MORGAN PARK — Through 11 games, Morgan Park senior guard Marcus LoVett is averaging all-state-type numbers: 24 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals per game.
His coach, Nick Irvin, thinks he can do even better.
"I expected more assists and rebounds," Irvin, whose team has won the last two IHSA Class 3A state titles, said matter of factly. "I expect him to average a triple-double by the end of the year, but he's getting there."
LoVett's mix tape below has nearly 5 million views.
It's high praise for the transfer, who attended two California high schools before moving to Chicago prior to this season. And LoVett, who lives with family members in the city, doesn't mind the great expectations.
"[Irvin] expects certain things out of me because he feels I can do it, and if he feels I can do it, then I'm going to get there," LoVett said. "Coming to Chicago, really it's just to develop me as a basketball player and a person. I feel like this was the best move to make, playing with a coach like Nick Irvin — that's the situation I want to be in."
Irvin said LoVett, who has led Morgan Park to an 8-3 record heading into Saturday's home game against Normal University High School at 6:30 p.m., is a "very special player."
"One thing that stands out with him: He plays both ends of the floor" — much like Morgan Park graduate and Louisville senior guard/forward Wayne Blackshear, Irvin said. "He's a humble kid, too, and he knows what it takes to win."
LoVett, a 6-foot-1 left-handed sharpshooter, hasn't made his college decision. He has offers from several schools, including St. John’s, Kansas, Illinois, DePaul, UC-Irvine and Tennessee. LoVett has made an unofficial visit to DePaul and has yet to plan any official visits.
LoVett said he's already built a "good relationship" with Illini head coach John Groce.
"I'm still getting to know him, but I feel we're building [the relationship], and he keeps in contact with me every week," LoVett said of Groce. "We're going in the right direction, and we need to keep bonding with each other."
LoVett also noted he can see himself "going to DePaul as well."
"It's a Chicago thing," LoVett said. "Honestly, I love this city already — that has a lot to do with it."
LoVett averaged more than 30 points per game as a high school freshman.
LoVett was named MVP of the Carbondale Holiday Tournament, which was highlighted by his 40-point performance in an 85-37 win over Millington (Tenn.) Central on Dec. 26.
"The situation I’m in is a blessing, and I thank god for it," LoVett said. "I'm just trying to continue to keep working hard. You’ve got to work hard to be in the situation I want to be in. I’m just trying to take advantage of my situation."
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