Recruiting Report: Cameron Bacote (2017)
Bethel's 6'2 combo-guard Cameron Bacote, younger brother of ODU standout Aaron, is poised for a break-out campaign. Bacote enjoyed a sophomore season in which he averaged double-figure scoring numbers, while leading his team to a 17-8 record. This past summer…
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Continue ReadingBethel's 6'2 combo-guard Cameron Bacote, younger brother of ODU standout Aaron, is poised for a break-out campaign. Bacote enjoyed a sophomore season in which he averaged double-figure scoring numbers, while leading his team to a 17-8 record. This past summer with Team Loaded 16's, Bacote earned his minutes as a lock-down defensive specialist.
“I saw my minutes increase after I decided to take defense more personal,” said Bacote.
Bacote's stingy perimeter defense helped Loaded 16's place in a number of final-fours, runner-up finishes, and win the highly-contested Zero Gravity Championship this summer.
“I'm just a basketball player who just wants to win.” he said. “I always think I'm the smartest player on the floor. I can just do whatever the coach asks me to do. If he wants me to score I'll score. If he wants me to run the team, I'll run the team. If I need to stop someone, I'll stop someone.”
Bacote currently holds 5 division 1 offers from Hampton, Old Dominion, IUPUI, Mount St. Mary's, and Howard. Creighton has recently increased contact. William & Mary and Longwood each recently hosted him for a visit, and UNC Asheville is in the mix as well. A dedicated student-athlete who owns a solid 3.44 GPA, Bacote discussed what he is considering while he ponders his college decision.
“I'm looking for a relationship with all of the coaches,” he said. “The ability to step right in as a freshman and play. I am also looking for a good dental school because I want to be a dentist.”
Bacote is a versatile guard who can play on and off the ball. He can provide two-way impact as a competent perimeter defender, and he's become more crafty off the bounce. He's also an underrated rebounder.
“I have the ability to get to the basket. My defensive ability on the ball and off the ball has improved since last year,” said Bacote. “I still need to improve playing defense 94 feet, and consistency on my jump shot.”
Given the departure of 7 footer Dajour Dickens, and the arrival of sharpshooter Kyle Foster, Bethel's roster has undergone a mini-makeover. Cameron Bacote's consistency, and leadership will prove key as he looks to help Bethel emerge out of a deep and talented 5A South region.