Recruiting Report: Will Yoakum (2017)
Will Yoakum is a serious athlete. Dunks the ball like a prototypical slasher. Glides around the court. Shoots the lights out too. But according to him, this 6’4” ½ wing from Delaware Hayes, is just now “starting to grow into…
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Continue ReadingWill Yoakum is a serious athlete. Dunks the ball like a prototypical slasher. Glides around the court. Shoots the lights out too. But according to him, this 6’4” ½ wing from Delaware Hayes, is just now “starting to grow into [his] body.”
Urbana offered the 2017 prospect in the Fall. Yoakum’s upside also has the attention of Ohio Dominican and Wheeling Jesuit, both of which he speaks with frequently.
“I’m trying to play at the highest level I can. And if that’s D-II or low D-I, I’m completely fine with that. I think if I continue to improve my game and continue to grow into my body and get stronger, I think I could land low- to mid-major D-I,” Yoakum said.
What is he looking for in a college?
“Good style of play. I like to have a good relationship with the coach. Basically, yeah, I’m not too picky when it comes to schools. It’s just got to be the right fit, I just got to feel it.”
Yoakum, who averaged 16 points last season as a junior, told Prep Hoops Ohio that he earned a 3.5 GPA last semester.
He found those 16 points per game in all sorts of ways. Just a downright maker of shots.
“I can score at all levels. I think I’m considered an underrated athlete. I like to play above the rim sometimes, and people might not expect that but I like to do that. My three-point shot has always been there for me; I’ve always been able to shoot … I like to get out in transition too,” Yoakum said.
As mentioned, and seen in some of the highlight tapes, the kid has athletic ability. Despite that, Yoakum was adamant about continuing to work on his explosiveness, to go along with his natural body progression.
“From constant work in the weight room, I’m able to get my athleticism up. And I think it’s helped me a lot in my game.”
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It’s the summer before his senior year, but Yoakum tells us he might keep growing.
“I’m 6’4” ½, almost 6’5” … I mean, yeah, probably. I’ve grown progressively an inch or two every year in high school,” Yoakum said.
Now, just because the upside for Yoakum is noteworthy doesn’t mean that he’s all potential.
Yoakum can perform on the court right now — has a complete repertoire of ways to beat defenders (including beating them down the court for a quick fast break lay-up), and guards 1 through 4 on defense. Yoakum is more than potential.
King James Ohio Varsity, his AAU team for the summer, will pick back up in July. In the meantime, he’s scrimmaging and traveling with Delaware Hayes High School for the remainder of June.