DeJuan Marrero, a 6-foot-5 small forward out of Gary, Ind., is one of the top players in the state for the class of 2012.
The Bowman Academy star, ranked No. 99 overall by Rivals.com, is coming off a season in which he led his school to the Class A state championship. Marrero had 17 points and 11 rebounds in Bowman's 74-52 win against Barr-Reeve in the title game.
He currently has scholarship offers from IU, Illinois, Cincinnati, Memphis, Ohio State and Purdue and is generating interest from many other major programs.
Marrero spoke with the IDS earlier this week about his interest in IU, the recruiting process and his preparation to defend the state championship.
IDS: How has the offseason been so far?
DeJuan Marrero: This offseason has been going pretty well. I just came off an ankle injury this summer and I have just been recuperating. I've been working on getting stronger, getting my handles better, improving my perimeter game and just coming back strong from the injury.
IDS: How frustrating was it to have to sit out most of the summer?
DM: It was very frustrating. I was out from July 12 until around August 5. It was frustrating, but I just cheered my teammates on. I sat back and took notes on the game.
IDS: How ready are you to get back on the court and defend your state championship this year?
DM: We are really hungry to defend it. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday we are up at the gym at 6 a.m. lifting weights. We are just getting ready for the season with open gym since we cannot practice yet. We've just been staying focused and humble with the season starting next month.
IDS: What expectations do you have for the season?
DM: We are working our tails off this season to win the championship again. Last year we went 22-1 and this year we are going to try to go undefeated. We have a very tough schedule - I think the toughest in Indiana. It's all about coming hard from the start.
IDS: What schools are seriously looking at you and what are you seriously considering?
DM: Indiana - they were the first to offer me a scholarship when I was a freshman. Other schools include Illinois, Purdue, Iowa, Oregon, Marquette, Memphis, Florida, Miami, Xavier, Michigan and Wake Forest.
IDS: What about IU appeals to you?
DM: I just love the atmosphere there at Indiana. The crowd is loud, the student section is ridiculous and they treat you like family when you go down there. They just treat you with respect.
IDS: What do you think of IU coach Tom Crean?
DM: Coach Crean is a tremendous guy. I love being with him every time I'm around him. He makes me laugh and I can see him coaching me. He told me he's trying to get the best players in Indiana to stay in Indiana. I know if I do go there, he will push me to the max. He makes you be as good as you can be.
IDS: Have you made plans for Midnight Madness on October 15? If so, why did you choose that school?
DM: I'll be at Illinois that night. I enjoyed it last year at Midnight Madness and I told coach (Weber) - because I missed this weekend for open gym with my team - that I would be there. One of my other teammates that Illinois is recruiting will also be there with me.
IDS: Have you thought about when you would like to get back to Bloomington?
DM: Probably either this month or next month. Definitely next month when games start back up again.
IDS: Have you set a timetable in terms of committing to a college?
DM: I'll most likely commit after my last AAU season, so not until next year.
