California Love

                                                                           T.J. Leaf, #13 Rated Prospect for the Class of 2016 

   

                                                                           By Jacob Polacheck 

“I love basketball and I know that God has put me in a great place to be a leader, so I am blessed to [have this] opportunity, but you can never stop working,” remarked Foothills Christian Senior, TJ Leaf. The 6’9” power forward from El Cajon, California has been a force to be reckoned with throughout his high school career and plans to continue that success when he plays college basketball in 2016. This past summer Leaf de-committed from the University of Arizona and has now narrowed his decision down to six schools.  “[The university of Arizona’s] just not the place for me. Nothing against them and their program because it’s great there, but for me, and [for] my future, I know [that] I need to be somewhere else.”

 

     Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Leaf feels a real connection with the state of Israel, so much so, that he chose to play with the Israeli National Team this past summer. Playing in the U18 championships, Leaf was able to get an experience that most high school students won’t get to have. “It was great. It really helped me mature as a person and as a basketball player. It was a great opportunity for me and I really enjoyed it. It really helped my game ‘grow up’.” After playing with the Israeli National Team, Leaf began to elevate his game to new levels, including a solid showing in the 10th Annual Under Armour Elite 24 Game that includes 24 of the best high school basketball players in the country. This game gives college and NBA scouts a preview of what’s to come for the future, which should help Leaf in his effort to pursue his ultimate goal: “I think every basketball player wants to play in the NBA and that’s definitely my goal.” 

 

     Going into his senior year of high school, one of the biggest things weighing on Leaf’s mind right now is recruitment. The six schools that Leaf narrowed down his official list to are Kansas, Louisville, North Carolina, Oregon, San Diego State, and UCLA. The highly coveted prospect has a clear idea of what he is looking for in a college saying, ”It’s different for everyone, but for me, I need a really free coach and a system that allows players to thrive. [One that] doesn’t handcuff them.” 

 

     Even though he is a top prospect in the class of 2016, Leaf is still able to live the life of a normal teenager. “[My hobbies include] golfing, fishing, and just hanging out with friends.” Nicknamed California Love, Leaf tries not to be overwhelmed with the recruiting process and instead keeps working to fulfill his potential. “[I’m in the gym] every single day. I can’t do some things with my friends sometimes because I have to be in the gym, but it’s worth it.” It certainly will be worth it if he can accomplish his goal of making the NBA, but for now he is undoubtedly someone to look out for.