8 Balla Hoop Insider had a chance to catch up with BJ Mack Jr, who plays for Oak Hill Academy—the preseason #1 team in the nation.

How has your travel ball season been, heading into your senior year at Oak Hill?

Travel ball was great. It didn’t end the way we wanted, but I felt we did a great job even though people said we were undersized.

What aspects of your game have you been working to develop? 

I have been working on my overall game. Trying to be a complete player and trying to be the best player I can be.

What are your goals and expectations for your last year of High school hoops? 

My goals are to go down as one of the best players that Oak Hill has ever had and to win a National Championship. Expectations I have for myself are to be the Leader of this Team. As the only returning Senior it’s my job to show all the new guys the Oak Hill Way it’s a standard that has been set long before I got here and its my job to let the guys know how things are done to uphold that standard.

How does it feel to play on the #1 team in the country? What do you feel in year two there you can bring to the table to help them repeat as national champs? 

It feels great to be on this team with the guys we have coming in. I bring a Unique skilllset, experience and knowledge of what we do at Oak Hill and will be able to help walk the new guys through what Coach Steve Smith expects from his players.

I see you recently cut your offer list down to seven. What made you select the schools you chose? 

These are the schools and coaches that I felt I had the best connection with personally through my recruitment. 

What are your official visits dates if any at this point?

So far I am going to South Florida on September 3rd, ECU on September 7th, Appalachian State on September 15th and Arkansas in October.

What would a college coach who gets you be getting in a player?

A winner: a hard-nosed, energetic, smart and skilled player that’s been battle tested.

What has been your best basketball moment so far in your career? 

I have two: first, winning a state championship my freshman year at Charlotte Catholic going 32-1 and winning 16U Nike Peach Jam would be the best moments in my life so far, but I am sure the bigger moments are yet to come.

What type of things do you enjoy doing outside of basketball? 

I like to just hangout with friends and spend time with my family. Typical teenager things.

Who are the biggest influences in your life? 

My Mom and Dad. Seeing them go out and work and making sacrifices to do things for me and my sister so that we can do the things we love.

What is your time table for making your college selections?

I will probably make my decision in November.

Are there any schools who are not in your top 7 that still have a chance to maybe get a shot at you?

 I don’t know at this time but if it gets to that point then we will see .

Growing up, what college team did you like to watch?

I grew up watching Duke with my dad even though my mother and grandma are North Carolina Tarheel fans.

Favorite NBA Team and player?

I’m a Lebron fan, so wherever Lebron going I’m there #LAbron.

8 Balla Hoop Insider has been covering BJ Mack, Jr. since middle school. We feel he is about to have a great last ride on the Hill.