Prospect Spotlight: Paul McLeod (2021)

Jake Perper

October 14, 2019 @ 02:46 PM

Booker graduated two key 2019 prospects in Johnnie Williams (postgrad at Putnam Science) and Jordan Clark (State College of Florida-Bradenton). However, the Tornadoes always have athletes to fill the void and 2021 6'2", 170-pounder Paul McLeod is someone who is ready to breakout. We saw him have a few steady performances including a game-high 13 points in a 66-63 win over Miami Booker T. Washington at the 2nd annual <a href="https://www.sunbashtourney.com/">Prep Hoops Sun Bash</a> in Tampa. McLeod has been the No. 1 option this summer for this squad and his speed and IQ help him get going often in games. He touched on his sophomore season and his junior campaign ahead. <blockquote> "This past season was a good one to gain confidence from not playing really at all the year before but overall the outcome for the team was a disappointment. I felt like we could of went and won states but fell short," McLeod told Prep Hoops. "Also, I felt that I matured in the mental aspect of the game because with our team was stacked I always had to be ready. I look forward to leading by example and helping all the new pieces we have to catch up to speed." </blockquote> This summer, he played for Kings Basketball and says it went well. No offers or interest have come yet for McLeod. In terms of his top assets on the court, he pointed to his shooting ability, smarts and mental toughness. McLeod says he is working to improve several aspects of his game including his mid-range game, creating more for himself, getting stronger and being a vocal leader. He is playing football right now for Booker as he says he is looking to become more aggressive and it has been a passion for him his whole life. Part of a good group of pure athletes, McLeod will have to continue work hard game in and game out to earn wins for Booker this season. In Sarasota, this team should fare well and as it gels with younger pieces and leans on upperclassmen like McLeod, 2020 guard Noah Debose and 2021 guard King Winkfield, the Tornadoes will be just fine.