Prospect Spotlight: Quintaun Blizzard (2019)
The Parkville Knights experienced a coaching change last year. Whenever this occurs, it’s difficult to predict how the current players will adjust to the new style and system that is brought in. Considering the Knights finished with a 13-11 record overall after struggling in previous years, the program seems to be headed in the right direction under head coach Josh Czerski.
A main contributor from last year’s team that will be leaned on heavily in 2017-18 is junior guard Quintaun Blizzard. Blizzard started in the majority of games last season during his sophomore campaign, but he was also utilized in some games as an energizer bunny off the bench. He was especially valuable in the full court press sets where he could put his long arms to use. Blizzards stands just 6’1, but has good athleticism and length to help make him an above average defender.
Offensively, Blizzard is still a work in progress when it comes to scoring from the outside, but does a good job using change of pace dribbles to help separate and get past his defender. He can score around the rim at an efficient rate and has a nice touch on his floater.
“I still have to improve on my jumpshot,” Blizzard told PrepHoops. “I’ve been working on it all summer, but I want it to get to the point where people have to pay attention to me at all times, that way I have more lanes to use my slashing skills.”
Blizzard’s shot has improved over the last few months. He’s become more fluent with his release and isn’t hesitating at open opportunities. There are a few more technicality changes that are needed and coach Czerski is going to make it a priority for his development throughout this season.
Where Blizzard has grown most is his overall attitude and posture on the floor. There were times during his sophomore season when things didn’t go his way, you could tell. Over the summer playing with BMore Elite, Blizzard focused on not getting hung up on what just happened and more on what he’s going to do next to help his team.
For his junior season, Blizzard will be looked at as one of the leaders on the team in a very tough Baltimore County conference. Fortunately for him, he had good examples from last season to revert back to.
“I really learned a lot from Devin [King] and Lamonttae [Brown] last year,” Blizzard said. “They showed me how a leader should be every single day. Coming in and taking every rep seriously and not slacking. I’m hoping I can step up and be in that role for our team this year.”
Blizzard hasn’t seen his recruitment pick up as of yet. Millersville has been showing interest, but other than that, not many schools have contacted him. With a big junior season, Blizzard could put his name on the radar of many college programs.