Recruiting Update: Aidan Slater (2022 Central Catholic)

<p>It’s hard to believe - he admits he doesn’t feel like one himself - but [player_tooltip player_id="857347" first="Aidan" last="Slater"] is now a senior. The sharp-shooting 6-foot-1, 185-pound guard is entering his fourth and final year on the Central Catholic varsity squad and isn’t holding back at all. Slater has some college coaches watching him this season and his hope his expanded game with his new role will lead to options at the next level.</p> <p>While he didn’t play club ball this time around, Slater used his time wisely. With trainer Kumbeno Memory, he was able to work out with a number of older guys - particularly former Grant standout Bryce Canda - and really focused on what he needed to improve for this upcoming season with Central Catholic.</p> <p>"Mainly this summer I wanted to work on being more of a playmaker because my role is being switched up heading into my senior year," Slater said. "I’ve been a catch and shoot guy my first three years so for me to be like a straight playmaker was going to be hard to adjust. So I worked on that the whole summer, getting my handle up and my IQ."</p> <p>Slater noted that he spent a lot of time watching film of point guards to study how they operated. He also spent some good time in the weight room, building up muscle while also improving on his quickness and vertical leap. The main reason why he’s taking over at the point is because last year’s starter [player_tooltip player_id="1079527" first="Malik" last="Rose"] moved to California but Slater is ready take on the challenge.</p> <p>With no AAU ball there wasn’t an opportunity to play in front of college coaches, but there is activity on the recruiting front for Slater. Chaminade has been the school talking with him the most and he noted an offer could come in the spring. Portland and Portland State have dropped by to watch open gym at Central Catholic and he’s also heard from Utah State and UC Santa Barbara. At the D-III level he’s talked with George Fox and Redlands.</p> <p>There are a variety of possible options in his recruitment so Slater is keeping open to all possibilities. "I’m staying patient," Slater said. "It depends on who offers me. There’s a lot of interest and a lot of ups and downs when it comes to basketball, so we’ll see what hapens with this season."</p> <p>Speaking of which, after three years playing as a follower the senior is now embracing his new role on the other side of the coin. "We’re a really young group but I’m excited to lead them," Slater said. "My main goal heading into my senior year is to lead. I don’t really care about points or my stats, I just want to win games with this squad and try to go to the Chiles Center and win a championship my last year.</p> <p>Slater currently ranks as the #18 ranked player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2022 rankings.</p>