L.J. Rose Diary: Dropping North Carolina, adding UCLA
Words. L.J. Rose
Second Baptist School (Houston, TX) junior L.J. Rose is one of the most gifted lead guards in the country. Despite suffering from a nagging ankle injury last summer that limited him in the crucial AAU/camp season, he still has everyone from UCLA to Kentucky to Arizona trying to lure him to their schools. Rose has agreed to give HSH exclusive access by chronicling his thoughts in a regular diary.
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What’s up y’all! I know it’s been a long time since my last diary entry. My bad, I’ve been under the weather here lately. I had the flu, then I also had bronchitis, so it’s been a rough last few weeks. The worst part about being sick is you want to go out there and get into your normal routine, but your body won’t let you.
I didn’t miss any games, though. I played with the flu. That was tough, but I really wanted to play through it.
I’m feeling good now. My body is 100 percent, my foot is 100 percent, and I’m ready for the playoffs. I’m averaging 18 points, nine assists and six rebounds a game so far. We got second in the district, and that’s pretty big because we’ve got Westbury Christian in our district and they’re a Top-30 team nationally. We lost to them twice this year, but I think we’ve got a good shot at getting them in the state tournament.
My recruitment is going well, too. A lot of people were asking me about the situation with UNC and them getting a commitment from (fellow 2012 point guard) Marcus Paige a few weeks back. Most people don’t know this, but North Carolina was actually my leader at the time. I had visited there for Late Night with Roy and I really liked them. I just wasn’t ready to commit yet.
The commitment (from Paige) was a surprise to a lot of people. I knew that they’d offered him a while ago, but I didn’t think he was gonna commit because he hadn’t to this point. I haven’t seen him play, but a lot of people were surprised by the whole thing. From what I’ve heard it’s a good fit for him and I wish nothing but the best for Marcus and UNC in the future.
But I’m not considering North Carolina anymore. They’re not on my list.
I’m still very happy with my list: Texas, Kansas, Kentucky, Baylor, Georgetown, Florida, Miami, Florida State, Michigan State and just recently I added UCLA.
Of course y’all know that my boy Rasheed Sulaimon recently committed to Duke, and I think that’s a great situation for him! I’m really happy for him. He always wanted to play at Duke and now he’s living out his dream of playing for one of the best coaches ever. I don’t think we’ll be teaming up together or anything, but I’m happy for him.
I don’t plan to cut my list again. I’m probably just gonna make my decision when I’m ready. I’m looking close at each school on my list and I’ll decide and make my decision from there.
I’m planning to visit Kansas and UCLA pretty soon and I’m gonna visit Kentucky in the spring. I don’t have exact dates yet, but I know I’ll visit those schools soon.
A lot of guys that are committed to the schools on my list are definitely recruiting me, trying to get me to join them. Of all of them, I’d say Mike Gilchrist (Kentucky) and Cameron Ridley (Texas) are the hardest recruiters. I talk to Cameron every day, and at some point in the conversation Texas always comes up. I’m tight with Mike, and ever since he first committed to Kentucky he’s talked to me about coming out there and seeing what they’re all about. He doesn’t pressure me, though.
For now, I’m looking forward to trying to win state. At this point it’s win or go home, and that’s definitely something that motivates us even more. I know that I’ve got to pick up my level of play and I plan to do that first on the defensive end. I feel like if my teammates see me doing that, they’ll start to follow and that’s important because that’s where it starts!
After my high school season I’ll start to prepare for my AAU season. Our team (Houston Hoops) should be really good this season with me, J-Mychal Reese and Rasheed. We’ve got a lot of other talented players too!
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. Thanks for reading everyone and check back soon for my next entry.
* Follow L.J. on Twitter @Lboogie_5
* Follow High School Hoop on Twitter @HighSchoolHoop
good read.. when I heard about the Paige commitment, I had a feeling things were shifting for UNC. Honestly I’m not surprised cuz this isn’t the first time Carolina’s tried to juggle ballers only to have to back out of “promised” scholarships (hint hint to S.M.)
UCLA, Texas, Georgetown, and Michigan State are all great programs with strong coaches. Any chance you’re still considering Houston LJ?
Baylor and UK would be lucky to get you too but they might not get you as much playing time from all of the guards on their respective teams.
eh.. what do I know, I’m still hoping you stay in Texas? wishful thinking… I know.
no need to show favoritism boy. You might as well have told LJ to go to Puke University. Don’t tell him to play for his home state.
We all know that this boy wants to go to Kentucky. That’s the only way this young pup says no to my program at Carolina. You can always tranfer to my program if you get bored LJ. I can get rid of some of my other players if you’re worried about playing time son.
Come and be a part of a winning tradition. We got women, we got food, and of course you’ve got… me! – Ro Will.I.am.z
dammit i really wanted him at carolina…who the hell is marcus page
no need for cussing..
Drink some Coca-Coler and chill son.
You’ll know who Marcus Paige is in 2 to 3 three years. He’s my pet project and I liken him to a younger HB.
Come and be a part of a winning tradition. We got women, we got food, and of course you’ve got… me! – Ro Will.I.am.z
You liken Paige, a 6-1 PG, to Barnes, a 6-7 wing? Just because they’re both from Iowa doesn’t mean they’re the same player.
Good luck in the playoffs LJ. I hope you enjoy your trip to Lexington in the spring. 2012 class should be one of the top’s in the country and hopefully your the first piece to get it started.
I live here in Iowa and watch Marcus Paige often… kid is REALLY not very good. The competition here is HORRIBLE! I mean terrible and he struggles often with slow, unathletic guards. UNC missed it here guaranteed! LJ just know you were the muuuuuuch better player!
give Paige a chance powdablue. We don’t want the hurt the boys feelings. I was really pressing into LJ Rose but he took too long and didn’t recognize greatness if it ran into him. I’m the freakin G.O.A.T.
LJ you could go to the University of Kentucky and play for that Calipari stud. You’re not my problem anymore. Give it 2 or three years and Paige will be my next top-shelf project.
btw, you sound like the stuff I put on my jock strap so I don’t have to itch too down where the sun don’t shine.
no playing time at UK? if knight doesnt leave this year, he will next year, and teague is most def. a 1 and done..LJ has a great chance of starting his first year, his only competition could be walk-on jarrod polson and recent transfer from miss. st, twanny beckham
Real smart Roy. Hope this kid does choose UCLA though, it would be a great fit for him.
Howland has put been pretty good for UCLA guards, especially PGs and they were all back to back. they all have a defensive game to go along with the ability to run an offense
PG Jodan Farmar
SG Aaron Afflalo
PG Darren Collinson
PG Russell Westbrook
PG Jru Holiday
Now he’s got
SG/PG Malcolm Lee
SG/SF Tyler Honeycutt (a.k.a best player in the nation right now)
PG/SG Lazuric Jones
Basically the guy just knows what he’s doing when it comes to choosing talent and helping players reach their potiential. He doesn’t just chose players to play in his system and not care about their futures like some other coaches around the country do.
Back off son. I tried my best to get Marcus Paige, Myck Kabongo, Austin Rivers, Quinn Cook, and LJ Rose all in one year. They just wouldn’t cooperate with my master plan.
Sure Aaron Afflalo, Jordan Farmar, Russell Westbrook, Jru Holliday are all good players but they didn’t get to win the NIT or NCAA tournament with good Ol’ Roy. Not my problem.
LJ’s made his choice. Now if only I could get Sulaimon, Tokoto, Randle, and Parker all to replace this years’ team we’ll have a chance at that title shot again.
Don’t tell me I don’t hustle son.. I was able to get Graves and Drew II away to make room for more players in one year. I hustle and flow with the best of them. I don’t even need Cody Zeller, Amile Jefferson, Kaleb Tarczewski, Alex Murphy, or Shabazz Muhammad. I’m the G.O.A.T. who doesn’t need high school players to get things done.
Come and be a part of a winning tradition. We got women, we got food, and of course you’ve got… me! – Ro Will.I.am.z
eh… UCLA just lost in overtime to Cal. A lot of decent guards have come out of UCLA but UCLA is still struggling in the Pac10.
I’m in agreement about how certain coaches like (Roy Williams) are more concerned with landing new recruits than trying to get their players ready for the League.
UCLA, Duke, and Texas have a good number of baller playing professionally in the NBA and even in the Europe. Texas, Michigan State, Duke, Georgetown, and even Florida State give LJ chances trying out for a NCAA championship.
How’d he drop UNC?Marcus Paige took his spot,lmao!
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