Recruiting Report: Antonio Salinas (2019)
Class of 2019 Antonio Salinas is a 6’0 point guard standout for Zilah High School and is itching to get back on the court and lead his team to a tournament title.
A long, rangy guard, Tony has a wiry frame and combines a quick first step with the ability to get into the lane and finish in traffic. Tony brings good leadership to the court and has the ability to make tough plays in the lane look easy. He is an improving perimeter shooter who has raised his stock this offseason. A true floor general. Has great size at the point guard position and can slide over to the combo guard slot as well. Very unselfish, makes the smart plays and is knocking down open jumpers at a high rate. Displayed above average court vision, defensive awareness and sneaky athleticism on several plays. Sleeper prospect that could be bound for a breakout junior season.
Underrated could be an understatement. Tony possesses great pace, understanding of the game and a knack for making the right plays time and time again. Was dominant this past grassroots season with Central Washington Select. Got to the rim at will, spread the wealth at a high level and did a great job keeping opposing guards in front of him defensively. Knocked down shots in transition and executed well in pick and roll. His recruitment should trend up sooner than later.
Tony is a diminutive point guard who can get to the basket and shoot from the outside, Tony displays terrific leadership qualities and brings poise and passion to the court. He should start to yield offers this year.
Tony recently described himself in a NCSA profile and really detailed what the game means to him and who he is as a person.
“My name is Antonio Salinas, but I prefer to be called Tony. I am just a kid that has big dreams to play basketball at the next level. I hope to utilize basketball to help me get my degree.”
“I would like to work hard to make the Deans list and stay there throughout my time in college. I know this will be hard to do but I believe in working hard to accomplish the things you want. I feel I am a good candidate for any team because I am coachable, a good teammate and have a desire to improve everyday. I believe in having fun competing in this game I love.”
“I think what separates me from other recruits is I understand I have room for improvement and will work my tail off to get better. I have a fire inside of me that drives me to work hard. I don’t think I have anything to prove to anybody but if you doubt my abilities I will prove you wrong. If you say I can’t do something I will do it. I will end on this statement: The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, place I’ve always gone when I needed comfort and peace. It’s been the site of intense pain and the most intense feeling of joy and satisfaction. It’s a relationship that has evolved over time. It has given me the greatest respect and love for this game.”