'23 Blue Cain has four schools standing out; visits starting soon

Blue Cain averages 19 points on 55-percent shooting for defending state champion Knoxville (TN) Catholic this season. The 6-foot-4 junior has a smooth confidence in his game that has helped lead his team to a current 26-3 record.

“I put a lot of hours in the gym,” Blue Cain told On3 after a recent win. “So throughout the course of the game, I let it come to me. I start everything with defense, and it usually helps my offense when that gets rolling. I have not always been that confident in my jumper; this year, I have been more aggressive with it, knocking it down. I watch a lot of explosive guards, like Donovan Mitchell and Ja Morant. I like to see how they get to their spots and how they get their shots.”

College coaches have noticed after the season he had last year and his performance with the BMaze Elite program on the UAA 16u circuit. Blue Cain spoke exclusively with On3 about who is leading in his recruitment.

“I hear from Georgia Tech a lot, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Yale the most right now,” Cain said. “I’m planning to take my first couple official visits after the season, right before AAU starts back up. I know I will take one to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. I am working on dates with Wake and Yale too.”

Cain talks recruitment

Wake Forest: “I have been up there a few times now. I visited for a game and have seen two practices. They have been really honest with me in what I can improve in my game and how I can get on the floor as a freshman. I got a good feel for the team, and I liked how the coach interacted with his players in-game; they seemed to have a good relationship. It was a great atmosphere.”

Georgia Tech: “They are definitely one of my top schools. I really like how they play. I’ve grown close with the coaching staff during this process. I went to a game down there; it was a great atmosphere, they had great energy.”

Yale: “I have only been up there once, for a practice. I love the coaching staff, and they have a great basketball program up there too. You can’t beat the education. I am trying to get back up there for the Ivy League Tournament.”

Virginia Tech: “I went up there twice, watched them during the Notre Dame game. The atmosphere there was crazy; it was a great vibe. I love their coaches, and they have good players.”

Cain’s thoughts

“I have been very fortunate that all four of these schools play the way I play,” Cain said. “Their system fits what I do on the floor. Talking to them all and watching them play, I think they all could be a great fit on the court.

“Playstyle is going to play a big role. I see how all the schools play, but hearing how they will play me in their system. I want to go to a place that has a coach I trust, and that has a roster full of players that get along with each other.”

On3’s thoughts

Blue Cain has a smooth feel for the game. He plays at his own pace and doesn’t get rushed to get where he is going. Cain has a solid handle as a secondary ball-handler. He shows a confident pull-up jump shot in the half-court and consistent form in catch-and-shoot situations. You would like to see him continue getting stronger and play with more urgency, but he has explosion at the rim and does take contact well in the paint. Cain’s father, Chris, played golf at Duke, thus where his name Blue came.