Max Vise, a 6-foot-8 senior from Mt. Vernon, recently shared his frustrations regarding the recruitment process as he sought to find the right college basketball program. "To be honest, it was super frustrating," Vise explained. He recounted instances where he would perform well in tournaments, only to receive initial interest from coaches who would later go silent. This cycle of hope and disappointment occurred multiple times, leaving him feeling disheartened.
As the summer progressed, Vise recognized that dwelling on the recruitment challenges was counterproductive. Instead, he channeled his energy into improving his game. "I started going to the gym from 5 a.m. to noon and putting the work in, and my confidence started to grow," he noted, highlighting his dedication to personal development during a pivotal time in his athletic career.
On Tuesday, Vise officially announced his commitment to Bellarmine University, following an official visit to the Division I program located in Louisville, Kentucky. He had previously averaged impressive statistics during his junior year, contributing 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.0 blocked shots per game as a key player on the Marauders’ Class 4A state championship team. Other schools that were in consideration included Ball State and Indiana Wesleyan.
Vise expressed that what drew him most to Bellarmine was the welcoming atmosphere and the program's emphasis on teamwork. "They showed they care a lot about teamwork and being together," he remarked. Vise was particularly impressed by the chemistry among the players, which he found to be exceptional.
Last season, Bellarmine finished with a record of 13-19, including a 7-11 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Under the guidance of head coach Doug Davenport, the Knights have a history of recruiting talent from Indiana, currently featuring players from various local high schools. Vise noted that Miami of Ohio was initially his top choice until they recruited another player for his position, which opened the door for Bellarmine to engage him more seriously.
According to Vise, the coaching staff at Bellarmine recognized his versatility, stating that he could potentially play any position due to his size and agility. This aligns well with the program's philosophy of positionless basketball, which emphasizes a dynamic and fast-paced style of play. Vise's strong performance during his junior year, where he shot an impressive 65% from the field, showcased his ability to excel in high-pressure situations, including notable games where he scored 17 points in an overtime victory against Pike and 22 points with 10 rebounds in the semistate championship against New Albany.
As he prepares for his senior season, Vise anticipates a larger role on the Mt. Vernon team. "You could say I was a vocal leader last year, but I think I’m going to have to multiply that 10 times without Luke [Ertel]," he stated, acknowledging the need for increased leadership as he steps into a more prominent position on the court.
Leave a Comment