Recruiting Report: Cameron Byers (2020)
The game of basketball is changing drastically for frontcourt players. No longer are there expectations that all of their production should come in the paint. Now, power forwards and centers are expected to be able to shoot from outside offensively and even guard perimeter players on defense.
Versatility. That’s the name of the game now. John Carroll’s freshman forward Cameron Byers understands that. But Byers still prides himself in being able score the ball whether it be catching the ball on the block, or attacking with a strong move from the high-post area. At 6’5″ 235 pounds, Byers makes his presence known very quickly.
One thing that hasn’t changed with in terms of expectations dealing with bigs in basketball is their ability to rebound. Byers checks that box. His frame is too much for the tall, slimmer players and when he is good about getting low on box outs to help counteract any size differential that a match up presents.
Byers averaged 13 points per game for the Patriots in his freshman campaign and helped them finish with a 21-13 overall record. Heading into his sophomore season, Byers is excited for what this year’s team will be. With a backcourt consisting of Immanuel Quickley (No. 1 in PrepHoops MD player rankings) and Montez Mathis (No. 9 in PrepHoops MD players rankings), there is no shortage of star power. If the team can stay healthy, sky’s the limit.
For now, Byers continues to improve by playing AAU with Team Thrill’s 15U. He knows what he has to improve on to make an even bigger splash than he did last season for John Carroll.
Woody Newton (10 Points) hit the game-winning three in a close victory over Team Final. Cameron Byers also added 14 points. #PittJamFest pic.twitter.com/DHHvnD3a8W
— Hoop Group (@TheHoopGroup) April 29, 2017
“I’m working on my leadership skills and my jumpshot,” Byers told PrepHoops. “I want to be quicker off the dribble so I can be more explosive and harder to guard.”
Byers currently holds one offer from Hampton, but Virginia Tech and Providence are a few other school that have shown interest. Coaches are most impressed with Byers’ aggressiveness on both ends.
The good thing for Byers is not only does he have the ability to score inside, but he can also step out beyond the three and convert as well. In some instances, he takes on the comparison of Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green.
Every coach these days dreams of having a Draymond Green on their team. As he continues to improve and develop new skills, Byers could fill that role for John Carroll in the coming years.