Tampa, Fla. - Jaren Phillips has a lot on his mind.

Over the next four weeks, Jaren will decide where he is going to play college basketball for the next four years.

“I’m just trying to make the best decision for me and my family,” said the Tampa Prep senior guard. “We are looking for the best business program; somewhere I can be a kid, a college kid, and not just strictly basketball. So, all of those things play a factor in it.”

One good thing for Jaren is that he isn’t an unknown commodity in basketball circles.

“Everybody knows who Jaren Phillips is,” said Tampa Prep head coach Joe Fenlon.  

Indeed they do. ESPN lists Jaren as one of the Top 20 recruits in the state. Last summer, Jaren made national headlines with a posterizing dunk at the UCF Basketball skills camp.  

“I am just more than blessed. God is good to me,” said Jaren.  

One of the biggest blessings for Jaren has been playing for a legendary high school coach like Joe Fenlon. Coach has helped Jaren stay focused amid all the distractions that come with recruiting.

“You can only go to one place,” said coach Fenlon. “So, all of these kids posting on twitter and social media that they are so blessed to have their 98th offer, well you can only go to one school.”

That mentality allowed Jaren to enjoy his final season at Tampa Prep, which led to him playing one last time on his home-court in the Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches All Star game.

"It’s real bittersweet,” said Jaren. It’s my last time playing at home. But, like all good things, it comes to an end.

But this end is leading to a new beginning for Jaren, who has let his character speak for him more than his game.

“He’s just a good kid. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone,” said Fenlon.

And to further show the type of person Jaren is, he wants to offer advice to the next high-profile freshman about to begin their high school career.

“Take your time. You don’t want to rush it because that time goes by fast. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman, now I’m a senior getting ready to make his decision for college. So, it goes by fast. Take advantage of it.”

f other players listen to these words, they might just be like Jaren Phillips: a great basketball player, who is an even better human being.