By Jordan Divens

Class of 2017 Houston Hoops forward Jarred Vanderbilt cut his list to nine schools on Friday: North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, TCU, Baylor, and Houston. The 6-8 Vanderbilt was unable to play during the Peach Jam because of a fractured fifth metatarsal. Although he will likely miss the rest of the summer season, he should be fully healed and ready for his senior year at Victory Prep. His ultimate decision could come as early as November.

[tweet url="https://twitter.com/JVando_/status/756603538126413825" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]

At the Peach Jam, Vanderbilt discussed his injury and the recovery process: "The doctor said 2-3 months, but they said depending on how I progress and because I am still young and my bones are going to grow naturally, I didn't need to have surgery or anything. I have been doing a little rehab, mainly trying to stay well-rested, and I have been trying to stay off of it by doing some water aerobics in the pool—you know, just minor stuff to try to speed up the process."

He also said he was disappointed that he couldn't compete in his second consecutive Peach Jam because of injury. "Last year, I got hurt in the first game, so I was sidelined again watching my team. It's tough watching my guys and knowing I can't do anything about it; it's definitely tough. It's my last go around, but I mean, everything happens for a reason." 

Although Vanderbilt was expected to cut his list shortly after Peach Jam, he's receiving more recruiting interest than ever. A decision could come as early as November, depending on when he decides to take his visits.

"Absolutely, I am going to start taking my visits come fall," Vanderbilt said. "I want to utilize my down time since I am hurt, check out some schools, visit, and really form relationships with each coach."

When asked about his final decision, the elite forward said it could come as early as November, but, "It all depends when I schedule my visits. If I have a lot of visits done by the fall, by like November, then there could possibly be a decision around that time. But I'm in no rush—I am still waiting for my visits."