Prospect Spotlight: Carl Banks (2018)

Transferring schools is more than simply switching jersey colors. Sometimes it’s about being asked to bring different skills to the table. You’re in a new program with a new game plan, therefore your personal style must adjust with it. <strong>Carl Banks </strong>(2018) is embracing this challenge at Waite High School. “To transfer over from Scott, it’s kind of tough because I have to be more of a scorer, instead of real point guard. I have to be a scoring point guard instead of just a pass-first. It’s been going fine. I’ve been taking care of business,” Banks said. “I do whatever I have to do to make the team win … My freshman year, when I played JV, I took a lot more shots. I had to be scoring point guard also then.” The 5’7” point guard, who runs with the Ohio Celtics during the summer, is yet to receive interest from any colleges. But this environmental shift appears to be a step forward in his process. Banks is focused now more than ever. Before we got off the phone, he made a point of mentioning how academics have become the top priority. “I’m a student first and an athlete second. My freshman year [my grades] was down, but I picked them up my sophomore year,” Banks said. Waite played excellent in the local St. Francis summer league, saying that they only dropped one game the entire month of June. &nbsp; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H5ZvZrjVKs To fulfill the new role as an upperclassman, Banks has been working, with trainer Zeke Hill, to expand scoring options. “I’m not going to be able to get to the rim a lot. Well I do, but sometimes it gets blocked … We work on pull-up and my floater.” The understanding of his own size speaks to his high IQ. Banks’ court vision is his premier ability, and he sees it from all angles by using his handles to get to any spot. While he’s excited about the opportunity to put up more shots, he really is true point guard. This combination of experiences in high school will only make him a more well-rounded college prospect. With more responsibility as an upperclassman, Banks should shine. Any programs who play an up tempo, in your face style (offensively and defensively) should take a look at him. He and the Ohio Celtics will be at the Adidas All In Classic next weekend in Cincinnati, and Prep Hoops Ohio will continue to provide updates on his process.