Prospect Spotlight: Matt Ockey (2020)
When it comes to great skill players in Iowa, Gilbert’s Matt Ockey is one of the first players that might come to mind.
A 5-foot-11 guard, Ockey is smooth on the court, with a sweet stroke and handles to boot.
“Shooting, I’d say is the main thing I work on a lot,” said Ockey. “What I need to work on most is getting into the weight room and getting bigger, so I don’t get pushed around so much.”
He added: “The main thing is I just want my team to win, anything I can do to help my team win; it can change from game to game what I do.”
Gilbert is set to play ADM in a Substate semifinal tonight. Ockey, who is averaging a team-best 15.3 points per game this season, figures to be a be factor in that game; both with his production and his leadership.
“My teammates have done a good job of looking for me and I’ve just able to knock down the shots this season. Becoming a junior, I needed to take more of a leadership role with all of the young guys on the team,” said Ockey.
“Our main goal is to go to state and win it all. But for now, we’re just taking it one game at a time and not trying to look ahead.”
When his junior season is finished, the skilled combo-guard will head into a 17U offseason. In the past, he’s played with Kingdom Hoops, but says he’s not thinking too much about the offseason right now, with business still to take care of for Gilbert.
Recruitment has started up a little bit, and could continue to swell this summer. Ockey mentioned Briar Cliff, University of Chicago, Central and some others have reached out.
“I’m just trying to get some offers and see where life takes me,” he said.
