Recruiting Report 2018: Delaino Jessup
Delaino Jessup, 6’0″ PG, 2018. Springbrook Blue Devils HS. Silver Spring MD
Grassroots Team: Maryland Elite
We first got a view of Delaino in the DeMatha BSN Summer League which concluded on July 3 and it was very noticeable if Delainowas not on the floor Springbrook was not the same team. This coming season he will run the show for Springbrook HS at PG after transferring from nearby Magruder HS. Delaino is a huge addition for Springbrook which has the potential to make a run to the Maryland 4A Final 4 Championships at the University of MD.
Last week Delaino had a great weekend for Maryland Elite Grassroots team which is currently 25-5 and his Head Coach David McLoud raved about his play. Coach McCloud also runs the Maryland Elite Summer League and is the Head Coach at Jewish Day School and said, “Delaino was getting a lot of looks for college and some offers.” We both discussed his play and agree Delaino is an excellent prospect right now, but still has upside.
Each game we saw him at DeMatha we came away impressed as were all the other Coaches. We really liked how Delaino ran the Springbrook offense and his transition play. He can beat his man off the dribble in the full court or half court with a variety of moves including a great spin maneuver, speed and overpower his defender. He plays with very high energy on both sides of the ball and Delaino has shown he can carry the team on his back. On July 27, Springbrook played Oakdale HS for the Montgomery Elite Basketball Summer League Title and he hit a 3 point buzzer beater at the end of the 1st half to culminate a Springbrook rally and pull the Blue Devils within 3 points. In the 1st half Delaino played very well, but the second half was incredible. He hit six three point shots in a row & scored 21 straight Springbrook points. Despite his scoring barrage Delaino was making great passes, coming up with steals, and playing at controlled but intense pace which amazing to watch. Please see the 1st video below for game highlights.
We chatted with Delaino again earlier in the week, ” My # 1 priority is to run our offense, and get my teammates involved. I like to drive and kick the ball to the open man if the defense collapses on me. I really like transition, but I can run the half court. I pride myself on consistent on ball defense.” Delaino has a great ability to break the press getting by his man and adds, ” In ball handling I think I am an 8 out of 10 and I am working very hard to improve my handle thru numerous drills and scrimmages. I am a streaky shooter and I am working hard on my shot this summer and tweaking my mechanics. Additionally, I have a strength and conditioning program which is helping me.”
Watching Delaino’s style of play it is easy to see he is a hard worker and this summer he working out 6-7 days a week to get better. In the classroom Delaino is working hard to get his GPA up to a 3.o. He is receiving heavy interest from Woford, Rhode Island, and St. Marys College. Delaino has been selected to play in the Maryland Elite All Star game this Monday which will be covering and will play in a Grassroots Tournament this weekend for MD Eite in Bowie sponsored by our friends at DMV Elite.
This season we will be providing in depth coverage for Springbrook HS with articles, stay tuned.
Delanio is #10 in the video.