Michael Chandler, a 6-foot-10 center from Lawrence North High School (Indianapolis) and Rivals.com's No. 47 overall player in the class of 2011, recently decommitted from Xavier.
Though he said he plans on waiting until after his senior high school season to select a new school, Chandler said he is receiving attention from a lot of high-major programs including IU.
Chandler, who will be in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday for the Hoosiers' matchup against Kentucky, spoke tonight with the IDS about his recruitment.
IDS: How close are you to making a decision on where to go to college?
CHANDLER: To be honest, I really haven't been thinking about it too much. I've just focusing on the season. I'm going to wait until after the season to make a decision.
IDS: What schools have shown the most interest?
CHANDLER: I haven't really been in contact with coaches, but as far as what I know, Oregon has been trying to reach out to me. So has UConn, Indiana, and St. Johns.
IDS: Is Xavier still in the mix? Why did you originally decommit there?
CHANDLER: I'm still considering Xavier. I just wanted to make sure I was making the right choice in terms of signing my letter-of-intent.
IDS: What are your overall thoughts on IU?
CHANDLER: It's kind of the home school, so I have to keep them involved with my recruitment. IU means a lot. They've been there for me ever since I started playing. They were there even when I committed to both schools (*Note: Before committing to Xavier, Chandler committed to Louisville).
IDS: What do you like about IU coach Tom Crean?
CHANDLER: I like Coach Crean a lot. He definitely pushes his players. He makes things intense. I've seen one of his practices, and his practices are intense. Skill-development. He'll get you better as a player.
IDS: Have you spoken with Crean or any IU assistant coach recently?
CHANDLER: No I haven't.
IDS: With in-state players like Cody Zeller, Yogi Ferrell, Ron Patterson and others committing to IU, does that have any influence in your decision?
CHANDLER: Not really. That's there decision, not mine.
IDS: Do you have any relationship with any of these recent commits for IU? If so, have they tried to get you to select the Hoosiers?
CHANDLER: I'm really good friends with Yogi. I also played with Cody Zeller during adidas Nation, so we're good friends. They haven't tried to recruit me at all, though.
IDS: For someone who hasn't seen you, what are your strengths on the court? What do you hope to improve on?
CHANDLER: My biggest strength is probably rebounding. I have a decent repertoire of offensive moves down low. I also run the floor well and am a good free throw shooter. I'm developing a mid-range jump shot, but that's something that I want to work on.
IDS: Grades have been an issue for you in the past. How have you been doing recently in school?
CHANDLER: I've improved a lot. I've just been working hard in the classroom and trying to finish strong.
IDS: In terms of visits, do you have anything lined up? Do you plan on seeing Bloomington soon?
CHANDLER: I'm pretty sure I will be visiting IU, but I'm just not sure when. I don't have any specific dates though.
