Christian Wood - Orally commits to UNLV

Christian Wood orally commits to the UNLV 2013-14 class

(Video fixed 10:30a.m.)

Points of emphasis about his recruitment

Appreciates the reputation and tradition at UNLV
Believes UNLV is young and on the rise
Looked at the Rebels due to AAU coach’s relationship with Stacey Augmon
Says looks forward to having Augmon as a mentor, aspires to be similar type of swingman player, appreciates him having helped develop Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith
Appreciates that Augmon was a NBA player, what he brings to the table
Wanted to pick a school close to home (Palmdale, CA)
May attend Finlay Prep this coming season
Major point (hidden in plain sight): Looks at the UNLV coaching staff and sees the former coaches of both Jimmer Fredette and Kawai Leonard, both NBA lottery picks

Profile

Christian Wood is 6’8”, entering his junior year, and plays power forward currently at William J. Knight High School in Palmdale, CA. As exhibited in his game footage he has an excellent 3-point-shot and dunks with regularity and authority. He has been described as extremely athletic for his size, and has been compared with Kevin Durant for body type. Overall, he has been described as a cross between Austin Daye and Tracy McGrady. By his own admission, he needs to build strength so he can rebound and fight for loose balls. Missed all but three games of last year’s high school season with a broken wrist. At his age, growing taller is still within the realm of possibility, but even if he does not grow another inch, he is the correct size for a power-forward. His shooting range will draw the defense out, allowing better looks for his teammates. He has the potential to be a 1^st team all-MWC type of player, and a good shot at being selected and competing at the next level. This is excellent news for UNLV and for Christian Wood and his family, he figures to be a prominent key to the Rebel’s future.

Rankings

Scout.com lists him as a 4-star prospect, 33^rd best player overall and 9^th best power forward
Espn.com lists him as a 4-star prospect (94 points), 37^th best player overall and 11^th best power forward
Rivals.com lists him as a 3-star prospect
Neil Neves @ Coast 2 Coast recruiting believes by the time 2013 arrives Wood could be the #1 west coast prospect.

Video

Interview done by West Coast Hoops – May 22, 2011 (Topic, recruiting, people who influence his decision)

http://www.ihigh.com/westcoasthoops/video_895653.html

Christian Wood and others at Pangos spring showcase:

http://blip.tv/ballislife/katin-reinhardt-stanley-johnson-zena-edosomwan-jordan-bell-christian-wood-showout-at-pangos-spring-showcase-5230769

Highlight mixtape