Prospect Spotlight: Bryce Root (2019)
Following a 7-19 season for the Fremont Ross Little Giants, they surely have some improvements to make going into next year. As for anyone, June was an opportunity to grow. During the Toledo summer league, a couple pieces seemed to be there for their future, including 6’2”-6’3” guard/wing, Bryce Root (2019).
Not only does Root project to be a Division III/NAIA player, he also is enthusiastic about fitting into a team structure. During our interview, the sharpshooter made mention of his team more than anything.
“We’re definitely getting closer as a team — playing together. I don’t think we’ve figured out how to win yet. Got to get better on the defensive end, definitely. I think once we good on the defensive end, we’ll be better as a team,” Root said.
In June, and earlier in the spring with the Ohio Celtics, Root was found defending the basket in undersized lineups. His toughness and off-ball anticipation allow him to do so. This experience defending the paint will help his ability to switch onto anyone on a given possession in the future. Yet, it’s crucial for him to continue adding comfort around the perimeter on defense.
“[I guard] 3 to 5s. If I have to switch off on a screen-and-roll, I’ll do it, I’ll do my best to move my feet. But, 3 to 5 is where I’m most comfortable at,” Root explained. He went on to explain which improvements he’s working towards currently, “Getting quicker. Being able to jump higher. My ball-handling skills. That’s pretty much it. If I want to play in college, you know 6’2”-6’3” is a point guard in college.”
As of right now, the budding prospect hasn’t received interest or contact from any college programs.
The lack of notoriety isn’t entirely unusual for a 2019 prospect. Root understands that it’s time to improve mightily though. Last summer, he transitioned from a freshman basketball player to varsity role player, as a credit to a July’s worth of training away from the grassroots scene. This summer, he’s taking the same approach.
“I go to Macedonia, which is in Akron, Ohio. I go there for about a month. Every day I’ll do different types of workouts. Ball-handling and lifting weights.”
“Last year, I made a huge jump from my freshman year to my sophomore year. Freshman year, I just played freshman basketball. I went to Chad’s [to train in July of 2016], I came back and started some games varsity at the 3-spot. I had a great sophomore season,” Root said.
Expect Root to finish off his Ross career strongly over the next two seasons. Local small college programs are likely to gain interest throughout that time, especially if he adds athleticism. Regardless, his mid-range scoring, especially with the jumper, is enough to at least draw interest.
“I can shoot from anywhere on the floor. I can get to the rack when I want to. But if there’s an open jump shot, I’m taking it,” Root said.
For Root, a 3.3 GPA student, he’ll be looking for a strong dentistry program, a big campus, and maybe somewhere close to home in Fremont.