2027 6’9 Charles Pur has been rising up the ranks not only in North Carolina but also nationally, as he continues to not only improve with his game but also continue to show that he has a chance to be one of the premier bigs in the region. His impact both offensively and defensively can be seen all throughout his time on the court, which is why schools are coming stronger his way.
Patrick O’Brien with Phenom Hoops was able to catch up with him on all the latest, reflecting back on the high school season, his focus this summer, and all the latest in his recruitment.
Phenom: What has been your mindset and progress in working with your game?
Pur: Right now, I’ve been working on my shooting, being able to make a shot at a consistent level. I have the power and ability to score around the rim at my size, so I’m just trying to expand my game and consistently knock down threes, showing my ability to shoot around 15 feet and beyond.
Phenom: Reflect back on the high school season for you and your team. What have you seen as far as progression?
Pur: Really, at my high school, I was able to see more of my weaknesses and really attack that. I was able to shoot a lot. My goal was to win a state championship, but we came up short against a very good Caldwell team. We just didn’t have enough against a very good Caldwell team. I also had a chance to touch the ball a lot more compared to the season before, which was one of my goals.
Phenom: What is your mindset this summer with CP3?
Pur: I want to be able to be able to guard 1-5 and be able to show that I can handle the ball and pressure offensively. Show more of my ability to shoot the ball consistently. Defensively, I want to be able to guard all positions and play off two feet. At my size, I just want to be able to guard and play at multiple positions.
Phenom: Recruiting-wise, what offers do you currently hold?
Pur: Tennessee, South Carolina, Cincinnati, Mississippi State, and Nicholls State have all offered.
Phenom: What were they saying they like about your game and what you could offer?
Pur: What mostly stood out to them was my size and understanding of the game, more than others at my age. You are not going to find a player of my size who understands the game better than I do. That is the difference between the elite players and others.
Phenom: Who would you say has been strong with you in developing that relationship?
Pur: Right now, South Carolina. Coach Parris was down to watch me work out. Tennessee, I would say, as well. I was over to watch them a few times at practice. Those are the two that have stood out early on.
Phenom: What stood out about Tennessee when you made that visit?
Pur: What stood out to me is their beautiful campus and coaching. Their playing style is fast, but they are smart. The coaches have a ton of passion, and they love the game. That is what I saw; they truly love the game, and they are doing their best. That is what I love about Tennessee.
Phenom: What about South Carolina?
Pur: It is kind of similar, but with them, they are just getting things done; they handle their business. And they are just good people. Coach Parris and the players, just love each other. They have a strong connection, and it is more than just about the game. I saw the connection between the players.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing interest that have yet to offer?
Pur: I was suppose to go to Michigan but couldn’t go due to the weather. VCU and Wake Forest are the two others.
Phenom: Do you have plans on visiting Michigan, and what have they said?
Pur: I do have plans to visit Michigan, but no dates have been set.
Phenom: What stood out about your visit to Wake Forest?
Pur: The coach. He doesn’t care about your emotions; he just cares about you and your future. He cares about getting you to the next level. He cares about the game, the future, and what you are doing tomorrow.