Catching up with Tyrik Waite
November 26, 2015 By trushing Miami Norland point guard Tyrik Waite recently picked up his first offer from a local Division II program, and has seen a slew of additional interest since his offseason on the 17U circuit. “I’ve heard from…
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Continue ReadingNovember 26, 2015
By trushing
Miami Norland point guard Tyrik Waite recently picked up his first offer from a local Division II program, and has seen a slew of additional interest since his offseason on the 17U circuit.
“I’ve heard from my AAU coach that Barry has called for me, and Belmont-Abbey (NC) has called for me, and I sometimes talk to Lincoln-Memorial out of Tennessee, and Trevecca from Tennessee also has been texting me. And I received an offer last week from University of West Florida,” said Waite, who is thrilled with his first offer, but hungry for more.
“An offer is an offer, I feel great to be honest, just and opportunity to go to college for free. And of course I’d be happy to play at the Division II level, but at the end of the day I won’t settle for it, I’m going to keep working and try and play college ball at the highest level.”
While gaining exposure with Taylored Athletes this spring and summer, the talented point guard – PHF’s 78th-ranked 2016 – says his defense and decision-making were areas of emphasis.
“The thing I though I did well was defensively I really helped the team out, I was a big spark on defense. And offensively I was a guy that could hit the open 3, and get up point s when needed,” said Waite. “And where I saw the most improvement was with my decision-making, just making the right passes, making the right reads and things like that.”
Waite described his style of play to PHF.
“My strengths are that I’m really quick so I can get to the basket and really penetrate defenses and make them collapse and things like that, and then I can hit find someone for an open shot,” he said.
“I think I need to improve on being a more consistent jump-shooter, and making the right passes and making the right reads.”
As a senior with the Vikings, it will be Waite’s turn to take the reins of the team, and become the senior leader.
“As a senior it’s more on my shoulder to lead the young guys,” said Waite. “So my role is just to be a leader in the court, and lead this team back to where we know we belong.”
April 6, 2015
By JT Wilcox
Tyrik Waite
6-foot-1, 165 pounds, Point Guard
Miami Norland
Class of 2016
AAU Team: Taylored Athletes
Current Offers: None
Tyrik Waite has benefited from playing for perennial power Miami Norland. He’s developed a winning pedigree and he has improved as a basketball player in every season. Waite is a solid floor general that can get to the basket and either finish himself or make the right pass to an open teammate. 2015-16 will be a year in which Waite is leaned on as a senior leader.
How did your 2014-15 season go?
“It went well. Won a state championship – fourth straight for my team. This season I improved on thinking the game better. And I improved on how to play in different situations. Individually it was successful, I plan to improve even more next season.”
What schools are currently showing the most interest in you?
“Not many schools are showing interest right now. I’ve received an email from Wingate University and some Division-III colleges have followed me on my NCSA profile. Some D-I schools also looked at my profile, but none of them followed me like the D-III schools have.”
Have you taken any visits?
“No, I haven’t taken any visits yet.”
What are you looking for in a college?
“Will I have a chance to play right away, whether the coaches are really for their players and the environment.”
What is your time line on making a decision on a college?
“Sometime in my senior year, hopefully I’ll have some offers to decide from.”