Although the decision to attend a prep school is becoming more common in Indiana, it is never an easy choice for the family or player. Mike Saunders Jr. and his family researched the opportunity extensively and decided to transfer to Wasatch Academy in Utah. Here’s how the transfer developed, the advantages, and an update on Mike’s recruitment.

Mike Saunders Jr. started from day one at traditional powerhouse Lawrence North and went 35-17 over two years. Playing time and college exposure were not factors in the transfer decision. He has been seen by the entire Big Ten and dozens of mid-majors during his time at Lawrence North. The ability to play against D1 players each day in practice and games played a major part in the decision.

“The opportunity to compete against size and talent regularly is big,” Mike Saunders Sr. told Indiana Basketball Source. “Seeing that athleticism, length, and size for two years before college is important.”

How did Wasatch Academy become involved in the first place?

The Saunders family has known Dave Evans, new Wasatch head coach, for many years. They even had Mike visited Lone Peak (also in Utah) prior to his freshman year of high school when Evans was coaching there. At the time, they decided Mike was too young since he was 13. Evans was hired by Wasatch Academy June 29, and that changed everything.

“Before then, we were all-in with Lawrence North,” said Saunders Sr. “No other prep schools were discussed prior to that. The chance to play at that level was too much to pass up.”

Along with the tough competition, Saunders says Evans has a vision for Mike academically, on the court, and off the court. The whole package is designed for Mike to be ready for college when he steps on campus as a freshman.

Speaking of college, Mike will visit Northern Kentucky, Miami of Ohio, and Tennessee before leaving for Utah at the end of August. He will attend DePaul’s prospect camp this weekend as well. His recruitment will be handled by Dave Evans while Mike is in Utah.

Northern Kentucky, Miami, DePaul, and Tennessee have developed deep relationships with the Saunders family. Saunders Sr. said that he thinks of John Brannen, Jack Owens, Tim Anderson, and Billy Garrett as close friends or family along with a handful of other college coaches.

Although schools have built connections, Saunders Jr. is going to be concentrating on improving his game for the near future while putting his recruitment on the backburner.

“I’m just looking at all the options and waiting,” said Mike Saunders Jr. “I’m not ready to commit any time soon.”

“He’s got to get his game right before anything else,” Saunders Sr. added.

The biggest question mark of his game has been his outside shooting. He has been dangerous in the mid-range but hasn’t shown consistency with his outside shot. Saunders is working to change that.

“I think it’s been progressing really well,” Saunders Jr. said of his shooting. “Sometimes I shoot it and I have my hand on the side of the ball, so I’m working on having it under the ball.”

Saunders wrapped up July by winning the 16U Under Armour Association title with G3 GRIND. Saunders was the driving force behind a team that went undefeated in UAA play. He was unstoppable when he turned the corner using his great speed. That led to buckets in the lane and plenty of trips to the free throw line.

High school players transferring to prep schools is a hot-button topic in the state, but the Saunders family has researched the move, have a long-standing relationship with the coach and see the upside of the opportunity. The family is confident with the move, and that’s the most important thing in situations like this.