Down eight points with just over two minutes left, four-star forward Cam Whitmore scored ten of his game-high 29 points to give Spalding (MD) a comeback win over Rock Creek (MD). The 6-foot-6, 200-pound versatile wing was a force on the defensive end, coming down with 16 rebounds and three blocks before stepping up in crunch time. With a younger roster on the floor alongside Whitmore, his performance was exactly what he’s looking to get out of summer league.
“To be honest, just chemistry. Looking forward to competing with my guys, a lot of freshmen and sophomores so just be a leader for them,” Whitmore told Inside the Black & Gold. “Everybody trusts me so I always go out, compete hard, take good shots and give it my all.” His dominant performance on Monday night was evidence of why Whitmore remains among the most coveted prospects in the DMV, and a top target for Maryland.
Whitmore took his first official visit to College Park the weekend of June 4 as he described it as a “great experience.”
“Even though I’ve been there a couple of times, the campus is very beautiful. The guys are very cool, welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family.” Whitmore added the official visit only reinforced that he’s a priority target for Maryland. “Coach Turgeon calls me everyday, says ‘are you fit?’ He feels very strongly that I can come bring Maryland a Big Ten championship. Every day, he calls me.” With freshman Ike Cornish serving as Whitmore’s host, his official visit also provided the opportunity to meet with new assistant and lead recruiter Danny Manning. “He’s got a lot of experience as a coach that played in the NBA I think it’s a great plus for him to be an assistant coach.”
The official visit also gave Whitmore and four-star point JJ Starling an opportunity to play pick-up with the team. “I did for one or two games, some good run and good bump. Some of those guys are really good and can do some big things.” The chance to play pick-up also gave Whitmore a chance to immerse himself with the playing style under Turgeon, something that stuck out. “Yeah, it felt pretty natural just playing with them. I think I can go far with this group.”
Where does Maryland stand after the visit?
“They’re definitely a top option but I’ll narrow my list down so everyone is kind of even.”
A new school came into the picture just prior to his Maryland official after Villanova extended a verbal offer. Head coach Jay Wright hosted Whitmore before the four-star trekked through Penn State and Pitt as the Wildcats already stick out.
“They’ve only offered two people in the class, including me. I think it’s Mark Armstrong. Yeah, they treat you like family. Coach [Jay] Wright treats me like family and thinks it’d be a great fit for me to develop as a player.” The play-style at Villanova also sticks out to Whitmore. “They play fast-paced, try to get their guys open for a good shot. I think it’s a great fit. Great man, great coach, he can develop me into an NBA player.” Whitmore also took note of Pittsburgh’s campus design. “Both campuses were beautiful. Pitt, beautiful city campus. Was a great experience.”
Whitmore doubts that he’ll take additional trips after the latest round and has an idea of when he’ll start taking the next steps.
“Probably after Peach Jam. I’ll take a couple of visits then August, probably narrow my list down.”
Whitmore is rated a four-star and a 90 overall by 247Sports, sitting as the fifth-best player in Maryland.