C/3B Dasaan Lee (De La Salle, 2024) has been a consistent performer in front of our scouting staff, routinely showing well throughout his prep career. Currently ranked No. 80 in the state, Lee provides intrigue as a backstop that is a legitimate threat at the plate, boasting easy power from his 6-foot, 210-pound frame. He was a standout performer at the Illinois State Games this past summer, rising 50 spots within our rankings as a result and eventually landing a spot with Morton JC. 

We recently sat down with Lee to talk through his recruitment process, all that went into it and more, below. 

Our Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Dasaan: In regards to my recruitment process, I would say I was expecting it to be challenging but a lot less stressful. A process in which would take a lot of time and consideration with my family on making the right choice for a brand new chapter in my life. For a college program not only was I looking for a place in which team chemistry was present, but a place to call home, feel welcome within the program and an opportunity to prove my worth. I wanted a program that would be beneficial for me and my parents as well, and spent many nights praying on where my eventual commitment would go. Overall it was God’s plan and his word that led me to my decision.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 

D: Not necessarily, location didn’t play a big factor in my decision. I really wouldn’t mind being away from home; it all depended on what was the right fit for me.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play? 

D: I would say the recruiting process really started to heat up right after the State Games were finished. In fact that’s where the school I committed to, Morton College, first saw me play.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

D: What I like most about Morton College is how welcoming they were. They had a strong, invested interest in me from the start and I felt very comfortable and accommodated with their current players and coaching staff. Ultimately the key factors in my decision came down to what benefited me as well as my family. Not only relieving the stress off of my shoulders, but theirs as well. Also just how much they poured into me and were persistent with communication.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

D: Other schools would include Oakton College, Saint Xavier, SWIC (Southwestern Illinois College), and South Suburban.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

D: I'd have to say my biggest challenge I faced was a pitcher named Kevari Thunderbird. I think just how competitive he was, the slot he threw from, his command when facing him and being able to hit spots and challenge hitters whenever he wanted to.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

D: I knew I was a college caliber player since I was 12. I was always a very confident kid when it came down to baseball, since I started playing baseball when I was two. I would say I became serious about taking my game to the next level around eighth grade. I dropped all other sports and told my parents I wanted to be 100% committed to baseball.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

D: Just keep working honestly, repetition is a key value in baseball; but the biggest thing young players have to realize is hard work means nothing if you're not confident in your skill and ability. This game starts in between your ears and you have to be mentally prepared to give it your all no matter who’s watching, because you never know who is. 

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

D: I would say the most memorable moment in my career would be going down to Alabama to play against former players like Adam Dunn and Prince Fielder’s children. As well as winning the home run derby in Iowa for my age group. Selected as MVP in that tournament and winning the entire tournament.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

D: We’re gonna be a very competitive team with some really strong players who are gonna come after it this year. Helping us go deep into the playoffs and make a push to take it game by game, day by day, but get the job done. 

P: How did the Future Games and/or the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)?

D: As I mentioned before, the Illinois State Games definitely projected my publicity more. I even had coaches reach out right away after one of my games finished. It was a great experience and I received a lot more attention following the event.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

D: I would say probably Dillon Head’s speed. 

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

D: I would probably say Ethan Bass.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? 

D: PBR assisted in my recruiting with not only tweets, but showcases, stats, and tournament coverage as well. After performing well in either showcases or tournaments, PBR would post or tweet my at-bat and exit velocity, allowing scouts and more to see me showcase my skills.

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