Top 100: Latrell Almond (North Carolina)

<strong>Name:</strong> Latrell Almond <strong>Height:</strong> 6'7 <strong>Position:</strong> Small Forward <strong>City/State:</strong> Southern Pines, North Carolina <strong>Graduating Class:</strong> Class of 2026 <strong>Grassroots Team:</strong> Team Loaded NC <strong>Future High School:</strong> O'Neal Prep School [caption id="attachment_19817" align="alignnone" width="249"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-19817" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/phnext/uploads/2021/11/Screen-Shot-2021-11-05-at-8.30.24-AM-249x300.png" alt="" width="249" height="300" /> Photo: Team Loaded (Class of 2026)[/caption] &nbsp; Looking down the line at future big-time prospects, Latrell Almond will be a player that college coaches need to put on their big board. The young prospect is fluid and has some natural talent that you can see on both ends of the floor. When he rebounds on the offensive end he keeps the ball high and away from defenders and can finish through major contact. The kid is drop-step dunking with ease and possesses sharp tools in his bag. Latrell projects as a High Major Division 1 prospect and top 10 player in the 2026 class. <strong>You have recently been ranked in the Top 100 in multiple publications, how do you feel about the rankings?</strong> I feel neutral about the rankings right now. I try not to get too excited about the rankings because I am still in middle school. On the other hand, I feel blessed to be recognized as a top prospect. <strong>What is something that drives you to be better?</strong> One of the things that drives me to get better is my mom and brothers. They really do push me to be the best that I can be. They don't expect me to be anyone else but myself. <strong>How would you describe your game?</strong> I would describe my game as very versatile. An example is me starting games on the post working block to block, but when I find it necessary I can step out on the perimeter and take my game outside. <strong>What are you currently working on to get better?</strong> I have really been putting in some work on my three-point game. I really want to become a three-level scorer and adding that three-point shot to my game will help me get there. <strong>Where do you get your game from?</strong> I got my game from both my mom and dad. My mom actually played college ball at Fayetteville State University. <strong>Is there a school out there that is a dream school?</strong> My dream school would be Duke University. <strong>Is there a player out there that you feel like is a good comp to your game?</strong> I feel like my game is really comparable to Paolo Banchero who is a freshman at Duke. The guy is a 6'10 guard who can absolutely do everything on the floor. He is a player I like to pattern my game after. <strong>Are there any go-to moves you typically like to go to?</strong> I wouldn't say I have any go-to moves. I really like to just take what the defense gives me. <strong>Coach's Note</strong> "Latrell is a developing player whose strengths include rebounding and shot-blocking. His offensive game is growing and he's shown a nice outside touch, and ability to finish in transition as well as developing post work. He's comfortable facing the basket or with his back to the basket. The most impressive thing about Latrell in my opinion is his desire to win. Latrell hates losing and uses that hate to fuel his performance.  He has the kind of will to win that harkens back to players of a different generation, players from the 80s and 90s who would give up life or limb to win what seemed like to others a meaningless road game. I think that passion and desire if combined with the right coaching and training is going to take Latrell very, very far." -Coach Shane Burnette &nbsp;