Top 2028 SG Kam Mercer talks early stages of his recruitment

Kam Mercer is tracking as a name to know in the early development of the 2028 class. The 6-foot-5 guard is making waves this high school season starting at Huntington (WV) Prep.

“I would say that I’m a three-level scorer,” Mercer told On3. “But I can also play make and play defense as well. I watch a lot of Dylan Harper, and I would say that I want to take a little bit from D’Angelo Russell because of his pace. I would so those are the main two that I’m watching right now, they’re both left-handed bigger guards who play at their own pace and never really get sped up.”

Mercer talks USA Basketball

Mercer was one of only a handful of 2028 players invited to the USA Basketball Junior National Team October Minicamp.

“It was a great experience for me,” Mercer said “I’ve been waiting on that, wishing on that invite since like the third grade. So when my dad got the call, I was in the car with him, and he put it on speakerphone. It was one of the best experiences I could ever ask for. We were joyful, you know, I’ve been wishing on that since I was a kid, so…

“I think I did well out there, I got the call to come back for San Antonio, so I’d say I did well. I learned that you don’t have to score the ball to be really effective. You can affect the game by doing other things like passing the ball, rebounding, or playing defense for 94 feet. You know, the little things, just making winning plays.”

Kam Mercer talks recruitment

On3 caught up with Kam Mercer after a recent live viewing to discuss the early stages of his recruitment.

“Right now I have offers from Cincinnati, Ohio State, and some others,” Mercer said. “I’m not really allowed to go on official visits yet, but because I’m from Cincinnati, I’ve been to UC’s campus a few times.”

CINCINNATI: “I know some of the player who have gone there. This year, they’re shooting it really well from three. And defensively they’re playing really well, playing together. So I think that is what is keeping them as a top-25 team.”

OHIO STATE: “Before Coach (Jake) Diebler was there, there weren’t really doing so well. Once he took over that job last year, they started winning more games. I think he is going to continue doing that this year.”