Prospect Spotlight: Deondre Russ (2018)
Expect class of (2018) senior from Renton High School guard Deondre Russ to have a huge senior campaign.
The 5 foot 11 guard has already been flying under the radar for sometime now and it is only fitting that his last year be one of his biggest years.
“I’m mostly just working on my pull-up game, like from the elbows. That’s what my dad’s been pushing me to work on, and that’s about all I do anymore at the gym, said Deondre. “I was mostly a spot-up shooter, but now since we’ve lost some really good seniors, I‘m going to have a different role.”
Deondre averaged 10 points per game last season as a Junior with Renton and once again has impressed coaches during the summer league campaign.
Still, his recruitment has remained somewhat underwhelming. But Deondre is not panicking, nor should he, he’s still got a whole year left for college coaches to recognize he’s one of our area’s brighter talents.
“I’ve just gotten a few letters here and there, but no phone calls just yet. I’m working on my game as much as I can. I know that I’ve grown since my junior year has ended and I’ve become more of a leader on and off the court. I am looking for the right fit right now.”
“I’m not too worried about it yet, I’ve still got a full summer and a whole season basically. Next year will be huge, and as long as we win games, I know it (recruitment) will come.”
“This summer so far has gone pretty good. I’ve been knocking down my shots, getting to the basket and creating for others. I’ve had some JUCO and small universities in the stands and have said some good things to my coach.”
“We’ve won a lot of games so far this summer, so that was good, and have since really picked it up towards the end,” he said.
Most of the players on Renton High School belong to a specific AAU organization. Deondre has been playing for Local Hoops out of Seattle, Washington and they plan on playing in some high level tournaments this spring and summer, which will enable Deondre to show more of how he has matured as a player and how his skillset is improving.
He’ll work on his hoops skills on his own time, while preparing for some high level competition. Deondre is slated to be a really good pick up for some D3-NAIA school. If he continues to improve and is seen on a bigger stage this summer he can easily become a mid level D2 recruit.