Brownridge’s stock on the rise this summer

Updated: July 28, 2011 1:00PM

ST. LOUIS – In July, a few select performances can immediately raise the recruiting stock of a player. After shooting the ball at a high-level in the St. Louis Summer Classic, Waubonsie Valley guard Jared Brownridge is quickly becoming a hot name among coaches and scouts.

The 6-2 rising junior, playing with the Illinois Wolves 16U AAU team, has played so well that scholarship offers have started to trickle in.

“Jared has scholarship offers from Bradley and Drake,” Illinois Wolves’ CEO Mike Mullins said.

Brownridge has also been hearing from DePaul, Santa Clara, Loyola, Wright State, and Northern Iowa and notices the increased attention from college coaches.

“It’s great to know somebody out there knows I’m working hard to get better,” Brownridge said. “The whole experience has been great. I came here to play as hard as I can and do whatever I can on the court to help my team win.”

Waubonsie Valley isn’t exactly a basketball powerhouse, and the Upstate Eight isn’t particularly known for producing high-end basketball talent, so the AAU circuit has given players like Brownridge a chance to compete with a higher-level of competition.

“With the Wolves it’s a great opportunity to play with them and a great coach like Coach (Mike) Mullins and the staff,” Brownridge said. “It’s a whole new learning experience. There are some good teams out there.”

Recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen believes Brownridge has raised his stock as much as anyone in Illinois with a strong July.

Jared Brownridge is among a few juniors that have really elevated their stock with college coaches this July. Although he’s a bit of an undersized 2-guard without a whole bunch of athleticism, he possesses a high-major talent: a perimeter jumper that’s about as good as you’re going to find in Illinois,” Henricksen said. “His quick, pure release and accuracy make him a deadly threat from the perimeter. He’s a natural, confident shooter who consistently squares his body with great balance. He’s an ideal fit for a mid-major program.”

Although Brownridge made a name for himself on the AAU circuit, he still looks forward to the high school season with Waubonsie Valley.

“I just play as hard as I can no matter what the situation is,” Brownridge said. “The competition isn’t as good playing in high school as AAU, but I’m looking forward to helping my team win.”

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