Prospect Spotlight: Gianni Leta (2020)
Gianni Leta, a class of 2020 point guard from McLean School, has put together an impressive resume during his high school career. A four-year varsity starter, Leta has scored over 1,000 points but is also the school’s all-time assist leader who is closing in on 1,000 assists for his career. During a recent interview with Prep Hoops, Leta discussed his overall game and goals among other topics.
PH: Could you give me a rundown of your playing experience?
GL: “I’ve been playing basketball since I was 5 years old. I worked hard with my coach, Landon Richie, a great mentor, and a great father figure in my life. He coached me when I played with CBSA Hoyas in Frederick. I’ve been here at McLean for four years and started all four years. This is my journey.”
PH: For those who haven’t seen you play, how would you describe your overall game?
GL: “I’d say I’m a pass-first point guard. I love to get my players involved. The pass always comes first, and everything else comes around it. I’ve worked so hard, and really that’s my motto. Steve Nash, that’s who I like the most.”
PH: Like Steve Nash, it seems like you’re very comfortable shooting from three and the free-throw line. Can you talk a little bit about why that’s important?
GL: “Shooting is a big part of today’s game, a lot of kids are shooting the three now. You’ve got to shoot free throws and threes well in today’s game.”
PH: What part of your game do you think needs improvement?
GL: “I think my defense needs improvement. I need to slide better cause a lot of teams are very fast now and move the ball well, so I need t work on that a little more.”
PH: It seems like you are very active defensively off the ball, and this makes you a solid help defender. Can you talk a little bit about what makes you so effective in help situations?
GL: “When I get out there, I see who can shoot, who’s driving, and how many fouls we’ve got. That matters most. I gotta help out those who have the most fouls. I don’t want my teammates to get into foul trouble. I always learned to see ball and man. Help always.”
PH: What do you think you can bring to a college program?
GL: “I work so hard. I like to think of myself as a coach on the floor. If the coach needs me to run a play, I’m running it. I do whatever the coach needs me to do.”