Basketball: Mater Dei’s Franklin emerging as a legitimate prospect

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Gary Franklin has been a busy young man this summer, busy making headlines, that is. As a result, Division I programs from all over the country have stepped up their efforts to keep a closer eye on the junior from Mater Dei. He can’t go anywhere without a scout on his heels nowadays.

The 6-foot-3 point guard showed no signs of being intimidated while going up against some of the best players at his position during the LeBron James U.S. Skills Academy earlier this month in Ohio. And Franklin did well at the Nike Peach Jam Invitational in South Carolina this past weekend.

‘He’s young and has a long ways to go, but I honestly think that Gary can be one of the most complete players to ever come out of Mater Dei by the time he’s a senior,’’ Monarchs Coach Gary McKnight said. ‘He has put on a good show this summer and there’s a lot of doors opening for him right now.’’

Arkansas, Baylor and Utah have expressed interest, but according to McKnight, Arizona has invested the most time during the recruiting process. In fact, Lute Olson stays in constant contact with Franklin, who has seen his value on the national level skyrocket during the dog days of June and July.

-- Sean Ceglinsky