Recruiting report: DeShawn Hankina (2018)
TOPEKA, Kan. — Hayden’s DeShawn Hanika is showing why he is one of the Topeka area’s premier prospects in the 2018 class. A strong, athletic 6’6 wing player, Hanika plays at a fast pace and can play inside and out. “I’m…
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Continue ReadingTOPEKA, Kan. — Hayden’s DeShawn Hanika is showing why he is one of the Topeka area’s premier prospects in the 2018 class.
A strong, athletic 6’6 wing player, Hanika plays at a fast pace and can play inside and out.
“I’m always flying around I’m a kid who can get to the basket when I need and knock down a open shot if u give me enough space,” he said.
Hanika spent the offseason competing for SSA Elite and hoped to improve this perimeter skills and guard skills, but saw those opportunities cut short as he suffered a broken ledge.
Hanika has returned to full strength as says he is focused on giving 100 percent effort to help Hayden live up to high expectations. The Wildcats got off to a tough start, dropping two of its first three games, but have rebounded to win four straight.
“I think as a team we started off rough just not being able to finish a game, but ever since after Christmas break we really have found our groove and we are gonna be a dangerous team to play,” Hanika said. “Me as a individual I’m trying to become more of a force from outside and someone who can get their teammates more involved.
“I look forward to playing with everyone on my team because I know that every time we step on the court they got my back and I have theirs and their going to give 100 percent every time.”
Hanika said the biggest influence on his basketball career has been trainer Tony Barksdale.
“He always pushes me to my limits everyday in the summer and I consider him as family we are so close,” Hanika said.
I enjoy watching Giannis Antetokounmpo he can go coast to coast and finish strong and can dominate inside when he has the miss match, I try and take his finishing ability and put that into my game.
Hanika does not yet have any offers, but has drawn interest from Northern Iowa, Nebraska Omaha and Emporia State.