Max Vise, a senior basketball player from Mt. Vernon, has recently committed to Bellarmine University following a challenging recruitment process that left him feeling frustrated at times. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Vise expressed his disappointment with the recruiting landscape, stating, "To be honest, it was super frustrating. I’d have a good tournament, I would get a text from a coach, and then they’d never reach out again. That happened like four or five times." This inconsistency in communication from potential college programs led Vise to doubt himself during the early summer months.
However, rather than succumbing to frustration, Vise decided to channel his energy into improving his game. He committed to rigorous training sessions, waking up early to hit the gym from 5 a.m. to noon. This dedication not only enhanced his skills but also boosted his confidence as he prepared for his senior season. Vise remarked, "I started going to the gym and putting the work in, and my confidence started to grow." His hard work paid off when he announced his commitment to Bellarmine on Tuesday after an official visit to the Division I program in Louisville, Kentucky, the previous week.
During his junior year, Vise played a pivotal role on the Mt. Vernon Marauders, who clinched the Class 4A state championship. He averaged an impressive 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.0 blocked shots per game. In addition to Bellarmine, he considered offers from Ball State and Indiana Wesleyan, but ultimately felt a strong connection to the Knights. "What appealed to me most about Bellarmine was how welcoming they were and how much they care about teamwork and being together," he stated. Vise noted the remarkable chemistry among the players, which played a significant role in his decision.
Last season, Bellarmine finished with a record of 13-19, including a 7-11 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Under the guidance of head coach Doug Davenport, the Knights have a history of recruiting talent from Indiana, featuring players such as Carmel’s Evan Harrell and Evansville Reitz’s Tucker Tornatta, who transferred from Valparaiso. Vise revealed that Miami of Ohio was initially his top choice until they filled his position with another player, while Kent State was also in the running. However, Bellarmine's interest intensified after the summer, leading to Vise's commitment.
Vise's versatility as a player was a key factor in his recruitment. The coaching staff at Bellarmine emphasized his ability to play multiple positions, which aligns with their positionless style of basketball. Vise explained, "They said that based on my size and the way I move so versatile, I can play every position. That’s something they really want from all of their players." This style of play is conducive to a fast-paced, run-and-gun approach, which Vise believes suits his skill set perfectly.
As he prepares for his senior year, Vise anticipates a larger role on the Marauders. He acknowledged the need to step up as a leader, especially after the departure of standout player Luke Ertel. "You could say I was a vocal leader last year, but I think I’m going to have to multiply that 10 times without Luke," Vise stated, highlighting his commitment to guiding his team through the upcoming season.
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