Recruiting Report: David Pierce (2018)
St. Petersburg– ACL injuries can be a dream killer for high school hoopsters with aspirations of playing at the next level. Especially for high upside guards like Gibbs’ David Pierce. Pierce held a UNF offer and interest from high D1…
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Continue ReadingSt. Petersburg– ACL injuries can be a dream killer for high school hoopsters with aspirations of playing at the next level.
Especially for high upside guards like Gibbs’ David Pierce. Pierce held a UNF offer and interest from high D1 schools such as Auburn, Illinois, FSU, South Carolina and Kansas State before suffering a season-ending ACL tear back in January.
But the gritty 6’2 2018 combo guard is poised for a comeback.
“I’ll be even better than before,” Pierce said. “I’ve been doing leg curls, lifting and thigh workouts daily. It’s been tough to deal with, but it’s more mental than anything, They say ACL injuries can change your game, but I’m not buying into that. The doctors say I should be cleared to play by December.”
Pierce says Stetson and UNF still contact him frequently. Gibbs head coach Larry Murphy elaborated on Pierce’s recruitment.
“I haven’t heard from the high D1 schools lately,” Murphy said. “But I’m sure they will still monitor his progress over the next two years.”
Pierce is a fundamental and skilled guard. He has a reliable mid-range jumper, solid handle, dependable defender and high IQ. But Pierce believes he possesses other key intangibles as well.
“I play tough,” Pierce said. “I never take plays off. I consider myself a leader and a player that can do it all.”
Pierce averaged 5 points a game last year as the sixth man for a talented St. Pete high team that reached the state semifinals. But Pierce’s game grew exponentially in just one offseason. He transferred to Gibbs and became an integral starter. He averaged a team second best 14 points a game along with six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Before his injury, he helped lead the Gladiators to an impressive 15-1 record.
“His scoring was tough to replace, and we lost in the first round of the playoffs,” Murphy said. “I still believe he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Pierce plans to transition from a 2-guard to a point guard at the next level. He’ll be traveling with SEBA Select and Showtime Hoops during the AAU circuit.