Recruiting file: Mike Turner

Mike Turner, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Chicago, is “definitely leaning towards Penn,” his high school coach Troy Caldwell said Sunday, and he plans on announcing his decision this week.

Caldwell said that Turner, a senior at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School, had an official visit at Penn in September and “really enjoyed it, really loved the campus.”

He emphasized the efforts of Penn coach Jerome Allen and his staff adding that Turner “appreciated the diligence Penn has shown in recruiting him.”

Turner was able to interact with current Penn players during his visit and feels like he already has a bond with the players and coaches, Caldwell said. “It has made this process easier for Mike.”

Turner’s strengths lie in his athleticism and size, his coach said. He stressed that he is a good shooter and all-around offensive player. The only weakness he acknowledged was Turner’s need to get stronger, which he says will come in time.

Turner could play a big role in the Quakers' offense. Six of the thirteen Quaker players taller than 6-foot-5, including three forwards, are seniors this year, so Turner’s ability to get baskets inside and get rebounds could give a boost to the offense next season.

Caldwell also noted that Turner is a great student and is very interested in Penn from an academic standpoint as well as an athletic one.

Both Turner and Caldwell want to make a decision this week. “It’s our hope that we would do the early signing period in November, so Mike can focus on our team’s season,” Caldwell said.

Turner is also considering Harvard, Valparaiso, and Northwestern, according to ChicagoHoops.com. The website announced Friday that he received a scholarship offer from Northwestern.

-Alyssa Kress