Prospect Spotlight: Damond Crosby (2018)
Damond Crosby is a 6’5” small forward from Salem that when locked in has a chance to be a very good player. For the first time in his high school career he will be forced into a role where he has to be the best player on the floor. Crosby has the physical tools to be a go to weapon, but the mentality to be the man is the question. He has played with the Illinois Bears this spring and bulked up his upper body since we last saw him. When he lets the game come to him and not over dribble or be passive he is effective. Crosby has a smoothness to his game. Makes plays in the open floor and likes to use his euro step to finish at the rim. Clean looking jump shot. It doesn’t always go in, but he shoots a good ball and is starting to be more balanced with it. Crosby could be an excellent small college wing prospect!
He spoke with PHI about his first experience playing on the grassroots circuit this summer with the Illinois Bears.
“It went well. We have a lot of skilled players from over in Harrisburg and by Marion. We compete well together and make each other better every day. We went to Iowa and St. Louis a few times. We are looking to improve when we come back to our school teams and we come back home. I think I played ok. Once I got used to my players I started playing pretty well.”
What areas of his game did he feel that he improved the most?
“Going out and running when I need too. Slowing things down when I need too. Keeping us on track.”
Crosby spoke about how his Salem team is coming together for next season.
“From last year to this year I feel we have improved a lot because we have more size this year. We are all in the same grade and have experience together. We should be pretty good next year. My role is dishing off when I need to and shooting when I am open.”
Crosby is ranked #101 in the latest PrepHoopsIllinois Rankings projecting as a quality D3/NAIA prospect that could also be a JUCO option.