The last game I watched Eric play, I didn't see him take one shot outside of 15 feet. That's because he didn't have to. He was either setting up a teammate for the shot or getting into the teeth of the defense.

In terms of his performance this summer, Eric won MVP at the Battle at the Bluff and the Peach State Jam (both of which his team, Birmingham ICE, won). Double-digit assist games are more prevalent than not for him. He is the true definition of a point guard.

Eric will now be headed to play his senior season at Parker High School, coached by Maurice Ford. When I asked about the number one thing he wanted to accomplish for this season, he said "To win the state championship...beat LeFlore."

As far as a decision goes, Eric told me that he would make his decision "in the spring...in April." So teams like UAB, Minnesota, Kentucky, South Carolina and South Florida will have to wait a while.

Short Q&A with Eric Bledsoe

BH: What all have you been up to this summer?
EB: "Just playing ball. We were in the Kings of the Hill, the Real Deal, Battle at the Bluff, the Peach State Jam, and Nations."

BH: What was your favorite moment?
EB: "When we played in the Peach State and the Battle at the Bluff, cause we won both of them."

BH: Which player did you enjoy facing up against this summer the most?
EB: "Maalik Wayns"

BH: What aspect of your game do you need to work on the most?
EB: "My jump shot. "

BH: What is your role when you step on the floor?
EB: "Get the team involved in the game."

BH: Who is your favorite player?
EB: "College, I like Jerred Bayless and I like Chris Paul."

BH: What schools are recruiting you the hardest?
EB: "UAB, Kentucky, Minnesota, South Florida and South Carolina."

BH: You did an interview recently where you talked about the struggle of deciding on whether or not you want to stay close to home...are you still struggling with that?"
EB: "Yeah, it's a hard decision. Still not sure."

BH: What schools are YOU interested in the most?
EB: "All of them right now."

BH: You have a leader?
EB: "No, sir."

BH: If you could go to ANY school, what school would you go to? Your dream school?
EB: "Duke cause I like how they play….their style of play."

BH: Do you have a timeline on when you’re going to make a decision?
EB: "In the spring, in April."

BH: What’s your favorite part about being a high profile recruit?
EB: "Everybody knows you."

BH: What’s your least favorite part?
EB: "You gotta try to make a decision on what school you’re gonna go to."

BH: How often do you get bugged for interviews?
EB: "Not that often."

BH: What’s in your iPod?
EB: "Lil Wayne."

BH: What is one thing you are looking forward to the most about going to college?
EB: "Getting to graduate. Girls…partying."

BH: Tell the readers one thing about Eric Bledsoe that sets you apart
EB: "That I share a relationship with my teammates off the court."