Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Xavier Cork
This past season, Sulphur Springs made their first UIL State Tournament appearance since 1925. Their deep run to San Antonio could be credited to their tall man in the middle, Xavier Cork.
An athletic 6-foot-9 center, Cork is an extremely long big man who protects the rim with his shot blocking. Offensively, he is not as raw as one might think. Cork is patient down low and is more than capable of catching and finishing with ease around the basket. He also has shown some ability to step out and hit the three at times, although I would not consider his outside shooting a true strength within his game.
Cork went from having an Honorable Mention All-District junior season to becoming the MVP of his district while being named First Team All-Region after his senior season concluded. “I feel like I stepped up this year after being a non-factor on the team last year,” Cork says. “My achievements revealed the hard work I put in to become a very valuable player in our rotation this season.”
The under-recruited big man is currently being pursued heavily by UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina. He plans on taking visits to those schools and hopes to make a decision soon.
IN XAVIER’S WORDS
UNC-Asheville: It is a good school. The coaching staff likes that I am athletic and can protect the rim really well.
Western Carolina: I feel good about the Catamounts’ program. The coaching staff feels like I am the missing piece they need for next year.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I find it ridiculous that more schools have not pursued Cork. The talented big man is definitely a Division I talent that impacts the game with his effort on the glass and his ability to defend the paint. With that being said, look for Western Carolina to be the favorite here. The addition of Cork would fulfill a big need for the Catamounts inside. Expect a decision to be made after he takes his visit to Cullowhee, North Carolina on March 28.