MOVE OVER “white chocolate” Bradley Graham is here…
Class of 2020 5’10 guard Bradley Graham had defenders on skates this past weekend at the NW PREMIER SHOWCASE in Seattle, Washington.
I had the chance to see quite a few games going traveling from Bellevue College, Renton High School and Lake Washington. I also got the chance to see some of the top talent in the state. What I look for are the elite level players who are what I call “gym rats.” The kids who aren’t on the national stage but have the ability and skill to compete at that level. Quick, can change direction at the drop of a dime, can pull from anywhere on the floor and will leave your ankles and shoes in the backcourt if your not careful whe guarding him.
I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of who I think will be one of the top guards in the State of Washington by his Senior year and even though I have seen a lot of basketball in the state of Washington throughout my years. I have never came across a player who excited me like this young man. Already at the age of 15 has some of the best handles I have seen on this side of the mountain. A quick release and limitless range. Literally has eyes in the back of his head and can see a play develop before it happens. He put few of the Boise Slam players in a spin cycle with some of signature moves.
In the game vs. The Boise Slam Sanor Bradley Graham had about 15 points and I would say 6 assists. What impressed the most is his poise and ability to control the game with his tempo. Team Avery Bradley for the most part had control of the game from tip off but there were spurts where Boise went on a run and it very well could have gotten out of control if it wasn’t for Bradley. With about 4 minutes left in the first half Bradley took the game over and scored 7 points in a row to give Team Avery a firmer grasp on Boise Slam.
I got a chance to interview the young man after the game and he described his game as,
“I’m a shooter and a I can facilitate. My job is run the team and make sure our guys get there shots and to create for myself. When I’m open chances are I will knock down the shot. I am very confident in my ball handling and change of direction ability that regardless of who defends me, I can get my shot when I need to.”
“This off- season I want to work on getting stronger in my upper body. I know I got about another 2-3 inches to go in height but I want to be a force in the paint as well. For a guard that is a very important part of the game is getting to the basket and finishing through contact.”
Bradley spoke of recruitment and what his goals are this year and going into next season playing with Team Avery Bradley and at Decatur High School.
“Recruiting for me hasn’t picked up just yet. Since coming back from my injury I have been more concerned with making sure my body is healthy and I’m mentally prepared for the grind, Bradley stated.” “I do want to play at the next level and will continue to work on my game and ensure when the opportunity arises that I am more than ready to seize it.”
Bradley should start to receive interest in the later parts of the summer. He is definitely a high-major type player and will only continue to develop with time.