Recruiting Update: Jake Elfstrom (2019 Liberty HS)
Going into AAU basketball, Jake Elfstrom definitely had a reputation. The rising 6-foot-4, 180-pound shooting guard from Liberty High School was best known for his ability to shoot the ball and shoot it from deep. But as the rising senior played with Friends of Hoop this spring and summer, Elfstrom was able to show more aspects to his game and it’s led to a college recruitment that has been building up steam.
“Coaches tell me that they like how hard I play,” Elfstrom said. “They also like my athleticism through rebounding and just being a hard-nosed defender. I’ve also gotten pretty good with my ball-handling through pressure and I’m also getting better at getting to the rim and creating my own shot.”
While Elfstrom hasn’t gotten any scholarship offers yet, he’s definitely getting hit hard by college programs. Central Washington has been recruiting him actively and is coming in for a home visit this week. He’s got a visit planned to Western Washington this fall and others such as UC San Diego, Chaminade, and Black Hills State have been calling.
A couple of Division I schools have been in contact as well. Elfstrom attended camp at Seattle University and they have said they will watch him this season. Colgate has been up front with Elfstrom saying they are waiting on some other top targets, but if those fall through he’s next in line. With so many possible options, Elfstrom is aiming high but at the same time looking to do what’s best for him.
“I really want to go D-I, but a lot of people tell me that’s not always the best for everybody,” Elfstrom said. “Division II can be just as good, as you can go there and be the best and then you can go play professionally. I just really want to go somewhere where I’ll play and where they want me.”
While anything can happen in the fast paced world of recruiting, Elfstrom’s plan is to play out his senior season before making any decisions.