Prospect Spotlight: Zach Nelson (2020)
One of Kansas’ rising guards, Shawnee Mission North’s Zach Nelson is putting together a strong summer running with Marcus Denmon Elite as he gears up for his senior season. At 6’0, Nelson brings the ability to create off the bounce,…
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Continue ReadingOne of Kansas’ rising guards, Shawnee Mission North’s Zach Nelson is putting together a strong summer running with Marcus Denmon Elite as he gears up for his senior season.
At 6’0, Nelson brings the ability to create off the bounce, get to the basket or knock down long 3-pointers. He likes to pass and create offense for his team, but can get his own shot as well.
He says running with Marcus Denmon has helped his game grow as he has run a lot at the 2 guard this summer, helping him learn how to play away from the ball.
“We are really close on and off the court and I think that’s why we have been so successful,” he says. “On MDE I am more of a 2 guard so I’m more looked at as a scorer and also it’s helping me get better at defense with a bunch of great defenders on the team. I think it’s prepared me to be more aggressive and help me realize what works and doesn’t work in games so I can bring that with me into next season.”
Nelson says he continues to work on his ballhandling and tighten up his outside shooting this summer.
“I really wanted to put my handle on a string and be smooth with it and I’ve tried to become a knock down shooter in different situations — off the dribble or catch and shoot,” Nelson said.
Nelson says his parents have had the biggest impact on his game to date.
“I want to make them proud and hopefully turn basketball into a career,” he says.
On the court, Nelson is a fan of Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry.
“They all just have a kind of dog in them, but are always calm and never feel pressure, all their games are different and I try to kind of use some of their moves as well as other players and add it to my bag,” he says.
Nelson says he has heard from several schools across the midwest although he does not yet hold any offers.