MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year Marvin Bagley III announces transfer to Hillcrest Hoops

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The MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year is changing schools. Actually, he'll be attending a basketball academy.

Marvin Bagley III, a 6-foot-11 sophomore who averaged 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.3 assists while leading Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) to a fourth-straight state title, is transferring to Hillcrest Hoops, according to Arizona Republic reporter Richard Obert.

Hillcrest Hoops is a new basketball academy that plans to rival Findlay Prep and Prolific Prep. Bagley has offers from Kentucky, Duke, Arizona, Louisville and Connecticut, among others. Corona del Sol finished 33-1 and No. 8 in the final MaxPreps Xcellent 25 national rankings.

"It was a hard decision," Bagley told Obert. "Coach (Neil MacDonald) was understanding. He is supportive of my decision, that it will make me a better player. I am hopeful that the rest of Corona understands my decision. It's just what I have to do."

According to Obert, Bagley will join his father Marvin Jr., a member of the coaching staff, and his eighth-grade brother Marcus, who is 6-5, at the Phoenix-based academy. Point guard Julian Payton, son of NBA legend Gary Payton, has also transferred to Hillcrest Hoops from Bishop Gorman.

The newspaper also reported that three Gilbert Christian starters have left the school to join Hillcrest. Gilbert Christian won the state Division II title.