Recruiting Report: Sasha Glushkov (2020)

I have stated many times when writing about exchange students how much harder it is for them to not only adjust on the court but in the classroom as well, and even for someone who played on the national level in his native country, Blue Ridge rising senior Sasha Glushkov has had to go through just that in his first season in the United States.

While he’s starting to show his ability to really impact the game this summer, it was a tough first year that not only helped him get to where he is now, but also helped him learn about himself in the process.

“The first year was real difficult for me,” Glushkov admitted. “Both in school and in basketball. Basketball is real different in America, compared to the FIBA rules it’s very different. It’s much faster, but I like it over here much more. I’ve been working really hard with my coaches, they’ve been working individually with me every day so I feel much more comfortable and confident now than I did last year.”

The Russian native has played at a high level before as he’s been on the Russian National youth teams growing up, but learning to deal with the speed and physicality of the game has been a challenge. However, he’s become more and more comfortable throughout his time with Blue Ridge, and if this summer is any indication he’s ready to break out moving forward.

As far as what separates Glushkov, it’s the fact that at 6’11” not only does he have great length but he also can flat out shoot the basketball from deep. He has good form and a quick release with great arc that just splashes in from deep, but unlike many stretch four and fives he’s also mobile and can run the floor and finish above the rim.

Don’t just take it from me however, as he explained how he would describe his game to others.

“I can score points in the post, but I also like to pass the ball and shoot it as well to be a stretch four. I need to continue to work on getting stronger and rebounding more. I try to spend as much time as I can in the weight room, at least three or four times a week.”

While Glushkov has yet to pull any division one offers, he has seen some serious interest from the likes of Davidson, Eastern Kentucky, Richmond, Cincinnati and Wisconsin. While he still has a ways to go as far as getting strong enough to play at the next level, he has shown improvement as I mentioned before, and after a year with a college strength and conditioning coach he should be ready to bang with the big boys.

As far as who should take interest in Glushkov, programs who run a Princeton style or 5-out style of play should definitely take a look at him, or anyone who values shooting from their bigs should absolutely take a look at Glushkov who will be playing for Team Loaded 434 in the July live periods this year.