Length, size, agility, shooting. Four prerequisites to succeed in modern basketball's wide-open game.
Checking those boxes is 6-foot-6 shooting guard Max Christie. The Rolling Meadows, Illinois, product is poised to strut onto the college basketball scene.
Max Christie Highlights
Christie is more than comfortable with the ball in his bands. He has a solid handle and quick first step that allows him to zoom past defenders. In the paint, he has the evasiveness to get all way to the rim and finish with either hand or pull-up with a fluid jumper. His shot extends beyond the three-point line, where he's equally able to fire off the dribble or catch.
Christie has acute court vision. He waits for passing lanes to open before delivering on-the-money dimes to teammates. His patience gives him speed control. Once he sees an opening, he's already past his defender.
Defensively, Christie has good timing for blocking shots. He absorbs smaller opponents' attempts and uses his athleticism to rise with big men. On the glass, he can snatch a rebound and immediately start the break.
Christie's biggest knock is his strength. He weighs about 165 pounds to go along with his 6-foot-6 frame. Strength will come with time and shouldn't be a concern. As the high school senior-to-be climbs levels of competition, I wouldn't be surprised if he transitions to a full-time point guard.
Max Christie Basketball Recruiting
Christie has been a highly-touted prospect throughout the recruiting process. He's currently the 13th ranked player in 247Sports' Composite rankings for the class of 2021. He holds offers from Duke, Illinois, Northwestern, Villanova, Wisconsin, Florida, Purdue, Ohio State, Iowa, and Michigan State. The 2021 recruit took an official visit to MSU and met with head coach Tom Izzo this past March.
Christie was a member of the junior USA basketball team that won the 2019 FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Brazil. He plays AAU ball for the Illinois Wolves. Although, the summer circuit will be largely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Rolling Meadows High School star is expected to sign with Mike Krzyzewski and Duke. The Blue Devils are fielding a loaded 2021 recruiting class projected to include the number three player in the country, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and officially has five-star small forward AJ Griffin locked up. All three are forecasted to make a splash in the NBA.
This article was originally published May 15, 2020.
UPDATE (July 8, 2020): Via Twitter, Christie announced that he'd be verbally committing to the the Michigan State Spartans for the 2021-22 basketball season. The decision came on the heels of 2022's No. 1 prospect, Emoni Bates, also committing to the East Lansing powerhouse.
Max Christie Commits to Michigan State
My Next Chapter. ?? @TiptonEdits pic.twitter.com/AYfpse9rVe
— Max Christie (@Max12Christie) July 7, 2020
