Prospect Report: Austin Nelson (2017)
Playing basketball in Western North Carolina has it’s challenges. Not considered a hotbed as the rest of the state, a state that in many recruiting circles is considered among the best in the country year in and year out. Western…
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Continue ReadingPlaying basketball in Western North Carolina has it’s challenges. Not considered a hotbed as the rest of the state, a state that in many recruiting circles is considered among the best in the country year in and year out.
Western North Carolina has a short list but very talented list in terms of players that have succeeded at the highest level. Brad Daugherty (UNC, Cleveland Cavaliers #1 overall pick in NBA Draft), Rashad McCants (UNC, Minnesota Timberwolves #13 overall pick in NBA Draft), Buzz Peterson (UNC, NBA), Miles and Mason Plumlee (Duke, NBA), Henry Logan (WCU, NBA), Tom Burleson (NC State, #3 overall pick by Seattle Supersonics in NBA Draft).
Austin Nelson, a class of 2017 wing out of North Henderson HS, could be one that excels at the next level. Originally, I first met Austin when he was a 7th grader in Charlotte. I had heard stories about him from a scout/friend in the area who told me this kid was someone to take a look at. My friend was right, Nelson showed glimpses of what I have seen in my travels of what it takes to get to the next level.
Nelson transferred out of the Charlotte area to Wetern North Carolina to attend North Henderson HS for his freshman year and took the area by storm, averaging nearly 18 points and 7 rebounds per game. His sophomore year while deterred by a knee injury was still names area Player of the Year while averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists per game. Last season Nelson averaged 20.2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game and was named Western North Carolina Conference Player of the Year and named to North Carolina Coaches Association All-District team.
At 6-foot-5, Nelson can take over a game with his size, scoring ability, and length. He is a do-it-all type player who has a passion for winning. His recruitment is not at the level that it should be coming from a under-recruited area and playing with Team United on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer should help with that. If coaches want a tough, do-it-all winner for their team then I would give Austin Nelson a look.