Prospect Spotlight: Jordan Pulford (2018)
We are on the tail end of summer basketball and around the country college prospects at all levels are working on their game and working toward earning an opportunity to play at the next level. Prep Hoops Kentucky puts the spotlight on prospects around the Bluegrass State.
Jordan Pulford is a 6’4 small forward from Atherton High School in Louisville, KY. As a junior, he helped Atherton win 6 out of their last 10 games of the season, including 4 of their last 5. Atherton was also crowned champions of the Cecilian Bank Tournament early in the season. “Last season, we fell short of our team expectations, but it was still a historic success for our school in terms of wins. We won more games than any varsity basketball team at Atherton in 20 years. We also celebrated victories against traditional power basketball schools, some of which held 10 season win streaks against us,” said Pulford about his team.
“For me personally, I had a successful season statistically, and really continued to develop my all-around game. The best part of the season was sending our senior class out with some great team accomplishments and memories.” Pulford averaged around 15 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Senior Year Expectations
“My expectations for our team next season are to surpass last season’s win total, and maintain success vs. the traditional basketball schools in Louisville. We are grinding in the gym all the time to get respect on the court as a team. I believe we are now the team that people aren’t so quick to schedule for the homecoming game, because it may not be such a great night for them once the final buzzer sounds! The goals I have as captain for our team are to qualify for the L.I.T. Tournament, win our district, and qualify for the Kentucky state tournament. My personal expectations are to be a strong leader as captain for my team, and be a positive role model on and off the court as I represent my team, coach, and school. My personal goals are to be named to the All-District and All-State teams, and to receive offers from school s in recognition of my hard work, leadership, and skills on the court.”
Summer Grind
“Currently, I’m not participating in AAU basketball for the summer. Instead, I chose to take some responsibility and help pay for my insurance, and save some money for my own car. I get the opportunity to work with kids every day, so while I’m making money, I also get to be a positive influence on the youth in our community. After work through the week, and on the weekends, you’ll always find me in the gym working on everything for this upcoming season. While I’ve been working on all facets of my game this summer, I have placed emphasis this off-season on my mid-range shooting and the post area. There are a lot of catch and shoot opportunities in our offense, and I’m working to be proficient when those touches come. I love the game, and I’m dedicated to being the best version of myself on the court.”
Pulford’s Game
“If I had to best describe my game, I would say that it is “well-rounded”. I’m 100% comfortable and confident facilitating with the ball in my hands, or having the offense run through me. I’ve been blessed with coaches that challenged me, and took me out of my comfort zone on the perimeter early on. They challenged me to develop a solid mid-range jumper and an inside game, to help make me more well-rounded on the court. Every year, my game has really developed and transformed, where today I can say that I am more complete as a player than I have ever been.”
The Atherton Way
“Student life at Atherton is awesome. I love our high school. There are people literally waiting on lists just to try and gain admission to experience our academic programs and culture. I am blessed to be a part of the Atherton family. I really enjoy the student part of the student-athlete experience. People attend Atherton to be challenged academically, and to be prepared for college. If we don’t perform well in the classroom, we don’t earn the privilege to represent our school on the court. As part of my student life, I enjoy the community service opportunities that we are provided. I am a proud member of both Men of Quality and GreenDot. Both of these programs allow me the opportunity to represent Atherton in the community, and help my peers in the community.”
Life After High School
“When I think of the best program or school for me to play for at the next level, I think of one that is interested and invested in helping to develop me as a person and an athlete. I believe when this is evident in a program or school, it will lead to other positive attributes like a sense of family and a real sense of community. These are the same qualities I enjoy in my high school life at Atherton. As far as offers, I do not currently hold any, but there are schools showing interest to my coach Mark Tudor. I believe that my hard work and leadership will open the door for great opportunities that will be truly meant for me. I will be really honored to hold an offer from any school that believes in me. Wherever I am fortunate enough to play at the next level will not regret their decision. They will get a strong and athletic player, a player that is willing to put in the work the help the team in any way possible, and a player that will represent the team, coaches, and school positively on and off the court.”
You can reach out and keep up with Jordan by following his RecruitMe page here!