Prospect Spotlight: Israel Wilcox Jr. (2019)
The shortest player on the roster is looking to make one of the biggest impacts come October.
A rising junior, “Bizzy” is embracing his role as a true leader at point guard who orchestrates where his teammates are supposed to be. From a physical sense, Wilcox Jr. has been consistently working on his ball-handling skills, as well as staying in the weight room.
For him, the goal is simple.
“Keep working until you’re the best,” Wilcox Jr. said. “There’s always some one out there working harder than you. So keep working, until you don’t feel like there is.”
I haven’t seen Israel play since February where his P.K. Yonge Blue Wave suffered a tough regional final loss against Jacksonville-Providence. In a recent Gainesville summer league game, I noticed some areas where he’s leveled up.
For one, his three-point shooting is much less streaky. Just about every one of his outside shots were on-target. His left-handed dribbling has improved, dramatically. He appears much more confident with while possessing the rock.
Bizzy’s always been a speedster, and even that has grown to the point where he can be more aggressive driving through the paint. On defense, he’s a pest. Because of his 5’7” height, it makes it easier to swipe down-low and challenge the passing gaps.
With virtually the same team from last season minus one senior, the Blue Wave are poised for another deep playoff run. Can’t wait to see the results with Israel at the helm.