Recruiting Report: Julian Reese (2021)
St. Frances has established themselves as a top team in the DMV once again this year. What’s different about this team’s blueprint in comparison to other teams in their recent history is the way they are winning games through defense. Not only are they equipped with pesky guards and athletic wings, but they also have elite rim protection with 2021 forward Julian Reese.
The 6-foot-9 forward has established himself as the early favorite for defensive player of the year because of his elite ability to block shots. Reese has always been tall and long, but blocking isn’t just about size. It’s about timing. And in that sense, Reese has improved tremendously since transferring to St. Frances from New Town this summer.
“I think it’s just been me growing into my body and working on my second bounce,” Reese said as he talked about his improved shot-blocking ability. “From the start of this season, I’ve wanted to win defensive player of the year.”
Reese stands 6-foot-9, but also has long arms, which make him even more of a nightmare to get shots over him when he’s guarding you. Reese won’t only try and block your shot around the rim either, he’ll contest perimeter shots and has a successful rate at doing so.
Since his sophomore season at New Town, Reese has improved in just about every aspect of his game. The most valuable improvement has been his overall aggression. In order to play at the highest level, aggression is a must when you are counted on to be the anchor of the defense. If Reese can stay on this steady incline, there will be plenty of opportunity for him to become an impact player at the next level.
In terms of his recruitment, Reese experience quite an uptick this summer playing for Team Thrill. He tells Prep Hoops that Seton Hall, George Washington, Maryland and Pittsburgh are the schools that are reaching out most consistently. Pitt has yet to offer out of those four schools, but one could be coming in the near future. UConn, LSU, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Stony Brook have all also extended offers out to Reese.