C.J. Leslie HS Hoop Diary: Coach drop-ins & Final Four picks
Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) forward C.J. Leslie is a Top-10 prospect nationally. Previously committed to N.C. State, Leslie recently re-opened his recruiting and has opted to wait until the spring to decide on a college. That alone makes his one of the most intriguing stories in the 2010 senior class, and Leslie also happens to be one of its most exciting players. C.J. has agreed to give Dime and High School Hoop exclusive access in a regular diary about his season and the recruiting process as he inches closer to a decision. Here’s an excerpt from his latest entry:
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… I’ve noticed a few different coaches at my games lately. John Calipari (Kentucky) has been there … UCLA has been to a game, and Oregon. N.C. State has definitely been at a few games, too. That’s about it. It’s cool to have big-time coaches like that in the stands when you’re playing, but, to be honest, it doesn’t really affect how I play. I play harder regardless!
I told you guys last time that we were going to play in a tournament in Kentucky and that was real cool. I got a chance to go down and hang out with my boy John Wall (Word of God, 2009). We had a GREAT time together and the fans were just crazy! I definitely think that Kentucky has the wildest fans. They were doing different chants for me like “C.J. – UK” and “C.J. Les-lie!” It’s pretty cool to hear that. They show a lot of love and they are on top of things. They’re recruiting just like the coaches are.
… I watch a lot of college basketball, and I want to go ahead and give my picks for the Final Four. I’m saying Kentucky, Texas, Kansas and Michigan State. You know the Spartans always find their way to the Final Four somehow. And you already know who I’m picking to win it all: My homeboy John at Kentucky! He better win it. I mean, think about it: They’ve got a great team with great freshmen who don’t play like freshmen. Plus Calipari is a great coach! I definitely think that Kentucky will be cutting the nets down for sure!
You can read the rest of C.J.’s diary at HighSchoolHoop.com, where he talks about Word of God’s season, attending the NC State/Duke game, and more.
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February 11th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
BiGShoTBoB says:
I agree with his picks except I would change Mich St. to Syracuse
February 11th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Dave / NM says:
C’mon CJ … Go ahead and sign with Kentucky. Why would you want to play anywhere else?
February 11th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Heckler says:
**BREAKING NEWS**BREAKING NEWS**BREAKING NEWS**
JASON KIDD REPLACES KOBE BRYANT FOR THE ALLSTAR GAME!
February 11th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
IG says:
CJ made the McDs team. Other McDs Undecided: CJ Leslie, Josh Selby, Terrence Jones, Cory Joseph, Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, Ray McCallum………
Go to Europe!
February 11th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
bigbluecat says:
CJ, come on over and join the BIG BLUE NATION. CJ, hopefully youe wear UK blue and white, but the best of luck to you werever you choose. GO BLUE
February 11th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Wayne says:
CJ, you know as well as I do, that your boy Len Bias did not go to Kentucky!
February 12th, 2010 at 6:22 am
Trevor says:
If you want to win go to uk….and im sure you can ask john wall, uk girls love their basketball players!
February 12th, 2010 at 9:40 am
UKCATZFAN says:
i’m a UK fan so i hope CJ comes to uk
but he has to do what he thinks is best for him
February 12th, 2010 at 11:46 am
life-p says:
Leslie, this is your conscience…go to NC State…that is all.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Richard Girth says:
C.J., if you want to play for a ACC cellar-dwellar, an RBC Center half-filled with fans, Raleigh is the place to be! Plus, you very well could have a new coach.
If you want to win….NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, play in Rupp with 24k every night, come to Kentucky!
Lexington>Raleigh
February 13th, 2010 at 12:43 am
David Thompson says:
Kentucky will be on probation within 3 years. I obviously want you to come to State CJ, but if you choose to leave the state please don’t go to Lexington.
February 13th, 2010 at 2:17 am
daagoob says:
yeah,if you want to play for a sleezball and a cheap,uk is the way to go,but you’ll be playing pro ball before all the sanctions hit,and cal leaves,so you wont be affected,heck even coach knight said calipari was a shady coach.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
A. Smith says:
CJ, You know john wall is going pro, go 2 NCSU and u guys will b the kentucky of the 2010-2011 season. I mean with u Ryan,Lorenzo, and Luke u guys will b unstoppable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 16th, 2010 at 10:40 am
TrashProof JDB says:
I have got to agree with A. Smith on this one cj, i mean lets think about this thing if you decide to come play ball at NCSU its gonna be nasty as well as you can run the floor, face up, rebound, and play with your back to the basket(i’ve watched all your videos) ryan and lorenzo are only gonna make you that much better. I have been a NCSU fan my whole life and i cant remeber the last diaper dandy i wanted to wear red as much as you, our fans are so loyal and will show you how hype we can get next year if you come. hope to see you in Raleigh dude!
February 19th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
CJL Fan says:
C’mon CJL. I’m not gonna bash UK because they have a good program, but how many opportunities does a player have a chance to make a legend of himself? How many have had a chance to take a team out of the ashes and rebuild them? YOU have that opportunity! Especially with Ryan, ‘Zo, and Luke there with you. Do what’s best for you and really think about it, but you’ll make both schools great, it’s just a matter of where you’ll be most remembered (NC State) and where you’ll have the most fun playing (NC State) with guys you will love to play with.
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Joseph says:
CJ, keep your eyes on the Terps. Go back to where you started. You will be the man at Maryland and they will have plenty there to support you.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:28 am
cory says:
cj leslie go to indiana state
March 7th, 2010 at 12:29 am
cory says:
cj leslie go to indiana state
March 7th, 2010 at 12:29 am
cory says:
cj leslie go to indiana state
March 9th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Mike Wilson says:
CJ, go to NCSU. Your boy John will be gone next year, so ball with your other boy Ryan in Raleigh for a couple years. Kentucky’s fans are crazy bc they have a national contender to cheer for. Im a graduating senior at state so trust me our fans are hungry, starving for a team to rally around. Coach Lowe’s class is by far his best this year, you would make this class one of the best ever. Our fans will go crazy over the 2010-11 team, you will become a hero on campus, in the city of Raleigh, and with the ladies. You have the chance to bring a once very proud elite program back to national prominence. Make the right choice for yourself. Be a hometown hero, I think your Mom would like her son to stay close as well.
March 21st, 2010 at 10:05 pm
wolfpacknation says:
cj,
come to raleigh. you was recruited by us when you were 13. you have came to every home game for free as a possible recruit sitting right behind the bench. Coach Lowe is dating your mom also. make her proud and all of state fans excited about basketball again. think about it. whipping carolina and duke with ryan dishing the ball to you. oh man that would be awesome.
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:04 am
Lenny B. says:
We await you with open arms….although I am a little BIASed!!
Go Terps!!!!!!!!!
March 24th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
MOC Broseph says:
CJ, I know that you’ll make the right decision. Instead of following in someone’s shoes (John Wall), you should make a name of yourself where you don’t have to live up to his hype. I hear NCSU has a great recruiting class and you would be the face of that new program.
I would either go there or play ball in Europe. Good luck either way you go.
March 25th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
MOC J Master Flash says:
CJ, It’s all about you baby. NC State is an amazing University. We’ve got fantastic basketball facilities (as you know) passionate and intelligent fans, and we give you the opportunity to become a legend.
NC State: Because Ashley Judd is overrated.
March 25th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
MOC J Master Flash says:
On the note of the ladies, as my astute NC State soon-to-be-alum has pointed out – we got ‘em.
Think about this:
NC State – fine ladies
Carolina – fine ladies
Peace college – all ladies
Meredith college – all ladies
Just don’t get too distracted on the court!
April 17th, 2010 at 3:04 am
conrad says:
any wins at UK will never show up in history as in U mass and Memphis .. wins will be vacated .. Calapari is a crook