Brayden Dailey Talks Improvement, Recruiting
The top sophomore spot in Wisconsin is fairly cut and dry. Patrick Baldwin Jr. at one, the rest is interchangeable. The two through six slots — now completely in flux after Michael Foster Jr’s departure to Hillcrest Prep (AZ) shook…
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Continue ReadingThe top sophomore spot in Wisconsin is fairly cut and dry. Patrick Baldwin Jr. at one, the rest is interchangeable.
The two through six slots — now completely in flux after Michael Foster Jr’s departure to Hillcrest Prep (AZ) shook the landscape — is finding a frontrunner for the top-three in Brayden Dailey. The 6’5 forward has boosted his stock this spring, and to many, is looking like a potential star.
But there wasn’t always that sense of security with him being towards the top of the class, especially after a season-ending injury.
“I played halfway through the season with them {Mineral Point}” said Dailey, “I had Osgood Schlatter’s disease and it was a good time to let that heal.” During his off-court hours, you could often see the forward working, “every day” with a trainer. And despite the lingering nature of the injury, Dailey’s current status is up to par, which has been obvious on the grassroots circuit.
As for his recruitment, it’s still a high-major pursuit. Dailey currently holds zero offers (by some, unacceptable mishap) but plenty of interest. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue, and Iowa are some of the high-majors looking at the forward, while Portland, Davidson, and Green Bay are also expressing interest.
Dailey credits Wisconsin Playground Club’s prominence — as well as that of his teammates — for the college attention. “Playing alongside some very talented teammates who also attract a lot of attention can only benefit me even more whether it’s getting noticed by college coaches or getting pushed in practice.” said Dailey, “On the UAA circuit I get to compete against great size and speed that gets me out of my comfort zone and shows me what I need to work on.” Dailey also told me that showing all aspects of his game, even defensively and as a leader, has been crucial in his recruitment.
Dailey’s play on the UAA circuit has been an adequate measuring-stick for the forward who plays most of his basketball in Wisconsin’s basement division. In his freshman season at Mineral Point (division five), Dailey would go on to average an absurd 21.3 points per game, which is more than star junior teammate Isaac Lindsey (18.9 points per game). And of course, deciphering how talent translates from one league to another is always a mucked up and inconsistent process. But Dailey saw a very little drop off this spring, especially two weekends ago in Battle at the Lakes. The forward showed off his three-level scoring, knocking down treys, floaters, and occasionally throwing it down in transition against top Midwest talent. His performance would lead Playground to the championship game, where they would come up short Nebraska’s Team Factory.
Dailey has the skill to be a star at this level and the college intrigue to be a great player in college.