AU Nabs Schoof

Ron Bailey, Publisher

John Schoof will bring hard work, toughness and skill to American University.

August 25, 2010 – Last week a Patriot League institution secured an oral commitment from a 6’5” guard/forward, one that attends W.T. Woodson High School (VA) and played for one of the most successful travel team programs in America, Team Takeover. That organization’s director and coach, Keith Stevens, said of this player “He’s hardnosed, a great glue guy that makes shot, and is more athletic than people know. He’s a real good ball player.

This Class of 2011 student athlete is John Schoof. His future school will be American University.

“I chose AU because I really like the coaches and the strong program they've built” shared Schoof recently of why he wants to be an Eagle. “I think I can be very successful under Coach Jeff Jones and I fit well with American's style of play. They also have a good opportunity to go to the NCAA tournament and hopefully I can help make that happen. It's also a great education and close enough that family and friends can watch me play”.

Northwest, D.C.’s American U. bested Lehigh, George Mason and Harvard, Patriot, Colonial and Ivy League schools, respectively, for John’s services.

Slotted to play either shooting guard or small forward at AU, Schoof indicated he made the decision at this time because “I felt AU was the best fit for me and I didn't see that changing so I decided to go ahead and commit so I can focus on my high school season and use this year to get better and do everything I can to make sure I'm ready to play at American next year”.

With Schoof and Takeover, there is a love affair.

Schoor shoots during Takeover's preseason trainning camp.

“He was always on the floor for loose balls, sacrificing, taking charges” gushed Stevens, communicating on the phone. “John started on one of the best teams in the country. None of us (coaches) initially thought he would start”.

“This summer with Team Takeover was great, we all played really well in July” shared Schoof, through email, of his AAU squad. “I love playing with those guys. Playing with Team Takeover the past two years is the best thing I ever did in my basketball career so far”.

Don’t get it twisted, that wasn’t a slight directed at W.T. Woodson and its coach, Doug Craig, as Schoof is hyped for his final high school campaign: “It’s my senior season and I’m really excited for this year especially after having to sit out and watch all of last year . We have some good players and if everyone does their part I think we could have a very successful season”.

Craig covets his 2009-2010 team’s captain and its best player, saying via telephone “Obviously last year we didn’t have him, he had that high ankle sprain…at the high school level it’s such a luxury to have a 6’5’, 6’6” guy that’s a match up problem.

“Everything he’s gotten he’s gotten thru hard work…The other guys see how much time and effort he puts into it. That really sets the tone”.

W.T. Woodson’s talented coach believes that nose to the grindstone mentality in 2010-2011, opining “With John I think he’ll continue to work just as hard…make our players better. I don’t think John is the kind of player that will say ‘I got the scholarship’ and let it ride. He’ll continue working hard and leading”.

This time next year, he’ll try and do both at American University.

Scouting Report:

Standing around 6’5”+ and weighing 180 lbs or so, Schoof is a tough customer, one that cans jumpers out to three point land, drives, defends and scraps. Must get stronger for college and develop his left hand dribbling, and if he does so could after a year or so greatly impact Patriot League action.

John plays absent ego; he just does what’s necessary for the ‘W’. Works hard, and doesn’t back down.

AU got a steal.

Click here for Super Elite Showcase All Stars. Schoof was one.