BYU 'the lead school' for top 150 hoops recruit

BYU is in the driver’s seat for 2017 combo guard Christian Popoola Jr. The three-star, top 150 recruit told cougarnation.com, “BYU is definitely the lead school for me.”

Popoola currently plays at Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman, but played for Lone Peak under Quincy Lewis during the 2014-2015 season. Regarding Coach Lewis, Popoola said, “Coach Lewis is family. He’ll forever be Coach Lewis...playing for him would be a dream come true.”

In addition to the strong bond between Lewis and Popoola, Christian has a strong relationship with many of BYU’s current players. “I’ve been in the gym with a lot of these guys and have known them growing up. I’ve worked out a lot with Nick, TJ, Yoeli and Gavin [Baxter}. Those are my guys. A lot of these guys are my friends, so that’s a good thing.”

Along with his scholarship offer from BYU, Popoola holds offers from Oklahoma, USC, Stanford, Rutgers, San Diego State, Pepperdine, LMU, among others. After BYU, Popoola says that the last four schools mentioned are the ones coming after him the hardest.

Popoola hasn’t put a definite timetable on his decision to commit, but stated, “A decision could very well come soon. I’m gonna talk with my parents and see what decision is best for me.” Popoola is not LDS, so he would be playing for BYU right away.

In terms of playing style Popoola would present a good fit with the rest of the BYU backcourt. Popoola sees his playing style as “an athletic guard. I can play the 1, 2, 3. I shoot the ball well. I’m a jack-of-all-trades. I think {the coaching staff} see me as being a gel guy.” In terms of athleticism, Popoola would be one of the most athletic players to ever play at BYU. He has won national dunk contests, and his highlight reel is full of dunks rarely seen from BYU players. With BYU’s main core comprising of freshmen and sophomores, Popoola could factor in as a key piece as BYU enters into a new era.

Here are highlights from Christian Popoola: