Sharpening his game at home
Foster, who has been in Milwaukee since March due to the coronavirus, has been detailing his experiences in a monthly blog for Sports illustrated.
In the latest entry, which was posted June 3, he talks about his workouts and playing in “elite” pickup games that have included the likes of Duke recruit Jalen Johnson and Brookfield Central standout David Joplin.
He also wrote about the video conference calls he has had with college coaches.
“The one with Illinois went really well,” Foster wrote. “I had one with Michigan that went well and Arkansas, Baylor, Florida State and Georgia too!”
“I picked up an offer from Grambling State after a Zoom call Tuesday night,” he continued. “Coach (Donte’) Jackson had a really good plan.”
Clay said the schools that have been the most consistent with calling/video conferencing Foster have been Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan.
“Some feel that they can get him for college, some feel that he is going to the pro program,” Clay said. “It’s been offered to him.”
More options for top players
Foster’s recruitment comes as the NCAA is trying to loosen some of its rules to allow athletes to be compensated for endorsements and promotions. The legislation is working its way through the NCAA’s rules-making structure with an aim for the 2021-22 school year.
The NBA’s G-League professional pathway program provides top prospects the opportunity to develop their games while earning six-figure salaries, getting professional skill training and taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities without having to worry about the rules of amateurism that come with being an NCAA athlete.
“I’ll be watching to see how all of the guys that took that route this year make out,” Foster wrote of the G League in his blog. “It’s a viable option.”
In his blog, Foster wrote that he considered reclassifying for the 2020 class but decided against it for a couple of reasons:
1. He is already young for his class — having skipped the eighth grade.
2. He is excited for another season at Hillcrest where he is set to team with incoming transfer Omaha Billew, a highlytouted rising sophomore, as well as rising senior Chianti Clay Jr., a former Washington player who is drawing Division I interest. There is also the possibility of earning invitations to the nation’s top all-star games for seniors.
Clay Sr. said Foster will “probably” announce his plans in October or November.
“The kid puts in tireless effort to be the best he can be,” Clay said. “That’s all you can ask. The kid will definitely put his best foot forward where ever that leads him to.”