Eric Sorenson
The past few years have seen a defection of some of Arizona’s top high school basketball players.
Hopefully, for hoops fans around the stats, Marcus Shaver will be starting a new trend.
News broke late Monday night the talented point guard, who played his first two years of high school ball at St. Mary’s, is returning to Arizona for his senior season after attending two prep schools in Texas and one in Las Vegas. Shavers will finish his career playing for Mike Bibby at local power Shadow Mountain.
“I am very excited to come back,” Shaver told Sports360AZ.com. “I am humbly honored to finish my senior year in Arizona where my high school career started. I am looking forward to being coached and mentored by one of the best guards to play the game in Coach Mike Bibby, Sr.”
I need to forget what’s gone. appreciate what still remains and look forward to what’s coming next.. ?
— Marcus Shaver Jr (@marcus10shaver) June 1, 2016
Shaver’s return to the Valley happened by chance as his parent’s business expanded to Arizona. The Hawaii native will likely slide into the role of Shadow great Michael Bibby who led the Matadors to a 27-5 record and Division II State Championship in February. He’ll be teamed with talented sophomore backcourt mates Jaelen House and Jovan Blacksher.
The dynamic six-foot-one, 160-pound Shaver averaged over 23 points, four assists and nearly five rebounds a game for the Knights as a sophomore. He’s hoping his recent basketball travels will help as he returns to the local game.
“I have learned a lot through this transition,” he explained. “It was great playing with and against top talent, regardless of class. I was also able to train with the pros. My game has evolved.”
Part of the evolution according to Shaver is becoming a better playmaker at the point and focusing more effort on becoming a better defender.
Enjoyed my unofficial visit at VCU?? pic.twitter.com/y9P72cTomu
— Marcus Shaver Jr (@marcus10shaver) June 18, 2016
Colleges have been eyeing Shaver and he recently visited a trio of schools on the east coast: VCU, UNC Greensboro and Steph Curry’s alma mater, Davidson. He said he has other visits lined up in the near future and could make his decision at some point this summer. He’s also reportedly received interest from University of San Diego, Montana and GCU.
For now, high school hoops fans will be happy to welcome one of the better guards back home-even for just a year.
