Prospect Spotlight: Tariq Balogun (2019)
Players who transfer schools always will have problems adjusting to a new system and new community, and that process is magnified ten folds when you aren’t just transferring schools, but moving to a whole new country. That’s the process that…
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Continue ReadingPlayers who transfer schools always will have problems adjusting to a new system and new community, and that process is magnified ten folds when you aren’t just transferring schools, but moving to a whole new country.
That’s the process that 6’9” Tariq Balogun is currently going through at Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg after transferring in from England late in the summer. While the UK native has had his problems adjusting to a new culture, he says that the welcoming atmosphere at the private school has helped him with the transition.
“It’s a good community and everyone is really welcoming, the basketball is good as well,” Balogun said about his move.
Balogun has found a home quickly at Walsingham, as he became one of their best players very quickly. The high motor big finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds in a loss against Hargrave last week, but his promise is something that bolds well moving forward with a young but talented core that’s already at Walsingham.
A versatile big that can play all over the floor, Balogun also demonstrated a high motor in their loss as he was all over the glass and ran the floor like a guard. We could go into all the things that he does well, but the well spoken and intelligent big man describes his game better than anyone else.
“I think my game can be described as an inside-outside guy,” he said. “I can shoot the three, the midrange and I can post up as well. I think I can handle the ball pretty well, I just need to get better at that in the half court.
“With defense, I think I’m good as well. I think I can guard the point guard position off screens, hedging stuff like that. I think I rebound good as well I just need to get stronger positioning.”
With a high motor, good understanding of the game and a versatile skill set, Balogun is in a position to become a division one level prospect if he continues to develop both on and off the court. As for what he’s expecting with his transition to playing basketball in America, he’s not quite sure but he’s ready for whatever comes around.
“As it comes I just see and embrace it really.”
Be sure to keep an eye on Balogun as he continues to develop and become accustom to the style of play in the States. We sure will be.