ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW W/2022 St. ANDREW'S SG MASAI TROUTMAN

 ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW 

W/2022 St. ANDREW'S 

SG 

MASAI TROUTMAN

1. Age, height & weight? - 17, 6'5 & 185lbs

2. You announced your transfer from Saint John's Catholic Prep well in advance of the Covid-19 shutdown - what was the thought process behind your transfer to St. Andrew's? My family and I thought St. Andrew's would help better prepare me for the upcoming basketball season and my college recruitment, while also helping my academics at the same time. 

3. What are you doing to stay in shape & develop your game currently that you may not have been doing when the shutdown first started? Lifting 2-3 time per week and working out with my trainer's Art & Pat during the week.

4. You have seen a definite uptick in your college recruitment, with recent offers from Georgetown, Florida & Indiana. What would you say has led to the recent increase of interest in your abilities as a potential HM prospect? I believe the exposure from my AAU team has led to a boost in my recruitment and also my HS coach having connections also.

5. What were your thoughts when you found out 2021 G/F Benny Williams was leaving the St. Andrew's program & how excited were you to play with him before his transfer announcement? I'm happy for my man Benny, he's doing what is best for him and I can respect it and I was really excited of the idea of playing with him before his transfer.

6. College is 2 years away for you, but do you have an idea of what you are looking for in both a university & basketball program? I'm looking for a university that will push me academically and better me as a person all around and in a basketball program I want a program that will also push me and give me the best chance to help the team win.

ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW FORMER FLORIDA STATE PG & PRO ISAIAH SWANN

ALL-MET ELITE

 INTERVIEW FORMER

 FLORIDA STATE PG 

& 

PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER 

ISAIAH SWANN

IN 2001, DURING ISAIAH'S FRESHMAN YEAR AT MAGRUDER HIGH SCHOOL IN ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, HE LED HIS TEAM TO AN UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON, MAGRUDER'S FIRST UNDEFEATED SEASON AND THE SCHOOL'S FIRST 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

DURING THE SUMMERS OF 2001 TO 2003, ISAIAH PLAYED FOR THE NATIONALLY-RENOWNED D.C. BLUE DEVILS, AND HE WAS FORTUNATE TO BE TAUGHT THE GAME THE RIGHT WAY AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE, WHICH MADE IT EASIER FOR ISAIAH TO ACCLIMATE AMONG HIS HIGHLY-TOUTED TEAMMATES SUCH AS ROY HIBBERT, JAMES GIST, TRAVIS GARRISON, AND CHRIS MCCRAY, TO NAME A FEW.

UPON ISAIAH'S JUNIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, HE TRANSFERRED TO OAK HILL ACADEMY, THE NATIONALLY-KNOWN POWERHOUSE. ISAIAH MADE HIS TELEVISED DEBUT IN THE OAK HILL VERSUS ST. VINCENT ST. MARY GAME (SVSM). SVSM, LED BY LEBRON JAMES, GARNERED NATIONAL ATTENTION, AS THIS WAS THE FIRST NATIONALLY TELEVISED HIGH SCHOOL GAME ON ESPN.

FROM 2001 TO 2004, ISAIAH ATTENDED NIKE CAMP WITH THE LIKES OF CHRIS PAUL, P.J. TUCKER, LUOL DENG, RUDY GAY, DANIEL GIBSON, AND SHANNON BROWN. NOTABLY, IN 2004, ISAIAH PARTICIPATED IN THE JORDAN CAPITAL CLASSIC WITH JASON RICH, DWIGHT HOWARD, RAJON RONDO, AND MANY OTHER ELITE TALENTS. ​

ISAIAH'S HIGH SCHOOL CAREER ENDED ON TOP, AS HE TRANSFERRED TO HARGRAVE MILITARY ACADEMY, WHERE HE LED HIS TEAM TO THE PREP SCHOOL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (WITH A RECORD OF 25-1). SWANN RECEIVED OFFERS FROM OVER 200 COLLEGES, EVENTUALLY NARROWING HIS CHOICES TO FIVE - ARIZONA, UCONN, CINCINNATI, FSU, AND MARYLAND. ULTIMATELY, FSU BECAME HIS #1 CHOICE, AND HE COMMITTED IN THE WINTER OF 2004. 

"AT THE TIME, I WAS RANKED AS ONE OF THE 50 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NATION. I WAS #34 AND MY SOON-TO-BE COLLEGE ROOMMATE, JASON RICH, WAS #33. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WOULD BE THE START OF A LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIP," ISAIAH SHARED.  

DURING HIS TIME AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, ISAIAH LEARNED COUNTLESS LIFE LESSONS, ON AND OFF THE COURT, AND HE SOLIDIFIED HIS POSITION AS ONE OF FSU'S TOP 35 SCORERS IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY. ISAIAH NOT ONLY REACHED THE 1,000 POINT CLUB BUT HE TIED THE UNIVERSITY'S ALL-TIME RECORD FOR MOST 3'S IN A GAME (NINE). AFTER A DEVASTATING ACL INJURY DURING HIS SENIOR YEAR, ISAIAH WORKED HARD TO GET BACK ON THE COURT, ULTIMATELY SIGNING HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH AGET IMOLA IN ITALY. 

ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW WITH NC A&T FROSH COMBO GUARD MILTON MATTHEWS

ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW 

WITH 

NC A&T 
FROSH 
COMBO GUARD 

MILTON MATTHEWS

1. Because of Covid-19 pretty much shutting everything down how have you been staying in shape before you leave for school? I’ve simply been staying in shape by staying consistent with the basics. Running, doing push-ups, and other exercise right in my backyard.

2. Back in April you committed to NC A&T they recently announced their new head coach as Will Jones who was previously the associate HC can you talk about your recruiting & what made you ultimately decided upon A&T? Well Coach Jones and Coach Dorsett where very understandable. Before the pandemic they where recruiting me heavy and what separated them from the other schools were that they were consistent with recruiting me. They were willing to do any and everything to get me to the school. I felt wanted and loved. On top of that the program is making a big step to the Big South. They have big aspirations and so do I. I couldn’t have been more sure about this decision!

3. We are starting to hear HBCU's gain national attention for recruiting & some notable recruits speaking towards potentially playing for an HBCU as an actual HBCU signee what are your thoughts on the national attention HBCUs are currently receiving? In my opinion it’s one of the biggest steps for HBCU athletes. We now have a better chance of pursuing our dreams and goals.

4. A&T has one of the larger HBCU student bodies what were some of things that stood out to you on your visit to A&T? Unfortunately I didn’t go on a visit because of Covid-19

5. A&T had a winning season last year & has a potential pro PG returning for his senior season what do you hope to bring to the team this season as a freshmen? My job this year is to take advantage of my time and get better at developing my game. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be one of the best combo guards to come through A&T. In the mean time I will be working hard, staying humble, encouraging my brothers (teammates) and cheering them on!

BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER INTERVIEW WITH PG COUNTY BASKETBALL LEGEND HENRY "RADAR" HALL

BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER INTERVIEW WITH 

PG COUNTY BASKETBALL LEGEND 

HENRY "RADAR" HALL

PARKDALE HS

RIVERDALE MARYLAND

The 6-foot, 190-pound Hall picked up the nickname Radar because of his outside shooting ability. He has had the green light to shoot since he was a freshman and, had the three-point rule been in effect before this season, Hall might already have set some local records.

Crossland Coach Earl Hawkins said that if three-pointers counted last year, "Hall would have scored 65 against us instead of 42."

"I'm a shooter. That distance {19 feet 9} is my range but, actually, I shoot farther out than that,". "If I'm open, I take the shot. Before we play {against one another}, we call and talk trash, who's going to score what. Mike and Jay are big guys and dunk all the time. I shoot jumpers.

"When we played Oxon Hill, Mike told me he was going to chew up our big men," Hall said. "I told him his guards would get fried too." Hall scored 51 points, Tate 39.

Hall, who scored 53 against High Point, is the top scorer in the area, averaging 37.8 through 13 games. He also led the area in three-pointers made with 47, making eight of them on each of three occasions.

He shoots better than 55 percent from the floor, despite a propensity to take 24-foot jump shots, hits 85 percent from the foul line and has almost doubled his assists and steals averages from his junior year.

"I want to be the complete player," Hall said. I have a lot of confidence in my ability and when I play I'm determined to do what I want to do. I don't feel anyone can stop me. If that's cocky, I'm cocky." 'I Love to Play'.

BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER PG COUNTY BASKETBALL DOCUMENTARY FIRST REACTION VIDEO

BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER 

PG COUNTY BASKETBALL DOCUMENTARY 

FIRST REACTION VIDEO

BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER SHOWTIME DOCUMENTARY TRAILER - FIRST REACTION VIDEO

PG COUNTY 

BASKETBALL COUNTY: IN THE WATER

 SHOWTIME DOCUMENTARY TRAILER 

FIRST REACTION VIDEO

Official Promo Poster for upcoming Showtime Doc Basketball County: In The Water

Official Promo Poster

 for the upcoming 

Showtime Documentary

Basketball County: In The Water
Premiering on Showtime
May 15th @ 9pm

The POD interview with 2019/2020 Wash Post 1st Team All-Met Oxon Hill G Ronald Polite

The POD 2019/2020 Wash Post Boys 🏀 All-Met Team First Reaction Video

The POD interview with Arize founder of the More Than Basketball Brand

The POD interview with Team Durant EYBL Recruiting Coordinator Dwayne Wise

2020 Wash DC, MD & VA Boys Basketball AAU Tryouts Tracker

2020 

Wash DC, MD & VA 

Boys Basketball 15U-17U 

AAU Tryouts Tracker

NOVA CAVALIERS

TeamPUSH tryouts will be Saturday March 14 at Norfolk Colliegate from 10-1.  Cost is $20. It’s time to get to work! Over 30 offers as a first year program! 

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - VA NATIVE/FSU COMMIT - SARDAAR CALHOUN

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 

 VIRGINIA NATIVE & FLORIDA STATE COMMIT

SARDAAR CALHOUN

MISSOURI STATE-WEST PLAINS
 #1 JUCO SHOOTING GUARD PROSPECT
#3 NATIONALLY RANKED JUCO PLAYER
6'6 205 lbs SG

 

Take us back to your Jr. year at Essex's HS what was your college recruitment like? My junior year at Essex wasn’t enough for me, Essex is a small public school in Va and when it comes to sports it’s not that much exposure. During that time my name wasn’t buzzing on the radar yet. I knew I needed to make a sacrifice if really wanted to continue my basketball career.

 

What made you decide to transfer to Blue Ridge & reclassify? I knew I needed to reclassify if I wanted to play college basketball, my mother and I emailed a list of high schools and Blue Ridge was a school that reached out and it was a bonus because it was a boarding school and I could reclassify.

 

What was your college recruitment like after your senior year at Blue Ridge? After My Senior year at Blue Ridge I had around 5 low major offers but I wasn’t satisfied. And it wasn’t me being ungrateful, I knew how much time I spent in the gym working on my craft and I knew before anyone I had another mode I could tap into! I TRUSTED THE PROCESS.

 

You had several D-1 offers as a HS senior what made you decide to take the JUCO Route? The Juco route was kind of last minute to be honest. And also during the month of June/July time was running out to head to a 4yr school and all the offers I had were no longer on the table! By then the word had gotten out that I was going to a junior college and that summer before my freshmen year of junior college was the hardest I ever trained!!!!! I’m talking weights at 5:45am, shots at 10am-1pm, nap, 5pm swimming/Ab class, 7pm shots again. I went all out.

 

How did you learn of Missouri state West plains & why did you decide to attend school there? What were your other JUCO options? What did you hope to achieve at the JUCO level?  During that time I didn’t know many junior colleges like that or their resume, but the assistant at West Plains (Ken Moses) sounded really honest and me and my mom drove 16 hrs to Missouri to check it out and a week later the rest was history.

 

How was the transition going from living in the South to living in the Midwest was it a big adjustment or are the two regions similar in your opinion? No the adjustment was actually great I meet some great friends and new family here in Missouri! This place will always have a piece of my heart.

 

For many who may not know can you explain the AAU style JUCO jamboree events where multiple games-sometimes upto 3 games a day are played & also the individual player camp showcase events where college coaches attend for recruiting purposes? The Jamborees are nice, excellent exposure! And the Camp I got invited to was an invite only top 45 camp (Juco Advocate 45) and I left that camp with at least 20 offers! From then on out I knew I had a chance to not only become a high major player but a Pro some day! And the people I met at the camp were amazing. God really played a huge part in that man!

 

At the JUCO level you saw your college recruitment explode where you started to receive multiple HM offers including Alabama, Seton Hall, Georgia & Texas - ultimately you chose Florida State - what was it about Florida State that made you want to finish your academic & athletic career there? FSU! I can’t even describe the juice behind that university and all the pros that Coach Ham and the staff have developed. I’ve always been a huge fan of Dwayne Bacon and when he hit the game winner at UVA I was in attendance and I got to meet him and the assistant at the time (Dennis Gates) and the assistant said “I’ll remember you Calhoun, I ain’t going forget about you boss” 3yrs go by and Coach Gates was at the JA45 camp watching! Crazy how God works baby.

 

McDonald's AA & 5 star guard Scottie Barnes of Montverde academy will be joining you next year at Florida State as a freshmen PG have you two connected yet and discussed teaming up next season? Scottie Is the truth man! Haven’t spoken much with him but I’m excited to play with him next year tho, he’s got that swag.

 

You recently went head to head with projected NBA lottery pick/Louisville commit & JUCO AA Jay Scrubb where you more than held your own - tell us about that matchup & how motivated are you to play in the ACC next season? Jay Scrubb is family I love everything about his game, he’ll be a all-star one day mark my words! That matchup was everything I expected. Jay was going crazy in the first half and once I hit my first shot I knew I could pick it up from there and get it rolling. My main man Tyon Foster was in the crowd going crazy for me and that really got me going after hearing him I didn’t miss a shot! Me, Jay Scrubb, and Tyon Foster are brothers we literally text everyday in the group chat, Juco bound is different man blessed to meet those guys!

 

Last season as a frosh you shot 42% from 3 on 200+ attempts & this season you have improved to shoot 47% & again you are on pace to shoot 200 attempts - what is your shooting practice routine like & how have you been able to improve your shooting this season?  Form shooting is my go to but my confidence is out the roof and as a shooter you can’t lose confidence. Also I feel like I’m in a mode where the game is slower for me and I know I can be dominant going into every game and I’m big on film! I watch a lot of Bradley Beal, Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown and etc.

 

Shooting is a highly valued skill set at the NBA level do you give much thought to playing in the NBA or do you more so focus on the next step that is in front of you? The NBA is a goal of mine but I’m just excited for what is next at FSU! I’m tryna bring a National Championship home to Tallahassee. But everyday I have to get better because ACC basketball ain’t for kids. Every ACC game is down to the wire and I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it! But I can’t thank God Enough for blessing me with this journey! #GodIsGood

THE POD - PYBL FOUNDER - JAMES PARKER Jr. INTERVIEW

THE POD 

 PYBL FOUNDER 

 JAMES PARKER Jr.

INTERVIEW

 

THE POD - 2X WASH POST ALL-MET TRE KELLEY INTERVIEW

THE POD

2X WASH POST ALL-MET

TRE KELLEY

 INTERVIEW

 

THE POD - FORMER USC TROJANS PG/PRO GARY "2-2" JOHNSON INTERVIEW

THE POD
FORMER USC TROJANS PG/PRO
GARY "2-2" JOHNSON
INTERVIEW

 

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE PRESEASON INTERVIEW OSBOURN PARK 2020 PG ETHAN WILSON

ALL-MET ELITE

PRESEASON INTERVIEW

OSBOURN PARK 2020 PG

ETHAN WILSON

 

OSBOURN PARK HS

MANASSAS VA 

 

Age, height, weight? 17 years old, 6'0, 150lbs

 

What did you work on this summer to improve your game? This summer I worked on becoming more of a point guard. Perfecting my passing skills, on-ball defense and extending my range were the three main things I focused on. I've been strengthening and conditioning my body all summer to prepare for this upcoming season.

 

What team or player are you most looking forward to playing against this season & why? I'm looking forward to playing all the teams in our conference. There's not really one team or individual in particular that I can pick out. There's been a lot of talk about our school in our conference and I look forward to playing the other schools to prove a point and make a statement.

 

What are your team & individual goals this season? My team goals are to win the district championship as well as the regional championship to make it to states. I believe we have the roster this year in order to do so. I've set the standard for my personal goals pretty high this year. My goals are to be 1st team All-Conference in the District and Region along as POY in the District and Region as well. I'd also like to be 1st Team All-State as well as 1st Team All-Met. I know I have the capabilities to accomplish all of these goals for myself as well as my team.

Describe your high school teams style of play? My high school teams style of play is a very fast type. We like to pressure the ball and force the other team to turn it over and get easy buckets in transition. With lots of quick guards that can shoot and two dominate bigs we can also play in the half court and slow in down when needed.

 

What was one thing you learned about yourself as a player this past spring/summer playing AAU?Something I learned about myself this past spring and summer with Higher Level is that the sky is the limit for me and I can do everything on the court offensively and defensively. Coach Darius really pushed me towards becoming more of an all around player rather than just a scorer and ever since then my game has been reaching different levels every week.

 

If you could play any 1 HS player in the DC area 1-on-1 that you've never played before who would it be & why? I would probably want to play Jeremy Roach. Right now he's the #1 ranked PG in VA and he is a great player. I'd love to have the opportunity to play against him for sure. I love playing against competition and those ranked above me so if anyone it would definitely be him.

 

What are you looking for in a college program?

I am looking for a program that will allow me to showcase my skills as a point guard and leader. Overall I am looking for the best fit for my game and a coach that truly believes in me as a player. I want a team/coach that pushes me to be the best player I can with the same mindset I have as a

competitor.

Describe the competition & talent in your conference? The competition in our conference is usually pretty good. Recently we've had 3 top players leave from Stonewall, Battlefield, and Patriot so the competition level kind of dropped. Overall there's still lots of talented players in other schools and hidden gems that are waiting to have their breakout year this season so I'm looking forward to seeing how it is this year.

 

What do you believe is the most underappreciated part of your game? I believe the most underappreciated part of my game is my passing/play-making ability. I believe I can make plays for anyone you place on the same team as me and get anyone an open shot/find the open man at all times.

Who is your favorite, NBA, college & HS player? My favorite player right now is Collin Sexton on the Cavaliers. He is my favorite player because of his mindset and approach to the game as well as his style of play.

What schools have shown interest or have offered you? I currently hold offers from Wilmington University and Georgian Court University. I have been receiving interest from Division 1 schools such as NC A&T, Maryland Eastern Shore, and William & Mary. I've also received interest from the D2, D3, and NAIA levels along with a few JUCO programs.

 

How would you describe basketball in Prince Williams county? The basketball in Prince William County is definitely overlooked in my opinion. There is lots of talent here and players with chips on their shoulder. It's a place of many overlooked players that can compete with the best of the best.

 

What special shoe will you be wearing this season? This year I will be wearing different colorways for the Kyrie 5's. I should have at least 3 different colorways for my last season (Pink, White, & Yellow or Blue).

 

Most influential person in your basketball life? The most influential person in my basketball life is my Grandma. Although she passed she is the reason why I keep pushing and never give up when adversity hits. Every decision I make when it comes to basketball is for her and my well-doing. She meant a lot to me and I know she's proud of me.

 

Finish this sentence about basketball 

 - in 5 years I will be ---------- In 5 years I will be a top college basketball player in the nation.

 

Is there any meaning behind your jersey number? I wear the number 1 because every time I step on the court I believe I'm the best player on it. I always feel like I'm the number one player and that will always be my mindset.

ALL-MET EXCLUSIVE PRESEASON INTERVIEW ELEANOR ROOSEVELT 2020 F QUINTON MINCEY

ALL-MET ELITE

PRESEASON INTERVIEW

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT 
2020 F

QUINTON MINCEY

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HS

GREENBELT MD

Age, height, weight? 17 years old, 6’6, 187lbs
 

What team or player are you most looking forward to playing against this season & why? I’m looking forward to playing everyone we have on the schedule. A lot of people think that since our seniors from last year graduated that the we fell off the map. Also a lot of teams are out for revenge so I’m excited to play everybody.

What are your team & individual goals this season? The team goal is of course to win a county championship, win the region, and be the first team in Roosevelt history to 2peat. My individual goals are to be the 4A POY and to be on one of the All-Met teams.
 

ER is coming off a championship season in which they graduated alot of talent - how did you prepare yourself to become one of the standout players on this seasons team? I just work hard on the court as well as in  the classroom. I feel like I’ve put a lot of work into my game over the summer and just try to keep my confidence high. I also try to be a guy that players on my team can come to about anything and just someone who my teammates feel comfortable around.
 

Describe your high school teams style of play? My high school style of play is a run n gun team. We like to beat teams up the floor and wear them down the whole game. Also we are a physical team who likes to get in the paint and make plays.
 

What was one thing you learned about yourself as a player this past spring/summer playing AAU? One thing I learned about myself is that i can play in any system. It doesn’t matter what offense a team runs i can fit in because I’m a player that can do many things other than scoring the ball.
 

If you could play any 1 HS player in the DC area 1-on-1 that you've never played before who would it be & why? I don’t really have anyone in mind that I would play one on one. There’s a lot of great players in the DMV. I would like to play a lot of them one on one. Those would be a lot of great games.
 

You recently committed to Mount Saint Mary's what was it specifically about that program that made you believe you wanted to spend the next 4 years there as a student/athlete? The Mount staff was very consistent in my recruiting. They tracked my progress over the years and were very interested in my growth. The coaches just wanted to see me get better and continue to work hard. The coaches genuinely care about me as a person first instead of a basketball player. I have a great relationship with all the coaches and that’s important to me. Also they have a great business program and that’s something I wanted to do after basketball.
 

Describe the competition & talent in your conference? 4A has a lot of unseen talent. There’s some really great basketball players in 4A that go unnoticed every year for different reasons. But you have to play your best basketball every night when playing in 4A. Every team is at your throat from the jump.
What do you believe is the most underappreciated part of your game? The most unappreciated part of my game is my passing. I’m a really great passer, a lot of people don’t really take notice in that. But my playmaking ability is really great. That’s something that I’m trying to showcase this season.

What special shoe will you be wearing this season? This year I’m really trying to rock the new KD's. I’m tryna get different color ways for them. But that gotta be one of my favorite shoes right now.
 

Is there any meaning behind your jersey number? history going. I wore #13 last year but I’m wearing #3 this year. A lot of history is in the #3 at Roosevelt. I’m hoping that I can be the next person to fulfill that spot and keep the history going.

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE PRESEASEON INTERVIEW BULLIS 2022 CG RODNEY RICE

ALL-MET ELITE

PRESEASON INTERVIEW

BULLIS 2022 CG

RODNEY RICE

BULLIS SCHOOL
POTOMAC MD

 

1. Age, height, weight? 16, 6’4, 180lbs

2. What did you work on this summer to improve your game? I worked on everything. I wanted to improve my shooting, dribbling, and my decision making.

3. What team or player are you most looking forward to playing against this season & why? There is nobody specifically but I’m going to play the same way against everyone. 

4. What are your team & individual goals this season? Our team goals are to win as many games as we can and win the IAC. My individual goals would be to make first team IAC, and reach 1k points.

5. Describe your high school teams style of play? We like to get out in transition and run, we can shoot and defend.

6. What was one thing you learned about yourself as a player this past spring/summer playing AAU? When playing AAU I learned that I'm a factor even without the ball and it opens up scoring opportunities for my teammates.

 

7. If you could play any 1 HS player in the DC area 1-on-1 that you've never played before who would it be & why? If I could play anyone from the area that I haven’t played it would be myself because I want to know what it feels like to play me.

 

8. Finish this sentence about basketball 

 - in 5 years I will be ---------- In 5 years I will either be in college playing high level D1 basketball or hopefully a couple of seasons into the league after my one and done season in college.

9. Is there any meaning behind your jersey number? There is no reasoning behind my jersey number.

 

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE PRESEASON INTERVIEW WILSON 2022 G/F DARREN BUCHANAN JR.

ALL-MET ELITE

PRESEASON INTERVIEW

WILSON 2022 G/F

DARREN BUCHANAN Jr.

Woodrow Wilson HS.
NW Washington D.C.

 

 

1. Age, height, weight? 15, 6’6, 205lbs

2. What did you work on this summer to improve your game? This summer I worked on every asset of my game, but I mainly worked on my handle, my jump-shot which I believe got a lot better and my defense.

3. What team or player are you most looking forward to playing against this season & why? I don’t think it’s a particular team or player I’m looking forward to playing because everyone is going to bring their best game.

4. What are your team & individual goals this season? My team goals are to go undefeated in league play to compete for another DCIAA championship and a state championship, I don’t really have any individual goals really, I just want to win.

 

5. Describe your high school teams style of play? My high school team style of play is very fast, get out and run but we thrive on defense, no defense no playing time.

 

6. What was one thing you learned about yourself as a player this past spring/summer playing AAU?

One thing I learned about myself this summer/spring is that I’m not going to back down from no one and I’m willing to compete against whoever.

7. If you could play any 1 HS player in the DC area 1-on-1 that you've never played before who would it be & why? If I could play any player 1 on 1 in the DC area I would play Earl Timberlake because I know you going have to play your best game against him and he going to go at me.

8. Describe the competition & talent in your conference? The competition is very good in the league, I feel like the talent is slept on. There are some very good players in the league that get no recognition.

9. What do you believe is the most underappreciated part of your game? I believe the most unappreciated part of my game is my ability to shoot the ball.

10. Who is your favorite, NBA, college & HS player? My favorite NBA player is LeBron James, My favorite college player is Anthony Edwards and my favorite high school player is Darren Buchanan Jr.

11. Wilson has been a powerhouse program in the DC area the past few years how have your prepared yourself to carry the torch & keep the program at the top? I just been in the gym improving, this year I got some big shoes to fill and I feel like with the work I put in I’m ready to carry the torch.

12. What special shoe will you be wearing this season? I have some custom shoes getting made in honor of all my brothers I have lost and my grandma.

13. Most influential person in your basketball life? The most influential person in my basketball life is my dad he’s really helped me get where I am today.

14. Finish this sentence about basketball 

 - in 5 years I will be ---------- In 5 years I will be a D1 athlete pursing my academic career.

15. Is there a special meaning behind your jersey number? The meaning behind number 2 for me is that one of my brothers that I lost wore that number so I just want to honor him.

 

 

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE PRESEASON INTERVIEW TAKOMA ACADEMY 2020 G/F TYRAE WASHINGTON

ALL-MET ELITE

PRESEASON INTERVIEW

TAKOMA ACADEMY 2020 G/F

 TYRAE WASHINGTON

 

TAKOMA ACADEMY

Takoma Park MD

 

Age, height, weight? 18, 6,6 1/2, 190 lbs.

What did you work on this summer to improve your game? Ball handling, jumpshot, creating separation, conditioning, and developing a stronger core.

What team or player are you most looking forward to playing against this season & why? Jakai Robinson NCA. He’s my former teammate of 2 years at NCA. He’s ranked #1 in his class. I also want to beat Coach Brown and show him how much I’ve improved.

What are your team & individual goals this season? Team goals are to win as many games as possible, against as many top tier teams as possible being as though we play a national schedule. My individual goal are to earn a scholarship and make first team All-Met.

You have transferred back to the DC area - what are your expectations of the competition you will face here? I believed I faced better competition at Macduffie being as though it was prep-school and we played against some of the best prep schools in the Northeast. But I respect all my competitors. These kids down here play hard. DC is a proven ground for top basketball talent. We are respected as a basketball city. If I can make a name for myself here, I’d be respected everywhere.

What was the thought process behind your transfer to Takoma Academy this year? I have a relationship with the head coach, (Coach Credle) and a player Mike Brown - same AAU team Mid Atlantic Select. Coach Credle used to watch me train with Shackleford at Friendship Tech for years. We always had a connection and when the opportunity came about to play for him, I thought it would be a good fit being as though he already knows my game.

What schools have shown interest or have offered you? No offers yet but interest from:

Howard, Radford, UMBC, LaSalle, Mount Saint Mary’s, Jacksonville St, Wichita St, Maryland & Indiana. Some very interested, some a little interested. I may have forgotten a few schools.

How would you describe your style of play? I’m a rebounder, a defender, an athlete that’s still learning to become more of a scorer. I take pride in defending all 5 positions. I’ve made major strides at becoming more of a scorer. But I still need to improve my ball handling and shot making. I am hoping to average 25 & 15 this season.

What do you predict will be your role on the team this season? I will be featured as the #1 player. I will be a leader for the first time and will be depended on to lead my team to victories.

What was one thing you learned about yourself as a player this past spring/summer playing AAU? That I won’t back down from a player no matter how big or how highly regarded that player is. That I will do what it takes to compete even if we’re considered the underdog. That I can play at a high level regardless of who’s watching.
 

ALL-MET ELITE EXCLUSIVE PRESEASON INTERVIEW MARET 2021 G/F QUINCY ALLEN

ALL-MET ELITE

PRESEASON INTERVIEW

MARET 2021 G/F

QUINCY ALLEN

 

MARET SCHOOL

NW WASHINGTON D.C.

 

1. Age, height, weight? 17, 6'8, 180 lbs.

 

2. What did you work on this summer to improve your game? I worked on my strength, explosiveness,ball handling/point guard skills as well as finishing through contact.

3. What team or player are you most looking forward to playing against this season & why? Definitely looking forward to playing Sidwell because of the rivalry as well as Gonzaga because of the environment in their home gym.

4. What are your team & individual goals this season? Win the Mac championship and DC state championship. Individually make all conference, first team All Met, and start getting looks/offers from more blue blood schools.

5. With EJ Jarvis graduating last year how have you prepared yourself to become more of the focal point of the offense?  I have established more leadership skills as well as getting more confidence in my game and improving my shot selection.

6. Describe Maret's style of play? We like to get up and down a lot in transition as well as getting a lot of easy buckets out of our sets in the offense.

7. What was one thing you learned about yourself as a player this past spring/summer playing on the circuit? That I need to get tougher and not be afraid to make mistakes on the court/not deferring to anyone.

8. If you could play any 1 HS player in the DC area 1-on-1 that you've never played before who would it be & why? I’ve pretty much played against everyone in the area but if I had to choose it would definitely be Corey Barnes because of his physicality on the defensive end and because he strapped me up during the live period when we played Archbishop Carroll.

9. What are you looking for in a college program? I’m looking for somewhere where I can have a great relationship with all the coaches and my teammates, a place that’s going to develop and push me for the next level, but also a place where I can make a strong impact right away.

10. What do you believe is the most underappreciated part of your game? Definitely my IQ and passing ability. 

11. Who is your favorite, NBA, college & HS player? Paul George, college player-based off of last year-Coby White and my favorite high school player is Quincy Allen. 

ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW: LANDON SUPER SOPH 2022 GUARD MIKE GRAY

ALL-MET ELITE INTERVIEW

LANDON SUPER SOPH

2022 GUARD

MIKE GRAY

  

LANDON SCHOOL

BETHESDA MD.

1. Age, height & weight?

16, 5’10, 180 lbs.

2. Earlier this spring/summer you did not play AAU, what was the deciding factor in the decision behind that? Before the Capitol Hoops summer league I could not find the right fit for me, so I decided to work on my game to be ready for summer league. This July, and for the rest of the summer I will be playing with New World.

3. What are you working on this summer to improve your game for your upcoming sophomore year? This summer I’ve been working on my body and my lateral quickness to help me defend the the talented guards in the IAC.

4. Your Landon team played in the DMV live period events what interest or feedback have you received from colleges/universities? I’m thankful for the DMV Live period, it provided me a great amount of exposure, some coaches have reached out to me and said they liked what they saw and would be tuned in for the rest of the summer.

5. You played significant minutes during your frosh year at Landon - what on court lessons did you learn that you belive will carry over into your soph season? Defending my position and limiting turnovers are the two biggest things I want to improve on from my freshman season.

6. You, Canin & Kino form a very dynamic backcourt in which each of you can get a bucket - how has playing with those two as a frosh helped you develop your game & are you three super competitive against one another in practice or open gym? I’m fortunate to have mentors like Canin and Kino to ease my transition into high school basketball. We compete everyday in practice and also during the off-season.

7. Landon appears to have a very free offense this summer - do you believe your new coach will have that same approach during the HS season or do you expect changes? I’m not sure what Coach Hajj has in store for the offense this season but I trust whatever he decides will be in the best interest of the team.

8. You have 3 years of HS basketball left but if you could pick an ideal college for yourself today - describe what that program would look like? The ideal college for me is one that I have a great relationship with the coaching staff and one that is competing in the NCAA tournament. It’s also important to me that there’s a balance between books and basketball.