Interview with Bahsil Laster
(Photo courtest of Rare Footage) I recently had the change to interview 6’5 2024 guard Bahsil Laster from Academy of the New Church. He’s gone through a ton of life changes since last year so we caught up to…
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Continue Reading(Photo courtest of Rare Footage)
I recently had the change to interview 6’5 2024 guard Bahsil Laster from Academy of the New Church. He’s gone through a ton of life changes since last year so we caught up to discuss life on and off the court.
Background
CG: Bahsil, I hear you’re a quiet young man and you mostly keep to yourself. So let’s start with a little background information. Where are you from and how would you describe yourself outside of basketball?
BL: I’m originally from Philadelphia, but when I was really young we moved to Smyrna, Delaware. Outside of basketball, I’m laid back, I’m funny, I like to joke. I feel like I’m positive. I just try to find the good in everything. I don’t really get the point of being serious all the time. I’m just happy, sometimes even when I feel like I’m not supposed to be.
CG: When you’re not doing basketball related stuff, what are you up to?
BL: I have a four year old little sister, so if I’m not playing basketball a lot of the time I’m with her, honestly. If I’m not doing basketball related stuff or working out, I’m with her most likely or with family. We tend to stay close.
CG: Recently, guys from Wilmington like Bones Hyland have blown up and they always rep the city. What does it mean to you to be a hooper from there and what’s the bond like between you and other current players from the city?
BL: I think it means a lot. When Bones made it to the league, I feel like everybody made it to the league. Everybody started claiming him. It felt like a family almost because it (Delaware) is small. So when Bones made it, everybody felt like they had a chance. Everybody was happy for him. There were no haters or nothing like that. Everybody was just happy.
CG: What other players from the area did you look up to like that?
BL: I grew up watching my brother (Eric Laster), so I’d have to say him. He played at Loyola University in Baltimore. He’s the only player I felt like I wanted to watch; I wanted to compete against him. Other than that, I just look at players; I might take something here or there, something I like from their games.
‘21-22 & AAU Recap
CG: How would you describe yourself as a player? Do you try to model your game after anyone?
BL: As a player, a lot of people tell me I’m “too unselfish.” I really like to get my team involved. When it comes to playing, possession by possession I just try to get the best shot. I feel like I can do it all, like I’m an all around player.
CG: When I first saw you play last summer, I did see you more as a wing who flashed some skills as a ball-handler. Then when the season started, you were actually playing point guard. What was this past season like getting those on-ball reps?
BL: I feel like I’ve been a point guard for as long as I can remember. I just started moving off the ball. When I was younger, if I could hand the ball the best, they just put the ball in my hands. So I’ve always been a point guard. I could always get the best shot, my emotions weren’t in the game. But when I got to high school, there were other guys to where I couldn’t really do that. And then last year in AAU I was off the ball; that’s what they used me for. Then high school came back around and I was on the ball a lot more. I was going back and forth with the other guard, Justin (Moore). I like it – getting more on-ball reps. That’s where I feel more comfortable.
CG: You always seem to make an impact on defense. Is that something you take pride in? Tell me more.
BL: Definitely. Defense is different. I feel like no matter how the game is going, you can always play defense, whether I’m not making a shot or I’m turning the ball over. You can’t really [be allowed to] have a bad game on defense. You just have to play. Whether it’s securing the defensive possession with a rebound or forcing a turnover, defense is important. Defense wins championships. That’s what I was always taught. I take pride in it for sure. I wouldn’t take it lightly if someone was just killing me on offense.
CG: Now that the high school season is over, how are you doing with We-R1 this spring?
BL: I started off on the 17s, it was a big adjustment. Then when they moved me down to the 16s, it was better for me because I got to get the ball in my hands a lot more, I was making decisions again, and I got to feel more comfortable. I have a really good relationship with the coaches too. So I like it a lot. We have a lot of comradery. We feel more comfortable getting on each other for stuff we’re not doing. It’s just natural.
Reclassifying & Transfering to ANC
CG: Can you tell us about your decision to reclass and transfer to ANC? I’m sure a lot of people have been hitting you up about it.
BL: I’m going to miss Wood. I really liked the coaches and other players. It’s a good school. But my family thought it was best for me to get another year, because I’m young [for my grade]. And the situation with my dad passing [last year], ANC was a better situation for everybody. It was nothing against Wood. When we sat back, this was best for me.
CG: How are you adjusting to being at ANC so far? Even though home isn’t too far, I know boarding at school is a new experience.
BL: I didn’t officially start boarding yet, but I talked to a lot of people and they said it wasn’t bad. Deywilk Tavares really helped me when I first started going to the gym. The coaches, the school, everyone’s doing whatever they can to make me feel comfortable. I don’t think it’ll be that bad though.
CG: Who are some of your (ANC) teammates and coaches that have made the transition easier for you? Shout them out.
BL: Nolan Waldon, we’ve been friends for a long time and he’s coming in with me. The coaches – Kevin Givens, Shad Givens, Brandon – talk to me all the time. Since the workouts started, Jarell keels, Ant McCall, everybody’s been friendly and interactive and not treating me like a stranger, just like I’m one of them.
CG: What has it been like on the court with them? How did y’all do at the Mid-Atlantic Shootout?
BL: We’ve been doing pretty good. I feel like we rise to the competition of whoever we’re playing. Coach Givens said we did better than he expected. Even with all the transitions of people leaving and coming in, not knowing all the plays, we’re just playing together. We’ve been able to come out with wins.
Summer & Pre-season
CG: Who are you training with in the off-season and what is it like working with him?
BL: I train with Pooh Evans. It’s been good because I’ve been with him my whole life, since I was 6 or 7. My brother worked with him. Our families are real close, like family. It’s just love. It doesn’t feel like work.
CG: What are you two focusing on now?
BL: Definitely my jump shot. If I get my jump shot right, it’ll open up a lot of stuff in my game. My post game too. I’m a big guard and I’ll get iso situations on a smaller guard but I’m not comfortable in the post yet. So my jump shot primarily and my post game. With my shot, I think it’s confidence mostly. They say “You really start knocking them down when you believe you can.” I was at 41% [3FG] but I wasn’t shooting a lot. When I see one go in, I get hype. I think it is confidence.
Recruiting
CG: In terms of recruiting, do you have any offers? What schools have you heard from lately?
BL: Drexel and St. Peter’s offered me. Marquette, Pitt, Delaware are looking at me since the Mid-Atlantic shootout. I’m hearing from a lot of schools in the City too.
CG: Is there a style of play or scheme you see yourself in at the next level?
BL: College, I watch Gonzaga and I like how fast they play. It’s the style. The ball goes through the net and they don’t let it hit the ground. They just catch it and get it out. It was fun to watch so I know it’s fun to play. We lost to the Phelps School in the Mid-Atlantic shootout. They played so fast, not too many dribbles, unless they were in the half court. I like going downhill and making decisions.
CG: It’s still early but do you plan to take any visits soon or go to any college games this season?
BL: I plan on doing some but I don’t have any in mind right now.
Closing Questions
CG: Any subjects you like in high school?
BL: I’m a big social studies guy. I really like to learn about history, stuff that happened in the past.
CG: What do you want to study in college?
BL: I don’t know yet. I want to learn about something new in college, something not many people know. I really want to be able to have conversations with successful people and other people I’m not surrounded by now.
CG: When your basketball career is over, what would you like to do?
BL: I’m a money guy, so I like investing, stocks, and things like that. I want to be a business investor. That’s what my family is working on now. They’re working on investing in real estate.
CG: What should college coaches and basketball fans know about you?
BL: I’m coachable. I’m not one to talk back. I always try to get the best shot possible. For the fans, I’m high energy.
To keep up with the latest on Bahsil, you can follow him on Twitter @BahsilLaster. For more basketball coverage from me, you can follow me on Twitter/IG @CGraham_Sports
(Bahsil’s name is often mispelled as “Basil Laster” but the spelling used in this article is the corret one)