Meet Oakland Fort, one of the most under-recruited and under-appreciated prospects in America. We last spoke with Fort in December as part of the Pro Insight Q&A series. He’s still far from a household name, but wherever he winds up, that program is getting a future impact player. Checking in at under six-feet, he’s able to play much bigger thanks to his ridiculous all-around athleticism. He’s deadly in transition and has the ability to get hot from the outside with his quick release and soft shooting touch. His feel for the game and ability to create opportunities for teammates are two more traits that Fort hangs his hat on. On defense he has cat-quick hands and anticipation, and isn’t one to back down against a bigger opponent.
This past weekend, Fort spent some time with Pro Insight’s Jake Lieberman to discuss the latest with his recruitment.
For the next installment of “Recruiting Roundup,” we present class of 2022 prospect Oakland Fort, from Phoenix, Arizona:
Pro Insight: What's the current breakdown of your visits, offers, and interest?
Oakland Fort: I haven’t taken any visits yet because of the times we are in right now, but I still have my one offer from NAU and interest from all the same schools as before: Duquesne, UCSD, Boise State, Portland, Loyola-Marymount, Princeton, and UC Riverside — no new ones.
PI: Which programs have you heard from the most lately?
OF: Lately, I’ve heard the most from UCSD, Duquesne, Portland, NAU of course, and Princeton.
PI: What has been the most unique recruiting pitch you’ve heard thus far?
OF: The most unique pitch I’ve heard from a school so far is them telling me what kind of offense they run, and how well I’d fit into that offense/system.
PI: What kind of role do you see yourself filling at the next level?
OF: At the next level I see myself as a lead guard, obviously learning the system first, but eventually growing and maturing into that lead role/reliable role for whoever my coach is and for my teammates — being a guard that can get my own shot as well as get my teammates involved is important for me.
PI: Have you done any virtual visits, yet?
OF: No virtual visits, yet.
PI: Did you have any dream schools growing up?
OF: I wouldn’t consider them dream schools because I moved around a lot when I was younger, but when I lived in South Carolina and was really into football I wanted to go to Clemson; then we moved to Kansas and I got into basketball, so I wanted to go to Kansas.
PI: What was it about Kansas that really stood out?
OF: Kansas just stood out to me because I was a young kid just starting to take basketball seriously and began watching more. The Jayhawks were good when I lived there and of course they still are, and when you’re young of course you want to root for a team that wins and is good.
PI: Are there any particular programs out there that you’d specifically appreciate being recruited by?
OF: More of the UC schools. Also, Utah State, New Mexico, SMU, San Diego, Tulsa, Fresno State, Morehouse, Missouri State, and Cal Poly.
PI: If you could team up with any high school player in the country when you guys get to college, who would you pick?
OF: No clue to be honest [laughs].
PI: What are your three main priorities when narrowing down and eventually making a final decision with your recruitment?
OF: I feel like personal fit, coaching staff/coaching connections with my family and myself, and location will be the three biggest factors when it comes down to it.
PI: How's your timeline looking?
OF: As of now, I’m looking to finish junior year, potentially pick up more offers, and go into club season and pick up more there.
PI: Who will you be running with for AAU this year?
OF: Team Harden.
PI: If you could sum up your recruitment process up to this point in three or four words, what would they be?
OF: Fun, unpredictable, humbling, and joyful.
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