Recruiting Report: Owen Atkinson (2017)
2017 Below The Rim forward Owen Atkinson stock is rising and has become one of the most underrated forwards in the state. Standing at 6’6, Atkinson has received some NAIA and Division III attention due to his perimeter skills and…
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Continue Reading2017 Below The Rim forward Owen Atkinson stock is rising and has become one of the most underrated forwards in the state. Standing at 6’6, Atkinson has received some NAIA and Division III attention due to his perimeter skills and college physique but more recruitment is on the way. He is due for a breakout year as he is transferring from Bishop McGuinness to Putnam City High School for his senior year.
The first part of the summer was slow for Atkinson as he played minimal minutes for Nike EYBL Team Griffin. He chose to play with BTR which provided more playing time and opportunities to display his talents which showed immediately. “The Prep Hoops tournament was a good platform for me to elevate my play”, Atkinson said.
He was one of the best performers at the PrepHoopsOK State Tournament as he got to the free throw line at will. Atkinson prefers a perimeter position but understands where he can become most effective for his team.
“Honestly I feel more comfortable on the perimeter as a 2 or 3 but I enjoy playing as a small ball 4 like I do with BTR,” Atkinson said.
As the “small ball 4”, Atkinson became a mismatch nightmare as he would use his quickness and big shoulders to knock defenders off balance and out of his way to earn extra points. If Atkinson can add a consistent three point jumper then his stock will rise even more and this has been a focus of his this summer.
“Right now I’m doing a good job getting to the stripe,” Atkinson said, “but I want to use this summer to really develop my three point shot and guard skills in general.”
The BTR forward has received interest from OCU and Hendrix College while also being contacted by Oakland University due to a prior relationship with a coach on their staff. He looks to make a college decision after his senior basketball season is over.
Atkinson has all the tools to be a dangerous perimeter-based four man at the Division II level. He will be one to keep your eyes on as the summer and school year progress.