Where does Ray McCallum Jr fit best?

ESPN article from March 10, 2010

Where does McCallum fit best?
By ESPN Recruiting
Archive
Originally Published: March 10, 2010

While Ray McCallum Jr. (Beverly Hills, Mich./Detroit Country Day) is keeping his recruitment close to the vest, Arizona, Detroit, Florida and UCLA are the likely favorites. While Detroit doesn't necessarily have the same tradition as the other programs on his list, it's important to remember that's where his dad, Ray Sr., coaches. Here's a look at what all four programs have to offer this complete lead guard.


Ray McCallum
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 179 | ESPNU 100: 34 | PG rank: 7

UCLA

Playing style - UCLA is an opportunistic, fast-break team that will settle into its half-court offense that includes great spacing, ball screens and a mix of set. Coach Ben Howland allows his point guards to play in attack mode, which provides them the freedom to make plays for themselves or teammates.

How he fits - McCallum would be an excellent fit for the Bruins' thin backcourt and he has the tools to run the team right away. Jerime Anderson returns and juco point guard Lazeric Jones committed in late December, so with the addition of McCallum the backcourt would be pretty deep.

Pro factor - The Bruins have been hit hard by early entries into the draft at every position over the past couple of years, especially at the guard position. Darren Collison and Jrue Holiday went in the first round in 2009, and Russell Westbrook was selected No. 4 overall in 2008. This recent success should be attractive.

X factor - UCLA is the farthest school from home that McCallum is considering, but the Bruins' recent Final Four appearances and tradition is undeniable. Also, the Bruins have signed the No. 1 center in Josh Smith and playing with a quality big man is always important to a point guard

ARIZONA

Playing style - McCallum would be great at leading Arizona's fast break and running its half-court offense, consisting of set plays and motion. He would be the coach on the floor for head coach Sean Miller and he would be able make the offense run smoothly and set the tone in the half-court man-to-man defense.

How he fits - McCallum would step right in with the departure of senior point guard Nic Wise. Lamont Jones would be the only remaining point and he and McCallum would be excellent together. With Wise being the only senior on the roster, the Wildcats would be loaded with young talent.

Pro factor - The tradition of great point guard play at Arizona could be very attractive for McCallum. It has been a staple of the program and expect Sean Miller to add to the list that includes Mike Bibby, Damon Stoudamire and most recently Jerryd Bayless, who were all high NBA draft picks.

X factor - The distance could be a huge factor for McCallum. Although the tradition and great weather excites recruits, McCallum's family attends each and every game and traveling west from Detroit could be a major concern, especially for his father, who is the head coach at the University of Detroit.


DETROIT

Playing style - The Titans look to attack in transition and run balanced half-court sets. Ray Jr. would have an opportunity to run the team from Day 1 and set the tone on both ends of the floor.

How he fits - Detroit senior point guard Woody Payne led the Titans with 138 assists this season, so the minutes are available for McCallum to play as much as he can handle. Also Detroit returns three of its top four leading scorers next season, so it has a chance to be very good with McCallum.

Pro factor - Ray McCallum Sr. has recruited and coached several NBA players, most recently the No. 7 overall pick of the 2008 NBA draft, guard Eric Gordon, while he was an assistant at Indiana. He also coached swingman Bonzi Wells, who was the No. 11 pick in 1998, at Ball State.

X factor - Detroit had a pretty good year, finishing 20-14, before losing to Wright State in the Horizon League semifinals and McCallum could play for his dad and be the man right away. Plus, by staying at home, the McCallum's family and friends could see almost every game.


FLORIDA

Playing style - The Gators love to get out in transition on misses and turnovers. Head coach Billy Donovan allows his point guards to attack at high speeds and they make plays from multiple on-ball screening actions utilizing dribble penetration, drive draw and kick opportunities. McCallum would also be a coach on the floor.

How he fits - Florida has plenty of playing time available. Erving Walker will be the only true point guard returning, but he and McCallum would be an excellent pair of lead guards. Add shooting guard Kenny Boynton, who will have a year of experience under his belt, and the perimeter would seem to be in great hands.

Pro factor - In 1998, Sacramento selected point guard Jason Williams as a lottery pick and he later won an NBA title in 2006 with the Heat. In 2007, guard Taurean Green went to the Portland Trailblazers in the second round.

X factor - Donovan has back-to-back NCAA championships to sell and Florida is much closer and easier for the McCallum family to travel to, as opposed to Arizona or UCLA. Donovan is also in hot pursuit of Brandon Knight, who played AAU ball with Boynton, and if Knight commits it would probably take away this option for McCallum.