Recruiting Report: Tegra Izay (2020)
Tegra Izay is one of the best post prospects for the class of 2020 in the DMV, and is still scratching the surface of his potential. Izay has been an important paint presence for Team Durant on the EYBL. Per Open Look Analytics, he leads the team in block percentage and is second in defensive rebound percentage. Recruitment is starting to pick up for Izay. He will take an unofficial visit to George Mason today, and might visit Georgetown this weekend. During a recent interview with Prep Hoops, Izay discussed some other schools he might visit and much more.
PH: Which schools are pursuing you hardest right now?
TI: “At the moment, I’d say South Carolina and Wake Forest have been on me the hardest.”
PH: Have you visited either school yet?
TI: “No, but I plan on taking a visit to both schools this summer.”
PH: Talk about the improvements you’ve made to your overall game these past few months.
TI: “Basically cleaning up my footwork, being able to switch onto guards, being more effective on the boards, and scoring better in the low post.”
PH: What’s something you need to work on?
TI: “I definitely need to work on my jump shot. It’s something that I can improve and I can bring to the table as well as playing more defense and containing guards.”
PH: What’s the most underrated part of your game?
TI: “My IQ. Even though it doesn’t show in the box score, I make smart plays and smart passes.”
PH: Who do you model your game after?
TI: “A lot of people. Hakeem Olajuwon for his post moves. I also look at guys currently in the league like Joel Embiid and role players like Kevon Looney.”
PH: What do you like about Kevon Looney?
TI: “He knows he’s not going to score 20 a night, but he still goes hard and runs the floor. He knows his role, and he knows what he has to do in order for the team to be successful.”
PH: Talk about how important it is for you to set the tone as a senior on the team.
TI: “I mean, a lot of the young guys that we have look up to me mainly because of my size and all the accolades I’ve received. So I definitely have to be a leader for them and stay humble.”
PH: What factors are important in your college decision?
TI: “I’m looking for a great fit. Somewhere I know I can develop my game and expand it for at least two or three years.”
PH: What’s your preferred playing style?
TI: “I don’t really know right now, but I’m in pretty good shape so I can play at a fast pace if I need to.”
PH: What do you think you can bring to a college program?
TI: “Toughness, both mentally and physically. Also, rebounding and shot blocking.”
Tegra Izay is currently ranked by Prep Hoops as a top-20 prospect in his class. To view the full ranking of Maryland and DC’s 2020 class, click here.