Recruiting Report: Calvin Fugett Jr. (2017)
Any low- to mid-major Division I programs still searching for a 2017 guard would be wise to look in the direction of Calvin Fugett Jr. The 6-1 senior at George Washington, Colorado’s top-ranked prep team, is playing some of the…
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Continue ReadingAny low- to mid-major Division I programs still searching for a 2017 guard would be wise to look in the direction of Calvin Fugett Jr.
The 6-1 senior at George Washington, Colorado’s top-ranked prep team, is playing some of the best basketball of his career while showcasing an all-around game that rivals nearly any guard in his class.
“Right now I’m talking to Casper College, Northern Colorado and Siena in New York,” Fugett said. “I’d like to have a decision toward the end of January or beginning of February.”
Fugett has led the Patriots to a 9-1 start — their only loss came to Lone Peak in Utah — and a unanimous top ranking in the state. He’s done so by averaging 16.6 points, 6.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. He’s also shooting a career-best 47 percent from 3-point range.
The balanced stat line speaks to Fugett’s well-rounded game. He is very good at adapting his game to exploit an opponent’s weakness.
During a game earlier this season against two-time defending state champ Overland, Fugett could sense early on that his shot just wasn’t quite on. So he altered his mindset and began attacking the rim. He finished with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting that night, then added a season-high 24 a few nights later in a win over No. 3 Smoky Hill.
“My shot was falling, so I knew I had to start inside the paint,” Fugett, who is also an honor student, said after the victory over Overland. “That helps me until I get my shot going.”
His elevation once he heads to the rim, combined with great first-step quickness, makes him difficult to stay in front of. He’s been a matchup nightmare for teams because of that, particularly when you add his improving long-range ability.
But Fugett’s real next-level ability lies on the defensive end. He pairs with his brother, 2018 guard Jon’il Fugett, to form the best defensive backcourt in the state. Though only 6-1, Fugett has good length and quick hands. He’s well conditioned and his motor never stops churning.
“We take pride in our defense,” Fugett said. “That’s where we get most of our buckets, off transition. Without any defense there is no offense.”
Fugett has both sides of the ball going at a high level right now, and he’s got a chance to be an impact player at the low- to mid-major Division I level because of that.