7/28/11

SMU and Carey Reconnect...

E.J. Holland
PonyPride.com

Rumors regarding 2012 point guard Tariq Carey have been swirling around the recruiting circuit. Statements have been made that Wake Forest is his only offer and that the Demon Deacons are his clear cut favorite, but Carey denies both of these accusations. In fact, the highly touted ball handler has official offers from seven schools and Wake Forest is not one of them.

"I don't know what happened. I went to camp down at Wake Forest, and a scout put up that I had an offer. That's just not true," Carey said. "I don't have an offer from them. I thought I would have had an offer by the way I performed, but I don't so it is what it is. I don't have any favorites right now because there are a lot of schools that are showing interest in me. I'm definitely open to everybody."

One viable option for Carey happens to be SMU, which extended an offer two weeks ago. The New Jersey native has a growing interest in the Mustangs after initially visiting the Hilltop as a freshman and loves what both the program and school have to offer.

"SMU called and offered me right after the Reebok Breakout Challenge. They said that they like my game and stuff like that. They want to try to get get me down there, and they think I'll be a good fit in Conference USA," he said. "They really noticed me when I played there at their school during the Reebok Underclassmen as a freshman. I like that SMU plays in Conference USA, so you can't go wrong. I saw them play a couple of times last year, and I like the way they play.

"I actually went back down there for a visit after I played there as a freshman so I know a lot about the school. The campus is nice, and it's in Dallas. I would definitely feel comfortable playing there. Basketball is big down there so I know I'll get a lot of love, and I have a good relationship Coach [Matt] Doherty. Steve Lutz, who recruited me back as freshman left to Creighton, but I still like SMU, and they are definitely in the running. "

Carey hopes to see an even bigger spike in his recruitment this fall after transferring from East Side to St. Benedict's Prep at the end of this past school year.

"I start at St. Benedict's in August. I transferred right after the school year finished. I played a lot of summer league games with them, and we were 11-0. It seems like a lot people don't respect inner city basketball so I just decided to do what's best for me and take my talents to St. Benedict's," said Carey of the move. "The coaches are really great. Their head coach Mark Taylor coached at St. Joe's Metuchen when Jayson Williams and Andrew Bynum were there so he has a lot of information to give out. Troy Long is still my mentor, he handles all of my recruitment."

As Carey stated, he still keep in close contact with Troy Long, who coached him at East Side and helped him make the transition from shooting guard to point guard last season. When asked about his former player, Long praised Carey's abilities on the court and affirmed that the 2012 prospect would be a valuable asset to any Division I program.

"This summer has been all about showing colleges that he can play point guard. He's sacrificed his scoring numbers and is out to prove that he can run a team. He's done a good job, and his size for the position is great," Long said. "I think if he goes to a mid-major, he can make an immediate impact. If he goes to a bigger school, I see him as a role player during his freshman year, then breaking out as a sophomore. I just think he has a tremendous upside."

Carey has spent all summer playing AAU, but plans to take some recruiting trips soon. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder, has an idea on where he wants to take his official visits and will begin narrowing down his list before summer ends.

"I want to try to get down to Clemson and Virginia soon. I don't have any officials planned yet, but by September I should know what's going," Carey said. "I definitely want to take a trip back down to SMU and Marshall so those are two definite schools right there, but as far as the other ones, I'll just have to wait."

Carey also added that he will make his final decision during early signing period.

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