The C.J. Leslie Diary: Intro
Words. C.J. Leslie
C.J. Leslie
Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) star forward C.J. Leslie is the #10-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. 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 HSH exclusive access and chronicle his thoughts in this bi-monthly diary where he’ll talk about everything from his season with Word of God to the recruiting process as he inches closer and closer to a decision.
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What’s up! What’s up! What’s up! It’s your boy C.J. Leslie and I’ve decided to keep my diary here on High School Hoop and Dime to update everyone on what’s going on with me.
We’ve already started our season and things are going good with the team! I’ve had some pretty big games, too. I think my best game so far was against United Faith, but we ended up losing, so I wasn’t happy about that. (Editor’s note: Leslie scored 37 points in the loss.) It was in the championship of our Thanksgiving tournament. Not to make excuses, but we were a little short-handed when we played them. Bishop Daniels (2011 PG/SG) was out for us and Dez Wells (2011 SG/SF) played, but he had three fouls in the first quarter so he sat most of the game. The worst part was that United Faith was the team that had the controversial win against us in the state title game last year. We’ll make sure to get them next time, though.
So far we haven’t really played against any really highly-rated players yet, but we’re looking forward to that, too. At the same time, we’re trying to take care of everyone we play, so that doesn’t matter too much.
I just like how everything is going in practice and everything about this year. We have a new coach, Erasto Hatchett, and we work really hard, but we also have fun in practice. We do this four-man drill at the beginning of practice and that’s always a lot of fun. We really get into it!
I’ve had a few college coaches coming out to my games, too. Coach Sidney Lowe (N.C. State) has been out, and Ernie Kent (Oregon) came, too. There were two other schools that I know were there, but I can’t remember which ones. I’m usually pretty focused on the game.
For those that don’t know, I’m waiting until the spring to get everything decided with my recruitment. I’m just not sure about anything at this point, and it’s important for me to be sure. I don’t have any favorites and I’m just taking my time with the whole thing. (Editor’s note: C.J.’s most recent list included N.C. State, Kentucky, Oregon, Maryland, Connecticut, Georgetown and Florida)
I did get to watch my boy John Wall (Word of God, 2009) beat North Carolina! We actually had a game that day and I only caught the last eight minutes, but someone recorded it for me and I watched the whole game. Aww man, John did his thing! I was definitely proud of him. I talked to him after the game and he was definitely on his recruiting thing, just saying “You need to come here, man!”
So that was cool to see him do so well in such a big game. His game has grown even more than when we played together last year.
The biggest part of my game that has grown from last season is my shooting ability. Not necessarily making them, but just taking them, just getting comfortable shooting. It’s going in, but you’ve got to take the shots for them to go in and my confidence has grown a lot.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. I’m out fam, holla back on the next one.
CJ, don’t listen to John. He will be in the NBA next year so you wouldn’t get to play together anyway. You should go to State and play with Ryan Harrow. If you join the Pack, they would be unstoppable next year.
I agree CJ and Harrow would be legit, but I think UK is the place for him. DONT HATE
CJ listen theres a reason Wall told you to go to UK and thats because the games are nuts, there the first program to a 1000, and 2000 wins and what is State doin this year? UK is #3 but i dont have to tell you that keep working hard, youll make the right decision
Even though I’m a Tarheel fan, I agree with packattack. State has some really good players coming next year and with Leslie they would be nasty. SCARY GOOD.
CJ, come to State and be a hometown hero. The fans will absolutley love you man.
Whichever school CJ chooses, he’s never going to have more fun playing ball! Those will be some of the best years of his life, and they go by far too fast. Once he’s in the NBA, if he makes it that far, it’s a JOB. A job and a half. There’s plenty of time for that later.
Stay in school CJ. Maximize your happiness!
BTW, I read Calipari was trying to convince Wall to stay three years, but he was recruiting Wall’s replacement for next year at the same time (Knight?). CJ should listen to his boy Wall. And anyone else who can give him the inside dope about any of the programs he’s considering. You can’t just listen to the coaches. You gotta listen to the players, too. CJ will figure it out.
Wall has said he’ll stay in school for as long as it takes for him to get his degree. Now that may be online somwhere while he’s in the NBA but still. I would have to say that if CJ comes to uk then wall will stay and so will everyone else except Patterson who graduates this year.
Hey Donald….just to let you know that Patterson is a JR he still could comeback next season. But you are right he is on course to get his degree in the spring. But he could still play next season.
Hey CJ you can do what you want but just know when a NC state fan and a Tar Heel team up against Kentucky that means there are scared. You know what’s up. Hope to see you in white and blue next season.
Anyone that doesn’t believe that Wall is one and done is just fooling themselves. Absolutely next year this time John will be playing NBA ball, no matter he or anyone else says about a degree. There is NO way he will turn down the money that a #1 NBA pick will be able to secure, NO WAY. LOL
too bad money talks…seeing him hoop it up in college would be…
ncstate has something kentucky doesn’t cj,we have the #1 pt guard in the nation coming in next yr in ryan harrow.ryans averaging 39pts a game right now,and he doesnt get the repect he deserves cause of his size,this kid is unbelievable and you can see him play at playballyall.com.also theshooting guard coming in next yr is no slouch either in lorenzo brown,he’s at prep school right now and i believe he’s averaging 31pts a game,you cant paint a much better picture for cj than that,state has sucked for some time now,but sid is bout to turn the corner and take these kids to another level,up there with the carolinas,dukes,and kentuckys of the cbkll world
Sorry dude but Brandon Knight is considered the #1 PG and in some he is considered the #1 overall recruit. And UK has a pretty good PG in Bledsoe just in case Knight some how doesnt come to UK. But he will.
Anybody who thinks John Wall is going to stay more than one year is crazy. He will be the number one pick in the draft, so why come back and risk injury.
Hey CJ…don’t listen to me or anyone else on here man…you gotta go to school where YOU want to go to school…You’d be a great fit here at Kentucky in Cal’s DDM…you are a tremendous talent and you have the athleticism to thrive here and secure your place not only in the storied history of the most storied program in college basketball, but also to secure your spot in The League and banking the big $$$…you get more national tv exposure at UK than anywhere else…you would be competing for a championship each year…the same can be said for several other programs…but no other program has a more loyal and fervent and sizeable fanbase…and a fanbase that travels in large numbers wherever on this planet we play…BUT…all UK fans only want players who want to be here…and it’s not for everyone…we all hope to see you in the Ble and White CJ…but we all will wish you well and much success wherever you go and whatever situation fits you best…and that’s the truth…we’ll all root for you except if you are playing us! Best of luck CJ now and in your very bright future…as a friend of John’s, you are already a friend of ours and you always will be regardless of where you choose to play your college ball…stay strong man…on the court and in the classroom…and GO BIG BLUE!
I highly doubt wall will stay 3 years. UK will be lucky if they get 2 out of him. King James has him as the #1 pick. Personally, I wish UK would stay out of our backyard. Recruit the best players in Kentucky.
NC State will rise again. I just hope CJ wants to be a part of our return to glory.
As a UK fan there I believe there is one thing recruits don’t realize about UK, the shear total and insane worship that the program and as a result the players garner from every single person in the state. It goes without saying that the stars recieve godlike praise, however, even the kids riding pine are like our own personal family and celebrity all in one. People in kentucky LIVE for basketball, it is engrained in everyone from the time they are born. It truly is an obsession in the comonwealth, UK games take precident over absolutly every facit of our lives. I am a first year law student and I, along with everyone in my class,stopped studying today to watch the IU game. I haven’t stopped studying too eat, sleep, or even see my family or girlfriend in 3 weeks. UK basketball is our spirit it is our obsession and it gives us a reason to get out of bed every day. If you play for UK you will not only have acess to the best facilities, the biggest stage in which to show your tallent off, and the best coach in the country, but you will be a litteral god. People will part ways for you in crowded public areas. People will take off their jackets and offer them to you if you look cold. People will do absolutly anything for one of their own. And this is all because of our unmatched viceral love for the one claim to fame we have in this world our baskettball team. So CJ I would advise you to follow your heart in chosing a school but consider one important factor present at UK: the tremendous passion and love we have for the program that cannot truly be imagined or expressed unless you are part of this culture.
Donald,
Patterson actually has one more year eligbility left after this year if he wants to come back.
Patterson does have one year of eligibility left but hes will graduate this year.
Hey CJ, I just wanted to say how much i want to see you in the blue and white next season. Kentucky is only improving with Calipari. He will get you ready for the NBA. Good Luck with your season and recruiting and hope you enjoy which ever college you choose.
uhh, tobacco road,come on you kentucky guys,i know you have a storied program,but nc is the hotbed of college basketball.cj will excell wherever he goes whether uk,oregon or state,and yes he would get more exposure at kentucky,but he would probably get more court time in raleigh,and his good friend john wall will be one and done.from what were reading hes developed quite a friendship with ryan,who will be running the show in raleigh next yr,but who knows,he might end up in eugene next yr,regardless he’s one heck of a player
I’ve seen this kid play in person three times, and he’s definitely the real deal with a kg motor. Go 2 the school that best suits your game and your nba asperations!
I love wall, but if u r recruiting a player 2 come 2 a school u better guarantee that u still there when he’s there which wont b the case!
As we all know, there r no such things as guarantee’s! J. Bayless promised the same thing to Brandon Jennings. This was before the whole over seas situation.
Good Luck Kid!!
[...] does it get any better than C.J. Leslie (Word of God Academy, N.C.)? I mean, after reading his diary, I want him more and more at Kentucky! This guy has a great personality and he just seems like a [...]
CJ, what could be better than playing in front of all your friends and family in RALIEGH? Not to mention the fact you would be playing with one of the best guard combos in the nation, Ryan Harrow and Lorenzo Brown. DYNO MITE!!
PLEASE come to NCSU!!! Come play with your boy Ryan Harrow, John will most likely be gone! Everybody loves a Hometown Hero!!!
We love you CJ!
Go Pack!
CJ, the Wolfpack IS fam. You know where you wanna be. That’s why you committed here in the first place. Remember who was loyal to you. Remember your friend(s) coming in next year. And if you liked watching Kentucky beat Brokeback Hill, come on down to NCSU, you can beat em 2 or 3 times every year.
Go to Kentucky and you’re another face in the crowd. Come to NCSU, help us become champions, and you’ll be a Legend.
Your an idiot if you think your another face a Kentucky. He will shine. If he goes to State, noone will hear about him.
wow, these fan are nuts. some of the things I’m reading is just crazy.
Anyway, here is what I posted at DIME.
@CJ Leslie,
If you actually read this, think for a second. Without that 6’9 height and verticle jump, and even if you had a 4.0 GPA, would any of those colleges on your list want you? Hell no. Now think, with a 4.0 GPA, would the black (HBCU) colleges want you? Hell Yes! Plus why make millions for these big colleges and not be willing to make thousands for the only colleges that would allow a guy like Martin Luther King attend. There is a reason Jada and Will Smith along with Bill Cosby are always donating large amounts of money to the HBCU’s. Legends were made at these colleges. Take time to talk to a representative from one of your local HBCU’s. They will list the great/famous people who have attended an HBCU across this country.
Assuming your major concern would be talent/coaching/competetion… thats why you need to get some of the other top 100 players to commit to such a thing with you. If would be history making, and I’d put my $ on it that someone like PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA would take notice. And as good as you are, you’d just be a foot note at one of these bigger colleges. YOU’D BE A LEGEND AT AN HBCU!!!
Say you make it to the NBA some day, sure you can give back to the HBCU in one of your charities. But had you gone to an HBCU, you’d have started a revolution like none before you.
I myself never attended a black college. I’ve been to them and loved my experience there and would just like to see a young black man make a good choice. Remeber, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”
And I got no Agenda like these other posters. I got nothing invested in these HBCU’s, other than the pride of being a Black man.
I have to give you kudos for what you’re saying, I really do. But I also have to correct you. A “footnote”…c’mon now. At UK great players are not just footnotes.. they’re part of a legend that “is” college basketball. Some of the most prominent business men and might I add government officials in this state are ex-UK players. Why?? Because we never forget them and this university opens doors for those who have a pro career ahead of them as well as the ones who don’t. All in all he’ll make the choice for his own reasons. But again I do applaud you for what you’re saying.
So your saying the Big Time programs don’t have Black people playing on their teams. Man little RACIST much. LOL!!!!
CJ I would love to have a player of your caliber coming to Kentucky. But do it for “yourself”. John’s gone..one and done end of story. So playing w/him isn’t much of an option. Patterson’s leaving as a JR and Cousin’s… well.. if he keeps improving may also be gone. Come to UK because you want to wear the blue and white. Come to UK because you love the staff and the school. Let’s face it..you’re NBA material no matter where you go. So why not choose the winningest program in all of basketball!!!
CJ, you have to do what is right for you no doubt. You must think of this, Yes if you go to UK you will be on the floor with their storied history but, if you go to this school you will be compared when you leave for the NBA to the greatest College Basketball player of all time no matter what era we are talking about. That school is NC STATE and that player is the one and only DT(David Thompson) Skywalker.
I had the privilege of seeing him play first hand and the best way to describe him is that he was 6’4 listed but actually 6’3 and he was the combination of John Wall and CJ Leslie on what he could do on the court.
I know DT would love to pass the torch to you to carry this program where it once was. That I think is what he is waiting for. I couldn’t imagine the difficulty you will have and I hope you have the right people around you when the time comes to make your decision. You seem to be a young man with his head well adjusted and that is a plus for you. Good luck! Go Pack!
CJ -
I graduated from NC State in 1982. The next year we won the national championship. “El Sid” was our leader. Of course we want you to come to NC State. We need you. Kentucky ? They do not need you, really. But they’d love you to come there.
Your name is going up in the rafters at NC State.
If not. We wish you the best anyway.
[...] C.J. has agreed to give HSH exclusive access and chronicle his thoughts in this bi-monthly diary where he’ll talk about everything from his season with Word of God to the recruiting process as he inches closer and closer to a decision. [...]
I watched you play Waccamaw Academy Jan 25,we
were the four with the UK shirts and hats. If you go to UK there is a plus side.
Every game is on TV. Your parents could watch
you play every game. I watched the 2 hour midnight
maddness and even the blue white game. I have
not missed a game. You could contribute to the UK aim for another NCAA Championship, I believe coach
Cal can make it happen. Where ever you go I wish you great success. Enjoyed watching the game at
Waccamaw Academy.
Better get to KY before Calipari tries the pros again and leaves sanctions and promises behind him.
CJ Leslie and Ryan Harrow with Lorenzo Brown. Think about it dude and do the right thing player.
Yo cj dont listen to these fools. Head on up to Storrs, CT and join the team who not only puts the most players in the NBA but has also won 2 championships in the past 10 years. You would be exactly what they are missing in the paint right now. So go play for coach Calhoun
let c,j make his own mind up.stop with all the lies and rumors .i for one want him to come to kentucky i think it would be a good fit for him.but it he doesnt, good luck to him where ever he goes.get all the storys right and dont spread all the crap .if your only spreading lies and rumors to get him to come to whatever school . than your no better than the coach your telling rumors about.grow up people.let him and his family decide his future