Recruiting Report: Hunter Shkapich (2019)
Top ten level junior Hunter Shkapich of Colorado Academy in Denver was a standout for Colorado Elite and today talked with Prep Hoops.
“The top highlights of my 16u season was being able to compete against great competition,” Hunter said. “Playing at college elite camps and really showcasing my various skill sets. Over the four months of play, there hasn’t been a day I haven’t been without a basketball.
“Always in the gym on a daily basis improving my game and surrounding myself with college and pro athletes. My IQ, shooting, ball handling, and change of speed have all improved tremendously. I’ve really focused on slowing the game down and learning when to utilize my speed. On top of everything, I’ve become more explosive and keep increasing my vertical.”
Hunter is a six foot guard that hopes to become a defender now that he is an upperclassmen.
“My main focus of improvement would be defense,” Hunter said. “Really getting down low and beating my man to a spot. I believe this would give me more opportunities not only scoring but increasing the chance of my team of winning and motivating my teammates to have the desire to play defense.”
Hunter gave Colorado Academy 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, and three assists a year ago and now the goal is to push above the .500 mark after last year’s 11-13 season.
“The outlook for my team has uprising potential as we have young talent and good chemistry,” Shkapich said. “We should be able to accomplish a lot of aspects of the game such as offense and being able to penetrate and kick out to create open shots.
“By having Coach Pachner structure and discipline our team we should be able to make a run to the championship.”
A long list of college programs have began to call on Hunter from the division one level.
“As of right now I have had interest from University of Northern Colorado (UNC), Utah State, University of Nebraska, Air Force Academy, and University of Nebraska Omaha.
“University of Nebraska Omaha should be coming down to watch a workout. UNC should also be in contact soon scheduling a time to watch a practice.”
Hunter has always enjoyed watching the LA Laker great who wore both 8 and 24.
“I have always looked up to Kobe Bryant as someone I wanted to replicate my game as,” Hunter said. “His intense desire and passion for the game of basketball. He never had an excuse to not be in the gym and get better.
“Hours upon hours he works on his skills to drastically separate himself from everyone. His grind towards perfection is endless and that’s what I try to accomplish every day for my basketball success.”