Tartan High School Sophomore First in State to get Verbal Offer to Play Baskeball in College

A athlete is the first sophomore in the state to receive a verbal offer from a college to play boys basketball after he graduates in 2013, according to Tartan Athletic Director Adrian Moore.

Earlier this fall, the coach from Boise State University called Moore to tell him he wanted to make a verbal offer to his son, Darrion Strong.

Because of Strong's age, NCAA rules prevent the school from making any more than a verbal offer.

"It was great to get the call," Strong said, but he said he wants to talk to more schools before he makes a decision. "Boise State is more of a football school, but that is all right with me if I can change the program."

Moore said he is working hard to make sure Strong stays grounded and focused on basketball and school.

At 5 feet 11 inches tall and 175 pounds, the point guard is quick. He trains hard in the off-season and practices with his brother every day.

This season, Strong said he's looking forward to playing Hopkins. Tartan's varsity boys basketball team had an impressive record of 20-8-0 last year.  Hopkins was one of the few losses.

"Everybody says they are so good," he said. "We're all better this year. I know we can beat them."

A meeting this year with Hopkins will have to come in a tournament since the newly announced schedule does not include a game against Hopkins, which is a non-conference team.

Tyler Moore, Strong's brother and a member of Tartan's class of 2012 said he loves playing with his brother.

"It's great to be able to get out there every day and play together," he said. "We come home and talk about the game—what we did, what worked and what didn't."

As for whether he'll go to the same school as Strong—whether that be Boise State, or elsewhere—Tyler Moore said they might end up at different schools due to their different interests, but hopefully they remain close.

"For sure, I would want to go to the same school," he said, "or at least be near each other."