Recruiting Report: Donovan Beard (2017)
Recently, Donovan Beard and his Cedar Rapids Washington squad had their season shaken up when junior point guard Hunter Strait decided he was going to transfer to Ankeny Centennial. Now, the 6-foot-7 forward is having to take on a much…
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Continue ReadingRecently, Donovan Beard and his Cedar Rapids Washington squad had their season shaken up when junior point guard Hunter Strait decided he was going to transfer to Ankeny Centennial.
Now, the 6-foot-7 forward is having to take on a much larger role with the Warriors, and should see his numbers increase greatly because of it.
“With his departure I’ve had to take all of his shots. He was the leading scorer of our team, and since he left I’ve had to step up and take over,” said Beard.
“My role this season is to be more of a leader of this team. And with Hunter leaving that made a big impact to the team. A couple guys have had to step up and take his playing time. It was a huge loss to our team.”
Beard is a lengthy and versatile forward who is seeing interest come in from Division III, NAIA and even Division II programs.
“I really plan to play college basketball. I’ve had a couple D2s, I’ve had NAIAs, D3s. Recently I’ve visited Mount Mercy and I went to Loras. I’ve had Minnesota State-Mankato reach out to me,” said Beard.
“The two schools that are recruiting me most are probably Loras and Mount Mercy — those schools have reached out to me more than all of them.”
With no offers on the table as of now, Beard still has the rest of his senior season left to showcase his ability. And he’ll have a greater chance to do that now, with his increased role.
“I like to consider myself as more of a swingman, I can play inside out and I can post up at times. More so this season I feel like my mid-range has improved, especially my dribble pullup,” said Beard.
“I want to have a good personal senior season, be the leader of the team, and get on the young guys and make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”
As for his future playing college hoops, Beard says he’d be grateful to play anywhere.
“Any level of basketball I would love to play,” he said. “Whether it’s D2, D3, NAIA, as long as I’m at the next level playing.”