Joel Embid has only been playing basketball for 18 months, but his 7-foot-1 frame makes his potential limitless.

Embid began playing basketball at one of Luc Richard Mbah a Moute's basketball camps in Cameroon. Mbah a Moute discovered him and encouraged him to come to the United States and attend Montverde Academy in Florida.

"He's got untapped potential, when he figures it all out," one Division I assistant coach said. "In two years, he's going to be really good for somebody."

Florida and UCLA were both recruiting Embid early, while Louisville, Virginia, Texas and Georgia Tech have also expressed interest.

"He learned his foot skills by watching videotapes of Hakeem Olajuwon," said Jeff Simmons, Embid's AAU coach with Florida Elite. "He taught himself. His footwork is outstanding."

Embid will be a member of the 2013 incoming freshman class.