Recruiting Report: Jordan Battle (2020)
All programs go through ups and downs whether it’s at the high school, collegiate or professional levels, especially after the departure of a coach who has been there for so long. After Jim Markey left Norfolk Collegiate after 20 years, his last of which was one of the most successful in program history, many wondered if the program would fall off.
While they’re still rebuilding at NorCo, new Head Coach Junior Burrough has a young star to build around, and he has all of the intangibles you look for when trying to change the culture. Rising sophomore wing Jordan Battle had a solid freshman season, averaging 16 points, five assists and seven rebounds per game. He already holds an offer from Hampton, and has seen early interest from Liberty, ECU, Richmond and Norfolk State.
What’s best about Battle is his attitude. He’s an unselfish leader that wants to make others better, but also wants to be the best and will do whatever it takes to win.
“My first goal is to make everyone on my team a better player and a better person this season,” Battle said. “Another one of my goals is to break all of the records at my schools, and the goal I’ve always dreamed of is to lead my team to a TCIS championship and a state championship. I think that ring would look good on my finger.”
Battle could have gone to almost any school in the area, however he chose Norfolk Collegiate for the school’s reputation of producing successful young men both on and off the basketball court.
“My parents thought that Norfolk Collegiate would give me the best chance to get into college through academics and basketball,” he said. “If basketball doesn’t work out I would like to study law in college and become a lawyer.”
Battle continued his success after his freshman season with a stellar summer splitting time between the Team Loaded 757 and 804 15U team. The 6’3” utility player showed great versatility playing multiple positions, and showed a toughness and high motor that you like to see out of a young player.
“I would say I’m an aggressive and athletic guard who can finish around the rim and hit the midrange jumper. I’m unselfish and a good passer, I hustle on both ends of the floor and I love to compete. I’ll take the challenge of scoring when needed or stopping the best player on the other team.”
While he’s seen early success, Battle isn’t content with just being good, as said before, and he knows he needs to improve in a number of areas to reach his maximum potential.
“I know I need to continue to work on shooting the three ball, my decision making and rebounding offensively.”
With his mix of toughness, skill set and incredible work ethic, it shouldn’t take long before Battle becomes another in a long list of division one alumni from Norfolk Collegiate.