The decision to re-class to 2024 has turned out great for Leon Horner. A prospect that was recruited mainly but D2’s, JUCOS and was flirted by a few low major D1’s. has now seen his recruitment sky-rocket and has been contacted by a wide range of Division 1 Schools. Mount St. Mary’s, Sam Houston State, UT-Arlington & Hofstra have offered & Horner has interest from schools such as Loyola Chicago, University of North Texas, South Dakota, Illinois, Xavier, Penn State, SMU and a few others. 

He talked to me about the decision to re-class. 

“Me and my mom actually talked about it during COVID. I actually was going to graduate in 2023 at 17. We decided to stick it out at that time but before the school year ended, me, my mom and my uncle  decided it was best for me to go 2024 because I would still graduate at 18,” Leon said. “Also I thought it would help my recruitment and this spring with Drive Nation and playing with Dynamic Prep in June has helped me a lot.”

Horner has one official visit scheduled in September on the 7th at Sam Houston State and has been talking to Head Coach Chris Mudge and Assistant Jake White on a consistent basis. He plans on taking an official to UNT and potentially Loyola Chicago as well but just figuring out a date. Expect Leon to make a mid-season decision when it comes to committing.

“I plan on making a decision mid school season as I just want to visit everything first and make sure I’m playing somewhere that feels like family, has a winning pedigree and the play-style fits me because I know in a situation like that gives me a chance to reach my ultimate goal which is  to play in the NBA one day.”

I understand the mid-season decision as I believe he'll see an up-tick in his recruitment during the fall as there will be several chances Leon will play in front of coaches during the preseason & regular season. Always a need for a big wing from college coaches as well.

Shifting gears, Leon talks about what he feels he brings to the table.

“I can really play 1-4. I go hard for rebounds but people mainly see me making shots and getting on the glass. I can switch on defense and guard, and I like to make plays for my teammates.  I like setting my teammates to score more than myself to be honest.”

Versatility is the word that pops out to me when describing the 6’6 wing-guard out of Frisco. A play-maker on the wing I feel is his prototype. Holds quality positional size and strength. Handles and passes it well off the live dribble, a physical driver to the rim and reliable as a catch & shoot threat. During the playoff run with Frisco Memorial I got to see him operate fine as a secondary/tertiary ball handler, make shots from deep and assist off ball-screens. Still some work there for him as a decision maker and scorer off the bounce but there’s a skill-set he holds that translates and if he continues to build and be more efficient, could have a potential all-league guy at the right fit.