IMG Academy (FL) three-star forward Noah Batchelor had an idea where he wanted to play his college ball heading into his official visit. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound sharpshooter had only one official visit set coming out of the first live period and that was for Maryland where he got a chance to connect with head coach Kevin Willard and the new Terps’ staff.
“It’s just home, just felt like home as soon as I got there. Obviously, it’s only 40 minutes from my house so having my whole family there for every home game and having the support staff right there is crazy,” Batchelor told Inside the Black and Gold. The Maryland native began his high school career at St. Maria Goretti (MD) before transferring to IMG Academy for his senior season, but the desire to stay home was always something the wing prospect coveted.
Assistant Tony Skinn had picked up the recruitment that current director of basketball operations Greg Manning Jr. ignited after Batchelor backed off his Memphis commitment in February. Batchelor took an unofficial visit to campus just two weeks after his decision to part ways with Penny Hardaway, but once Willard came aboard, Batchelor was eager to learn more about the potential fit once he stepped on campus. His official visit over the weekend gave him exactly that.
“I noticed definitely how differently things are run because it’s a whole new staff, so he was definitely bringing up things within the offense. He sees me as an impact freshman coming in and playing a big role,” Batchelor added. “He brought up shooting, brought up how I shoot the ball really well and I can come in and help with that.”
All in all, Willard first learned of the newest commitment on Saturday night after Batchelor revealed the good news. “I told coach [Kevin] Willard on the elevator going up to my room [on Saturday night] then I told the whole coaching staff at the end of the visit,” he told Inside the Black and Gold. “It was fun. It was definitely needed so I’m glad that I went up there.”
Batchelor couldn’t connect with the rest of the team since they were off over the weekend, but the visit gave him a chance to strengthen his relationships with his future head coaches. “It definitely did. We built a very good relationship during the visit.” LSU, Georgia and Creighton were among the other finalists for the three-star prospect, but he admitted Maryland was just above the rest.
“They were definitely the most consistent,” he added. Batchelor will look to enroll following the conclusion of his senior year as he looks ahead to becoming a Terp, but he took the next step in the process on Wednesday evening after signing his letter of intent.
"It's only fitting that our first signee at Maryland is an in-state player,” Willard said via press release. “We are thrilled to welcome Noah to our family. He's a dynamic and athletic wing, who can shoot from outside and plays with great intensity. It's important that we keep the best talent from the DMV at home and signing Noah is an indication of that. For him to be able to play for his home state team is very special and we can't wait to see him in that Terrapin uniform."
Batchelor is rated a three-star prospect and an 88 overall by On3, sitting as the nation’s 182nd-best prospect in the consensus rankings.
Do we know why he de-committed from Memphis? Nudged out by Hardaway?
Love this addition and believe he’ll outplay his ranking.