UNLV target Mays finds new home at Findlay Prep
One of eight children in a tight-knit family, Skylar Mays is not looking forward to leaving home. But he knew someday it would happen, and he would pack up and go away to college.
It's happening a year early. Mays is leaving his Louisiana home for his senior year of high school in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-4-inch point guard recently announced his plans to transfer from University High in Baton Rouge to Findlay Prep. It was a decision that caused a stir in his hometown.
He will leave behind three brothers, four sisters, his parents and close friends for an opportunity to advance his future in basketball.
"I come from a big family, and it's tough to leave those guys," he said. "But they know I love them, so theyâre supporting me. I'm definitely going to be homesick, I know that. I won't see them face to face, but I'll be talking to my parents every day. It's a big move, and I understand that, and I think I'm mature enough to handle it."
Mays made the decision after taking an unofficial visit to UNLV in late June, sparking rumors that he would commit to play for the Rebels.
"I've heard that a lot," he said, smiling.
UNLV is on his short list, he said, with Louisiana State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Tulsa and Seton Hall. He also has drawn interest from California, Stanford, Memphis, Mississippi State, Southern Methodist, Wichita State and Wisconsin.
Coaches from several of those schools were sitting courtside Friday at Bishop Gorman High, where Mays played for MWA Elite, a team out of Dallas, in the Las Vegas Fab 48 tournament. He missed the only shot he attempted in a quiet first half.
"I am a pass-first point guard," he said. "I don't care too much about accolades. I'm just more focused on the team win."
Mays finished with 11 points in a 68-55 loss to Philly Pride, a team led by 6-8 forward DeAndre Hunter, who hit five 3-pointers and scored 19 points. Hunter is on UNLV's recruiting radar and has received offers from numerous East Coast schools.
Hunter is rated the No. 105 player in the 2016 class by Rivals.com, and Mays is No. 122. A case could be made that both players are underrated.
Mays is not a big scorer, though he did sink five 3s in one of two games he played Thursday. He led his Louisiana high school team to the past two 3A state championships, averaging 9.1 points and 8.1 assists as a junior.
After being contacted by coaches at Findlay Prep, he was attracted to the idea of playing on a bigger stage. The Pilots needed a point guard to replace Derryck Thornton, who reclassified to 2015 and left for Duke.
"Great guards have come through there like Rashad Vaughn, Avery Bradley, Cory Joseph and guys like that. I'm looking to be that next point guard," Mays said. "Playing against top guys every day is only going to get me better."
Mays, who committed to LSU in February 2014 but reopened his recruitment, said he has good relationships with UNLV coach Dave Rice and assistant Todd Simon. But he added he's in no rush to make another commitment.
"I'm more focused on winning the national championship (at Findlay Prep) than anything. That's the No. 1 goal," Mays said. "I really like UNLV. I like Coach Rice, who's a great guy, and I'm more familiar with Coach Simon. I'm giving UNLV a hard look."
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.
