Recruiting Report: Ryan Brown (2018)
Ryan Brown (2018) is the point guard of Garfield’s basketball team and the quarterback during the football season. It’s a rare combination of roles, reserved for those who have a certain presence.
“I mean the point guard and quarterback, that’s pretty much the general of the court and field … I am very vocal. I mean, more so on the football field but in basketball especially. And I don’t let anyone get their heads down either. No matter what the issue is, I’m always the first one over, making sure they’re okay,” Brown said.
While Brown’s self-assessment as a leader revolves around being vocal, he’s also proven to be an admirable example. The 6’0” dual-sport prospect has overcome a scary concussion and labrum surgery over the past 12 months. In both instances, Brown conquered the rehab processes quicker than expected.
“I was actually supposed to be out right now and I’ve been back for the past month,” Brown said.
Brown scored a couple touchdowns in Garfield’s opening football game, which is nothing new.
“I’m going on a [football] visit this weekend. I’m going on visits to like eight different for colleges. I have Waynesburg, Wooster, Bucknell University, Hillsdale University, Notre Dame (Ohio),” Brown said.
He also told us during the interview that he’s “open for both sports” because basketball “always has been [his] main sport.”
On the hardwood, Brown plays with an edge. He’s physical enough to burrow into the paint and carve out space for tough finishes. Also, Brown possesses the awareness and vision to find his teammates on the drive.
Recruitment wise, Brown ran us through the basketball side of things.
“I’ve had Wooster College, had Hiram College, had Notre Dame (Ohio) College. And then multiple colleges, in football, like Hillsdale and Bucknell, they all asked if I could visit for both sports,” Brown explained.
Brown told Prep Hoops that it would be “the dream” to play both basketball and football in college. However, that’s not the only aspect he’s looking for in a college experience.
“The atmosphere, the area around it, the education wise too. I obviously am going for athletics and that’s important too, but getting that education too,” Brown said.
Brown holds a 3.5 GPA and 22 ACT score.
If basketball programs need to see for themselves that Brown has recovered from recent health issues, there will be plenty of opportunities on Friday nights in the fall. He says the injuries haven’t affected his approach whatsoever.