Recruiting Report: Austin Trice (JUCO)
One of the hottest names on the JUCO level right now is Wabash Valley power forward Austin Trice. The former Hales prep standout is now leading the nation in rebounding at the junior college level. At 6’7” Trice has great strength in his arms along with big time athleticism. Trice fights hard for position and brings a lot of energy to the table. Runs the floor outstanding! As soon as the rebound his secured he outlets and sprints down the middle of the floor creating an angle where he can get the ball while putting his hand up for the pass. Trice gets out in transition for monster slams in the open floor. Scores his other points on dunks on dump off passes, put backs, and an occasional quick spin. In our recent eval of him against Kaskaskia his only skilled post move was a baseline spin with the shot clock running down for a slam. Rebounds well which is what he does best. Snatches it with two hands at its highest point. Gets on the offensive glass with a quick second jump. Rebounds in traffic. Solid defender that knows how to use his length to change shots defensively. Trice ended with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block against Kaskaskia. Projects as a mid-major plus prospect that could play at a high-major in an energy rebounding role.
Trice spoke about his season from a team and individual standpoint.
“So far the season has gone great. The guards are playing well and we are all clicking together. Everything is starting to come together and we are getting that real chemistry that we need to go into post season so we can get ready for Hutch. As a sophomore I try to lead by example. My role is really just rebounding. I am the #1 rebounder in the country. I try to do that the best that I can and run the floor. My guards like Josh Thomas and Marcus Garrett get the ball to me.”
Trice chatted with us about the strengths in his game.
“I feel like I can bring a high motor, rebounding, and a lot of energy to a team at the next level. Whatever the task is that you put in front of me I can get it done.”
What is going on with recruiting?
“So far I am getting calls from Illinois, Georgetown, Dayton, Tulsa, and Kent State. Things are going great right now. I am just enjoying the process.”
Several programs have extended offers.
“I have offers from Kent State, Murray State, New Mexico, and more.”
Trice says he is very open in the recruiting process and there are no leaders at this point. He has taken a pair of visits with an official visit to New Mexico and an unofficial visit to Illinois.
He broke down the trip north to Champaign to see the Illini.
“I enjoyed it. It was only an unofficial visit. I talked to the coaches and saw the practice facility. I loved it. I loved the campus. Hopefully an official visit will be coming.”
Trice went out west for an official to New Mexico.
“The New Mexico visit was great. I truly enjoyed it. You know New Mexico is something different with me being from Chicago. I enjoyed it being something new. Coach Brandon Mason is recruiting me there. I enjoyed it.”
Kent State is a program heavily recruiting him and was at the game against KC.
“I love Kent State. I have a former teammate Kain Harris that is at Kent State. I have been talking to him. They have been recruiting me hard. I like Kent State.”
What will be important in a school for him?
“I want to go to a school that is a good fit for me. That is going to have me come in and play right away. A place that will develop me on and off the court and hopefully get me to the next level.”
When would he like to decide?
“I am thinking about April 11th. That is my grandfather’s birthday.”
Trice is a prospect with a lot of helium right now heading into the end of the season. Look for him to be a player that a lot of schools check out at the Region 24 Tournament in early March.
Note: Since this was posted on Sunday night Trice has landed an offer from Illinois.
