College basketball programs scouting Indy 8th-grader

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - He's an eighth-grader at Westlane Middle School, but Eron Gordon already has some of the nation’s top college basketball programs showing interest.

IU has already offered him a scholarship, while Purdue, Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Xavier have already contacted him, and that list will grow.

Gordon seemingly has a grasp of the attention so far, and the pressure that comes with it.

“Its just another step,” he said. “I really don't let it get to my head, but it is pretty nice."

It runs in the family

What helps Eron thru the process? His two older brothers have been through it. Eric Jr., the oldest, went to IU and currently plays for the NBA's New Orleans Hornets. Middle brother Evan plays at Arizona State.

"I'm kind of surprised with all the attention, but it's all good,” said Eron’s dad, Eric Sr. “He's seen it before with his older brothers. He's a pretty mature kid, but you would really never know how it affects someone who's just 14 years old."

Eron agreed.

“Eric and Evan both went through a long recruiting process, so they'll probably help me out," he said

Those high expectations have also opened some eyes at Westlane. Principal Linda Lawence said it’s been a wild ride.

"We called ourselves the University of Westlane because truly we had a scout or a coach at almost every home game,” she said. “Tom Crean, I'm sitting there talking with him, and he says, ‘If I want a winning team, I've got to start now.’ ... It's crazy."

Keeping his priorities straight

And while Eron's on-court skills improve and the spotlight intensifies, he knows where the immediate focus lies.

"Probably just making sure I hit the books, and probably make honor roll every single time," he said.

Eric Sr., who’s seen and heard it all with his older sons, is trying to keep Eron level-headed.

"As of right now, the only school he's interested in is North Central High School and Westlane Junior High."